Access control is a general term that is used in the security industry that refers to an electronic method of controlling who is able to pass through a secured point. Nowadays, access control systems are incredibly popular amongst business owners and there are so many benefits to having a comprehensive system installed at your premises. There is no denying that they are an incredibly versatile security solution too and they are easily able to meet the needs of a wide range of industry sectors.

 

Whether you’re looking into access control systems for your office building or your gym franchise, you will have lots to think about when designing a system that is able to meet your individual needs. One thing that is undeniably important to consider is how authorised people will gain access to restricted areas. Nowadays, you have multiple options in this regard and as you may expect, there are pros and cons to all of them. So, to help anyone looking into access control systems, below are some of the most popular options available.

 

ID card access control

This access control solution is one of the most commonly chosen, especially in office building environments. All employees will have an ID card that enables them to enter the areas that they are authorised to access and each employee’s card will be different. For any businesses that already have ID cards, this is a brilliant option and can simply replace their current cards. Of course, the only downside is that personalised ID cards can’t be reused.

 

Key fob access control

Many business owners will opt for key fobs for their access control systems as they are seen to be one of the most convenient options. Employees will have a small fob, which can often be put on their keys or lanyard, which enables them to gain access to any authorised spaces. Simply present the key fob close to a reader device to release the locking mechanism. The only downside to these fobs is that some employees may lose them, which poses problems.

 

Pin entry access control

It goes without saying that pin codes have been used for many years in such a vast range of applications and they are a brilliant option to consider. With a pin entry access control system, employees will simply need to enter the correct code in order to gain access to a particular space. Whilst many like this option because it doesn’t require cards or fobs, if you have lots of different secure areas you will need multiple codes and this isn’t always easy to remember.

 

Intercom access control

Whilst this option isn’t necessarily as versatile, it can be brilliant for those who are only wanting an access control solution for the main entrance. It is likely that you’re already familiar with the way that intercom systems work and of course, they won’t require your employees to have cards/fobs or remember any codes. The only downside is that they don’t always work if you want access control in different areas inside your building.

 

Number plate access control ANPR

Again, depending on the type of access control you’re looking for, this may not be a suitable option, but it is worth knowing about. Number plate access control is brilliant for private car parks and any businesses who want to prevent unauthorised use of this space. This is another option that doesn’t require your employees to do anything, which is beneficial. However, it is only suitable for outdoor access control.

Installing an access control system at your premises

Hopefully, now that you’re aware of the different options available to you when designing your access control system, you will find it easier to choose which will be most suitable for your individual application. Of course, this is quite a big decision to make and one that will affect everyone who works on your premises, so take your time to carefully consider all available options and if you’re looking for a professional opinion, don’t hesitate to ask for one.

Whether you’re looking for an effective crowd control method or you need a convenient access control solution, you can trust that there will be a perfect system for you. If you have any questions at all or if you’d like to discuss your access control needs in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

It is becoming increasingly common for businesses to install access control systems at their premises and there are so many benefits to doing so. Nowadays, it is considered to be one of the most popular security solutions on the market and its versatility means that it is able to meet the needs of all industry sectors. Often, the fact that you’re easily able to integrate access control systems with other security systems makes it the first choice for businesses too.

 

When deciding to go ahead and have an access control system installed at your business premises, you will undoubtedly have lots of different decisions to make. Arguably the biggest and most important decision being which access control company you’re going to trust to design and install your system. As you may already know, there are lots of access control companies in the UK and for this reason, you may be struggling to decide who to turn to. So, to help any business owners, below is a list of things that you should look for in an access control company.

 

Lots of experience

One of the most important things to look for when searching for an access control company is experience. It is fair to say that experience is more than just how long a company has been in business, with experience comes knowledge and skill. When choosing a company that has been providing access control systems for many years, you can be confident in their ability.

 

Examples of previous work

Many will agree that it is always helpful to see examples of previous work when trying to choose an access control company. Ideally, you will want to choose a company who has previously worked on similar projects to what you’re wanting. If you’re unable to see previous work on a company’s website, they should gladly provide this upon request.

 

Flexible and bespoke solutions

Finding an access control company that offers bespoke solutions is undeniably beneficial and this can provide you with complete peace of mind that they will be able to meet your needs. Try to find a company that will work alongside you to establish your specific requirements before helping you to create the perfect bespoke solution.

 

A range of additional services

It is always worthwhile looking for an access control company that is also able to provide you with a range of other security services. As mentioned above, it is easy to integrate access control systems, so if this is something that you’re interested in, you need to ensure that the company you’re considering will be able to do it for you.

 

Impressive reviews

As well as seeing examples of previous work, it is also beneficial to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers too. This is one of the best ways to get a feel for an access control company and the services that they provide. Nowadays, it is fairly easy to find reviews of companies too, so ensure you’re reading them.

 

Maintenance and after-sales services

Whilst you may not be thinking past the installation of your access control system, it is always helpful to check after-sales services. Ideally, try to find a company that offers ongoing support and also maintenance services/contracts. You can guarantee that you will thank yourself in the long run for checking this.

 

Choosing an access control company in the UK

All in all, there is no denying that looking for everything mentioned above can help you to ensure that you’re choosing the very best access control company to assist you. Don’t be afraid to take your time when deciding who to trust with the design and installation of this security solution and never hesitate to ask questions. Any good company will be more than happy to answer these for you and, of course, you can find out a lot about their customer service standards when doing so.

 

Whenever you’re looking for access control companies in the UK, be sure to visit the EA Group website. Since being founded back in 1983, we have been offering a wide range of products and services to our customers and we now specialise in providing excellence in business and commercial access control. We can assure you that we are able to provide you with the advice required to ensure that you choose the right access control system that will meet all of your requirements. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your needs in more detail, we would relish the opportunity to assist you with your project.

Today we installed one of our compact servo-assisted turnstiles, access control, a new PC, and gym membership software to get users back into their gym.

The owner now can control who enters with membership and has a log of who entered and left the premises. If you are looking for a similar solution please contact us here 

You can expect to find business access control systems in offices, hotels, educational buildings, retail properties and a range of other commercial premises. There is no denying that they are a brilliant security system to use and there are numerous benefits to being able to control who can pass through a given secure point. Also, the fact that you’re able to integrate access control systems with other security systems makes them even more popular these days.

 

When it comes to choosing a business access control system for your commercial premises it goes without saying the vast selection on the market can be incredibly overwhelming. With numerous brands and solutions available, you will want to ensure that you’re investing in the best possible system for your needs. So, to help any businesses who are currently contemplating which access control solution is best, below are a few essential things to consider when choosing your system.

 

What do you need to be able to fit the system to?

Whilst the majority of companies will simply be looking for a business access control system that can be fitted to single or multiple doors, it is worthwhile noting that this isn’t all they can be used for. These systems can also be fitted to turnstiles, traffic barriers or gates too, so think about where you’re going to require them at your premises.

 

How many areas do you need to control access to?

Consider which areas in your building will need to have controlled access and also what type of access each individual area will require too. You may find that your needs will differ slightly from area to area, so it is important to ensure you’re choosing a security solution that will be able to accommodate this.

 

Who is going to require access through the system?

Establish who is going to need access to each area you plan on controlling too. Think about both full-time employees and also anyone else who may require access every now and then, such as cleaning companies for example. You can then ensure you’re choosing a business access control system that can handle the amount of traffic it’s going to experience.

 

Which entry method will work best for your business?

Not all access control solutions will use the same entry method, for example, some use an identification card or key fob that is presented by an authorised person whereas others will use keypad pin code entry systems. Take some time to consider the pros and cons of each entry method before deciding which is most suited to your business.

 

Are you interested in integrating the system?

As mentioned above, these days you can integrate your business access control system, so consider whether this is something you’d like to do. Also, think about what you’d integrate it with, whether you’d like an alarm system, CCTV, a monitoring system etc., so much is possible these days with these smart security solutions.

 

Do you have a budget in mind for this security system?

Whenever you’re installing something new at a business premises, it is likely that you will have a budget in mind. Whether you’re working with a security company or not, make sure you know what this budget is before you begin looking into business access control systems, it will help you to ensure that the solutions you choose are affordable.

 

Choosing a business access control system

Hopefully, when taking the time to carefully consider everything mentioned above, you will find it easier to choose between the many different business access control systems available. There is no denying that whenever you invest in a security system, there is a lot of pressure to ensure you choose the best solution available, but when you take the time to think about the different factors that affect your choice, you can then select a system confidently.

 

If you’re looking for a company that can assist you with your business access control system, visit the EA Group website today. We have a reputation for being the company to speak to for electronic security and access control systems, installations and services, so you can trust you’re in safe hands with our team. With over three decades of experience behind us, we will gladly help you ensure you’re choosing the right business access control system for your requirements too. Contact us today to arrange a free site survey.

 

 

 

Lots of companies have private car parks attached to their business premises and although these car parks are incredibly beneficial, many companies tend to have difficulty controlling access to them. It isn’t uncommon for businesses to find that their employees are unable to park during working hours due to unauthorised vehicles using the car park and there are also issues with these car parks being used after hours without permission too.

These ongoing problems lead to companies looking into different high-quality security systems that they can use to specifically prevent access to their car park. Thankfully, there are lots of options to choose from these days from automatic gates and barrier systems to automatic number plate recognition solutions. However, one option that is frequently overlooked, often because people don’t know about it, is a security bollard. If you would like to find out more about automatic security bollards and why they are a brilliant choice, keep reading today.

 

What are automatic security bollards?

As the name suggests, this security solution is made up of bollards that automatically rise from and sink into the ground. With a remote control device, you can easily prevent or allow people access into your car park. There are two types of automatic security bollards to choose from;

  • Electro-pneumatic – motorised by compressed air
  • Electro-hydraulic – motorised by a hydraulic pump with biodegradable oil

As expected, there are pros and cons to each of these security bollards, so it is worthwhile looking into them further and considering which would be best for your specific application.

 

Why are bollards a good security solution?

There are many reasons why security bollards are a brilliant choice for anyone looking to protect their company car park and below are some of the biggest benefits of this solution.

 

  • Dramatically increase security

Security bollards are incredibly resistant to impact and force, so there is no way that someone will be able to break through them and enter your car park without permission. You can guarantee that they will not only be able to prevent unauthorised access, but they can also act as a visual deterrent to any trespassers too.

 

  • Incredibly durable

You can trust that once you have installed this type of security solution, it will keep your premises safe for many years to come. Not only are they impossible to break through, unlike other alternatives, but they are also made from durable material meaning they will experience very little wear and tear over the years.

 

  • Quick and convenient

Automatic security bollards can be raised or dropped in less than 3 seconds, meaning that you will never have to worry about their convenience. They are known for being much faster than automatic barriers and gates too, which can be very useful if you need to allow or prevent access without much warning or in emergency situations.

 

  • Versatile in design

These days, security bollards are actually available in a wide range of different colours and also several different designs too. They can easily complement the architectural surroundings wherever they are needed, which makes them much more aesthetically pleasing than classic car park barriers or a large gate.

 

  • Multiple uses

Whilst they are commonly used to secure company car parks at the entrance, these security bollards actually have many other uses too. For example, they are used to protect pedestrians too or can even be used to prevent parking in particular spaces within the car park. You may find that they are beneficial to install in other parts of your business premises too.

 

Installing automatic security bollards

Ultimately, whatever your reasons may be for wanting to install a security system for your car park, you can guarantee that automatic security bollards will be able to meet your needs in this regard. They are well worth considering when looking at all of the different options that you have to choose from. If you would like to speak to a security bollard supplier about this option in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact the EA Group today.

 

Here at the EA Group, we have been supplying, installing, and maintaining automatic security bollards for over twenty years now, including both commercial parking bollards and domestic driveway bollards. We are well known in the industry for providing both the highest quality products and aftercare services, so you can trust that we are the best people to contact.

Traditionally you would find intercom systems in commercial buildings and the only time you would expect to see them at residential properties is in flats or apartment buildings. However, these days, it is becoming much more common for homeowners to install intercom systems at their properties too. It goes without saying that there are numerous benefits to these door entry systems and they are a brilliant choice, especially if you have a gated property.

When browsing the market for domestic intercom systems you will notice that there is such a vast range to choose from. Not only are there multiple brands to decide between but there are also lots of different models too and it can be incredibly difficult to know which system will be best for your home. For this reason, our team here at the EA Group have put together a list of things that all homeowners should consider when choosing an intercom system for their home.

 

Your individual needs and requirements

Take some time to think about what you’d like your intercom system to be able to do. For example, would you just like a call button and to be able to speak to visitors or do you want to be able to see them as well. Also, consider things such as whether you would like a keypad on the intercom system so you’d don’t necessarily need a key in order to gain access.

 

Any preferences in regards to style

Of course, if your intercom is going to be at the front of your property, it is worthwhile considering the style of the system too. Whether it is going to be wall-mounted by your front door or installed next to the gates at the front of your property, think about which style of system would look best alongside your property.

 

Which system will work best at your home

Often, one of the biggest decisions to make will be whether you choose a wired or a wireless intercom system. As you would expect, there are lots of pros and a few cons to both of these systems, so take some time to do your research and find out which would be better for your property at this moment in time.

 

How much you have to spend

It is always beneficial to have a realistic budget in mind when you’re considering things such as intercom systems and doing so will automatically reduce the number of options that you have. You will notice that the prices of these systems can vary quite dramatically, so you won’t need to worry about being able to find a system within your budget.

 

Whether you’re going to install it yourself

There are some intercom systems that you will easily be able to install yourself, however, there will also be lots that require a professional to undertake the installation. Consider whether this is something you would feel comfortable installing yourself or whether you think it would be beneficial to turn straight to a professional for assistance.

 

If you want to integrate it with any other systems

It isn’t uncommon for homeowners these days to integrate their intercom system with other access control systems or even security systems. It is worthwhile considering whether this is something you’d be interested in doing too. Of course, this will be slightly more complex than simply installing a single system, so think carefully about what is best for you and your home.

 

Choosing the best intercom system for your home

Hopefully, when taking into consideration everything mentioned above, you will find it much easier to navigate the market when choosing a door entry system. Of course, upon consideration, if you decide you’re going to work alongside a professional team for the installation of the system then it is worthwhile getting an expert opinion regarding which intercom system to choose too. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to an experienced company.

 

If you’re searching for a company to help with your home intercom system, please get in touch with our team here at the EA Group today. We can provide you with a vast range of intercom systems, all of which we are able to install for you too. We are renowned for our expertise and our consultants will gladly advise you which intercom solution would be best suited to your property. So, contact us today to discuss your requirements in more detail or to arrange a free site survey.

The Advantages Of Time And Attendance Access Control Systems

 

Access control is a general term in the security industry and it is quite self-explanatory. As the name suggests, they are systems which are specifically designed to control who can pass through a particular secured point. So many businesses use some form of access control system and you will find them in office buildings, airports, hotels, schools along with many other commercial buildings.

There are lots of different types of access control systems and they can also be integrated with other systems such as CCTV systems. Recently, there has been an increase in the popularity of a time and attendance access control systems. It can be incredibly beneficial for many reasons and below, the EA Group have highlighted some of the biggest advantages of this particular system.

 

Keep track of hours worked

There is no denying that it can be incredibly time-consuming and sometimes quite complex keeping on top of the hours worked by your employees. This specific access control system will automatically calculate hours worked by your employees for you, and it can keep a record of each worker on its smart system.

This feature can be incredibly helpful if you have flexi-time workers and freelancers who need to ensure their hours are recorded correctly. It is also beneficial for keeping track of sick days and if anyone leaves early due to illness. You can ensure that you are always paying your employee correctly without the hassle of keeping track of hours worked manually.

 

Manage holiday and leave

Of course, all contracted employees will require a certain amount of holiday days throughout the year and it is important to schedule these in the correct way so that you aren’t left short-staffed. You may also have some people on leave for various reasons which can make it even more complicated to manage who you have working and when.

When using this type of employee access control system, holiday and leave planning will be easier than ever before. You will be provided with a range of tools to help with holiday calculations and an easy way to keep on track of which employees have time off and on which days, to prevent any mistakes being made in this regard.

 

Create a staff roster

If your members of staff work different days, different shifts or even different amounts of hours each week, creating a staff roster can be complicated and quite timely. Thankfully, this is something else that this system can assist you with. It helps create efficient, contract compliant and cost-effective staff rosters and fast.

Not only can it create the roster for you, but there is an add-on the system that can even send all employees their roster by text message. This way, you know that every member of staff knows exactly when they should be working.

 

Installing an access control system

After hearing some of the most irresistible advantages of a time and attendance system, if you think that it would be beneficial to have in your workplace then please don’t hesitate to contact the EA Group. We will gladly arrange a free site survey to discuss the benefits along with your specific needs and requirements in further detail.

 

Our team has years of experience and expertise in the industry and you can trust that we will ensure that the business access control system you choose is the best available for your company before guaranteeing it is planned and installed correctly. As a company, the EA Group recognises the need for high-quality security and access control systems, so you can trust that we will ensure your system is installed on-time and that any security risks are eliminated.

 

 

Airports are amongst one of the most secure and safeguarded locations in most countries, after all, thousands of people pass through each airport every day. Due to this reason, it’s nearly impossible for just human intervention to guarantee the safety and protection of all passengers, which is why numerous security systems have been implemented.

With that being said, to give you a better understanding of the different security measures that airports have enforced, the talented team at the EA Group has created this guide on the most common types of security systems in all airports across the world.

 

Passenger pre-board screening

The first and most known security system that is utilised in airports includes passenger pre-board screening. This primarily involves passengers going through metal detection systems, as well as x-ray systems to check that passengers aren’t attempting to carry any undislocated or illegal items through into the airport.

It’s also likely that the cabin baggage screening process will be completed simultaneously when you are being screened. During this process, the passengers’ carry-on items will be checked through x-ray systems so that they can identify any items that aren’t permitted for air travel or to be taken through into the airside zone.

 

Hold baggage screening

Any luggage that is checked-in prior to going through to security will also need to be checked over within a process called hold-baggage screening. Similar to cabin baggage screening, all of the items that are checked-in be processed through an x-ray system, as well as being processed with computer tomography and explosive detection systems.

 

CCTV

CCTV systems are one of the most crucial security solutions regardless of the specific location in the airport, primarily because they can be installed to monitor every single movement happening. It’s often the case that all of these cameras will be closely monitored in a control center, where trained teams will be looking at these cameras around the clock to guarantee any suspicious behaviour is dealt with appropriately.

Fortunately, various commercial CCTV systems are becoming smarter in terms of autonomous recognition. Especially for airports, where numerous individuals look to go to in order to flee the country, smart CCTV systems are able to track, identify and alert the authorities if they are caught on the camera.

 

Passenger access control

Depending on their airport, it’s likely that they will also have implemented passenger access control systems in order to control where they can enter. A suitable example is for passengers’ boarding passes, where they will scan them on a speed gate or security turnstile in order to be granted access to the next zone within the airport.

 

Restricted area identity card

Especially in airports, there are several areas that are restricted from passengers, but they still need to be accessible to staff. Depending on the airport, it’s likely that they have installed heavy-duty security doors that require an identity card to open, though there are several other alternatives including security speed gates as mentioned above.

 

Security bollards

Not only do individuals need to be prevented access, so do vehicles. Many notable airports have road infrastructure close or running into the airport, but not all of these vehicles are permitted. Due to this, many airports have implemented security bollards which are designed to work with third-party applications including their ID passes so that relevant people can be granted access when needed.

 

Can these systems benefit your business?

Although this guide is based on the security systems used within an airport, there is no reason why most of these systems can’t be used for commercial businesses. Fortunately for those that are keen on finding out more, the EA Group is here to help.

As one of the UK’s reputable providers for advanced security systems and entrance solutions, we have worked with almost every industry, enabling our team to have the expertise to guarantee you the very best solutions and services possible. By calling +44 (0) 1372 459536, you will have the opportunity to speak to one of our specialists who will be more than happy to suggest the most suitable systems based on your specific needs and requirements.

 

The security trade is one of the most criticised and probed industries across the world, where many are arguing there more should be done to increase the overall quality of the industry. Fortunately, there are many improvements and developments thanks to many private security firms investing in the latest advancements.

 

Why is this happening?

  • Consistency

One of the primary reasons why automated security systems are becoming the norm is because they are highly consistent. With the way that they are designed, using a specialist database, algorithm, and rules, they have continuously been proven to show consistency in their specific role.

A great example is this includes the use of turnstiles that require specific input such as a valid ticket to be usable. Using this system allows users to simply swipe their valid ID to be granted access, whereas previously they would need to be manually checked, potentially resulting in human error, therefore not consistent.

  • Focused attention

Even a security guard can lose attention from time to time, whereas autonomous security systems are strictly designed for their specific purpose, after all, it is a computer system. Due to this reason, it’s more than likely that consistency is achieved as mentioned above, but can also guarantee no issue goes unmissed, enabling for human interaction only when it’s really required.

  • Simplifies investigation process

As mentioned above, these systems will only trigger the requirement for human interaction when really required, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t working in the background. Systems such as automated number plate recognition operate by reading, reviewing and checking the registration within seconds, whereas, this may take much longer if carried out by a specific individual.

  • Potential to save costs

Although the up-front fee for some notable automatic systems is considerably high, over time, this should be considered as a cost-effective solution. There is, of course, the potential that they can replace the requirement for human cooperation in specific sectors, but it’s also advised that they become introduced alongside human interaction, further increasing the efficiency and productivity.

What can you do?

Simply jump on board and carry out your research to find the most suitable automated security systems that are suited to your business. We are just at the very beginning stage of automating the security industry, though there is still a large range of systems that can be implemented in every business that will provide advantages.

Contact the EA Group

If you are keen on speaking to a specialist company regarding advanced and autonomous security and entrance solutions, then be sure to contact the EA Group today. As a business, we focus on giving you the very best service available by providing the very best products and services, as well as our first-class customer service.

To get in touch with our team, simply call +44 (0) 1372 459536 where you can confer with one of our experts who will be happy to recommend the most suitable solutions based on your requirements. For general enquiries, you can also send our team a message via our website, though be sure to include your contact details so that we can get in touch at the earliest convenience.

Currently, we are living in a world that is fast-paced and has many modern amenities, thanks to constantly advancing technology. Among the vast range of security products on the market today, intercoms are often forgotten even though they provide a simple low-cost access solution. They are an invaluable security measure for many different types of buildings, both commercial and residential.

Due to the many benefits of the intercom system, more people are starting to consider installing them at both residential and business properties. Depending on your needs and budget, you can install a wired intercom system or a wireless one, both of which are capable of fulfilling your requirements. Whichever system you choose, when installing an intercom device you will be getting more than the money’s worth. To help you understand just how good these systems are EA Group have put together a list of the advantages of using them.

Enhanced security

When you install an intercom system you automatically take the security of your property to the next level. Detection and verification of guests, whether they are of the welcome or unwanted variety, is imperative. It can be incredibly dangerous when you answer the door to a stranger and having an intercom system will allow you to speak to the visitor before breaking your security barrier. You can then decide whether you want to open the door or not which can prevent dangerous incidents of forced entry from people that you don’t know.

Improved communication

Traditionally, intercom systems have been used to easily communicate with people inside buildings. Whether they are used in a block of flats or to get into a business property they allow you to communicate with your visitor before they enter the building. Being a two-way communication device, intercoms don’t only allow you to speak to the person trying to get into your property but, it also allows them to speak back to you too.

Deters crime

When you have an intercom system, it requires anyone who wants to enter a building to identify themselves. You will find that this instantly deters criminals or unauthorised people from attempting to enter your property, which in turn, will hopefully make it a much safer place.

Cheaper insurance

It is becoming more and more difficult to find cheap home/building insurance cover. Once you have installed a professional intercom system you may find that you can get a better deal. Some insurance providers recognise the importance of this added security barrier and most of them would be willing to lower your annual premiums.

Restricts access

Lots of people don’t think about using an intercom system for restricting access, especially in commercial properties, but it works really well. Key or card security systems have their vulnerabilities, the main one being that the key/card can get lost or stolen. Using an intercom system instead, where visual or verbal identification can be made, will help keep the area safe and secure from anyone who isn’t authorised for access.

Investing in an intercom system

Whether you are interested in a wired intercom system for your office, or a wireless intercom system for your home, EA Group will be able to assist you. We specialise in intercom and access control systems for both home and business properties and can tailor the services to meet your individual requirements.

Our incredibly experienced team can provide you with a free site survey where we will be able to advise you regarding which intercom solution would be best suited to your application. Whether you require a video or voice intercom you can trust that when you choose EA Group for your system we will design and install a system that meets all of your needs and requirements.