“Easy integration between access control software and entry systems is a necessity” – Vistec Systems on Biometrics Trends and its partnership with Suprema

IFSEC interviews

IFSEC Global chats with Carl Bell, UK and EMEA Sales Director at Vistec Systems, to learn more about some of the access control integrations the team has been working on recently and why they selected Suprema as their partner preferred for projects requiring biometric facial recognition. and fingerprint solutions.

IFSEC Global (IG): Hello, can you tell us a little more about Vistec Systems? What are you specialized in?

Carl Bell (CB): Since our beginnings in 1992, our mission at Vistec Systems has been to provide customers with efficient and reliable security systems and solutions to their security problems, with a quality of installation and after-sales service that sets us apart from our competitors. .

We are extremely proud of the reputation we have built within our industry and are recognized as one of the leading independent security systems specialists, with thousands of installations in the UK and Europe.

We provide a full service of design, supply, installation and commissioning. All of our installations are covered by our warranty and we are able to provide extended warranty options. Our after-sales service also oversees the ongoing maintenance of the systems we have installed, as well as those we may not have originally installed.

We offer a wide range of products including:

• CCTV (IP, HD, Analog Legacy Support, ANPR, Wireless / Fast Deployment)
• Access control (biometric, proximity, keypad, scan, NFC / Bluetooth, long range readers)
• Visitor management systems
• Intercom systems (video, audio, 3G / 4G wireless, help points, refuge area, call points)
• Entrance control (turnstiles, gates, high speed gates, door automation, disabled access solutions, anti-threading solutions)
• Perimeter protection (gates, barriers, secure fence, beam protection, external turnstiles, external lighting)
• Remote monitoring (CCTV, intrusion alarm, fire alarm, access control, help points, intercoms)
• Alarm systems (intrusion, fire, nurse call, fight, cell call, deactivated alarms)
• Electrical services (commercial / industrial, electric charging stations, testing and commissioning, LED lighting, emergency lighting, PAT test)

IG: And why did you partner with Suprema? What prompted you to choose their access control solutions from the start, and why did you continue to work with them?

CB: We started partnering with Suprema about five years ago when a project we were working on called for biometric fingerprint readers. Suprema provided a high level service where they attended the initial client meeting, demonstrating a functional fingerprint unit. This inspired customer confidence as they were able to see how the installer and manufacturer worked together to deliver the solution.

This type of working relationship is important because it is often the installer who promotes a product to an end user and not the manufacturer. When an end user can see the product and meet the manufacturer in person, it really helps to confirm that it is in good hands.

READ: Suprema 2’s X-Station: Support for QR codes, mobile and alternative IDs for flexible access management

We then started to look at the facial biometric readers of the Suprema range. We have been tasked with developing a solution for the entertainment industry, where members register with the club and can enter the site using a facial biometric reader after registration. The basis of the design is to only allow authorized people to enter the club, as the solution confirms that they are a paying member.

The biometric element is important because it replaces other access technologies such as proximity cards and key codes that can be shared between people. The Suprema Facestation F2 means that only the registered member can access the site.

FaceStation F2 also offers the added benefit of members being able to use their photo ID for initial registration. This means that they don’t have to go to the club to register. All they have to do is submit a photo and they will have seamless access on their first visit.

IG: How important is easy integration between access and entry control systems?

CB: Easy integration between access and entry control systems is a key factor for us because the systems we design have it at the heart of the installation. Fingerprint and facial recognition readers will always be connected to one type of hardware, and an access control system will inevitably be in between.

Whether it is a door lock, turnstile, security gate, barrier or gate, the ease of integration between reader and control hardware Access is crucial when looking to deliver a project on time and on budget. Overly complicated integrations can lead to on-site installations overrun and project delays.

Suprema offers comprehensive access control software – BioStar 2 – which we have used to its full potential at several sites. Using playback hardware coupled with software that are both manufactured by the same company is always the preferred installation method for us as it is a guaranteed working solution.

Sometimes, however, this setup is not possible, as the site may already have an access control system in place or a third party’s integration with particular access control software already has been carried out.

Fortunately, Suprema took a pragmatic approach to this scenario, as it made its product line compatible with certain third-party access control software and hardware, such as the Paxton Net2 integration. If there is a Net2 system that requires biometric readers, Suprema units can be used, without the need to replace all access control hardware or change upstream access control software.

Suprema’s new X-Station 2 solution

IG: Are there any common themes in the types of installations you are being asked to do right now?

CB: We have seen an increase in inquiries about biometric access control solutions in general, particularly due to COVID. This includes fingerprints, facial and mobile identifiers. This also appears to be due to the fact that biometrics offers the next level of security over traditional access methods.

A recent office project where we installed Suprema, BioLite N2 and BioEntry W2 fingerprint readers, was specified due to the higher level of security the solutions offer.

The real field of contactless solutions that is required of us is that of smartphones. Several customers have asked us about smartphone access control technology and how best to use it on their site.

IG: Can you tell us a bit more about the entry and access system you have installed for a Manchester-based line of gyms?

CB: The Suprema Facestation F2 product was specified for this project because its design, reliability and integration with the Paxton Net2 access control product made it a perfect match.

This customer has their access control hardware integrated with a member database platform, which in turn is integrated with their direct debit provider and website. With this in mind, it would be difficult to modify the access control hardware and software up front, as all existing integration would have to be reviewed.

The client’s main goal was to move from fingerprint technology, which works in a number of their existing gyms, to a facial biometric solution. The driving force behind this was the fact that they wanted a contactless entry experience for their members while maintaining a high level of security for the site and protecting revenue.

We promoted the player to the customer and Suprema provided their usual high level of service as the team met the customer via a video call, demonstrated the product to them, and answered all of the customer’s questions. ensure he had confidence in the new solution.

Other solutions that the Vistec Systems team have been working on include The Gherkin in London, the installation of the BioLite N2 fingerprint recognition terminal from Suprema for over 100 users, as well as the Easthampstead Park Hotel in Wokingham where he delivered Suprema’s FaceStation 2 facial recognition terminal to over 400 users.

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