Rob Sands, Technical Director at Videx Security, explains the importance of lifelong product support from manufacturers for access control systems installed within both private and public properties.
In almost every building - whether that’s an office block, a school, a hospital or a shopping centre - it is crucial that access into and around buildings, where people are granted or denied entry to certain zones at different times, is managed effectively.
Every building is different and presents its own challenges. It is therefore critical that the correct system is selected and the system is installed and maintained to a high level.
It is important that the installer has confidence in the system and knows that, should something go wrong, they can rely on the manufacturer for full support. For example, for a replacement part or further expansion of the system. Support is now a key element in the decision-making process when choosing a manufacturer as a partner. Often an off-the-shelf solution is not always available and the manufacturer is asked to create a unique system that may include bespoke firmware or software to create a system that meets the client’s needs.
The Access Control System Process
The cycle normally begins with an enquiry for an estimate. It is important at this stage that all requirements are understood. A site survey by the manufacturer may be deemed necessary should the system be of a complex nature. As a minimum, a specification should be available in order to create an estimate. Importantly, this should include any legislation which must be met. For example, the BS8300 code of practice standard for the design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of people with disabilities should be followed. Secured By Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime, might also be specified which means only those products that have passed the stringent tests of Secured By Design should be used.
Training
Training is key to ensuring the system remains reliable for many years and should be undertaken by the installation and commissioning team prior to an installation. Training should cover a number of areas including product, installation, commissioning and troubleshooting as this can avoid a number of complications that can arise during an installation. For example, a common problem is the installation of the wrong type of cable. This makes the entire process more expensive and can also delay the installation considerably, resulting in many hours of fault finding. Most door entry and access control systems are connected together throughout the building using low voltage cabling. Ensuring there are enough cores for the equipment is critical.
During an installation, the manufacturer should be available to provide technical support to the installer, should they have any questions relating to the equipment or require assistance troubleshooting. Site assistance may also be needed should a problem arise which can’t be resolved by telephone. After the installation, the support shouldn’t stop there. The manufacturer should provide lifelong assistance to the installer and access control system that’s been installed. It is important that the manufacturer supports the principle of backward compatibility should additional or replacement parts be required. Door entry installations typically have a life cycle exceeding a decade and so confidence that the manufacturer takes the aspect of support seriously and invests in this will ensure an installation will continue to meet the needs of the client for many years to come.
Videx has been supplying and manufacturing for 30 years. Its teams of estimators, technical support and designers all aim to make your job easier. Choose Videx for quality, competitive pricing and exceptional support. For more information, please visit: www.videx-security.com or call 0870 300 1240.
