This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Access control systems


differing levels of manual dexterity. Its robust construction and secure anti-tamper fixings make it ideal for the most challenging environments, and its simple casing can be supplied in colours to match any décor or wayfinding scheme.


UPGRADEABLE SOLUTIONS


Although Passport is an established solution, over the past few months, Primera has been working on the next generation of proximity- access control system, which the company launched at the Design in Mental Health Network conference and exhibition in May this year. Those who visited Primera’s stand were quick to recognise the new product’s benefits and adaptability. Known as Passport Amadeo, this version combines proven Passport hardware with specialist access control software. It was clear that such a development could make a huge difference to staff workloads, and to the smooth operation of mental health facilities, and there was even better news for those Trusts that already have an existing Passport system in place – it’s easy to upgrade to the new, more advanced version. When a Trust is ready to go ahead, Primera can simply change the existing Solo printed circuit boards (PCBs) to the new Amadeo PCBs. The innovative and cutting-edge solution is available without wasting perfectly functional locksets, and without the disruption of fitting new ones to existing doors.


THE CUTTING-EDGE OF ACCESS CONTROL Software for access control has been used in the commercial sector for many years. It is commonly found in hotels, in student accommodation, and in sectors of industry and commerce. It is ideal where multiple locks need to be controlled, but hasn’t, until the advent of Passport Amadeo, been available in a package specifically tailored for the mental-healthcare sector.


Where there are many doors, differing levels of user privilege, and multiple room functions, programming conventional access control systems can be very time-consuming. Every door may need individual attention with a master card, and normally staff have to be on site to make any amendments.


SMART SYSTEMS AND VALUABLE INFORMATION The new Passport Amadeo system offers effective, practical control, flexibility, and responsiveness. Importantly, its operation can be programmed quickly and simply from a central computer. With an internet connection, that programming can be carried out from any remote location. It can be accessed via secure connection from smartphones or tablets, at any time of day or night, and virtual keys can be issued from just about anywhere. What’s more, unlike conventional access systems which may require overnight updates, any access changes can be made almost immediately, as the locks are continually polling for access updates from a networked system.


Primera says Passport Amadeo has some very ‘smart’ features that are ‘particularly useful in a mental healthcare environment’.


The immediate advantages of simplified


and remote programming are obvious, but behind the scenes, Passport Amadeo has some very ‘smart’ features that are particularly useful in a mental healthcare environment. Amadeo works hard, tracking the movements of any number of card or fob-holders. The software can be set to record the dates, the times, and who is moving. It can work across an entire unit, providing time and attendance data for staff, as well as recording service-user activity. It can highlight issues and raise alarms. For example, it could record the attempts of service-users to access areas that are off-limits to them, such as offices, cupboards, and dispensaries. Or, by showing that a door hasn’t been opened for some time, the system can alert staff to the fact that someone is isolating themselves in a room. The potential is enormous, but the system can be configured to suit specific needs. Its recording can be minimal or comprehensive, depending upon what information is required.


WIRELESS SYSTEMS Any form of electrical wiring carries a degree of risk. Under normal circumstances, these risks are deemed acceptable, but where individuals may be at risk of self-harm, any wired electrical fixtures can present a danger. Clearly, eliminating any unnecessary wiring is preferable. Passport locksets, both in the original Solo format and in the new Amadeo version, are battery operated, which avoids the expense and disruption of installing a mains supply, and the potential hazards from hard wiring. The system is also Wi-Fi enabled, and, depending upon the layout and construction of the building, a system can be almost entirely wire free. Batteries might be seen as inconvenient, but, on an average of 20 opening cycles per day, the battery life can be approximately 15 months, and when batteries need changing, it can be done without entering the room. The system uses four standard, and easily available, AA-sized alkaline batteries, and alerts staff when they need replacing.


The new Passport Amadeo system offers ‘effective, practical control, flexibility, and responsiveness’. The system is also Wi-Fi enabled, and, depending upon a building’s layout and construction, can be ‘almost entirely wire-free’.


THE NETWORK


SAFE AND DURABLE In any mental healthcare unit, it makes sense to avoid any fixtures or fittings that are easy to damage or disable. Avoiding open keyways prevents them being blocked by foreign bodies. Using anti-tamper fixings means that fixtures stay in place, and cannot be used as a weapon. Flame-retardant and impact-resistant materials can make a huge difference to patient safety, staff morale, and maintenance costs. Primera’s attention to detail is demonstrated in the Passport lockset, which not only features all of the above, but also demonstrates the best possible results in anti-ligature tests. An automatic deadlocking


OCTOBER 2016 29


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32