Mission Possible - Filling a huge security gap with an accountable security system

Mission Possible

Filling a huge security gap with an accountable security system

At the corporate facility of the world’s largest automotive manufacturer, both authorized and unauthorized personnel were coming and going with little accountability. Largely reliant on the honor system, the company had zero visibility on who entered and exited the building and depended on guard personnel—along with the access control software—to identify valid or invalid credentials. Though semiautomated with access control software, the entire process was not and this left a huge security gap that needed to be immediately resolved.

The U.S.-based automotive manufacturer needed turnstiles that integrated seamlessly with the existing access control software to provide a complete secured entry control solution. Specifically, they needed a highly reliable solution that could meet several key criteria:

  • Restrict access to only authorized personnel
  • Use multiple card reader types
  • Aesthetically blend in with the corporate space
  • Be user-friendly
  • Deliver within four weeks

With the project deadline fast approaching, the automotive company looked for a U.S.-based partner that could meet all of the requirements. Alvarado was the only company that could meet and exceed the project requirements within the strict timeframe.

Meeting a Tight Deadline

Even though Alvarado had worked on projects with tight deadlines before, the size of the order posed an additional delivery challenge. Well known for being a turnstile manufacturer, could Alvarado provide a comprehensive physical access control solution for the end user?

With more than 9,000 employees entering and exiting every day, the end user needed a solution that fully integrated with their existing access control software and two different proximity reader types. They also wanted to integrate a barcode reader along with new turnstiles.

The end user’s facility had a number of high traffic areas that required its physical security to be enhanced, as well as visually pleasing in areas like lobbies and elevator banks. This meant that the turnstile product had to have a small footprint and a slim, elegant design so that it could architecturally and purposefully fit the intended access points.

The product also needed to be highly reliable and user-friendly. With thousands of employees and visitors, the turnstiles would be highly trafficked and if they malfunctioned, would be costly to the company and frustrating to users.

Finding a Partner

With the deadline for completion coming down to weeks, the automotive manufacturer could not find a partner to take on the large and complex project. That’s when Alvarado entered the picture.

“We are able to provide quick lead times to ensure customers meet their installation milestones,” said Bret Armatas, Alvarado’s CEO. With its 75,000 square foot facility and inventory to support a project of any size, Alvarado could ensure delivery within the strict timeline.

In addition to the lead time, the aesthetics and integration capabilities of the product heavily influenced the selection process. Alvarado’s SU5000 optical turnstiles offered the ideal blend of form and functionality, with its slim cabinet and modern look that enhanced the lobby space. A custom mounting solution was developed for the SU5000 optical turnstile to integrate with the access control system, two types of proximity readers and the barcode solution. It was critical that the turnstiles had the ability to detect tailgating attempts and notify staff locally and remotely of any unauthorized passages.

As a U.S. automotive manufacturer, it was important for the end user to support an American-owned company. A final deciding factor was based on the fact that Alvarado is owned and operated in the United States. Not just an assembly shop, Alvarado’s U.S.-based operations allow for faster lead times than anyone in the industry.

“We are proud to be the longest running turnstile manufacturer in the United States,” Armatas said. “We are uniquely positioned in our marketplace because a number of our competitors support and fabricate overseas. For more than 60 years, we have been called upon to secure some of the most sensitive facilities in the world.”

Combined with Alvarado’s exceptional support and customer testimonials and feedback on previous Alvarado installments, Alvarado was given the challenge of delivering all of the turnstiles as the entry control solution and all within a tight deadline.

Part of the Solution

Alvarado worked directly with the automotive manufacturer, the security integrator and electrical contractor to ensure that each phase of the project was properly coordinated. The end result was a great functioning, and looking, physical access control solution that met all the project requirements and delivered on time allowing ample time for installation.

Installed throughout the corporate facility are an impressive 33 lanes of SU5000 optical turnstiles in multiple lane sets with mid-height barrier panels, integrated barcode readers and dynamic panel illumination.

The turnstiles have proven to be highly reliable and blend beautifully with their surrounding environment. Security has vastly improved and the end user is now able to ensure that only valid users are allowed entry.

This article originally appeared in the February 2015 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3