Suppliers and standards

Prospective suppliers of access control equipment and/or systems should be fully experienced in installing the type of equipment that is needed.

Also, while leading-edge technology may be good, it is not advisable to be used as a guinea pig! Ensure the proposed system has a proven track record. The supplying organisation should be of a sufficient size to be able to install, maintain and support the system.

IJA's Ian Johnson warns against selecting a single proprietary brand that is only available through one agent: "This can be disastrous if the supplier vanishes and there is no-one to provide replacement equipment or to undertake repairs and maintenance."

Philip Gater, BSIA access control committee chairman, says there is a great benefit in choosing BSIA member companies, claiming this provides a "commitment to quality." He also stresses the importance of training:

"Installation engineers working on the contract should as a minimum have undertaken a one or two day manufacturer's training course relevant to the equipment being used," he comments.

There are a number of standards for access control that suppliers should be working to:

BS EN 50133-1 - Systems requirements for access control systems

BS EN 50133-2-1 - Component requirements for access control systems

BS EN 50133-7 - Application guidelines for access control systems

PrEN 12209-1 - Building hardware locks and latches

BS 6206 - Impact performance requirements for flat safety glass

However, these do not resolve one of the major challenges for end-users, namely deciding the level of security required and what type of system will meet this need. Further guidance on this is provided in the BSIA's recently produced guide - "Security classification of access control systems".

Philip Gater comments: "This publication gives clear guidance on the type of equipment that should be installed in particular circumstances, and it considers all the elements of the access control system together, including doors and locks.

"There is little point having a state of the art electronic system offering high security, if it is attached to a flimsy door that would offer little resistance. Anyone who does not have an in-depth understanding of access control will find this document useful in helping them to draw up a specification."

Feature article by Catherine Park