Author Archives: tensor_accesscontrol

1. Cheshire Theatre Finds Way to Save On Their Energy Bills

   3 December 2021 9:00 am Leave a Comment

   Carver Theatre, located on the edge of Stockport in the county of Cheshire, installed a building energy management system by HeatingSave in order to make their heating and building management more efficient.

   Carver Theatre, constructed in 1841, was in need of a building energy management system (BEMS) for a number of reasons. The first of these being to ensure the building is energy efficient and has the ability to save money on heating bills through zone heating and automatically turning the heating off or down when the building is unoccupied. The second reason is having the ability to set up a heating diary which is in line with the incorporated booking system, allowing the theatre management to know when to set the heating to come on or be turned off, well in advance of bookings. 

   Philip Kiernan, a volunteer at Carver Theatre said “It’s a standalone system that you can easily get remote access to and that gives you multiple options for how to control different areas of your building”. One of these areas of which HeatingSave’s BEMS allows your business to control within its building is access control. Linking to HeatingSave’s room booking system, the building energy management system can incorporate access control points throughout your building, meaning only authorised personnel can gain access into specific areas within the building, ensuring maximum security. 

   Reduce heating bills and improve building security

   Having complete control over who has access to your business/building is vitally important for a wide range of safety and operational reasons. These reasons include having a complete overview of the availability of the building as well as the safety and security of both the building and the people using it. In the case of Carver Theatre, the building energy management system with integrated access control now gives them the ability to save money on heating and energy bills while simultaneously managing their shows and bookings 12 months in advance. 

   Integrated access control for all business types

   Theatres can be very sporadically used, depending on when shows are scheduled. However, when the stage is set and the performance is due to take place, there can be huge numbers of people gathered inside ready to watch a show. This can prove to be difficult in restricting access to backstage or private areas. Not only this but, during closing times, access control can give theatre management/owners the peace of mind that their theatre has a high level of security and can only be accessed by authorised personnel.   

   Access control at your fingertips

   Access Control UK are specialists in supplying access control and safety solutions. Our access control systems are designed to ensure you are aware of who is in your building and when they are granted access to your building.

   Our door controllers and smart card readers give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, allowing you to control locks, internal and external doors. Our smart card readers are contactless, meaning they are Covid-friendly – ensuring that whoever is using your building, be that employees or customers, are completely safe from any unwanted diseases and can have the peace of mind that they can be safe while using your facilities.

   Easy-to-use access control software 

   Access Control UK also offers advanced access control software, which is known as WinAC.NET. This computerised software allows users to have quick and easy access to information regarding bookings. It also allows users to control building alarms, door locks, door release buttons, CCTV cameras, and more – all from the comfort of your own home.

   For more information on any of our access control products, or if you would like to inquire for a quote to boost your businesses building security, then please get in touch with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to help.

2. Gas Price Crisis: Access Control Can Reduce Heating & Energy Bills

   2 November 2021 9:00 am Leave a Comment

   The gas price crisis has seen a huge increase in energy bills for businesses and homeowners across the country. Recent figures have warned that some businesses could be forced to close. Millions of UK households are also being affected with a rise in heating and energy bills. A further inflation of prices is expected in 2022. 

   Gas and energy supplies have been in high demand over the last 12 months, causing a global shortage. In 2020, Europe’s cold winter led to a pressure on supplies and, as a result, stored gas levels are much lower than normal. Since January 2021, gas prices have risen 250% and have increased 70% from August alone.

   As a result of the gas shortage, many businesses and homeowners face a drastic rise in energy and heating bills, which could have two monumental knock-on effects further down the line. The first of these being companies being forced to reduce or pause production, or even cease trading, which could cause unemployment. The second knock-on effect is being likely to pass these higher energy bills on to customers as higher prices – in other words, an increase in inflation, meaning higher heating and energy bills for business owners across the country.  

   How access control can prevent energy bill inflations

   Access control systems have many benefits for businesses for a wide range of reasons, however, saving money on your heating and energy bills is probably not one that springs to mind straight away. Although saving money on bills is not the top priority for an access control system, it can be an integral part of a building energy management system (BEMS) and the day-to-day running of your building. 

   BEMS with integrated access control

   A building energy management system is the most effective method of reducing heating and energy bills for businesses and business owners. With a proven saving percentage of between 20-to-30%+, HeatingSave’s BEMS has the ability to better run any building, more efficiently, by cutting costs while also improving security throughout the global gas price crisis. 

   An access control system has many benefits for businesses up and down the country. Not only does the smart card access control system grant or deny access for people using your building, but it can also be integrated into HeatingSave’s building energy management system which can save up to 30% on your heating and energy bills.

   The access control smart cards can be incorporated into the advanced room booking system that provides users with an all-encompassing wall planner. It generates all availability of rooms, invoices and cancellations; particularly useful for village halls and other similar organisations that rent out rooms or areas of the building. The room booking system also allows users to be notified when a room is accessed and which registered smart card is accessing it. The room booking system is especially useful for when businesses hold regular meetings or for organisations such as village halls due to each access control smart card reader having the ability to hold details of up to 1,000 users.

   If you believe that your business would benefit from a building energy management system with an all-encompassing room booking system for access control purposes, then please get in touch with a member of our sales team today for more information who will be happy to help.

3. How Businesses are Benefiting from Facial Recognition Access Control

   4 October 2021 8:45 am Leave a Comment

   A facial recognition access control system is the ultimate level of building security and access restriction. It has the ability to instantly match a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces in order to grant or deny an individual access into a particular building or room. 

   This article breaks down exactly what a facial recognition access control system is, how it works, its key features, and explains the benefits it has for businesses up and down the country. 

   How facial recognition access control systems work

   A facial recognition access control system is best placed at the entrance to your business/building or on the outside of a specific/access controlled room within your building.

   Computer algorithms are used to pick out specific, distinctive details about a person’s face. Facial features such as the distance between the eyes or shape of the person’s chin are analysed and then these algorithms are converted into a mathematical representation and compared to data on other faces collected in a face recognition database. This advanced system includes live face detection so it is also able to differentiate between a real face and a photograph – meaning only authorised personnel can gain access into your building. 

   Facial recognition access control is capable of working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It has the ability to work at night time as well as during the harshest of weather conditions such as rain and snow, should it be placed on the outside of a building. 

   Benefits of facial recognition access control for businesses

   A facial recognition access control system provides businesses with a huge range of security benefits. In addition to the maximum level of access control security available, facial recognition offers unrivalled access control software as well as being completely contactless to ensure your business is a safe and hygienic place to work. These benefits are:

   Maximum access control security

   The maximum level of security for your business and/or building is reached with a facial recognition access control system. The main reason for this is due to them not requiring the use of smart cards or fingerprints and completely rely on facial features alone, absolutely guaranteeing that no unauthorised personnel gain access to your building or specific room. 

   Facial recognition access control systems eliminate employees being able to clock each other in and out of shifts, while also ensuring that your business and place of work is safe by allowing only authorised people to be on site. Not only this but smart cards, used with smart card access control systems can often be lost or misplaced by employees meaning new ones have to be produced as replacements. 

   Leading access control software

   Tensor’s facial recognition access control system is supported by our WinAC.NET access control software suite. 

   WinAC.NET is a secure and dynamic access control software suite that is a vital part of the make-up of Tensor’s facial recognition access control system. It provides quick and easy access to information on your PC or mobile and gives you the ability to control a single door and identification point, all the way through to a fully computerised networked facial recognition access control system. It allows you to control most types of internal and external electronic, magnetic door releases and devices, making full use of all facial recognition location points, whether in full view or hidden out of sight.

   Contactless facial recognition access control 

   It is, now more than ever, vitally important that businesses have safety measures in place to keep their employees safe at work following the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. Helping to combat viruses and other unwanted diseases, a facial recognition access control system can guarantee a completely touch-free and contactless method for employees to clock in and out of work.

   If you would like more information regarding Tensor’s facial recognition access control systems, or if you are interested in getting a quote for your site, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to help.

4. How Universities Can Benefit From Access Control Systems

   3 September 2021 9:00 am Leave a Comment

   Universities up and down the country become a temporary place to call home for thousands of students during their years of higher education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students begin their university journey, setting out to achieve their respected degree qualifications while making a lifetime of friends along the way. 

   With this comes huge pressures and responsibilities for universities to not only provide first-rate education across all subject areas and industries, but to also provide housing and accommodation for campus-living students.   

   However, the most important consideration when taking on thousands of new students is safety. Their safety and well-being should be at the forefront of all thoughts, and this is where an access control system comes in. 

   An access control system has huge benefits for universities when it comes to on-site safety concerns for students and lecturers, in a range of different areas. This article sets out to explain how our systems can help grant or deny access to accommodation, prevent access to sensitive areas to unauthorised personnel and much more. 

   Accommodation access control 

   Gaining access into specific accommodation buildings is one of the most important benefits of an access control system. Our access control smart card readers ensure that only authorised students are able to access the building and more specifically, access exact doors leading into their apartments and rooms. This information can also be collated into a database,s o you can see where a student ‘passed through’ last, in case an incident occurs, or for ensuring students are attending classes as expected.

   Our access control smart card readers and door controllers also ensure that unauthorised students, as well as non-students, are denied access into student accommodation that is not their own. 

   Additionally, our access control smart card readers are completely touch-free, meaning that they are COVID-19 compliant and ensure that student accommodations are a hygienic place to live.  

   Access control software for lectures and meetings

   Universities are huge places with a vast range of rooms and lecture halls that are shared by various subject areas as well as different year groups throughout each day. This means that when one lecture finishes, another may be due to start immediately after. 

   Our access control software, known as WinAC.NET, is a web-based software that gives universities the ability to grant a specific set of students access into a certain room or lecture hall for a particular time in the day. For example, a student’s access card can be granted access to a certain room or building at the university for a chosen time. So if they have a lecture between 1pm and 2pm then they can be granted access between those hours (with a customised grace period if set). Our access control system not only ensures complete safety for both students and lecturers, but it can also eradicate paper registers due to its ability to record attendance from students when they scan through the door. 

   Access control to sensitive areas

   There are many areas of universities that are high-risk or dangerous towards students and staff – none more so than in the science labs.  

   Installing access control systems within science buildings, especially the laboratories, can have huge safety benefits. Access control systems ensure that only authorised people can enter high-risk rooms or areas within the building. This is especially useful for first year students who are learning how to handle dangerous equipment or are yet to learn how to use it.   

   For ultimate security measures, we also offer biometric access control and facial recognition access control. Biometric access control, commonly known as fingerprint access control, gives absolute peace-of-mind and assurance that only the right people can gain access to sensitive or dangerous areas on sites. Both biometric and facial recognition access control serve as a step-up in security from smart card readers. This is because one; smart cards can be lost (although can be quickly replaced), and two; it is near-impossible to share fingerprints and faces – maximising security in the areas that need it the most. 

   If your university wants maximum security throughout its premises with any of our access control systems, and if you would like to inquire about getting a quote, then our sales team will be happy to help.

5. Shoe Zone Size Up Tensor’s Access Control System

   13 August 2021 9:30 am Leave a Comment

   The shoe-selling giants, Shoe Zone, who have over 400 stores across the UK, have called upon Tensor for an access control system. The high street favourite first installed a Tensor access control system at their headquarters in Leicester in 2005, and have updated their system throughout the years with the latest upgrade being as recent as 2021.

   Property Manager, Steve Chater, was part of the project’s team at Shoe Zone in 2005 when the access control systems were installed. When speaking to Tensor recently, he said, “for access control, it ticks all the boxes: setting the levels, mandating how and when people can come into the building, it solved all our issues.”

   Shoe Zone’s head office consists of the main warehouse, distribution centre and office space. All of these had the access control system installed. Steve added, “The whole system governs everyone getting in and out of the building and access to only certain areas, which was exactly what we needed.”

   Warehouse and office space access control specialists

   Warehouses with valuable stock as well as offices with confidential information are two of the biggest beneficiaries of an access control system. It allows authorised members of staff to have access to certain areas that they need while denying them access to unauthorised areas and rooms within the building.

   Shoe Zone employs around 4,000 people throughout the UK, with 300 of those employees working at the head office in Leicester. An access control system is a perfect solution to managing a workforce of this size while at the same time maintaining a safe and secure workplace.

   Advanced access control systems

   At Access Control UK, we offer state-of-the-art access control systems which aid with workforce management.

   Our door controllers and smart card readers give you total control over who is granted access through any controlled point at any time of any day, allowing you to control locks, internal and external doors. Our smart card readers are contactless, meaning they are Covid-friendly, giving your members of staff complete confidence in their safety while at work.

   Biometric access control is also available. Biometric access control systems, commonly known as fingerprint access control, give employees complete reassurance that only authorised people are able to access sensitive areas of the warehouse/office or place of work. This method of access control gives employers reassurance because it means employees cannot lose or misplace their fingerprints, whereas this is a possibility with smartcards and key fobs – however, for peace of mind, all lost smartcards and key fobs are immediately replaceable.

   Unrivalled access control software 

   Our software is equally as impressive as our hardware. Known as WinAC.NET, the computerised software allows users to have quick and easy access on their computer or mobile phone to information on building alarms, door locks, door release buttons, CCTV cameras and more.

   If you would like more information on any of our access control products, or if you would like a quote, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of our sales team today.

6. Access Control in High Demand Due to End of Furlough Scheme

   3 August 2021 11:56 am Leave a Comment

   The UK Government has announced that the furlough scheme, that has been in place since March 2020, will be ending. The scheme was put in place to help companies financially throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and has been a critical lifeline for many. We look at what that means for businesses in terms of safely managing their returning workforce.

   Otherwise known as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Furlough has been gradually reduced by the Government to ease companies and employees back into full-time work. July 2021 saw the support percentage drop from 80% to 70%, while August and September will see the figure drop to 60%.

   It has been announced that the financial support scheme will come to a complete stop on 30th September 2021. This puts huge pressure on employers to not only be able to afford to pay staff wages and other expenses but to also cope with the HR matters that come with a full office.

   Access control specialists for the return of staff 

   With the majority of the country’s workforce being asked to return to the office at the end of September, it is crucial that companies are well-equipped to cope with the volume of staff they are receiving. Access Control UK provides unrivalled access control systems to better manage the security of your workplace. Our access control systems give you complete control over who is granted access in to which areas of the building at any time of the day.

   Access control solutions

   Our proximity card readers, which are controlled by contactless smart cards, are able to open doors for authorised personnel in a Covid-friendly manner while notifying you when a door has been opened and who it was that opened it. With a rise in the number of staff on-site, it is important, for safety reasons, to ensure employees are only granted access into authorised areas.

   Access Control UK also offers biometric access control. Biometric access control systems, also known as fingerprint access control, are designed to meet the requirements of those who want absolute peace of mind, certainty and the assurance that only the right people can gain access to sensitive or dangerous areas on their sites.

   Additionally, for fast, accurate and Covid-friendly access control readings, our facial recognition system offers very high matching speeds, accuracy, and level of security.

   Advanced access control software for businesses

   Along with hardware, software plays a vital role in the management of workforces. WinAC.NET is a secure software platform that can be used for any of Tensor’s Windows-based access control products. It can be used for simple door and registration point control, through to a fully computerised global networked access control system.

   If you would like further information on any of our access control solutions, or if you would like to inquire for a quote, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team today who is happy to help.

7. Northiam Village Hall Reduces Heating Bills with a HeatingSave BMS

   20 July 2021 2:07 pm Leave a Comment

   Northiam Village Hall, situated in Rye in East Sussex, has seen its heating and energy bills reduced by a third thanks to HeatingSave’s building management system.

   Hosts of a variety of classes, meetings and events for the population of the village of Northiam, the Chairman of the Northiam Village Hall, Keith Whiting, along with the Treasurer of the hall, Bernard Bone, decided they wanted to upgrade their existing heating system to improve their heating and energy management, cut heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

   After deciding HeatingSave was the perfect choice to make this happen for them, Northiam Village Hall had the HeatingSave BMS installed in August 2020. 

   Mr Bone has since said that he is “confident we’ve saved a third on our gas bills.”

   To strengthen security at the village hall, the Chairman and Treasurer also decided to install two smart card access control readers. This grants access only to authorised personnel who help run the hall or those who have booked it out for a class, meeting or event. 

   Access control and security for village halls

   Village halls are often very busy places that can be rented or hired out for a wide range of events such as exercise classes, council meetings or birthday parties. This means that there will be a variety of people going in and out of the hall at any one time.

   It is vital for the people in charge of looking after village halls that they are aware of who is using the building at all times; for a variety of reasons. These reasons are availability of the hall as well as the safety and security of both the hall and the people using it.

   Access Control UK are specialists in supplying access control and safety solutions. Our access control systems are designed to manage this issue for you, making it easy and stress free – ensuring you are aware of who is in your building and when they are granted access to your building.

   Our door controllers and smart card readers give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, allowing you to control locks, internal and external doors. Our smart card readers are contactless, meaning they are Covid-friendly – ensuring that your village hall users are completely safe from any unwanted diseases and can have the peace of mind that they can be safe while hiring your building out.

   In addition to the hardware that we offer, Access Control UK offers an advanced software, known as WinAC.NET. This computerised software allows users to have quick and easy access to information regarding bookings. It also allows users to control building alarms, door locks, door release buttons, CCTV cameras, along with much more – all from the comfort of their own home.

   If you would like any more information on any of our access control solutions, then please contact a member of our sales team today who will be happy to assist you. 

8. Cardiff Bay Yacht Club Have the Wind in Their Sails Following a BMS Installation

   15 July 2021 11:51 am Leave a Comment

   The Building Management System, installed by HeatingSave, has seen Cardiff Bay Yacht Club drastically save money on their gas and electricity bills. 

   Cardiff Bay Yacht Club is one of the most prestigious water sports clubs in Wales, dating back to 1932. There is a vast range of social and nautical activities that the club offers, along with various notable awards.

   In September 2020, HeatingSave successfully installed a Building Management System (BMS) at the site located on the water’s edge at Cardiff Bay. The water sports club have already seen savings on their heating and energy bills according to Roger Wallington from the club. He added that he “would have no hesitation in recommending HeatingSave to any facility or organization that runs intermittent operations.”

   Following this instalment, Cardiff Bay Yacht Club now have the ability to heat their building smartly. They are able to heat specific areas of the building at times when needed through the use of occupancy sensors, to ultimately save money and waste less energy.

   Membership access and security solutions for social clubs

   Membership driven businesses are one of the greatest beneficiaries of an access control system. It allows authorised members to have access to the areas that they need, while denying them access to unauthorised areas and rooms within the building. An access control system can work in tandem with a BMS, allowing access to rooms that have been heated for specific times of the day, while denying access to rooms that have not been heated for certain reasons.

   Cardiff Bay Yacht Club has over 1,000 registered members and is open 24/7. An access control security system can, firstly, help manage all the members by granting access when required and, secondly, boost security measures by making sure that only registered members have access to facilities.

   Access Control UK are specialists in providing access control and safety solutions in order to aid with membership management. Our door controllers and smart card readers give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, allowing you to control locks, internal and external doors. Our smart card readers are contactless, meaning they are Covid-friendly – giving your members complete confidence in their safety while using your facilities.
   

   If you would like more information on any of our products, or if you would like a quote, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to help.

9. Supplies For Candles Improves HR Management with Tensor Time, Attendance & Access Control Systems

   2 July 2021 10:58 am Leave a Comment

   Following a successful install, Supplies For Candles have nothing but praise for Tensor’s time, attendance and access control systems that have improved their operations.

   The South Yorkshire based company is a supplier of high-quality candle-making goods, who were searching for the most efficient method of managing their ever-growing workforce. Their Operations Manager, Shaun Greenfield, decided that Tensor would be the best system for them. With experience in access control, Shaun had reservations with the previous clocking system in place and knew that an upgrade was essential. 

   The time and attendance system, installed on 1st June 2021, includes a clocking station, alongside several all-in-one smart card readers. The attendance management software allows companies to manage employee shift patterns, visitor monitoring and access control. Mr Greenfield added that the Tensor systems are “very, very simple for our employees to use.”

   With this new instalment, Supplies For Candles now has access to a more streamlined and time-efficient management system which allows them to control who enters the building and monitor the whereabouts of their employees for a greater picture of their business operations.

   Providing unparalleled time and attendance solutions

   Ensuring that the latest security system is installed is a priority for all businesses. Allowing only authorised personnel access into the office building will improve your businesses security and allow employees to feel safe in their workplace. Throughout all office blocks, there are always certain rooms that should only be accessible to specific personnel for numerous safety reasons.

   Access Control UK are specialists in providing access control and safety solutions in order to aid your business with the management of your workforce. 

   Our systems give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, allowing you to control locks, internal and external doors. This is all done through the use of our contactless smart card access scanners, giving you easy and COVID-friendly access control. 

   If you would like more information on any of our access control systems, or if you are interested in inquiring about a quote for your site, feel free to get in contact with a member of our sales team today.

10. £50m loan provided to support retirement living portfolio acquisition

    22 June 2021 2:38 pm Comments Off on £50m loan provided to support retirement living portfolio acquisition

    OakNorth Bank has provided a £50m loan to Brigid Investments to support the acquisition of a UK retirement living rental portfolio.

    The capital from OakNorth Bank will support the acquisition of approximately 250 newly built and fully occupied rental retirement properties operated by McCarthy Stone.

    The units, which are spread across the UK, are split into two types – Retirement Living: apartments designed specifically for over 60s with facilities such as communal lounges and guest suites that support companionship, and Retirement Living PLUS: apartments designed for over 70s that offer extra facilities, such as restaurants, on-site flexible care, and support packages to assist those who need additional help.

    The facility will also provide Brigid Investments with the opportunity to develop a scalable platform moving forward, in partnership with McCarthy Stone, resulting in a commitment to finance a further 400 rental retirement units over the next 12 months.

    Richard Williams, chief executive of Brigid Investments, said: “Retirement living is a market with high barriers to entry and strong fundamentals, underpinned by an ageing population and constrained supply.

    Damien Hughes, senior director of property finance at OakNorth Bank, added: “Richard has over 20 years of real estate, property and later living experience, following his roles as regional managing director with McCarthy Stone and as chief executive of Rangeford Retirement Living & Care.

    “With the UK retirement living market significantly undersupplied compared to other developed countries, and the demand supply imbalance expected to deepen in the medium term, it’s vital that lenders support projects of this type in the short, medium and long-term.”

    Access Control UK – Your experts in access control and safety solutions 

    Retirement homes require top-of-the-range security systems in order to keep the residents and employees safe at all times. 

    It is vital for residents to be granted access into the areas that they need, but also for them to be denied access into staff only rooms and other areas for their own safety. 

    Access Control UK are leading providers of proximity smart card and biometric access control systems and software. 

    A UK-based manufacturer, we have over 30 years of experience in designing, installing and commissioning outstanding security solutions. We take great pride in our commitment to provide the best possible customer care and adhere to the highest British and International security standards, which is why we’ve been formally accredited by several accreditation bodies (visit our Accreditations page for more information).

    Our systems give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, placing it at the forefront of security solutions. The systems support an extensive range of physical security devices designed to restrict people or vehicles, including Locks, Internal doors, External doors, Turnstiles (Full Height, Half-height and Glass Turnstiles), Car-park and Traffic barriers. Contactless smartcards are used to operate your access control system.

    For more information on any of our products or for a quote, please get in touch with a member of our sales team today.