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PTI Europe™ |
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PTI Europe™ |
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State of the Art Technology
for Self-Storage
Access Control and Security for Self-Storage facilities in Europe Definitions: State of the Art. The highest level of development at a particular time, especially
at this time. Current stage of, esp. technological development. Absolutely
up to date. BACKGROUND Information technology is fundamental to the successful operation of almost all types of businesses. Expanding telecommunications networks, the explosive growth of the Internet, and the current interest in electronic commerce are all indications that our dependency on reliable information technology will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. Self-Storage facilities in Europe had a big 'leg-up' with imported technology from the USA and came in at a 3 rd generation level. A wide variety of options have been available, including: intelligent keypads, individual door alarms, digital video recorders (DVR) and CCTV cameras that are specified from experience specifically in Self-Storage. Software for the access control, interactive security graphics and accounting manage the business and security. Additional interfaces with intruder alarms and remote monitoring capabilities heighten security. Users need to be aware of the most recent progress in order to avoid relying on outdated systems. The aim of this article is to generate awareness with operators about the state of the art and evolution of self-storage access control & security. This will assist in assessing the available options and consider future developments. WHO SHOULD CARE? People that are responsible for security systems should be aware of the mix of products that combine to provide a user-friendly and secure solution for operation of their Self-Storage facilities. The most important interface an existing Self-Storage client has on a day-to-day basis is with the Access Control System. This allows people to come and go as they please but also provides hidden depths in security. With a little observation however, the client will notice a door alarm contact inside their unit, activities being recorded on the interactive site graphics and CCTV cameras providing pictures of movement on the site. Security done well and marketed well has the additional benefit of attracting more customers. The products should be selected and the system designed for optimum efficiency in the operation of the facility. Operators of Self-Storage facilities will care to provide appropriate access control and security systems for their clients who care about their stored property. TECHNOLOGY AT A PARTICULAR TIMEUsing the quoted definition " the highest level of development at a particular time," we can consider "What is State of the Art technology for Self-Storage facilities at his time?" Let's take just one element of a security system, which may be the access control keypad at a gate entrance. This keypad can recognise a pin code, swipe-card or proximity card. Operation of the keypad would:
The exit keypad would perform similar functions whilst logging the client off the system and resetting the door alarm Knowing that this sequence of events is happening automatically is comforting for owner, operator and client. This summary of operations, for just one keypad, helps to illustrate purpose-designed technology for Self-Storage facilities and a level of integration between Access Control, CCTV and Intercom Systems
INTEGRATION We have touched on integration, as a way of providing systems that accommodate continuous refinements of operators needs. With the influx of new security solutions for Self-Storage, indicators point to the integration as a pivotal focus for suppliers in the market place. New customer requirements and new security products mean that suppliers should increase their capabilities for integration of new technologies into their product line. Operators should in-turn, consider purchasing systems that will accommodate future new technologies. A guide to the future intentions of suppliers towards the development of integrated systems can be judged by, the technological capabilities of their current products and by looking at the progressive development of these products over recent past years. High quality integrators will focus their efforts on three areas to assure quality products and services.
When the first two are done well and keeping a firm eye on the future, system integration becomes much easier. Applications software and systems integration rely heavily on a new breed of technology evolving in access control systems. Many of today's products rely on significantly older technology which is hard to maintain and difficult to program. Future solutions will use newer and faster processor technology, larger memory and easier programming languages allowing for quick integration of new products into the access control and security solution. The Internet will play a greater future role in managing Self-Storage facilities WWW.MORE ABOUT THE INTERNET.COM Applications software is the glue that makes security solutions easy to use and free from hacker intrusion. Future products will move away from the traditional MS Access base to one with a much higher performance and more data security. For operators who wish to provide access for their clients to applications or cameras via the web, a high level of security is required to ensure that no-one, other than these clients penetrate business computers to view information or to obtain camera access. High-level security via firewalls and VPNs will be essential to ensure the kind of security, clients expect for their property and their information residing on Self-Storage computers. Information Technology systems need to be locked just as doors and gates allowing access only to authorised persons. The advances in hardware, software and Internet technology brings exciting opportunities for highly integrated security solutions. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS When buying a computer, the model has probably been superseded the minute you walk out of the shop. Even so you would hope for a reasonable life and ongoing compatibility with other software and hardware with upgrading prolonging its working life. Products for access control and security are not as fickle, but the operator will want to take advantage of future developments in technology utilising their current system. The ability to customise security solutions will help operators in efficiently controlling their facilities, reducing costs and perhaps achieving a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Products that are now coming on stream include biometric readers, wireless door alarms, pay-at-the-gate, internet-based reservations & payments and integrated access control activity and CCTV information for remote monitoring by network or the Internet. Large flat screen displays for interactive site graphics and CCTV are extremely impressive when located in the place of a traditional cabinet display.
Pay-at-the-gate is already available in the USA but work is needed, in cooperation with banking institutions, before this product can be launched into Europe A simple example of anticipating future technology is the purchase of an access control keypad now with a swipe-card reader to prepare for pay-at-the-gate in the future. State of the Art Technology in the future will involve highly integrated security solutions with seamless operation for combining a large array of security options. Access control products will be designed with highly flexible control units that will allow the easy integration of different products whether site or Internet operated. Good selection decisions will mean that State of the Art Technology can be designed into an access control and security system for the future. Written for ISS Magazine November 2004 Copyright © 2004 PTI Europe. All rights reserved. |
