The reality of our vulnerability after the terrorist attacks on America and more recently in London caused people to rethink the safety of travel. Since then the airline industry and airport authorities have implemented radical changes to ensure everybody's safety.
The job of Mr. Huw Davies, Head of Security at Bristol International Airport, has become more important than ever, as he is responsible for the safety of thousands of people every day. Bristol International Airport is the South West's largest and at the same time the 2nd fastest growing airport in the UK 4.6 million passengers passed through the airport's doors last year.
Security measures have always been in place; however the terrorist activities of recent have evolved the need for an even more thorough approach.
When bidding for the contract to provide a complete security control and monitoring system for the airport, Camrasonic Ltd, Bristol Airport's long-term security systems provider, immediately turned to Poole based TDSi to supply the Access Control system. The equipment had to meet the new Department of Transport MATRA requirements for Airport security. When asked Andy D'Urso, Installation Manager at Camrasonic Ltd, said: "I had no hesitation in choosing TDSi having been impressed by their excellent levels of service and technical support provided during several previous programmes. Whilst price was a consideration, TDSi could offer a complete package which was unavailable elsewhere."
TDSi's eXguard PRO PC software product was chosen to provide a fully flexible system. The software allows unlimited key holders, multiple user groups and schedules, built-in badge design and creation while importantly maintaining a simple and intuitive administration procedure.
The chosen design at Bristol International Airport is based on a multiple PC network controlling the terminal building, Air Traffic Control and Pass Office and utilises the full built-in photographic ID system providing the ability to maintain the integrity of the restricted zone and prevent unauthorized access to prohibited areas. Around a hundred doors, barriers and access control points are controlled using TDSi's own patented design of infrared readers and keypads.
Phil Holder, Operational Facilities Manager, at Bristol IA declares: "We have found that TDSi's solution has proved to be not only reliable but importantly provides all the security functions that we require. The TDSi access control system has been operating throughout the airport for the past five years and we have found the reliability of the system to be sound, and importantly technical advice and back up are always available and provided as required."
