Integrated access control specialist TDSi has delivered a wide range of projects in the healthcare sector. The company's systems have been developed with the needs of users, building managers and installers in mind, delivering powerful access control, as well as full integration capabilities with other building management systems.
The company's systems have been in operation at the University of Bristol Healthcare Trust since 1995. In hospitals across the city, over 550 doors are secured by TDSi's Infrared Readers, incorporating technology which passes infrared light directly through users' individual Microcards®. A unique security code is contained in each card which is fixed at the point of manufacture, ensuring that its identity can never be altered. The inherent nature of the technology guarantees complete reliability - cards are read first time, every time.Initially, each separate hospital site had its own management system, administrator and server; now though, the administration is managed centrally, including the printing of all ID cards (a simple process of photography and card printing), thereby improving efficiency and delivering significant overall cost reductions.
Over the period since the first installation, TDSi's product range and technology has continued to develop such that a number of sites operate TDSi's original S-series door controllers whilst others have Digital IR readers and eXcel4 controllers. However, all of the sites are run by EXgarde PRO, TDSi's advanced access management software, which integrates seamlessly with each of the controllers, ensuring that each of the individual sites operates efficiently and effectively.
TDSi readers are also installed in a number of the staff car parks, enabling staff to utilise the same Microcard® to access and egress the car parks.
At the Broomfield Hospital in Essex, TDSi is also providing the access control solution for the Mid Essex Hospital Services Trust's new acute unit which is due to open in the autumn of 2010.
Building on the success of TDSi's S series and eXcel controllers, which are already in operation at Broomfield's existing sites, TDSi is currently installing its MICROgarde system. Controlling 86 new doors, this will bring the total number of doors on site under TDSi control to 280.
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| EXgarde PRO is TDSi's advanced access management software which ensures effectiveness and efficiency |
MICROgarde is the company's entry level range of networkable solutions, designed for ease of installation, operation and maintenance. Supplied with free, Windows-based PC software, the system delivers a high performance, cost effective access control solution that delivers many of the benefits of much larger systems.
Each MICROgarde controller features distributed intelligence and operates as part of a system network, providing full control and event reporting which may be customised to suit individual project requirements - including search and sort criteria. Available in both one and two door versions, with or without power supply units, the platform offers a highly effective, proven controller which gives great flexibility in system design.
The MICROgarde system, when using the 2 door version of controller, is capable of supporting up to 400 doors, has a capacity of 5,000 card holders and is packed with useful features - including an automatic fire door release (on selected doors, upon an active input); variable lock times to suit individual needs - ensuring compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and optional input/ output modules to allow other devices and systems, for example intruder alarms, to be controlled and monitored.
The versatile MICROgarde system is also now in operation at Bristol's Southmead Hospital. Working in partnership with installation company Sovereign Fire and Security, TDSi has now completed the first phase of the project to install MICROgarde and MIFARE readers - with 40 doors being controlled. Over the next three years, the installation programme will continue across the Southmead site, so that ultimately around 500 doors will be controlled with 15,000 system users.
Over the coming months, TDSi's access control solutions will also be installed at the Cardiff and Vale Hospital and at the West Middlesex University Hospital in Twickenham, where TDSi will be installing the company's EXgarde Pro access management software together with eXprox proximity readers to control 80 doors.
