Month: January 2019

One of East Scotland’s largest independent housing associations, Fife Housing, has teamed up with access control and door entry experts, Videx, to equip 84 flats in and around the Fife area with bespoke access control systems, that have been tailor made to meet the entry requirements of residents.

Working with installer Caledonia Fire and Security, Videx has supplied audio intercom systems to 14 blocks of flats, which each carry key features that make them an ideal access control solution for housing association tenants and their various entry needs. The panels are also fitted with Videx’s standalone offline proximity system, MiAccess, which is perfect as part of a multiple entrance system without the need to cable between devices.

Billy Paton, Scotland and Ireland Sales Manager at Videx, said: “The requirement was clear – Fife Housing needed a robust access control solution that was simple to use and navigate yet highly secure. The panels we made are to a bespoke size with many features to suit the specific needs of those who live there. For example, the panels included high visibility yellow ring bezel buttons that help the partially sighted. What’s more, the MiAccess proximity also means that the programming of fobs can be done remotely saving time, money and helping to reduce the carbon footprint because an engineer doesn’t need to go out to the developments each time a fob has been lost or damaged and needs replacing. Housing staff are also given a master card which allows access to each individual tenanted block.”

All block panels are also engraved with appropriate numbers and addresses required, which is a key part of the bespoke service offered by Videx, that many housing associations find useful because it enables call buttons to be specifically named or labelled, helping the caller to speak to the right person when they visit or highlighting a concierge service/emergency number facility.

Fife Housing are really pleased with the new system, with residents expressing great feedback on how easy to use they are while being a nice, modern design too.

David Todd, Contract Officer at Fife Housing, said: “Security yet ease of access and a user-friendly system that could be specifically made to meet the entry needs of all different types of residents, including those with disabilities, was imperative and the Videx system has provided exactly that. What’s more, the team have been really supportive and hands on throughout the entire installation, working closely and positively with our installer and providing technical and practical advice both pre, during and post installation. I also know that if I had any issues with the system, or need to modify it according to entry needs, this wouldn’t be a problem and Videx would be on hand to help us do this. It’s been a pleasure to work with Steve and the team – the system is doing a sterling job.”

Andrew Thomson, Director at Caledonia Fire and Security, added: “The access control system we installed into each of the 14 Fife Housing blocks are not only manufactured to a high quality but look the part too which is not always easy to find. The intercom systems, including the MiAccess integration, were absolutely perfect for this development and, from an installation point view, such a seamless process. No cables, no fuss, no downtime. We install a lot of Videx systems across Scotland, and we’ve always found the products to be first class, as well as their bespoke approach and high level of technical support if we do need help when installing a system, either in the form of training pre-installation or onsite assistance during installation or just after. We couldn’t fault them.”

Introducing a new device compatible with its flagship VX2200 system, both 2 wire audio and 6 wire video versions, that enables audio calls to be made from any of the VX2200 entrances to a mobile phone or land line.

 

Strengthening Videx’s presence in the GSM entry market, the 2270 is a 2G/3G device which is suitable for new and existing systems within residential apartments. It has the ability to call up to 180 apartments with the facility to release the door after verifying the caller.

 

The 2270 offers residents the facility to answer calls from their VX2200 system even when they’re not at home, offering additional security to their property. The device diverts a call directly to the resident’s mobile or alternative land line, so that they’re always aware of who is visiting, even when they’re away. A key feature is the facility to connect multiple entrances (up to 15) using only a single SIM card. Also featured within the device is a dial to open facility for up to 3,000 telephone numbers with 3 relay output. A caller can ring the 2270 and if their number is stored in the dial to open list it will activate one or more of the relays.

 

Further features include three auxiliary inputs which are fully programmable for a number of functions such as sending text messages and activating relays for different functions. The three relay outputs are also programmable for a number of functions such as remote relays for Secured by Design requirements, the official UK Police flagship initiative combining the principles of ‘designing out crime’ with physical security.

 

Alarms triggered by an apartment can also be handled by the 2270, either by sending an SMS to a number or by activating a relay. What’s more, an event log, that can store up to  8,000  events, is maintained within the GSM module and can be integrated via the USB port and the PC software which includes many features to simplify the installation and programming process. Programming can be carried out using either text messages or with a PC using the USB connection or RS485 link.