Various Boon Edam security entrances from glass revolving doors and slimline speedgates to a swing access gate have been installed at leading Australian community bank, IMB Bank’s new building in Wollongong, NSW.

Having moved into the new building in early 2021, IMB immediately sought to make the entrance open and welcoming to visitors while ensuring all the valuable data, intellectual property and people within are protected with appropriate entrance security solutions.

The entrance technology selected for the installation is among the most stylish and efficient of the Boon Edam range used by major banks locally, Fortune 500 companies globally, and corporate HQs in 27 countries.

Two Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket all-glass revolving doors at the building’s entrance create a striking and welcoming first impression. Inside, three Speedlane Lifeline Swing speedgates, including one wide lane suitable for disabled access ensure secured entry. In one section, there is also a Winglock Swing access gate that separates off a designated meeting space.

“After reviewing a range of product proposals, we found that Boon Edam’s range had the ideal combination of aesthetics and security that IMB was seeking,” said IMB head of facilities, Greg Dowd.

“The security speedgates give us greater control over access to the building, and they alert us to any tailgating or access breaches. Limiting access to only authorised personnel not only protects our staff, but it also protects the data of our customers, which we always store securely,” he said.

“As a further advantage, the Boon Edam team integrated the access control system with our RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. This was a big help, because it meant the speedgates were sending data directly to our existing system.”

Boon Edam managing director Michael Fisher views the impressive IMB project as a new benchmark for local financial institutions.

“IMB has set the bar high with its new Wollongong facility. Every design element has been carefully thought out to be welcoming to visitors and intuitive to employees. We are delighted to have been selected to contribute to the success of this project.

“Boon Edam is a family-owned organisation with a history extending back nearly 150 years, so it is particularly satisfying to work with a community-minded company like IMB, with a similarly long and successful history,” Fisher added.

Responsive service

In addition to elegant aesthetics and intelligent security, IMB sought an entrance security partner providing attentive service throughout the entire project as well as in the post-installation period.

“The Boon Edam team was highly professional to work with, and responded adaptively to our needs. Early mornings were the best time for installation work, and their service team accommodated this need right from the start, without a hassle,” said Dowd.

“It was clear that Boon Edam takes great care in its products, and that its values as a company were aligned with IMB’s, which are strongly focused on community, family and quality.”

Elegant aesthetics

Boon Edam’s Speedlane Lifeline series is one of the slimmest speedgates on the market, with the cabinet housing measuring as little as 106mm.The slim nature of the speedgate makes it ideal for narrow entrances, lobbies and foyers, where sometimes an extra lane can be added due to its compact size.

“The slim design and finishes of the speedgates was what attracted us to the Boon Edam product in the first place. Their overall designs are sleek, modern and in keeping with our foyer design. We could also customise the materials and colours to suit our foyer, and that really sealed the deal,” Dowd explained.

“For the front entrance, we couldn’t look past an all-glass revolving door. It lets in an abundance of natural light, making the entire foyer a welcoming space for visitors and employees,” he said.

Boon Edam’s Crystal Tourniket doors – available in single and multiple entrance options in a range of diameters and heights – are being introduced to Australasia after being proven internationally.

The Crystal Tourniket is fully compliant with Australian Standard AS1288 (Glass in Buildings), which specifies safe glazing and installation practices when using glass in buildings.

“The other Boon Edam product, the Winglock Swing, provides the ideal separation for our meeting space, without needing a full length Speedlane. Its finishes and design also perfectly match the rest of our foyer,” Dowd added.

Boon Edam’s Winglock Swing combines stainless steel with a single glass panel, creating an access gate that is elegant and unobtrusive in nature and design. Winglock is designed to manage bi-directional traffic with effortless ease, using smart, intuitive technology to guide each visitor through to their destination without delay or inconvenience.