Security and access control solutions in commercial settings are rapidly evolving as customers seek more seamless, efficient, and adaptable options.

This comes as we see complex security needs such as office spaces shared by multiple tenants with differing risk profiles.

A layered approach to security and access control is often recommended, integrating smart technology with physical barriers. The latest options for keeping people, data, and assets safe range from keyless and touchless entry, speedgates and security screens to smart lockers, biometrics, and artificial intelligence.

Managing Director of Boon Edam Australia, Michael Fisher says artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly involved in entrance security. Boon Edam’s Lifeline Vision Speed Gate, for example, has an AI-integrated facial recognition camera mounted under the top surface of the speed gate, angled to gain vision of people’s faces, even at different heights.

Image: Boon Edam

The speedgate provides a touchless and seamless entry, with traffic able to flow through the entry, without waiting for each person to authorise their entry with an access card.

Fisher notes, however, that AI cannot take action to prevent unauthorised human entry or deny the entry of dangerous objects.

“It can only intelligently enhance technology, gather and assess data, and make recommendations. It is therefore important that AI is integrated with traditional security entrance partners, to drive improvements in price, speed, ease of use, and integration with other systems and sensors,” he says.

Fisher says a layered approach to entrance security was best practice for achieving optimum security outcomes.

A typical layered approach might include full-height turnstiles at the perimeter to act as a visual and physical deterrent, speedlanes in the lobby to detect unauthorised access and high-security portals to protect data server rooms and prevent unauthorised access.

One of the latest product ranges to join the Boon Edam suite is the Signature Speedlane Series with a wide range of aesthetic options and the ability to fully integrate with other technologies.

The Signature Speedlane Series is equipped with the latest in security technology including the ability to integrate with lift destination control, visitor card retention, multiple card readers, QR and bar code scanners, facial recognition, biometric authentication, and MorphoWave contactless fingerprint scanners.

24/7 security solutions
Boon Edam’s Tourlock is another effective 24/7 security solution offering high bi-directional volume capabilities (20 people each way per door per minute). The versatile three or four-wing automatic revolving door can also be customised to suit a range of access control needs, including securing one or both sides, and changing settings for night and day.

Image: Boon Edam’s Tourlock is another effective 24/7 security solution offering high bi-directional volume capabilities (20 people each way per door per minute).

The Tourlock can be fitted with a range of customised security features, including StereoVision technology, which uses a time-of-flight camera to create accurate 3D images. Bullet-proof glass can be added for applications requiring even stronger levels of protection against physical intrusions. Weight systems can also be used to compare the user and luggage to a pre-set weight and to block access if the weight inside the door exceeds the pre-set amount.

IMB Bank has installed a series of Boon Edam entrances, including all glass revolving doors, slimline speedgates and a swing access gate at their new building in Wollongong, NSW.

When IMB moved into the space they wanted to make the entrance open and welcoming to visitors with entrance security inside to protect valuable data, intellectual property, and people.
The exterior of the building has two Boon Edam Crystal Tourniket all-glass revolving doors, which create a striking first impression. Inside, there are three Speedlane Lifeline Swing speedgates, including one wide lane suitable for disabled access. 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,” IMB Head of Facilities, Greg Dowd says.

“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 says.

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

Taking care of modern offices and end-of-trip facilities
When it comes to keyless access control systems in commercial environments, SALTO has ample options. Their Gantner division manufactures NET.Lock, a hardwired in-door smart locker that is used at scale, worldwide in modern offices and end-of-trip facilities. The solution is ideal for keeping one’s belongings secure across commercial settings including smart corporate offices, flexible working spaces and leisure environments.

“The management capabilities enable our clients to manage and optimise large banks of lockers, across different locations and usage needs,” Brand and Content for SALTO Systems Oceania Tiarna Pepall says.

Reece Group chose to use Gantner’s smart locker system for staff lockers at their new modern head office ‘The Works’ in Cremorne, Melbourne. They installed over 800 GANTNER networked lockers as a key component of the workplace.

“Staff have a keycard or a wristband fob, which opens the lockers electronically. There’s no need for staff to be carrying around a key, or even having to remember a code,” Beth Yarrington, Workplace Experience Manager at ‘The Works’ says.

The lockers are managed by the workplace team, who can monitor and access the lockers from a single central console, or remotely. If a staff member forgets their keycard or fob, the workplace team can open their locker, and if they lose their card or fob, a new one can simply be programmed in a matter of seconds.

“We have ‘personal’ and ‘dynamic’ lockers. Personal lockers are assigned to an individual as their own. Personal lockers become a ‘home’ in the office – staff keep their lunch in there, personal effects and many leave their laptops, or sometimes just the mouse and keyboard, overnight,” she says.

Even members of staff who aren’t based at ‘The Works’ have a locker to use when they visit the head office. ‘Dynamic lockers, also known as ‘end of trip,’ lockers can be used by anyone. A staff member can have a personal locker and still also use a dynamic locker. All the lockers are managed by the workplace team. Because access is electronic, lockers can even, if required, be opened remotely by the workplace team.

Assa Abloy also offers wireless locking technologies for commercial applications. Their new Aperio H100 packs the power and flexibility of wireless access control into one slim, cleverly designed, battery-powered door handle. With easy retrofitting to almost any interior door and radio frequency identification support, the new Aperio H100 handle makes it cost-effective to boost security for sensitive offices, storerooms, archives, meeting rooms and more.

Image: Assa Abloy

Co-working spaces need security
Many co-working spaces have adopted wireless access control for its performance and ease of installation. The Mobo Co-working space in Brisbane’s Southbank provides simple access to shared office spaces and facilities with wire-free door devices such as Aperio H100. Easy to manage with online booking and mobile device credentials the user can attend the site and access the entry or working space without any other intervention.

Assa Abloy also recommends speedgates with their latest release the SG100 a very compact and sleek design, for not only security but also to manage and monitor people going in and out of the venue. Some features include Vision touch, card reader, radio frequency identification technology, surface mount readers, as well an acoustic alarm without blocking the lane, automatic emergency closing, and three glass height options up to 1800mm.

Assa Abloy’s SG100 speedgates were chosen to control access to the all-you-can-eat kitchen at Scape Student Accommodation in Melbourne. Scape Student Accommodation’s builder, Infinity Construction contacted Assa Abloy to implement a secure, user-friendly entrance solution for its guests. The SG100 speedgate was selected based on its modern slim compact design, the ability to integrate with various access control systems to manage and monitor people going in and out, and its durable and low maintenance construction.

Two lanes were installed in the student kitchen to allow a smooth secure flow in and out. With the new installation completed, Scape Victoria Street will ensure its reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative and secure student accommodation is maintained.

KONE has also developed a next-generation access gate solution known as the KONE Lane. Advanced sensor technology ensures a security level above the industry average Secure access via biometric, radio frequency identification card, or QR code technology. A footprint up to 90% smaller than conventional turnstile solutions save valuable lobby space and various lane width options optimise available space. One of the core benefits of KONE Lane is its ability to provide touch-free access for both tenants and visitors without compromising on security.

For physical door and window security solutions, Alspec offers Invisi-Gard, a premium security screen solution.

Invisi-Gard screens use corrosion resistant 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, woven into a strong, flat surface. These materials and processes ensure the screens provide maximum light and ventilation, along with safety and security features. The screens meet or exceed the relevant Australian Standards to guard against impact, cutting with sharp objects and are bush fire attack level rated. The low maintenance screens come with a 15-year warranty.

Invisi-Gard window screens were used for both design and safety at St Catherine’s College at the University of Western Australia. The Wilson Architects designed project included the construction of a 53-bed accommodation building with communal living facilities, and the expansion of an existing building to include an Indigenous Learning Centre and Art Gallery. Connecting the buildings are new gardens, courtyards and meeting places, including a tower complete with a ceremonial fire pit.

Image: Alspec Invisi-Gard window screens were used for both design and safety at St Catherine’s College at the University of Western Australia. Photo: Wilson Architects.

Doors and the feelings of connection
A key component of the accommodation building was the inclusion of Invisi-Gard stainless steel security screens to enclose the balcony areas. The screens were attached to the side of the building using battens, creating an attractive design feature while also providing the practical benefits of security, insect screening and fall prevention.

The high-clarity screening preserves light and views, allowing the students to still feel connected to the broader campus landscape.

The Australian Trellis Door Company (ATDC) also has a wide range of quality security doors and security shutters suitable for securing after-hours or restricted access to areas in shopping centres, sports facilities and government and commercial offices.

ATDC has developed a unique range of lockable steel trackless portable barriers which are independently tested for safe operation for both employees and the public. ATDC’s DD Double Diamond mobile barrier is the only retractable barrier of its type on the market that complies with all the relevant tests including Dynamic Impact Testing, Simulated Climbing Test and The Foothold Aperture Test (in certain circumstances). It requires no side structure nor overhead support structure to attach to as it can be completely free-standing and self-supporting.

Being mobile it can be used to secure multiple applications in the same facility. Sophisticated access control locking mechanisms can be fitted to these barriers including digital keypads, swipe card access and electromagnetic locks.

It was because of such compliance that the DD Double Diamond was selected as the barrier of choice to secure the entry to the ferry terminal at Barrangaroo for the State Transit Authority.
Effective and efficient security and access control solutions are crucial in commercial settings to safeguard belongings, data, and people.