Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES APRIL 2021 21 FEATURE SMART BUILDINGS More information can be found at www.chubbfiresecurity.com need for optimising occupancy had never been greater. Limits on the number of people that can gather in enclosed spaces, such as supermarkets, shops, restaurants and other public facilities has equated to a reduction in footfall and subsequently a reduction in potential sales. We created a fully automated, live occupancy system that allows businesses to maximise footfall while adhering to social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Other solutions Social distancing has proved to be a challenge for many businesses across the globe. Shared spaces in offices or buildings can be susceptible to virus transmission if proper social distancing is not practiced. Social distancing monitoring is available through our integrated access control system. Our smart systemworks by using Bluetooth. Each digital badge continuouslymonitors close contacts across the workplace with other badge holders. In the event a team member or visitor is identified as infected, it quickly delivers Covid-19 exposure reporting. We understand that employee data is sensitive, even during a pandemic.That iswhy we are able to provide complete anonymity while effectively managing operational risks. Touchless access control will be crucial in the future tomaintain optimumcleanliness. Bluetooth readers can be used to open doors and facial recognition can allowentry with automatically opening doors. Touch driven visitor passes may become a thing of the past and individuals will use mobile phones to check in to sites. We have already seen examples of this in practice during the pandemic with track and trace QR codes in use in restaurants and public spaces. Analytic cameras are able to be programmed with ‘rules’ so that they can undertake a specific action. For example, controlling crowds, giving organisers notifications when the level of people exceeds a set number congregated in one area. This technology could enhance safety in an effective way. To find a lost child who was wearing a red jacket, for example, in a crowded space. Cameras could be set to search for all individuals in a set timeframe wearing a red jacket. Previously, it would have been a long manual process of scouring the footage and working with security guards to build a picture. Putting it into practice We are currently working on a unification project to integrate standalone CCTV access control and ANPR systems into one central function. This brings huge operational benefits. A smart and interactive system in one location saves both time and money for businesses. Heat mapping is an area we have seen huge growth in. When you can accurately understand who has entered the building and where they have been, you can direct resource the correct areas. This saves greatly on operational costs. We have been working with several UK universities with buildings that are too complex tomanage traditionally andmake cost control difficult. The universities spend around £200k each a year on access control passes for lecturers, visitors and students. We are now integrating a brand new digital mobile credentials app that allows access to the building. Just one year’s worth of cards covered the infrastructure upgrade for the entire estate. The benefits of the Bluetooth solution are plentiful; it limits the connection between the card issuer and the user, reduces the use of plastic, and tightens the core access control management. This leads to improved security and confidence for buildingmanagement. Adapting to the new normal Mobile credentials are becoming increasingly recognised as key for businesses. User-controlled building access that considers agile working is important. Integrations can also be made with visitor management systems and HR processes. If you can track who is coming into a building and how they are using the space, you will have data that enables you to make smart real estate decisions. Declarations can also be done virtually, eliminating the need for pen and paper. Despite lockdown restrictions easing, we foresee capacity management staying in place for the foreseeable future. This remains a driver for us as a solution provider and the businesses we cater to. We have seen a shift in thinking from what makes the tenant choose a building to what makes a building user want to be there. The power has really moved to the users. Emerging from the pandemic By understanding how your building is used and making decisions based on real data, you can be effective in your space utilisation. This enables owners to make an informed decision about real estate space. It could lead owners to sub-let space or downsize to save money. We know remaining compliant is going to be crucial as we begin to emerge from lockdown and we are here to help you do that. MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY Our facial recognition solution can help you safely and securely monitor known individuals