Gallagher Security Management Systems - Integrated Airport Security Systems

Gallagher Security Management Systems (GSMS), a division of Gallagher Group, develops and manufactures Cardax™ integrated access control and intruder alarm systems, and PowerFence™ perimeter security systems.

Electronic access control and intruder alarm systems

Cardax FT is a comprehensive Windows®-based electronic access control and intruder alarm system. It resides on an organisation's IT network, and collects and stores real-time information about cardholders, the site and system activity. Its strong reporting ability draws on the system's comprehensive audit trail of events.

Post 9/11, aviation laws have tightened and they now require airports to implement enhanced access control systems, including strengthening access points to secure areas (air traffic control operation rooms, maintenance areas, crew lounges, baggage handling areas, concessions areas, catering delivery areas etc.). Certain areas must be constantly monitored, with real-time status being reported back to authorised system operators.

Access control systems for airports

The Cardax FT system offers features of particular relevance to the airport environment. The scalable system architecture is based on TCP / IP field controllers that can reside on an airport's existing LAN / WAN.

Other airport-relevant features include:

• System division to accommodate multi-tenanted areas and to enable the system to be divided amongst authorised operators for daily management and monitoring purposes
• Extensive operator privileges to define who can view and edit information
• Encryption options of 40bit and 168bit SSL encryption to protect system communications over the network
• Integrated cardholder photo identification
• Anti-passback to prevent a cardholder from passing their access card to someone behind them
• Cardholder Challenge to provide the ability for security operators to visually confirm the identity of cardholders passing though nominated access points
• Lock-down and 'free access' emergency responses

Flexible configuration options enable the system to be configured to meet site-specific requirements. The Cardax system combines with the PowerFence Trophy FT for perimeter security. Site-wide security can be layered throughout the airport by using these systems together with integrated Sagem biometric readers, interfaces to third-party DVR / CCTV and digital intercom systems.

Efficient cardholder data management is facilitated through the system's XML interface, enabling changes in a third-party people management system to be dynamically reflected through to Cardax FT and the cardholder's access privileges.

PowerFence perimeter security systems

For areas of the airport where a physical barrier is required, such as secure detention facilities and cargo storage areas, PowerFence security electric fences are ideal. PowerFence systems actively deter trespassers and detect attackers.

Installed by certified dealers, PowerFence systems are installed to professional standards and meet international safety standards. PowerFence Trophy systems are divided into zones which are individually monitored so that, in the event of an attack, the airport security response team can quickly locate the zone affected and respond appropriately.

The advanced PowerFence Trophy FT system integrates perimeter security with the Cardax FT system providing the benefits of a single security management system to maintain and monitor multiple distributed sites, with unlimited fence zones.