News
Albis Technologies signals advanced gate access control with active RFID for restricted areas in retail
July 2011 by Marc Jacob
A new active RFID-based, stand-alone
solution for ensuring sensitive and controlled areas, where access is
strictly limited, are secured against unauthorized entry, has been launched
by Albis Technologies, a manufacturer and developer of
innovative electronic products and solutions.
Already being deployed in 2011 by a number of major German retailers, the
ZOMOFI® Gate Access Management System is signaling a new gateway for secure and efficient access operations. Albis Technologies¹ Zone Monitoring & Find Division has developed the innovative Gate Access Management
solution, embracing active RFID technology, for particular ease of
deployment in the retail and wholesale sector where doors and gates to
warehouses, storage areas and stock rooms need to be rigidly controlled in
terms of where, when and to whom access is granted. The solution allows this
to be achieved without the need to present an access card directly to a
reader. As the controller operates on variable distances of several meters,
there are no waiting periods and restrictions can be prevented, optimizing
the workflow of staff in terms of reliability and time.
Utilizing active RFID through a system of stand-alone RFID-enabled badges
and readers also means there is no need to link up with PCs, servers or
existing access control software. The ZOMOFI® Z-Tag transponders are
available in different versions both for standard or ruggedized
applications. As they are hands-free, portable devices, the badges can be
worn in any form - as a bracelet or on a lanyard, or be carried as a card,
either displayed or concealed in a pocket or bag. Whatever the chosen form
factor, once in range of the reader, signals are instantly sent to the
specially designed S3135-H110 Z-Controller reader for granting access. The
system operates under a stand-alone Ocontrol and signal¹ transmission
process where authorized personnel or vehicles are permitted passage. Anyone
else is automatically flagged up as Oaccess denied¹. The reading devices
have a switching interface for controlling automatic doors and settings can
be configured to suit the necessary access requirements. In addition,
authorized personnel can be registered at multiple stations, with several
100 people or vehicles per station.
The ZOMOFI® Gate Access Management System allows for a fully automated
operation and integrates easily with existing automatic gates and doors
without the requirement for any retrofit. In addition, the system has been
designed as the fast and cost-effective option when replacing less secure or
unreliable partially manually operated systems, such as paddle mechanisms,
threshold controls or overhead suspension lines. And for gate and door
manufacturers, the ZOMOFI® solution provides a complete system for
integration to suit manufacturers¹ specific customer requirements.
Products within the ZOMOFI® range for Gate Access Management include the
Obest-in-class¹ Z-Tag S3135 transponders. The 2.45 GHz Active Tag supports
high scale integration and drives efficient and long-life performance. The
Z-Controller has simple, but practical electrical connectors for power, gate
logic and antenna and can be separated from the antenna or installed as one
unit.
Completely hidden installations are achievable such as behind ceilings,
under covers, as well as in areas above or below the doors. The dip-switch
concept furthermore allows the size of the monitored zone area and different
operational modes, eg for vehicle access, to be pre-set.
Apart from maintaining and ensuring security, fast, easy passage for
personnel, hand trucks or forklifts in and out of warehouse areas is crucial
in order to sustain the busy sales-oriented environment in retailing
situations. As the system also functions at optimum level at sub-zero
temperatures and in hazardous areas, people safety and accident prevention
can also be enhanced through options to install readers for monitoring staff
who spend time in potentially perilous areas. These include retailers¹
walk-in freezer rooms, where temperatures of up to -20 degrees C can
endanger lives. In addition, improved logistics operations, delivery and
counter service can all be enhanced by the installation of the ZOMOFI® Gate
Access Management solution, which entirely removes instances of customers or
suppliers accessing areas without permission.
