Speedgates - Microsoft

After a review of their security system at their site in Dublin, Microsoft wanted to make their access control system more efficient to handle an increased volume of employees.  It was deemed necessary to upgrade the security system to create a secure perimeter inside the premises making sure only authorised staff and visitors progressed further into the building. Therefore ensuring the one person one card rule. 

With a number of factors to consider, such as the amount of space available in the main entrance and speed of throughput Microsoft chose a state of the art speedgate system.

Speedgates were chosen as they blend all the benefits of optical turnstiles with the enhanced security of physical barriers, making them the most widely accepted and very latest in high tech entrance control systems.  Due to this combination of technologies, speedgates were the ideal choice for Microsoft’s reception area where there was a need to pay equal attention to the level of security, speed of throughput and architectural flexibility. 

The entrance control range selected utilises multiple infra-red beams, typically creating a matrix linked to an advanced microprocessor with opinion-making software. The matrix of IR beams means there is more data for the processor to analyse. Unlike the older systems, the IR beams are never turned off or shunted and the system makes an opinion about what it sees and whether it is a human or a smaller inanimate object such as a briefcase or umbrella. This allows the system to track multiple people through the lane simultaneously and make decisions about how fast people are moving. The end result of this kind of technology is an improvement in performance in 3 key areas: security, speed and safety.

Security is greatly increased as the system can now detect multiple people going through the lane allowing it to detect tailgaters as close together as 5 mm.  This therefore reduces the risk of unauthorised access into Microsoft’s premises.  Speed of throughput is increased as there is no delay in the system resetting the beams once they have been turned off, because there is no need to turn them off.  Safety is increased and the risk of injury reduced as the system can accurately position people in the lane, and thus calculate when it is safe to operate the physical barriers.

The speedgates chosen have a narrow footprint that allows the maximum number of lanes to be installed on site.  The narrow pedestals also help reduce the visual impact on the architectural surroundings, and the modern materials such as stainless steel and glass, help the units blend with the aesthetics of the reception area.  The speedgates were integrated with an access control system to help prevent the most common access control violations such as tailgating, pass-back and unauthorised entry, thereby creating a safer working environment for staff as well as protecting valuable company assets and information.

“The reception area is particularly busy with nearly 2000 staff and visitors combined so the fast throughput of the speedgate system was key to us,” said Thomas Roche, Facilities Specialist. “Additionally, the slim pedestal has allowed us to maximise the number of lanes we can fit in our reception area. We now have a secure perimeter point at the reception and the staff and visitors alike can quickly pass through with no hold-ups.”

With the combination of the fast throughput of 1 person per second and having the maximum number of lanes for staff and visitors to use, Microsoft was able to keep staff and visitors flowing through the reception area with the minimum of fuss. The guards on reception were only alerted to unauthorised users from the audible and visual alarms.

- Thomas Roche, Facilities Specialist, Microsoft.

Click here to find a BSIA member that can provide a Speedgate System.