Increased security via remote monitoring - SBJ Group Ltd

One BSIA member worked with SBJ Group Ltd to increase the general security of their two sites in Central London and to also improve the safety of the staff working within the buildings.

The SBJ Group is a UK domiciled “top ten” corporate insurance broker, administrator and employee benefit consultant, and has grown significantly over the last five years. Around 700 people work in the group with over 400 working at the two sites within Central London.

After reviewing various systems available in the marketplace, Nigel Waddy, Property Manager for SBJ Group Ltd, decided to install an access control system from a BSIA supplier because of the speed of operation of their Smart cards, which were better than the usual magnetic stripe cards, and the fast throughput of people. Nigel also liked the fact that a British manufacturer designed, manufactured, installed and maintained the equipment.

The new access control system was installed with no problems encountered during the installation of either the hardware or software. “We have a sophisticated system where we manage everything remotely from our offices two miles away” explained Nigel.

When asked if SBJ Group used the new security system to it’s full potential, Nigel commented: “Not at all, we use the system purely for access control even though time and attendance facilities are available to us.”

What Nigel likes most about the security system is its ease of use and maintenance, describing the ease of use of the smart cards as: “Slim like a credit card; they can stay in a wallet so they don’t get lost or broken, unlike magnetic stripe cards that very often fail.”

Nigel said he had not had cause to call the supplier Helpdesk, but did say that: “In all our dealings with the BSIA member we have found them to be responsive, with good follow up.” 

SBJ Group is now looking to extend the access control system to another office in Central London, which will include access control on seven floors of a multi storey office block.

When asked about the overall system and whether he would recommend a BSIA member company, Nigel commented: “The system is very robust and reliable. I would recommend a BSIA member, I found our supplier to be a well structured and well managed organisation – and it worked well for us too!”

- Nigel Waddy, Property Manager, SBJ Group Ltd, London.

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