Mitsubishi Electric’s Air Conditioning Division has deployed browser-based access control as part of a security upgrade.
Founded in 1993, the company known as Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd, is based in Livingston, Scotland and makes air conditioning and heat pumps.
Grosvenor Technology’s SATEON product is totally browser-based and powered by web streaming to deliver a graphical user interface through the user’s preferred browser. There is no limit to client-licenses, so that a user can have as many operators as required with access to the system. The system also has the makers say a low IT overhead as there is no client software to install. Andrew Galvin, Health, Safety and Training Manager said: “The main driver for upgrading was to replace our ageing proprietary system with a solution that offered total flexibility, ease of management and future-proof, scalable technology that could grow with our business. SATEON has delivered on all counts and provides us with a powerful system that has an easy to use and intuitive user interface. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are working in a browser because it looks and feels just as responsive as if the software was installed on a dedicated PC.”
SATEON can deliver reporting tools directly to a browser. These include access levels, identity card printing, alarm management, navigable graphic maps, people in area monitoring and management reports. Thanks to its open architecture and resilient Microsoft SQL Database back-end it can integrate with third party database sources besides CCTV, intruder alarm and other separate security systems. At Livingston the SATEON is connected to over 30 doors distributed across four buildings, not all on the same site. Being IP-based allows the system to communicate with readers and door controllers over the company’s standard corporate WAN/LAN. The majority of the existing RS485 wiring from the original installation was reused, with RS485/IP Line Headers used to connect them to the network. Any new access points were connected directly to the IP network. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is fully supported, helping to further reduce installation costs.
The SATEON system was installed by Grosvenor Technology’s approved partner FPG Security Solutions Ltd, who is also providing on-site support. Jim Williamson, Director of FPG, said: “Whilst SATEON delivers full IP connectivity and web browsing capability, the flexibility to utilise existing RS485 cabling infrastructure, reader and card technologies offered a significant advantage to Mitsubishi Electric, minimising downtime during system changeover and limiting disruption to staff.”
Grosvenor Technology adds that it has a large installed base of JANUS and Siteguard access control systems in Scotland. However, Mitsubishi Electric is the first new site in the region to take SATEON. For JANUS/Siteguard users SATEON is backwards compatible with existing door controller and reader hardware. This provides an upgrade path with minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure, without the need for more spending on hardware, the company adds.
About Grosvenor:
Grosvenor Technology was founded in 1989; Grosvenor systems are used in education, government, transport, banking, commercial and retail applications. E-mail: [email protected] or visit www.grosvenortechnology.com
Pictured: Mitsubishi Electric’s manufacturing facility in Livingston, Scotland.
