Published 29-09-2020
| Article appears in October 2020 Issue

Morphowave scanner allows secure building entry in one second

29-09-2020

Dexus has launched a security upgrade that integrates a perfect jigsaw of solutions to meet security tenant needs in an urban CBD district in Sydney.

 A crucial part of this secure entry jigsaw is the use of IDEMIA MorphoWave fingerprint scanners.

 MorphoWave scans and verifies four fingerprints through a simple hand wave gesture, during which the sensor takes several 3D photos of the fingerprints to extract biometric data and compare with the authorised fingerprints stored in the device.

 If they match, the user is granted access. This process is touchless and all happens in less than one second.

 Property leader Dexus has upgraded the Gateway building in Sydney’s Circular Quay, to feature entry security measures that are increasingly demanded by tenants seeking protection of employees, visitors and valuable data.

 Gateway is Australia’s first office tower to use fully integrated touchless fingerprint scanning to allow authorised office workers and guests into the building.

 Dexus received help through the integration of services from Boon Edam speed gates, MorphoWave fingerprint scanners,Schindler Lifts and Honeywell access control technology.

 The solution had to work seamlessly to enhance the user experience and building security for tenants and visitors at the 46-storey landmark building in Sydney’s CBD, owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund.

 “Tenants have a duty of care to protect their employees and visitors as well as valuable data and intellectual property, and they need the cooperation and support of a responsible and innovative building manager such as Dexus to manage secure entry into the building,” says Mr Michael Fisher, Managing Director, Boon Edam Australia.

 Mr Stephen Hodge, Senior Project Manager, Dexus, confirmed that this was a major reason for the Gateway upgrade. “We have tenants in Gateway who requested ground floor security, so we went out to tender to seek the best combination of sophisticated security and elegance, without being obtrusive to the building’s users,” he said.

 Complex integration

 Gateway’s access solution begins with a sign-in system for guests, while authorised tenants will have their unique finger pattern saved.

 The guest pass, or your finger ID pattern, is then used on a MorphoWave fingerprint, which grants access to authorised personnel.

 MorphoWave scans and verifies four fingerprints through a simple hand wave gesture.

Each Morphowave scanner is connected to Schindler’s PORT Technology, which then receives the user’s credential data and is cross-checked in the base building access control database.

 If the user is valid, a command is sent to the Boon Edam Lifeline Speedlane to open. This interaction is surprisingly quick with limited latency.

 A major part of the solution involves lift destination control, whereby a user’s credentials automatically assign a lift as they are verified and allowed access through the speedgate.

 This seamless integration was assisted by an existing global partnership between Boon Edam and Schindler Lifts.

 The partnership enables Schindler’s PORT 4 mini technology to be embedded into the speedgates at the manufacturing stage in the Boon Edam factory.

 The design also incorporates a high-level interface between Schindler’s PORT Technology and Boon Edam speedstile to control the speedgates.

 Using an advanced algorithm and the integrated Schindler PORT 4 mini lift destination control for visual and audio feedback, a lift is automatically assigned at the same time the gate is opening, for optimum efficiency.

 The security is controlled by Honeywell’s access control system, integrated with Schindler’s PORT Technology.

 Honeywell has been managing the security and building management systems for the Gateway building since it was first opened in 1990.

 Honeywell Asia-Pacific Solution Architect Leader Rhys Crabb says early engagement at all stages and a commitment to a collaborative approach enabled Dexus to select the best available technologies. 

 “Dexus placed customer outcomes first and foremost in the project brief, ensuring the delivery of a product that provided tenants and visitors with a premium, modern and secure user experience that is flexible and easy to use,” said Mr Crabb.

 Fingerprint scanners were chosen to control access to secured floors and areas of the building, because it provided an extra level of privacy that was attractive to tenants.

 For such a complex project, installation always has its challenges, including managing installation work as people continue to use the building.

 Dexus Facility Manager, Gateway, Mr Bill Garrett, was impressed by Boon Edam’s service and installation team.

 “I’m delighted with the result of the project. One of the major benefits of the new entry system is that there’s a dedicated underground entrance for tradespeople, couriers and deliveries, which removes congestion and bulky trolleys from the main lobby.”

 “It’s all about enhancing the user experience, and Gateway will set a new benchmark for a seamless, secure and aesthetically pleasing entry,” said Mr Garrett.

 

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