The Client
MITIE is the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services company managing and maintaining some of the nation’s most recognised landmarks; they also work with a wide range of blue-chip private and public sector clients. On behalf of their client (BNP Paribas Real Estate UK & National Grid UK Commercial Property), Mitie carry out a wide range of services including security on approximately 200 National Grid UK Commercial Property r sites throughout the UK
The Challenge
Each site is assessed for the risk of trespass, unwanted occupation, fly-tipping, theft, and vandalism. In uncontrolled conditions, unprotected y sites present a range of risks and as such it is key to have a range of management measures including the control of access.
Recognising the presence of risk
National Grid UK Commercial Property wanted to control access to authorised personnel only, with a systems that would monitor all-access, to and from sites, and could be used as a compliance tool alongside other monitoring systems and procedures provided by BNP Paribas Real Estate UK.
National Grid UK Commercial Property were keen to move on from existing access systems, such as keyed or barrel-coded padlocks, which provide an adequate level of physical security, but did not provide accountability or access compliance.
Collaboration
Loxal have been known to Mitie for several years, having already supplied them with bespoke access and security solutions on a range of high-profile projects, including the original IDAC’s Block Lock which have been used on National Grid’s UK Commercial Property sites since 2017, successfully detecting incursions and protecting sites.
Loxal redeveloped their operating system and product range in close communication with Mitie and their client to produce a full range of cloud-based patented access and security products capable of withstanding use in the most demanding industrial environments.
The Site Solution: Alarm integrated IDACS Block Lock
Loxal have produced a cloud-based, wireless, smart gate lock with full Videofied alarm integration. The lock provides 1000’s of unique user codes and temporary code sets. Upon authorised unlocking of the device, the on-site Mitie ‘Detect’ alarm will disarm.
The Block Lock is installed on the perimeter access gates and uses a heavy duty, hardened steel chain, meaning any gates can have the Block Lock fitted without the need for any work to be carried out on the gates themselves.
Comments Dan Delaney, Loxal Director
“Loxal’s new IDACS Block Locks are the perfect solution for the National Grid Gas Holder site portfolio. Whether the site is in a busy city area or a remote location, the Block Lock offers a sophisticated access solution you may expect to find only on a hard-wired product.
“Using the Loxal App to transfer data via Bluetooth only, provides a greater level of convenience and security. Integration with the alarm means that sensitive alarm codes do not need to be issued, this provides an additional layer of security”
Comments Roy Tucker, National Account Manager, Mitie
“The new IDACS Block Lock is a remarkable product; it’s very simple to use but incredibly sophisticated. The alarm integration is a major plus for us and the new online functionality of IDACS makes compliance and reporting easy. Having Loxal as a technology partner has enabled us to come up with a bespoke solution for our client. Their hands-on approach and can-do attitude are very useful in an ever changing and often challenging working environment.
All Loxal Security products are designed and manufactured in the UK and are Police Approved “Secured by Design”.