Poole-based integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce the launch of its new GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy reader, which enables the authentication of security credentials from a compatible mobile device. This provides convenient, fully secure, cost effective and safer contactless access for security operators and users.
Research shows that 98% of security users view access control using a token or card as a constraint on their daily routine, whilst 68% would like to use their mobile smartphone to grant access. This was the initial thinking behind the GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy Reader, which uses the inbuilt security of a mobile device (which many people already use for highly secure transactions such as internet banking and contactless payments) to grant approved access.
The use of a personal device for non-contact authentication has undoubtedly become even more popular since the introduction of social distancing, following the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year. John Davis, Managing Director of TDSi explains, “People looking to lower the risk of cross infection are finding this approach a welcome addition, but it also has benefits in terms of being eco-friendly, as there are no cards/tokens needing to be produced or safely discarded. The enhanced end-to-end security of the user having to authenticate themselves using a pattern, PIN code, fingerprint or facial recognition to access the device for authentication, is also a big plus.
Using a mobile device for access control authentication is a logical approach. By its very nature, people tend to be more careful with a mobile device than a token/card/fob. They are less likely to lose, forget or lend it to other people. It also perfectly supports a dynamic and flexible centralised approach to the remote management of authentication credentials, being easily enabled, updated, or cancelled at a moment’s notice.
The GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy Reader solution features four key components:
- The GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy Mullion Reader unit
- The SECARD configuration and programming kit (for complete control over system configuration, security, and settings)
- The Mobile ID Online Portal (to create, manage, issue and revoke credentials)
- The Mobile ID app for the mobile device (featuring customisable credentials, including corporate branding and ID photographs)
The GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy Reader is equally attractive to installers. Easily integrated, it can be fitted (or retro-fitted) to a network and commissioned in the same way as any other TDSi reader. The end user purchases the readers and then virtual credits to add additional authorised users.
John Davies concludes, “The GARDiS Bluetooth Low Energy Reader offers a considerable number of benefits – it provides quick and easy, yet cost effective access control with a seamless user experience, helps to tackle potential COVID-19 transmission vectors, is fully customisable (including read-range), can be used with TDSi’s Track and Trace application, features high security AES and EAL5+ encryption, and easily allows secure temporary access for visitors. This is an access control solution that is perfectly suited to the new normal and evolving ongoing security needs.”
For more information on TDSi please visit: www.tdsi.co.uk