As access control systems specialist TDSi approaches its 30th Anniversary the company is honouring its longest-serving members of staff: product support engineer Geoff Boulton and software analyst and developer Ian Hoare.
Both team members have seen the company grow and evolve during their time. Boulton joined International Time Recorders (ITR), the forerunner to TDSi, back in 1979 while Hoare became the first new employee with TDSi in 1983.
During their long careers at TDSi, both Geoff and Ian have witnessed huge changes – not only in the company but also in the technology and business sector as a whole.
Boulton commented: “Things have changed radically since I joined the company. Originally, we concentrated wholly on time and attendance systems but it had become a crowded sector, so our focus was moved to the up-and-coming sector of access control.”
He added: “Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. TDSi championed the infrared access card, for instance, so in that sense the company today still maintains this avant-garde approach to product development.”
Multi-functional, IP-based systems now the norm
Both Boulton and Hoare have seen their own careers grow and flourish along with the development of TDSi as a whole.
“I initially began work on the production line building time recording systems,” explained Hoare, “but soon moved into a testing/repairing role. This took me on a path towards technical support and, ultimately, onto developing software which very rapidly became the core of TDSi’s systems.”
Hoare continued: “From the now seemingly simplistic punch-card time and attendance systems that were still very much in use when I started, we now have highly complex, multi-functional IP-based systems that have moved away from pure hardware and are, technologically speaking, hugely different.”
Boulton and Hoare have their eyes firmly fixed on the company’s future and, indeed, on the future of the access control industry as a whole.
Hoare explained: “All indications are that IP systems are here to stay and will continue to revolutionise the way in which access control systems are installed and operate. When we first developed specialist software it fitted on a floppy disk! It does mean, though, that modern and future systems will continue to be more intelligent, easier to use and better at providing the security that clients need.”
TDSi’s markets have continued to evolve as well, and Boulton was quick to acknowledge this.
“As well as the UK, we are very well established in Europe and China, with the Middle East becoming an increasingly important market for us,” he outlined. “Having a broad range of clients in different regions has definitely helped TDSi continue to be a solid and well balanced company, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow and thrive.”
Integrated access control regimes
Etablished in 1982 (and with its global head office in Poole, UK and a regional office in Noisy-le-Grand, France), TDSi protects people, assets and information by providing cost-effective and well-supported integrated access control systems.
The company is a specialist in the design, manufacture and support of access solutions and their assimilation with other electronic security and building management systems. TDSi offers a comprehensive range of scalable, easy-to-use and install products, along with a carefully selected, highly skilled channel partner network that offers a full spectrum of value-add services.
No less than one million people per day rely on TDSi cards to gain secure, reliable access to one of over 20,000 installations.
ISO9001 accredited, TDSi’s access control systems range from standalone products to networked and integrated systems for all sectors.
The company boasts customers across a wide range of vertical sectors, including: Healthcare, Finance/Banking, Education, Transportation, Ports and Airports, Utilities and Industrial and Commercial/Retail.
Established customers include Bristol International Airport, Devon County Council, the University of the West of England, Guildhall School, Natwest Bank, Bentley Motors, Vodafone and Jaguar Landrover.
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