British Airways has completed a major software and hardware upgrade to the existing CEM AC2000 access control system installed at its buildings throughout London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
The upgrade entailed the deployment of the latest AC2000 v5 software, and included extensive software development to customise key applications to meet British Airways’ requirements. Some 26 new workstations were supplied with special applications, including Visual Imaging and Pass Production System (VIPPS) and Alarm Event Display (AED) software modules. As part of the upgrade, BA also issued dual technology Wiegand and Picopass smart cards.
The airline’s security directives required extensive software development in the programming of smart cards, including managing the card structure and securing the cards with encrypted keys that can be used for applications in addition to access control, such as cashless vending and air miles.
The VIPPS provides a range of video imaging tools that allows the airline to customise and print professional ID passes for staff, contractors and tenants, to include data such as personnel images and company logo signatures. The AED, meanwhile, provides real-time graphical, audio and text-based information of all events and alarms that occur on the AC2000 system.