In 2013/14 the Authority identified a need for security access to CFRS premises. A project team was put together and a tender process went out through OJEU, to which Tensor submitted a tender. An initial four-year contract was won for security access control, which also had the provision of adding ancillaries such as CCTV in due course.
CFRS has been working with Tensor to keep the security equipment maintained, and CCTV surveillance and barriers have been installed at sites where it has been deemed necessary for security reasons.
The team responsible for looking after the Access Security and CCTV at CFRS is the Application Support Group (ASG). They initially received training on how to use the Access Control System.
"The training was very useful, which meant that our team rarely has to ask for assistance from the Tensor Support Team. When faults are reported, it's very rare that any are escalated to higher authority as nine times out of ten the Tensor Ops Team arrive on site within the same day."
With Tensor's Access Control system, CFRS can control the security per site and create areas within each site. Via Tensor's WinAC.NET software, the ASG Team can allow staff access into certain parts of stations and let the operational team into other areas. The reporting aspect is also key to CFRS as it's important to know who's been where and at what time for security reasons.
"The access control is very configurable, even down to door level for access. We also like the CCTV system because it gives us peace-of-mind and site security, because we have employees on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"CFRS would recommend Tensor to any organisations and other Fire Services that are looking to install Access Control or CCTV systems. The Access Control very rarely has hardware failures, the kit is stable, it doesn't fail and it's simple to use."
"As a natural end-user CFRS has always found Tensor a responsive and reliable supplier with a reliable system."
*All quotes are from the CFRS Application Support Group (ASG)*