Hikvision access control upgrade for A&B Taxis, Basildon
A&B Taxis in Basildon recently asked us to modernise their front door security after years of relying on an outdated intercom system.
The old setup would simply ring through to an internal phone when a visitor pressed the call button at the entrance. Staff had no way of seeing who was at the door in real time, which made it harder to manage visitors, deliveries and late night call outs with confidence.
The brief
The customer wanted a system that would:
- Give clear visual confirmation of who was requesting access
- Make it easy for staff to grant or deny entry from inside
- Provide flexible access options for trusted users
- Improve safety in an emergency
All without unnecessary disruption to the building or replacing hardware that was already working perfectly well.
From audio only to full IP intercom
We replaced the dated intercom with a modern Hikvision IP based door station at the main entrance. This now integrates with two 10″ internal screens installed in key staff areas.
When someone presses the call button at the door:
- Staff can see a clear live video image of the visitor on the 10″ screens
- They can speak to the person directly and decide whether to grant access
- Door release is controlled from the screen, improving both security and convenience
This simple upgrade has transformed the way A&B Taxis manage visitors, especially during busy periods and after dark.
Fob and PIN access for trusted users
As part of the new system, we also enabled proximity fob and PIN code access.
This means regular staff and authorised users can let themselves in quickly, without needing to press the intercom each time. The business can issue, revoke or change access credentials as staff change, which gives much better long term control over who can enter the building.
Adding an emergency door release
There was no emergency door release fitted on the previous system. From a safety and compliance point of view, that is far from ideal, especially in a busy commercial environment.
We installed a dedicated emergency door release, allowing the door to be safely and quickly released in the event of a fire or other emergency. This gives both management and staff extra peace of mind.
Reusing the existing mag lock
To keep costs sensible and avoid unnecessary waste, we retained the existing magnetic lock, which was still working perfectly.
By integrating the new Hikvision IP system with the existing mag lock:
- The customer avoided the cost of a full hardware replacement
- We reduced installation time and disruption to the site
- There was no compromise on security or reliability
This is a good example of how an access control upgrade does not always mean starting again from scratch.
Tidy power and backup in the comms room
We supplied and fitted a new power supply unit with a backup battery inside the main communications room.
If there is a local power cut, the access control system will continue to operate for a period of time, helping to keep the entrance secure and avoid staff being locked out or doors being left unsecured.
The result for A&B Taxis
For A&B Taxis, this project has delivered:
- Clear visual verification of every visitor at the front door
- Easier, safer control of entry from inside the office
- Flexible fob and PIN code access for staff
- An emergency door release that was previously missing
- A cost effective upgrade that reused good existing hardware
With the new Hikvision IP based system in place, the team can manage access far more confidently, and the entrance is now much better aligned with the way the business operates day to day.
If you are running a business in Basildon or the surrounding areas and your intercom or access control system is starting to show its age, we can help. Whether you need a simple upgrade or a complete new installation, get in touch to discuss the options.
More about HIKVISION
Hikvision is the world’s leading supplier of video surveillance products and solutions. Hikvision now has more than 58,000 employees, over 25,000 of which are R&D engineers. The company annually invests 7 – 8% of its annual sales revenue to research and development for continued product innovation. Hikvision has established a complete, multi-level R&D system that includes every operation from research to design, development, testing, technical support, and service. Centered at its Hangzhou headquarters, the R&D teams operate globally, including R&D centers in Montreal, Canada and London in the UK, as well as five cities in China.
Hikvision advances the core technologies of audio and video encoding, video image processing, and related data storage, as well as forward-looking technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and deep learning. Over the past several years, Hikvision deepened its knowledge and experience in meeting customer needs in various vertical markets, including public security, transportation, education, healthcare, financial institutions, and energy, as well as intelligent buildings. Accordingly, the company provides professional and customized solutions to meet diverse market requirements. In addition to the video surveillance industry, Hikvision extended its business to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries — all based on video intelligence technology — to explore channels for sustaining long-term development.
Hikvision has established one of the most extensive marketing networks in the industry, comprising 44 overseas regional subsidiaries, to ensure quick responses to the needs of customers, users and partners. Hikvision products serve a diverse set of vertical markets covering more than 150 countries, such as the Philadelphia Recreation center in the USA, the safe city project in Seoul, South Korea, Dun Laoghaire Harbour in Ireland, and the Bank of India, to name just a few.