Well before September 11 2001, airports grappled with the problem of balancing security with access – how to run airports securely, but smoothly. The solution adopted long before the September 11 atrocity by Brussels Airport, at the heart of the European Union, is hands-free technology, which not only enables more than 30,000 employees and contractors  to pass to and fro freely and securely, but also demonstrates the value of real partnership.

Background

Brussels boasts one of the busiest airports in Europe, with more than a quarter of a million aircrafts taking off and landing every year, and more than 15 million passengers arriving, departing or passing through every year.  

The airport can lay claim to being at the heart of Europe – but like every airport, it has had to balance the necessity for rigorous security, particularly after September 11 , with the equally pressing need to keep staff, passengers and cargo on the move.

The all-important security systems at Brussels are the responsibility of Fabricom GTI, the leading Belgium-based systems integrator that specialises in bespoke solutions , from perimeter security and video surveillance to access control and the identity badge distribution system. Taken as a whole, security at Brussels Airport is one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe.

Making the choice

For its access control systems hardware, Fabricom GTI turned to Bewator, a European leader in the field of access security, and one of the company’s oldest and most trusted partners. The two-year project to install hands-free access control systems for the client, the Brussels International Airport Company, equipped more than 30,000 airport staff, from baggage handlers to the chief executive, with Bewator’s Cotag ^® reading t echnology and access control sy s tem hardware.

“Our principle is to use preferred suppliers who as soon as possible become true partners,” explained Emile Peeters, Department Manager at Infra Buildings Security, Fabricom GTI’s infrastructure arm. “Bewator brings a quality solution at an acceptable price. We do not think of them as a supplier, but a partner, who offers the very best in up-to-date security technology. When technicians know their products so well, you don’t change them. Their after-sales service is also second to none, providing peace of mind to both ourselves and our clients. As a result, we use Bewator’s systems whenever and wherever we can.”

Technology

Fabricom GTI has used the Cotag ^® Technology, based on RFID (radio frequency identification), over more than a decade and in a range of projects. Rather than swipe or scan their tags – a little thicker and the same size as a credit card – users simply walk up to an access point, whether a door, hatch, portal or gate, to activate it. Brussels users, depending on security clearance, control some 1,000 access points.

And access is truly hands-free. A battery within the card or tag allows access points to read at a distance of up to one metre, through handbags, pockets, or other non metallic materials. That makes carrying equipment, for instance, particularly easy, with no need to put it down, fumble for the tag about your person, offer for scanning, then pick up your load again.  

Bewator’s Granta control hardware offers embedded support for the Cotag ^® reading Technology. Usually, intelligent electronics at each access point read a tag and send a data signal to a distant electronic controller. Not surprisingly, this can be expensive. By contrast, at Brussels Airport, some 350 Granta control systems are located centrally in equipment houses and shelters. Each is wired to up to eight doors, providing a cost effective solution for the delivery of ‘hands-free’ performance. These controllers communicate directly to the access control software made by Fabricom-GTI, all events in the field are visualised in real time, The software fully integrates the different security sub-systems like access control and CCTV.

Modularity and flexibility

Modularity and flexibility are at the heart of the Granta philosophy. Modularity of both hardware and software allows the user to configure the necessary system now, and expand later. As a business or demands grow, a user can easily add modules and controllers. A process of continual development has provided an upgrade path for Granta users since 1992, which in simple terms means that the system will never become obsolete.

Other aspects of the Granta control system are equally impressive. Less sophisticated controllers simply read tags and unlock access points. The Bewator Granta system provides an integrated powerful INPUT/OUTPUT system called CLIC (Configurable Logical I/O Control). This allows Inputs and Outputs to be controlled individually, or in groups, and combined with “flags” and “counters” to provide intelligent monitoring and control of security and other systems. Complex customised I/O events may include changing the gate at an airport pier from arrival to departure, and closing it down if it remains unused. Each Granta controller works automatically in offline mode, even when disconnected from the others.

Added John Thacker, Bewator’s Vice President, Technology: “We are proud that Fabricom GTI counts us as a valued partner. The Bewator Granta system provides a cost effective means of delivering total security solutions that can be tailored to the client’s individual requirements. Bewator technology is robust and reliable – a significant factor in all systems, but especially hose on this scale. That said, we still back our systems up with great round-the-clock customer service. Partners can be assured of the continual enhancement and support for future technologies within the product line.

“Bewator looks forward to serving at Brussels Airport, and partnering with Fabricom GTI throughout Europe, for many years to come.”