Editor: Automatic Control Systems (ACS) exhibited at the recently held Access Control and Security Systems Integration Conference and Expo. ACS is a new venture in the United States, and this was our first large-scale contact with the industry in this country.

We could not have picked a better event to make our debut. From the quality of the exhibitors and attendees, to the expertise of the speakers and the gracious welcome of the AC&SSI staff, we felt privileged to be participating.

As the subsidiary of and exclusive distributor for the Automatic Systems Group, a world leader in technologically advanced parking and access control equipment, we have nearly 30 years of experience in the development, design and manufacture of all forms of parking and access control.

Our goal is to provide end-users with technologically advanced, high- quality products that have unique security and safety features, through distributors who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and superior service. Our participation in your show brought us closer to our goal. We met consultants, integrators, equipment manufacturers, distributors and end-users, all of whom were interested in our products. Geographically, they came from many states, Canada and a number of South American countries. We believe that our participation in the show and conference has given our introduction a tremendous boost and has provided us with a wealth of invaluable information and contacts.

Some people had suggested that your show might be small and, therefore, somewhat less desirable. Au contraire, our experience on both a professional and personal level was quite rewarding. The cocktail reception and lunches were an opportunity to meet participants and interact in a less formal atmosphere. I came away from this experience with excellent business leads and also new friends.

I look forward to next year's show in your home base of Atlanta. In the meantime, my sincerest thanks for a job well done. Alex Rothschild, president, Automatic Control Systems, New York

Credit where it's due

Editor: In the February 1997 issue there is a rather lengthy article relative to a programmable card access system in the NYNEX facilities in and around New York City (page 31, Programmable cards help telecom company monitor building entry ). Nowhere in the article is there mention of the genesis of that system or what went into the design of that system, nor is credit given to any of the original players that had to do with the design, implementation and servicing of that system.

An article printed in your January 1991 issue, authored by myself, speaks specifically and succinctly about this installation, as well as who and what caused this system to exist in the first place.

I feel strongly that some credit should be given to the authors of that system, especially since all mention of the intent of NYNEX (formerly known as the New York Telephone Company) was clearly defined way back then. Truly, the system has been in operation almost faultlessly for more than 15 years. Those of us who had to do with its creation are all alive and well, thank you, and enjoy a great deal of pride in our accomplishment.

I think it would be nice to have a mention in one of your upcoming issues, as it relates to the previously printed information. We look forward to some recognition in this matter.

William G. Magnusson, executive vice president, Strategic Security Technologies, MacKenzie Security Systems Division, New York

Editor's note: Others who worked on the original system (in addition to Mr. Magnusson) were Albert Larsen, former area operations manager of Building Operations, New York Telephone (now retired); George Cecala, of Hub Electric (formerly Acme Protection Systems Inc.); and David Swartz of Security Applications Inc. (SAI) (formerly BASIC Applications Inc.). As the February 1997 article described, the original system of card readers and other equipment has been updated with new software and a remote dial interface.

Turn to a consultant

Editor: High-tech robberies described by Frank Johns in the February 1997 issue are a type of increasingly ruthless crime in which the attackers are well-prepared and dedicated. They depend on the victim not being prepared. These owners are risk takers and not risk managers.

As an independent security consultant, I have followed these events for many years and have talked to owners before and after the events. While they may be excellent technicians, they feel that somehow it won't happen to them or that insurance will cover any loss. The common complaint is that security costs too much money, but they really don't know what needs to be done. This juvenile mentality leads to assaults that Johns describes.

Security professionals, who are guided by experience, have extensive tools available for most budgets and risks. Many countermeasures to vulnerabilities are cost-free or modest when compared to projected losses. Some owners seem to believe that security is all gold-plated and that security systems planners and designers are out to gouge them. A true consultant will develop the best, cost-effective system for the client.

Business owners and insurers can protect their investments with qualified, comprehensive security evaluations to assess risks and propose effective solutions. Insurers need to support the client with premium reductions for reasonable countermeasures that reduce risk and losses. Insurers should require pre-incident protection of clients and appropriate, continuing re-evaluation.

While security is not responsible for criminal prosecution, there is much we can do to protect our clients against violent acts. Frank Johns' warning in the February issue is a start. Don Connors, CPP, Carlsbad, Calif.



Govt Security

Cover

This month in Access Control

Latest Jobs

Popular Stories

Resources

Back to Top