Category: Blog Commentary
21 May 2024
Here are most commonly asked questions (and answers) people ask when researching and selecting a door access control system. Read More >>
05 April 2024
British Sugar were looking to provide a blueprint for a group CCTV upgrade, supporting the monitoring and analytics of people, vehicle movements and assets. Read More >>
25 March 2024
Providing an overview of access control systems, this blog will walk you through the key considerations in choosing the right system . Read More >>
04 March 2024
A look into how TouchStar's cost effective Access Control Systems integrate with daily operations for enhanced efficiency. Read More >>
27 February 2024
Touchstar underwent a thorough IT process review in Feb 2024 to assess cyber resilience. Excited to share Touchstar earned 'Cyber Essentials Plus' status. Read More >>
30 January 2024
A blog on access control and the key considerations around system efficiency, power and robustness. Read More >>
30 October 2023
Our latest blog covers all the key considerations to look at when selecting your business CCTV system. Read More >>
05 October 2023
A blog for businesses looking to optimise their workforce management with digital time and attendance and the key considerations to look at. Read More >>
25 September 2023
There are many benefits to moving to a digital time and attendance system, check out the top five reasons why businesses should make the move. Read More >>
29 August 2023
Modern time and attendance systems offer a range of features to streamline operational tasks. What do these systems do and what are the benefits? Read More >>
28 July 2023
Cost effective Access Control System upgrades are possible with innovative solutions that enable security enhancements with minimal operational disruption. Read More >>
07 July 2023
What are the operational benefits of access control systems and how can they revolutionise the way businesses operate. Read More >>
30 May 2023
Access control systems are crucial in today's security landscape to identify, authorise, and control not only who enters your premises but what access they have. As security risks continue to rise, organisations across industries are recognising the importance of robust access control measures to fortify their premises and meet regulatory obligations. If you're contemplating an access control system, what essential factors should you be considering? Read More >>
06 December 2022
Technology is always advancing, and the challenges presented by the last few years have spurred this development on, insisting on new solutions to new problems. This article takes a look at access control changes we can expect to see during 2023 based on current trends. Read More >>
15 November 2022
Employees are one of the most invaluable assets you will find within any business. Whether you operate within retail, manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, or education, they play an essential role in providing the goods or services that are fundamental to a successful business or operation. Read More >>
03 November 2022
Freeing up HR admin time, reducing absenteeism and improving punctuality are just some of the benefits that employers achieve by investing in a time and attendance solution. Read More >>
20 October 2022
By their very nature, managing any kind of remote workforce, whether it is field engineers through to cleaning operatives or maintenance teams, can be especially tricky. Read More >>
29 September 2022
With current costs rising as they are, many businesses are having to look at ways to reduce costs where possible, or at least be prepared to do so if the situation continues to deteriorate. Whether this is working with existing and new suppliers, looking at energy-saving measures or reducing product lines, there are many options for businesses to reduce expenses. Read More >>
28 September 2022
Check out the benefits of remote time and attendance in terms of workforce visibility, productivity and employee relations. Read More >>
21 June 2022
We discuss how TouchStar Access, Time, CCTV (ATC) build meaningful relationships with our customers and solutions tailored to your business. Read More >>
26 May 2022
Access Control Technology is employed by public and private organisations up and down the country. It is a proven way to secure premises and keep people safe, as well as to help comply with legislation such as GDPR. Read More >>
11 May 2022
Business data is the lifeblood of any organisation. Not only can it drive business processes, but used effectively, it also provides the intelligence to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve customer service. Paper based systems are still a common method used by operations teams all over the country. However, this approach is inherently slow and often results in human error and delay, particularly for large organisations. Read More >>
04 May 2022
Access Control Systems play a key role in helping safeguard, monitor and optimise operations. Whatever building you many manage, whether it is within Healthcare, Education or Retail, Warehousing and Commercial, these systems help keep staff, visitors, and premises both safe and secure. Read More >>
21 April 2022
A high traffic area for businesses can be defined as any area which receives a high proportion of foot traffic or activity such as stairways, entranceways, reception areas, manufacturing areas, kitchen spaces, or parking areas. These spaces will be part of a building or on private land and can add an extra challenge to security, monitoring and ensuring health and safety standards. Read More >>
19 April 2022
Almost everyone can identify with the feeling of being locked out of a location they need to get into. The frustration hits in two parts, as not only are you unable to gain access to where you need to go, but you also must deal with replacing the locks to make sure the lost key cannot be misused. Read More >>
07 April 2022
There are many reasons why businesses decide to install a CCTV system and as the technology has become much more reasonably priced in recent years, it makes it an option for anyone who needs to “keep an eye on” their premises. Read More >>
16 March 2022
By their very nature, managing any type of premise, whether it is a manufacturing operation, warehouse, commercial, retail, healthcare or educational establishment can be especially tricky. Whilst the premise types may differ, one important factor to consider is the ability to know who is in your building at any given time. Read More >>
24 February 2022
Technology continues to develop and interact with our lives in new ways, and access control is no different. Biometric access control may seem strange, but it’s growing in popularity around the world and is a fast-growing part of the access control industry. Here is our quick guide about how biometric access control works, types of biometric access control and how it can be used within industries. Read More >>
23 February 2022
Here we discuss all the features and functionality of CCTV that enable businesses to proactively respond to any threats or instances of burglary. Read More >>
18 February 2022
Here we discuss CCTV footage requirements in terms of storage and capacity and why they should be a key consideration when planning an installation. Read More >>
15 February 2022
CCTV may be installed for many reasons, from providing basic surveillance through to safeguarding people, assets, and premises. Read More >>
08 February 2022
In our latest blog we weight up the pros and cons of IP based CCTV to help you determine whether it is right for you. Read More >>
01 February 2022
A business CCTV system is a vital component of your organisation’s physical security. Once installed, security cameras become the continuous eyes and ears of your site, there to deter suspicious activity and safeguard important areas, such as entrances, exits and remote locations, day or night. Read More >>
27 January 2022
In this blog we discuss camera-based analytics modules and how they bring intelligent functionality together to protect high value assets. Read More >>
25 January 2022
Here we look at the many features the latest CCTV systems offer and what value they can add to an installation. Read More >>
19 January 2022
Check out the developments that took place in access control and time throughout 2021 that helped us adapt to new changes and challenges. Read More >>
17 January 2022
Here we look at the various actions you can take to secure your warehouse operations from a security, safety and legislative perspective. Read More >>
15 December 2021
Here we look at the security considerations and steps that need to be taken to design and effective security programme. Read More >>
10 November 2021
CCTV camera audio plays an important role in a CCTV system. Do require this functionality and what could CCTV audio mean for your business?
Read More >>
06 September 2021
In this blog we will discuss how to maximise the potential of your retail security system to safeguard your premises, people and assets. Read More >>
05 August 2021
In this blog we discuss CCTV technology and how it should be positioned to be most effective to safeguard commercial business sites. Read More >>
28 July 2021
Here we look at facial scanning technology, its many benefits and why countless organisations are moving towards it. Read More >>
28 April 2021
In this blog we look at Automatic Facial Recognition (AFR) and whether it is an effective step forward from fingerprint system biometrics. Read More >>
22 March 2021
Here we take a look at the NSI and NACOSS standards and why businesses should look for access control providers with these credentials. Read More >>
08 March 2021
In this blog we look at the benefits of access control for the manufacturing industry and how these can facilitate safety and compliance. Read More >>
23 February 2021
With manufacturing excellence very much at the forefront of this operation, intelligent technologies play a key part in securing this company’s vision. Read More >>
28 January 2021
For access control, we explore the top three technological trends and developments that could be in store for the industry in 2021. Read More >>
04 January 2021
In this blog we discuss biometric readers and gaining employee consent in line with current data privacy laws. Read More >>
30 November 2020
In our blog we look at the key attributes of security solutions for large campuses, essential for meeting the challenges they pose. Read More >>
01 October 2020
Here we talk about the benefits of time and attendance and the need to maintain its capabilities even when staff are working remotely. Read More >>
02 September 2020
In this blog, we discuss how we go about designing an end-to-end access control solution and how our experience and expertise sets our systems apart. Read More >>
10 August 2020
In this blog, we discuss time and attendance systems and how they preserve a healthy and safe working environment. Read More >>
09 March 2020
Of all the benefits an organisation can attain through a time and attendance system, cost saving might not be the first to spring to mind. Read More >>
17 January 2020
Here are three ways to help gain acceptance when deploying or upgrade your building security measures with an access control system. Read More >>
25 November 2019
Time & attendance solutions are designed to be simple and intuitive. But don’t be deceived, these systems can be powerful tools to drive operational efficiencies, automate key workforce management processes to reduce costs and provide real time management visibility. Read More >>
15 November 2019
It seems that virtually all aspects of our working days have been revolutionised by technology over the years. Just as laptops or the desktop computer have replaced the typewriter, we are carrying out even the most unassuming of administrative tasks in increasingly digitised ways. Read More >>
25 October 2019
No industry grows by standing still. Access control and the technology it is built on is continuing to evolve, enabling evermore secure, efficient and convenient premises protection and as a result, the market is booming. Research forecasts the global access control market toreach $12.1 billion by 2024, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.24%. Read More >>
14 October 2019
Since its introduction in 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has had time to bed in. Now, legislation relating to personal data and its usage are well-defined, well-published and enforceable, so there’s no excuse for not being informed about what’s expected. Read More >>
07 October 2019
Managing employee and visitor access rights at single or multiple locations can become a complex task with many moving parts. But with safety and security on the line, you can’t afford to have a weak link or any gaps in your system. Read More >>
09 September 2019
With so many digital time and attendance solutions now available, there’s no need to spend precious resources manually managing your workplace and workforce. But, if your business is ready to digitise time and attendance, the range of system terminals can present you with another decision to make - which type of input hardware is right for you? Read More >>
08 July 2019
If access control is a way to maintain the security of both real-world and digital spaces, physical access control can be seen as a locked door. Only admitting entry to a building, room or area to those with the right ‘key’ – such as a code, fingerprint scan or ID card – physical access control serves as a responsive barrier that creates a secure physical environment. Read More >>
10 June 2019
The days of stamping a timecard are well and truly over. With a digital time and attendance system in place, today’s businesses can keep track of employees’ working hours and time on site without a single piece of paperwork. Read More >>
31 May 2019
Fingerprints can be captured through a range of different reader technologies including optical, capacitive, ultrasound and thermal technologies. Read More >>
18 April 2019
Access control readers are the digital gatekeepers of a security system. There are many forms of reader technology, each which either admit or restrict physical access to a space based on a different form of identification. Read More >>
21 December 2018
These days, we’re surrounded by the kind of technology that, at one point, wouldn’t have seemed out of place in a science-fiction film. From the Internet of Things (IoT) to artificial intelligence (AI), modern technology is increasingly put to work to make daily tasks quicker, more automated and more convenient. The same is true of the technology that powers premises security but, where access control is concerned, it’s vital that any boost in efficiency doesn’t equate to compromised system integrity.
Technological advancements for the access control industry must combine innovation with the highest standards of security, as we explore in this blog. Read More >>
16 November 2018
According to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), unplanned absence costs UK businesses £29 billion a year. For private sector companies, this equates to £522 per employee on average, while it costs public sector organisations £835 per employee. This is undoubtedly significant in itself, but there’s more that businesses should consider than just the financial impact of team members missing work. This feature takes a closer look at what staff absenteeism really means. Read More >>
01 October 2018
These days, there’s much more to building security than simply keeping the wrong people out. While access control is an essential consideration, in offering optimum business value, a system should include every aspect of your physical premises security, plus site visibility, staff and visitor management, and time and attendance functionality. Crucially, each of these systems should interact and communicate with the others, based on data in a central location. Read More >>
01 October 2018
Your organisation works hard to stay at the forefront of your field, and there are few things more gratifying than to see that dedication rewarded by growth and advancement. Yet, alongside the passage of time, business progression can often render your building security less effective than it should be, which a developing company can ill-afford. If your access control system no longer seems to meet the needs of your organisation, it may only be a matter of time before a chink in the armour turns into a full-scale security lapse. Here are five signs you should look to upgrade your building security without delay. Read More >>
03 August 2018
University can be a rite of passage and, for many young people, it’s the first time they find themselves living away from home. Safe and secure learning and living environments go a long way towards helping new students settle in and find their feet, so campus security should be a top priority for university administrators. Read More >>
19 July 2018
Assa Abloy a leading manufacturer of access control hardware, and an important partner of Touchstar ATC, has produced a detailed report on the current status of the wireless access control market. The report was produced in conjunction with IFSEC and we’ve highlighted some of the main findings. Read More >>
29 May 2018
We’re always encouraging small and growing businesses to invest in CCTV, and with good reason: even former criminals vouchfor the effectiveness of video surveillance. But the latest cameras can be used for much more than just catching bad guys.
Within this feature are a few applications for CCTV equipment that you might not have considered before. Read More >>
03 May 2018
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – the next major shakeup to European Union (EU) data privacy laws – is set to come into full force on May 25, forcing businesses of all kinds to reassess their attitudes towards and processes around personal data. Read More >>
04 April 2018
CCTV has long been a useful tool in the business owner’s battle against crime, but the technology’s users find themselves at a crossroads. In 2018, with purse strings tighter than ever, most are being forced to do more with less – minimising costs without weakening defences. Fortunately, this corporate security mainstay is evolving, and various new features and trends are helping organisations get the most from their CCTV investments Read More >>
30 January 2018
CCTV is everywhere in the UK. Although accurate figures are hard to come by, some reports have estimated there to be almost six million cameras watching the population – roughly one for every 11 people. It’s not difficult to see why, as a security measure, CCTV is so popular: it’s cost-effective and it works. But the rapid spread of surveillance over the past ten years has caused many members of the public to question their rights to privacy. For any business considering CCTV, then, and those using it already, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications. And namely, how it fits within the Human Rights Act 1998. Read More >>
20 December 2017
Although government figures suggest that crimes against businesses are falling in most areas, the tens of thousands of incidents still occurring show that companies still have plenty to fear. The threats go far beyond just theft as well; owners and workers across all industries are at risk of fraud, assaults and cybercrime too. So how do you go about keeping your business and the people within it safe? Read More >>
23 November 2017
There are many ways in which one of our systems can protect your business from theft and unauthorised entry, and while this is the primary function, there is more to access control than just security. With the right solution in place, you stand to improve record-keeping, productivity and safety across your business - and in this article, we’ll explain how. Read More >>
09 November 2017
With various exciting solutions and trends on the horizon, our latest blog article looks at the future of access control. Read More >>
06 November 2017
For decades, access control systems were considered a security tool that let authorised personnel enter a building or area. While many people still think of access control in these terms, advanced access control systems boast a variety of tools and benefits that are often overlooked. Read More >>
29 September 2017
As much as we’d all like to fully trust those around us, there will always be some people who have malicious intentions – so you need to protect your premises. The key is to invest wisely in security, and more specifically, access control. Even when you have security in mind, though, there are pitfalls to consider; pitfalls that many organisations are still falling foul of today. This feature highlights some of the most obvious failings, and a few tips on how to avoid them. Read More >>
04 August 2017
While the internet has undoubtedly revolutionised business communication, most companies still need to welcome visitors to their premises regularly - whether for important meetings or just introductory tours of the office. As such, visitor access – and managing it effectively – is still a major consideration for managers across all industries. Thankfully, the task is made easier by the host of innovative access control technologies available, each one built to address the various security challenges faced by your business. Read More >>
25 July 2017
Implementing a new access control system is no small step. Choose the right setup though, and you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time. TouchStar is committed to ensuring its customers get the most from their investments, and as part of that we offer a range of ongoing support through our online portal. Our job is in no way done once the initial installation is complete; we’ll be there by your side to prevent and fix problems, advise and update for as long as you need us. Read More >>
09 June 2017
To find the best security solution for your business, TouchStar undertakes a detailed site survey to find out what you’re looking to achieve, how well your current system works and your future business plans. Read More >>
19 May 2017
If you’re to get the most from your access control investment, you need to ensure that as well as being secure, your set-up is user-friendly. Consider things such as tuition, freedom of access and scalability for the future. Read More >>
05 May 2017
The safety of students and staff is a primary concern in the education sector and now innovative and easy-to-use technologies are making monitoring and controlling complex premises of all sizes straightforward and cost-effective. Read More >>
20 April 2017
Internet Protocol (IP) technology offers advanced security solutions which provide greater convenience and better protection than ever before. Here we look at the benefits and the ways forward in the future. Read More >>
11 April 2017
Today’s businesses face all manner of security challenges. To achieve the ultimate peace of mind it pays to invest in a state-of-the-art, fully-featured access control system. One of the market’s leading solutions is TouchStar’s Microtrak Evolution software. Read More >>
02 March 2017
Biometric access control systems are becoming increasingly popular reading a person’s voice, retina or fingerprint to determine if they can be permitted entry. But how does the biometrics system works and what businesses are systems of this type most suited to? Read More >>
13 February 2017
The CCTV systems that Touchstar ATC provide offer a wide-variety of modern technological advances. These include instant playback allowing people to instantly rewind and view footage in the event of an incident, round-the-clock monitoring with digital footage storage devices and zoom functions so cameras can focus in on suspicious activity. Read More >>
26 January 2017
Have you considered how you would manage a security incident within your building? Depending on the industry you work in, the type of incident that you might encounter will differ, but we are talking about something sudden, unexpected, dangerous or distressing. There are several technology solutions that can help with managing an emergency situation.
Read More >>