Access control system specialist Nortech has recently seen a luxury hotel in Bath update its car park by replacing its existing Nortech FeeMaster system with the latest specification. Nortech’s FeeMaster range was installed by access control system experts APT Security Systems, which is currently updating its past application of the FeeMaster system, so that staff can continue to monitor use of the hotel’s car park.
APT Security Systems is the provider of vehicle access control and traffic management systems in the UK. Using its experience in designing and delivering practical and cost-effective solutions, APT installed the updated system which includes the FeeMaster Smart Entry Station, FeeMaster Smart Exit Station, and a FeeMaster Smart Console inside the building. The console allows the staff to control any misuse of the car park and ensures that there are enough parking spaces for its guests.
Upgrading car parking system to latest version
Nortech’s FeeMaster Smart parking management system is a flexible, simple and cost-effective way of managing car parking accessMary Lynskey, Operations Manager at APT Security Systems commented, “Nortech’s systems have been used on our projects for a number of years and as with this hotel we are currently updating the equipment at these sites to the latest versions. We have worked with Nortech for more than 20 years and are very pleased with its equipment.”
She continued, “The FeeMaster range has always worked well for the hotel and they were happy to renew the system as it’s the right fit for their business. The client likes how the products work and we will always recommend Nortech to others looking to upgrade their car parking systems.”
Nortech’s FeeMaster Smart parking management system is a flexible, simple and cost-effective way of managing car parking access and controlling validity periods using Mifare smart cards. This avoids the need for expensive cabling between components and minimises disruption.
Functioning of the FeeMaster system
The FeeMaster Smart exit station prevents unauthorised vehicles leaving a car park or entering restricted areasThe FeeMaster entry station is designed to be used to record the date and time that a vehicle enters a car park. Located at the entrance of the car park, it issues tickets to visitors as they arrive, with each ticket containing a barcode, serial number and the date and time. Dispensing the ticket triggers an ‘open’ signal to the entry barrier.
The ticket is then taken to the hotel’s reception desk where the date and time is used in conjunction with the FeeMaster Smart Console. The FeeMaster Smart exit station prevents unauthorised vehicles leaving a car park or entering restricted areas. Located at the exit of the car park or the entrance to a restricted area, it validates the Mifare smart cards and exit tokens.
The exit station is equipped with a barcode scanner to read exit tokens issued by the FeeMaster Smart console, as well as entry tickets issued at the entry station. Each ticket is valid for single use at the exit station during the validity period assigned to it. The exit station controller checks the details on the barcode ticket and sends an ‘open’ signal to the barrier.
Encoding reusable Mifare access control cards
The FeeMaster Smart Console is a compact and easy-to-install device that reads barcode tickets issued at the entry stationThe FeeMaster Smart Console is a compact and easy-to-install device that reads barcode tickets issued at the entry station, calculates the fees based on pre-programmed tariff details, and encodes reusable Mifare access control cards with validity data. If necessary, the console can print customer receipts and/or barcode exit tokens.
It can also control a till drawer and can optionally provide a relay output signal which can be used by third equipment i.e. barrier control whenever a card has been encoded or an exit ticket printed. The console may also be connected to a PC so that transactions can be analysed and additional tariff management features may be used.
Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.
