electronic access control

Access Control Project for St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral

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By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but some doors framed by dark stained wood with lots of distinctive trim is my jam.

St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral Project

When asked how to access control a door like this, most people would see the hard-pan ceiling above and a large window in between and start sweating. The lock hardware and sensors are pretty easy, most have color options of either dark brown or black. It’s the bright yellow wire that has to get there, that presents the problem. There’s always the option of wire mold or conduit, but for this gorgeous entry into St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, it simply wasn’t an option.

We were told that there was space under the wood trim. It looked like a viable option. But, it was going to take some delicate work to remove the trim, route the wire and replace the trim. I don’t know how much trim you’ve tried to remove around your house, but in my house there a 50% chance of breaking it. However, the KB technicians, Terry, Jeremy and Jeff, worked diligently to carefully install that wire. It came out looking great!

St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral Project

Going the extra mile with the wire makes an OK installation, turn into an awesome installation.

Unless you’re from the security or other wire-heavy industry, it’s hard to appreciate… but wiring a panel is an art form. You have to get all the right connections, or the system doesn’t work. If the wire is a little too long, or a little too short, it looks sloppy. The KB team blew it out of the park again at St. George. The access control panel at St. George looks amazing, providing both form and function.

This is an example of how KB goes the extra mile. Did it take some extra time? Yes. Did it take some extra effort? Of course. But the results are amazing. Hats off to Terry, Jeremy, and Jeff for such a good-looking installation!

What are our customers asking us about Access Control?

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By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers.

Access Control: Cellphone as a CredentialKenton Brothers Systems for security has the opportunity to install a lot of access control every year. We love i,t and we’re good at it.

Recently, on a federal agency access control job, we were told by the Federal Inspector that it was the best install he had ever seen in almost thirty years. A proud moment for sure!

During our project management meetings our customers will always ask the following question… What else can the access control system do?

An Access Control system can do so much:

  • Efficiently and reliably manage multiple access points to control risk
  • Set door and zone entry rules
  • Improve business efficiency
  • Ensure business continuity
  • Increase profitability
  • Monitor access points to know ‘where, when and why’ people are on your site at any time
  • Proactively manage site access by integrating with existing HR systems to share information about clearances, credentials, inductions, required permits, licenses and other competencies for card holders
  • Automatically enforce business health and safety policies and compliance with government regulations
  • Welcome, manage and control access for visitors, ensuring your duty of care and health and safety obligations are met
  • Respond rapidly with a reliable and effective emergency management system, including lockdowns and alerts
  • Control outputs such as lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning after-hours, with a smart system managing facilities based on who is on-site
  • Manage intruder alarms with optional handover to alarms monitoring stations
  • Seamlessly integrate IP video surveillance into the Security Operations Center
  • Monitor and respond to perimeter fencing alerts
  • Reduce Cyber risks and threats
  • Optimize facility use
  • Lower energy bills and carbon footprint
  • Provide audit trails

That’s quite a list.

Kenton Brothers is proud to partner with Gallagher access control, a worldwide partner with it’s North America headquarters right here in Kansas City. We go beyond traditional access control with Gallagher, using a complete site management solution that creates new possibilities and helps you achieve compliance and best practice at all levels of your business.

There’s more… a lot more! Let’s sit down and chat about how Kenton Brothers can partner with you to secure your facility, increase profitability and reduce your risk.

Form Meets Function: Security for Glass Commercial Storefronts & Entrance Systems

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By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers.

Glass StorefrontArchitectural glass is a common choice for everything from retail storefronts to building entrances and even interior wall-systems. The use of glass is used to convey a sense of openness and is often a go-to element for designs that demand a modern, sleek aesthetic. So how do you maintain secure environments without sacrificing architectural appeal?

Kenton Brothers has a huge catalog of doors, frames and locking hardware that can meet any need. Our commercial-grade components and architectural hardware experts can help at any stage of the process. We specialize in helping glaziers specify products for new installations or source materials for replacing or updating existing hardware.

Security Solutions We Provide:

  • Commercial Doors and Frames
  • High Security Cylinders
  • Commercial Door Locks
  • Commercial Door Pivots
  • Commercial Door Closers
  • Commercial Door Panic Bars & Exit Devices
  • Multi-point Locks
  • Access Control

Glass Entrances Types We Support:

Glass EntrancesMost entrance systems have common components. However, consideration should still be given to finding the right hardware for all types of systems. Below is a list of common glass entrances we can help you secure by providing commercial-grade solutions such as:

Handicap Power-Assist

One of the first considerations for any entrance should be accessibility and maintaining local regulations. Kenton Brothers offers ADA compliant solutions including handicap power-assist door mechanisms.

Frameless/All-Glass Entrances:
Our push/pull accessories and rod installations help maintain a clean, minimal look.

Aluminum-framed Entrances
Due to their durability and capacity for high-traffic conditions, aluminum-framed entrances are a common entrance type. Locking solutions and accessories for these systems are nearly endless. Our team can help you source the materials that are right for the look and feel of your commercial storefront or entrance.

Balanced Doors

These oversized, heavy doors require high-grade commercial locking solutions and materials.

Automatic Doors

From single door or sliding systems, our hardware can help secure these entrances.

Let us know how we can help!

High times in Missouri: Recommendations for grow site perimeter security.

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By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers.

Correctly identifying the proper perimeter solution for cannabis grow sites could literally mean harvesting all of your crop… or none of it. Here is the Kenton Brothers Systems for Security recommended approach to the perimeter of your growth or manufacturing site.

Each state is different, and your state regulations should be referenced while reading this recommendation.

Cannabis grow sites fall under the heading of internal or external based on where they grow their crop – inside or outside.

We will tackle most complex first – The external grow site.

The external grow site has plants that are open to the elements and are not confined by four walls. Many external grow sites have buildings for marrying their plants, extraction, packaging etc. but the crop goes through its growth cycle outside in the elements.

One of the greatest challenges for outdoor marijuana grow sites is perimeter security. It is common knowledge that 8 ft. fencing, even with barbed or razor wire can be thwarted easily. Many grow site owners have experienced heavy losses by people or animals climbing over, under and cutting through the normal security chain link fence.

Network Perimeter Solutions

At Kenton Brothers, we highly recommend that you protect your investment with a network perimeter solution.  A networked perimeter solution incorporates sensors that continuously measure and report on wire tension and monitor fence structure vibration or movement. Sensors can be used with or without an energized pulse to detect intrusion without the intruder being aware.

The system intelligently differentiates between serious breaches and disturbances by wildlife, birds or harsh weather conditions. False alarms are prevented, and intruders are unable to use the cover of adverse weather to breach the fence undetected.

When a fence sensor is triggered an alarm will activate for that zone, allowing guards to immediately focus their attention where it’s most needed. Full integration with imaging systems provides a visual and audible record of events that can be viewed as a live stream or relied upon as evidence if required.

Missouri Regulations

Regulations in Missouri require that the fence be at least 8 ft. high and completely surround the crop. The area must be well lit and also be under surveillance at all times. Each of these regulations are important and have specific purposes forensically or after a crime has occurred.

The network perimeter solution goes beyond this by acting as prevention and proactive deterrence by intelligently alarming on detection and even giving a non-lethal jolt to any intruder trying to enter the facility illegally.

Internal grow sites do not require fencing or a network perimeter solution to be compliant. However, we do recommend that one is placed to surround employee parking areas as well as delivery and shipping areas of your facility. It is beneficial to control access to these areas as they are the most vulnerable throughout the day. By extending your perimeter, you are keeping your employees and your investment safe.

Do you have questions about how a network perimeter solution could benefit your organization? Please give us a call!

Solving Their Pain: Warehouse Security Project in Wichita, KS

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By Neal Bellamy, IT Director and Brinton Hallum, Project Manager at Kenton Brothers.

The Pain

Wichita Project SpotlightA large warehouse customer of ours was in a lot of pain when it came to their various security systems.

  • The video management system was consistently crashing with cameras bouncing offline. On top of that, the user interface was not very user-friendly.
  • The wires for all the systems were a mess, making maintenance hard.
  • The Access Control system was in bad shape. Nests of exposed wires that weren’t labeled. Controllers accessible to anyone and often locked by a broken nail slipped through an eyelet.
  • The intrusion system had frequent false alarms and sensors that weren’t working.

None of these items were up to KB Standards.

Our customer takes a lot of pride in their business, that includes the security of their people, products and property. Their culture is “Promises Kept”. We promised them an enterprise system that exceeds their expectations and that’s exactly what we delivered.

The Plan

Wichita Project SpotlightTo ease their pain on Video Surveillance and Access Control, we brought in Avigilon.

Working directly with the manufacturer, we were able to design a system that will meet the needs of the customer and alleviate their pain. We also provided additional features such as License Plate recognition, Appearance Search and Learning Analytics to eliminate false motion triggers from blinking lights.

Avigilon Control Center directly integrates into Avigilon Access Control Manager, providing additional information for the video system. This means that they can search for video based on access control events like access granted/denied, door left open or door forced.

There are many benefits for a combined Access and Video system worthy of a blog post all by itself.

For the Intrusion/Fire system, we designed a Bosch Fire/Burg B9512G. This is the Cadillac of Fire/Burg and provides all the bells and whistles. We utilized a touch screen keypad to allow for visibility of Areas and custom triggers for Fire/Medical/Tornado. We tested each and every point, and adjusted so the customer doesn’t have to worry about false alarms.

The Team

Wichita Project SpotlightThe timeline for the installation was short, so we used several guys from the Kansas City office to get the job done.

Being away from home is bittersweet; there’s always places to explore, but being cooped up in a hotel room is trying. This time we did something different. We rented an Airbnb for our guys. Everyone had their own room, and they got to cook real food and have some bonding time together.

The guys worked hard and very well together. Each has their own specialized knowledge and skill set. This allowed them to focus on their own areas of expertise, but also help each other grow and learn.

Jeremy’s great knowledge of door hardware and all things conduit allowed him to create a camera mount that would keep the cameras level, even though the rafters weren’t level.

Tony’s knowledge of all things intrusion helped him troubleshoot the communication issues that popped up at the worst time.

Neeley’s great at the programming side and he rocked it out, but he also got to learn how to wire up the panels for the first or second time expanding on his capabilities.

This was Meshack’s first adventure on a large installation; he got a trial by fire and did a great job.

Kenton Brothers’ greatest strength is our team. This is one of many instances where our team pulled together and exceeded the customer’s expectations.