Prevent “tailgating” into high-security areas — Boon Edam’s new mantrap portal converts a fire-rated swinging door into a single-entry solution

by Brianna Crandall — March 30, 2018 — Boon Edam, a provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors used around the world, announced last week that it is launching a new security mantrap portal solution, the Circlelock Combi. This innovative “half portal” solution helps security and facilities executives prevent unauthorized entry into high-security areas currently using fire-rated swinging doors. The Combi will be on display in Boon Edam booth #8037 at the upcoming ISC West exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 11-13.

Two cylindrical half portal mantraps

The Circlelock Combi has a single sliding door on one end and an opening on the other end that is mounted to an existing wall and fire-rated swing door. Courtesy Boon Edam

The inherent risk of swinging doors

Boon Edam designed the Circlelock Combi as a convenient retrofit option to address the risk that exists with any type of swinging door — once a swinging door is opened by an authorized user, any number of people may also gain access to a secure area, which is known as “tailgating” or “piggybacking.”

Preventing intrusion while maintaining integrity

Many facilities use fire-rated swing doors to protect data and assets from destruction by fire, but this type of door cannot prevent tailgating or piggybacking, points out Boon Edam. The Circlelock Combi attaches to an existing fire-rated door, converting it immediately into a mantrap solution that prevents piggybacking 24/7 and eliminates the need for manned supervision, all while maintaining the fire-rated benefits of the swing door. The Combi also saves considerable space compared to traditionally built mantrap vestibules that use standard walls and two swinging doors, notes the company.

The Circlelock Combi is a cylindrical solution that has a single sliding door on one end and an opening on the other end that is mounted to an existing wall and swing door. The Combi uses Boon Edam’s StereoVision 2 detection technology in the ceiling to scan the compartment and ensure a user is alone prior to unlocking the swing door. Security managers can choose to prevent piggybacking for both inbound and outbound traffic.

Enabling multifactor authorization

The Circlelock Combi enables deployment of multifactor authentication to ensure the identity of a confirmed, lone user. Users can present their first credential to enter the portal and then a second biometric credential (such as an iris scanner, facial or hand recognition) to unlock the second door. Virtually any verification technology can be mounted inside the Combi on an optional, floor-to-ceiling post.

Applications and throughput

The Circlelock Combi can process five to six people per minute and is suitable for interior, sensitive locations such as data centers, government buildings, airports, legal or patient record areas, executive suites and more.

At ISC West, Boon Edam will have the Circlelock Combi available for demonstrations with a two-factor authentication scenario using an AMAG Symmetry card reader to enter the portal, followed by facial scanning technology from StoneLock Pro to open the swing door. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to see live demonstrations.

For more information about the Circlelock Combi portal, visit the Boon Edam Web site.