Got questions about GPAS?

Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked.

 

Can I use my existing cards and card readers with GPAS?

It’s technically possible to reuse cards and readers, but Unilever is aiming for a global standard with up-to-date security features. If you use older proximity cards and card readers that use Wiegand to communicate with controllers, you should move to a more secure, futureproof technology. With GPAS, you get a smartcard based on Mifare DESFire technology and a Unilever specification. There’ll soon be an increased range of approved card readers to choose from too.

 

How can GPAS help me to manage evacuations and mustering?

You have the flexibility to design your own response to emergency scenarios in GPAS. It offers several, configurable actions, including:

  • Lockdown (full or partial) to prevent unauthorised people entering or leaving a site or area.
  • Alarm activation to alert security teams that there’s an incident.
  • Security levels to increase restrictions.
  • Response to event to trigger other systems such as video management and barriers.

When people evacuate, they can report to a muster point, which is either a fixed or mobile card reader in a safe location. And, at any point, GPAS can produce a presence list to show who is still on site.

 

Can I integrate other systems with GPAS?

Yes, GPAS is based on open architecture and so integrates easily with a high number of third-party systems. For example:

 

  • Time and attendance
    Unilever cards can be used with card readers connected to both GPAS and your local time and attendance system, meaning employees only need to use one card.
  • Visitor and contractor management
    You can use GPAS to manage access for visitors and contractors, or it can integrate with third-party visitor or contractor management systems. Several card designs are available for issuing to visitors and contractors. And you can use GPAS features such as the four-eyes principle, count management and auto-blocking to increase security and safety.
  • Video management
    Some locations have integrated GPAS with their onsite video management system or PSIM. If, for example, an access control alarm is triggered, this can prompt an action in the video system such as recording a camera at a higher rate.
  • Vehicle management (car parking)
    You can integrate number plate recognition systems with GPAS; the vehicle number plate is used as an identifier in a similar way to a card number. You can also use count management and count groups to control the capacity of car parks.

 

Who will help me get the right design for my system?

GPAS has a detailed project process that will help you specify the right level of protection for your location. You can then get a budgetary value of the complete project to help you gain approval for it.

Project management services are provided by a dedicated team from Unilever and Nedap, who’ll ensure your system meets all the necessary standards and manage the delivery of it. This includes overseeing the installation of GPAS hardware and all the other physical components, such as card readers, locks and cabling. Which is handled by your chosen Nedap channel partner or Unilever-preferred installer.

Details of how to contact these approved channel partners and installers for quotations is covered in the project process. You can also arrange for them to provide support and maintenance for the equipment they install.