CEM Systems has been securing staff, travelers and property at Budapest Airport since 1995. The AC2000 access control and security management solution was installed by their approved local ­reseller, Bull Hungary and gives the airport operators an advanced access control and building management solution.

The installation at Budapest Airport currently utilizes the CEM S610 reader range to manage some 10,000 card holders. These readers feature a database for off-line card validation, a keypad (for PIN validation), an LCD which displays meaningful, language-specific messages to the user, and support for multiple card technologies. The display has been made available in Hungarian to improve ease of use for local staff. The S610f fingerprint reader provides fully integrated biometric security for 3 stage authentication (card, PIN and biometric) and does not store an actual image of the fingerprint anywhere in the system. Instead a unique ID number is derived from the fingerprint scan.

The CEM AC2000 system also provides Budapest Airport with a range of additional software modules, enhancing operations and efficiency on site. These include VIPPS (Visual Imaging and Pass Production System), alarm event display and a time and attendance module. VIPPS provides users with the in-house ability to capture personnel images, company logos and personnel signatures and incorporate these onto professionally designed passes.

Continuous Improvement
In 2009, Budapest Airport began work on the 40,000 m² Sky Court building that links the two existing terminals as well as the renovation of 55,000 m² of existing facilities at the airport. As part of the work, the access control system was extended, with over 200 additional S610e and S610f fingerprint readers installed throughout.

Upgrades and improvements to the airport system included the migration from Proximity to highly secure Picopass Smartcard technology that gives Budapest Airport the option to use their access control cards for other things, such as cashless vending. The upgrade also included customized modifications to the airport's visitors application system. "Of the many operational security systems installed at the airport, the AC2000 system has proven to be the most reliable we have" said Gábor Tóth, Security Technology Officer of Budapest Airport.

CEM will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Security trade fair in Essen. Their stand is number 504 in Hall 1.0 where there will be demonstrations of various different tailored security solutions.