CEM’s greatest asset is its people.  With an innovative company culture and skilled professionals with many years of experience in the IT and security industry, CEM constantly challenges how things are done in the industry.  This ensures that CEM is consistently evaluating new possibilities and embracing new cutting-edge technology in the design and development of its product range.

SUPPORT

Central to CEM’s success is the commitment to support customers with a fast, tailored, professional and satisfied experience.  A culture of support excellence ensures that CEM customers are provided with the highest level of pre-sales support, project management and training services, as well as technical support for ongoing post installation inquiries.

PARTNERS

A dedicated network of ‘approved resellers’ sell, install and service CEM solutions throughout the world.  Approved resellers are the best-of-breed in their respective geographic markets and have invested in CEM training to become approved with a certified competency in the CEM product range

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Developing customer relationships is key to CEM.  With many established worldwide clients, CEM provides a long-term security solution that can be tailored and moulded to fit client operations should their needs evolve over time.  Strong customer relationships have enabled CEM to incorporate customer-driven feedback into the design and development of its advanced solutions.  Working with industry bodies also ensures that CEM remains at the forefront of access control leadership.

SOLUTIONS

From entry-level access control using the webEntryTM II Pro system through to large, multi-site applications using the CEM AC2000 system range, CEM has a solution that is accessible to all.

webEntryTM II Pro

Ideal for small- to medium-sized solutions, webEntry II Pro has revolutionized the access control industry by taking advantage of Web-based technology to provide a low cost, access control system that is easy to administer and install.   Totally Web administered, no software or dedicated PC is required.  Customers simply connect the webEntry II IP controller to a network allowing them to manage up to 64 doors, print ID cards, run reports and view alarms using a standard Microsoft IE Web browser on any networked PC or laptop.

webEntry II Pro advises customers on the status of activity at their facility by sending notifications of alarms/events via email, PDA, or mobile phone.

Key Benefits

• Low cost access control
• Administered via a Web browser; no dedicated PC or software required
• Available in 8, 16, 32 or 64 door systems
• Plug & play installation & easy-to-use software
• Alarm notifications sent via email, pagers, PDA, mobile phone
• Native language support
• Optional time and attendance reporting

AC2000 SE (Standard Edition)

Ideal for medium- to large-scale solutions, AC2000 SE offers powerful and fully integrated access control, alarm processing, photo badging and external systems integration.  Known throughout the industry as a proven product that meets the highest of security requirements, the AC2000 SE system has successfully been installed at some of the largest facilities around the world where security is of paramount importance.

The system features a comprehensive software suite and is continuously developed by CEM to make it one of the most comprehensive security systems available today.

Key Benefits

• Highly stable & resilient system
• Seamless systems integration
• Distributed intelligence to reader level, ensuring zero downtime
• Virtually unlimited expansion
• Offers a fully customized solution.
• Advanced reporting for analysis
• Enhances site operations.

AC2000 AE (Airport Edition)

AC2000 AE is the industry’s only airport specific access control system. Offering a powerful and fully integrated security management solution, the system incorporates a host of aviation specific software modules such as Check-In Desk Enabling, Passenger Segregation, Taxi Management and Air-Bridge Monitoring.  AC2000 AE is not just an access control system made to fit the airport environment.  It is a business solution designed to help airports generate additional revenue and operate more efficiently.  Working in consultation with airports for over 20 years, the CEM AC2000 AE solution is the leading choice for all major UK airports and many of the world’s largest airports.

Key Benefits

• Used by over 80% of UK airports
• Industry’s only airport-specific access control system
• Designed for airports
• Continually developed to reflect aviation legislation
• Assists airport operations/generates revenue (e.g., Airbridge Monitoring, Check-In Desk enabling, link to airport invoicing).
• Supports Biometrics.

ADVANCED HARDWARE

With a culture for innovation, CEM consistently leads the industry in the development of its product range.

Industry firsts include..

• Portable ‘handheld’ card reader
• Airport-specific access control system
• Ethernet-based IP card readers
• High power PoE (Power over Ethernet) door control
• Intelligent card readers with built-in memory

CEM card readers are highly advanced and come with a keypad, LCD display, optional Ethernet connectivity and onboard database to ensure that intelligent access control is available at the door at all times.

SOLUTIONS THAT GROW WITH YOUR NEEDS

CEM solutions are built with the flexibility to grow as client requirements change.  With virtually unlimited expansion and integration capabilities, CEM solutions are designed with the understanding that a small installation may evolve and grow to become a large, complex system over time.

MARKETING STRATEGIES

CEM solutions are installed around the world but CEM’s key markets are within Asia, the Middle East and Europe, including the U.K. and Ireland.  The CEM system range can be used in all segments but it has proven particularly popular within highly secure environments such as airports, ports, universities, petrochemical plants, hospitals, prisons, courts and many more.     

CEM’s marketing strategies are international in scope and to grow the CEM presence and availability, CEM’s marketing strategy has been to go to market through the ‘CEM Approved Reseller Network’ -- where a dedicated network of approved resellers sell, install and service CEM solutions throughout the world.  As one of the few manufacturers that design and produce all their own hardware and software, CEM’s manufacturing and development plant is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, along with the CEM headquarters, to allow CEM the ability to maintain quality control.  A key factor in CEM’s international growth has been its acquisition by Tyco International in 2001.  This not only recognizd CEM as a global player, but also allowed CEM to avail of the Tyco brand strength to gain access to global sales contacts and partner with Tyco offices throughout the world.  

To help CEM’s growth in its target markets, CEM’s product-market strategy incorporates innovative solutions that can uniquely be customized to meet the specific requirements of clients within different markets segments.  This is evident in the availability of AC2000 AE (Airport Edition), which is the industry’s only airport-specific access control system available today.  Working in consultation with airports for over 20 years, CEM has designed the AC2000 AE system to meet the security needs of the unique airport environment, i.e., Check-In Desk Enabling, Passenger Segregation, and aviation-specific software screens on access control workstations such as ‘Holders’  ‘Authorisers’, etc.  With a product specifically for the airport environment it is no surprise that 80% of UK airports and many of the world’s largest airports worldwide use a CEM solution. 

CEM also offers a solution that is accessible to other sectors with the Web-based webEntry access control system which is ideal for small- to medium-sized premises and the industry renowned AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) system that has been successfully installed at some of the largest facilities around the world.  The CEM AC2000 system is indeed one of the most comprehensive security systems available today, featuring advanced hardware and sophisticated software that can be translated into different languages and self-configured by clients to suit their environment/segment.  Central to CEM’s success has also been the ability to further customize solutions through hardware and software development to meet clients needs within different markets.  This ability has helped position CEM in key markets such as Petrochemicals when CEM enhanced the AC2000 SE system to include new ‘Zone Monitoring’ software modules and specific ‘Mustering’ reports to meet the unique needs of oil refineries.

As quoted by Steve Shackleton, Security Manager of Liverpool John Moores University and customer of CEM for over 12 years, “CEM is indeed unique in that they provide more than the standard off-the-shelf package.“

This product-market strategy has indeed positioned CEM as a provider of innovative, high-quality and feature-rich security management systems that can be distinctively tailored to suit the requirements of each project/client.  The CEM offering is further augmented by the commitment to support customers with the highest level of project management and before and after sales services, as well as maintenance, returns and technical support for ongoing post installation queries.

With a strong reputation and using elements of the marketing mix, the CEM brand and presence have and continue to go from strength to strength.  CEM is now a leading access control brand of Tyco International Ltd. and has a proficient partnering network and client base throughout the world.  CEM deploys the full marketing mix across its global target markets including trade activity, media, etc. to support local partners and help meet business plans.  

Key to CEM’s marketing strategy is also the emphasis on service quality and relationship marketing.  CEM has built strong customer relationships with many established worldwide clients, which has enabled CEM to incorporate customer-driven feedback into the design and development of its solutions.

CEM Systems, a provider of advanced access control and security management systems, has almost 30 years of experience in the IT and security industry.  CEM’s culture is to remain at the cutting edge of access control technology through the design and development of high-quality solutions that meet the unique needs of customers.  Sunny Kim, Editor of SecurityWorld INT’L, has sat down with Andrew Fulton, Business Development Director of Tyco International CEM’s Products, to discuss the CEM’s competitive edges and ultimate vision.

What do you think is the driving force that leads CEM Systems to be one of the world’s security market leaders?

As a leading access control brand of Tyco International and with a culture for innovation, CEM is proud to consistently lead the industry in the development of its product range.  This is the ultimate driving force that positions CEM Systems among the world’s top security market leaders.  For example, CEM has led the industry in IP access control with the first IP-enabled card reader released in 1999 and the first true PoE Plus access control offering in 2007 with the release of the DIU 220 (Power over Ethernet Door Interface Unit).  With the DIU 220, CEM took advantage of PoE Plus technology to be the first in the industry to offer 1.6 Amps to reliably power a complete door set (consisting of a controller, two 650mA Maglocks, door holder, sounder and strobe) via one CAT5/6 Ethernet cable.

Other industry firsts include intelligent card readers with built-in memory, portable ‘hand-held’ card readers and the industry’s only supplier of an airport-specific access control system.

CEM Systems provides advanced and fully customized security management solutions including access control and alarm monitoring systems.  What do you think are the greatest challenges in the current U.K. access control and alarm monitoring markets?  How does CEM Systems address them?

There are many challenges and trends within the global access control market including the requirements for customization, smart card technology, biometrics and the complete IP solution.  Integration of the complete security design using the access control system has also long been a growing trend but has continued to intensify.  CEM has addressed these challenges by continually enhancing the CEM AC2000 access control system to allow clients the ability to fully integrate with biometrics, CCTV and an extensive range of external systems.  Clients use the AC2000 AED (Alarm Event Display) module on the CEM access control system to centrally monitor/control alarms and third party equipment throughout their site. As well as offering an off-the-shelf product, CEM also addresses the requirement for a customized solution providing client specific hardware/software development.   Additional challenges include client’s growing emphasis on the access control system ‘return on investment’.  CEM has turned these challenges into opportunities as the CEM AC2000 system range offers features beyond access control e.g., reports can be generated via the access system to be linked with invoicing and integration is available with other HR and business applications, etc.  In addition to integration CEM has also noticed an increase in the requirement for a high-security solution, particularly within the U.K. security market.  CEM meets this requirement with ease as solutions incorporate advanced hardware such as intelligent card readers with an internal database to uniquely hold cardholder data at door level.  This gives full off-line card validation and decision making at the door at all times, even if communication to the access control host is not available.  This offers clients the highest possible level of resilience within their security design and positions the CEM solution as one of the most resilient security solutions available today.

In today’s hotly contested business environment, what are your competitive edges that differentiate you from other companies?

Innovation, Customer Relations & Customization.

CEM’s competitive advantage is strong customer relationships and the ability to customize solutions to meet customer needs.  Incorporating customer-driven feedback has awarded CEM with a renowned reputation for consistently leading the industry in the design and development of its product range.  Originating from a computer background, CEM is also unique from other companies in that it has developed a strong understanding of the IT issues and strategies that companies have in place.  This is particularly a competitive edge today with the growing IP market and the increasing role of the IT department within the security system design that this growing trend is creating.      

Please introduce your current sales network around the world.

CEM has dedicated sales representatives and managers per region that work in partnership with the CEM approved reseller network around the world.   Approved resellers are the best of breed in their respective geographic markets and have invested in CEM training to become approved with a certified competency in the CEM product range.  The CEM approved resellers supply, install and support CEM products and provide CEM with a strong understanding of market conditions in their locality. 

Please comment on CEM Systems’ ultimate vision.

‘Advancing Access Control.’

Operating within the Tyco family, CEM’s vision is to grow its worldwide business and remain at the leading edge of access control technology through the design and development of high-quality, innovative solutions that help meet the unique needs of customers.  CEM has built a strong reputation and the ultimate vision is to continually strengthen brand awareness and make the CEM solution accessible to all regardless of size and level of client’s security requirement.