TWO Northern Ireland tech companies have joined forces to create a new "gateway turnstile" with an in-built software system to improve safety and security on construction sites across the UK and Ireland.

Craigavon-based security technology company Envision Intelligent Solutions, which also has offices in England and the USA, teamed up with Lisburn software development firm North Time and Data (NTD) to launch the latest development of their bespoke security turnstile that uses facial recognition technology and records temperatures to help ensure a Covid-free workspace.

The Gateway Turnstile, manufactured by Envision (www.envision-is.co.uk), incorporates a new cloud-based software system that links directly to the company's payroll and HR systems.

The first turnstile with the new cloud-based software has rolled off the production line and has been shipped to a large building site at Chepstow in Wales for construction fit-out company Beacons Business Interiors.

Envision IS managing director Philip Murdock said: “Our construction industry clients asked for a bespoke security system that incorporated facial and thermal access readers with a time and attendance system, which is completely cloud networked.

“During the pandemic, they needed a contactless product that could link back to their head office and provide the data in real time.”

NTD managing director Stephen Brown added: “The biometric facial recognition terminals and NT pro software not only record the time and date of an employee coming onto a construction site, but it also takes their temperature and alerts management if an employee has a high temperature.

“We believe that with this partnership, there will be a well-structured and user-friendly system that makes it easy for smooth operations and overall profit maximization.”