A leading South Africa-based global gaming and casino group has acquired the services of AWM360 Data Systems to implement Kaba’s robust, easily managed biometric and SAP-integrated Time & Attendance solution. The result has been enhanced access control, security and T&A at strategic entertainment venues, beginning with a strategic, flagship location in Gauteng. .

AWM360 Data Systems is a recognised provider of technology focused on Human Capital Management (HCM) and workforce management solutions.

The Company is an exclusive local distributor of Kaba access control and T&A solutions, a globally established product range.

Its client sought to partner with an experienced service provider that could guarantee access to a cost efficient, biometric product range, as well as possess intricate knowledge of the value the solution offers and ensure a reliable level of local support.

The entertainment group also required that any prospective partner have a high level of experience in biometric infrastructure implementation and support across a wide variety of environments.

A potential partner had to understand the dynamics and unique challenges the gaming and hospitality sector represents, according to the client’s HR management.

As far as access control and T&A is concerned, the gaming environment presents a number of challenges, including sophisticated industry-related shift patterns and work schedules.

It is an industry in which many staff rely heavily on public transport, lift schemes and car pools – which means that access and T&A have to be regulated with precision and accuracy.

Given that the environment is also cash-and payroll intensive, the biometric technology deployed would have to cater to strict supervisory and regulatory requirements, including regular security checks and heightened access control to sensitive areas.

Any installation would have to take into account gaming industry regulations, which dictate that no work can be done for more than two hours at any given time on any one game. This would mean that any work would have to be coordinated in accordance with a strict schedule and take into account the daily operation of the establishment. There could be no interruption to the core operation.

Scheduling the installation of biometric terminal hardware to suit the ERP requirements of this environment would require a partner with vast experience and sound technical expertise.

The AWM360 solution

As an experienced global provider of solutions and services, and Kaba partner, AWM360 Data Systems stood out immediately. It met all the necessary criteria and had a proven track record of excellence in the integration and support of biometric solutions across a number of different industries.

AWM360 Data Systems was contracted to provide the Kaba B-COMM ERP 4 SAP integration platform to facilitate data exchange between biometric terminals and SAP software, as well as Kaba B-web 9300 Series biometric terminals.

This terminal infrastructure is differentiated in a competitive space by its level of adaptability to new environments, easy and reliable operation and high system availability.

Kaba B-COMM Option Biometrics has a modular structure and is configured according to requirements. In order to achieve high data security for biometric data, B-COMM is typically installed on a server located in a protected area.

The implementation took five months and was configured precisely to meet the requirements of the gaming environment and the dynamic conditions from a security and access control point of view.

The first site for rollout went live with the newly implemented system at the end of 2014 and a multitude of other sites have successfully implemented until early April 2015.

“We have received a very positive response from our client based on the efficient, easily operated and flexible hardware put on place, as well as the level of support and technical expertise we have made available. We are delighted to be the preferred services partner to this leader in gaming and hospitality,” said Guenter Nerlich, Managing Director, AWM360 Data Systems.

The next South African sites as well as operations outside of the borders of South Africa have all been identified due for implementation in 2015.