Turnstiles for The Pepcor Group
The Situation
Turnstar Systems, established in 1990, is Africa’s largest manufacturer of physical access control products. The name ‘Turnstar’ has become synonymous with turnstiles of the highest quality and offering the highest levels of security. Turnstar’s products are exported worldwide and are designed to provide a fit-and-forget solution. The products are extremely reliable and can operate in the harshest of environments.
The Pepkor group, established in 1965, manages a portfolio of retail chains focused on the selling of clothing, footwear and textiles. Its main operating subsidiaries are Pep, Ackermans and Dunns, among others. The group trades from more than 2 800 stores and employes over 28 000 people. Pepcor is currently undertaking a major expansion of their warehouse facility in Isando and has constructed a 66 475m2 premises. The warehouse which is customised to meet Pep’s operational requirements, has been developed in line with the latest international warehousing standards and trends. The warehouse will provide a state-of-the-art backbone for the entire Pepkor distribution network.
The problems
A number of difficulties had to be overcome in order to ensure the successful operation of the new warehouse.
- Safe storage of high value goods
- Prevention of internal theft
- Accurate employee time and attendance monitoring
- Securing the canteen and ablution facilities and preventing time & attendance fraud related to those areas
The Goal
The ultimate goal was to create a secure solution which took into account the unique requirements of Pep’s situation. Theft and time & attendance fraud had to be limited. However, the access control solution should not hinder the day-to-day operations of the warehouse nor the flow of goods through the distribution centre.
The Solution
The sheer size of the warehouse with its different distribution channels had to be analysed in terms of stock control as well as employee access. It was also necessary to carefully plan the turnstile installation according to the building program of the contractor.
Turnstar was the obvious choice when it came to the turnstile installation. Turnstar has a proven track record when it comes to large scale projects and its products are particularly suited for warehouse applications. A number of turnstiles were manufactured and installed at various pedestrian entrances around the warehouse.
Six TRIUMPH 3 full height turnstiles were installed at the employee entrance from the street. The installation represents the first line of security for the warehouse. As these turnstiles were installed outdoors, Turnstar recommended supplying them with a hot dip galvanised finish. A hot dip galvanised finish provides a high level corrosion resistance and is suitable for external environmental conditions. Another six TRIUMPH 3 full height turnstiles were installed at the entrance to the warehouse canteen and the ablution areas. These turnstiles were supplied with an aesthetically pleasing charcoal blue powder coated finish.
The TRIUMPH 3 full height turnstile is fitted with both the Turnstar ROTALOK® rotation locking mechanism and ROTARUN® perpetual base bearing which are guaranteed for a period of 5 years and are designed to provide maintenance free operation. All wearing parts are case hardened and self lubricating industrial plastics are incorporated into the turnstile mechanism for longevity.
The manufacture of the turnstiles was complete within 3 weeks of receipt of the order and installation was carried out over a period of 2 weeks.
Fact file
Project: Supply of 12 TRIUMPH full height turnstiles at various points in the warehouse
Customer: Pepcor
Project timeline: 5 weeks