Universal Security Systems have passed recent National Security Inspectorate (NSI) audit with flying colours

Universal Security Systems impressed NSI by quality of project

The NSI is the leading approvals and certification body that assesses security installers, and Universal impressed in workmanship, use of new technology and sound design practice as well documentation quality and customer care.

James Crouch, a director and founder of Universal, said: "Ensuring that operational methods are documented scrupulously is a roots-up part of our culture and internal processes are stringent. They are matched by working practice on site and we are among a small group of installers who have NSI NACOSS Gold approval in CCTV, access control and intruder alarms."

Universal have been an accredited member of the NSI (formerly NACOSS) for 15 years. The inspectorate insists on an open-book approach and access to documentation associated with the projects that the installer offers up for evaluation.

Mr Crouch continued: "Universal offered a portfolio of for assessment which underlined the breadth of our support services. A site inspection was made of Transport for London's major new office at Palestra House in Southwark where the NSI representative gained feedback from the client's security staff. The project showed Universal making optimum use of advanced turnstiles, Pelco dome cameras, structured cabling and access control units from Grosvenor Technology."

The support service side of Universal's business was scrutinised rigorously both at Palestra House and two other projects where client confidentiality issues precluded visits. It was a condition of the NSI inspection that the principal audit should be of a wide-ranging, recently completed project in which factors such as preventive maintenance could be assessed.

A focus of Universal's approach is the permanent on-site presence of an engineer known as a Direct Support Services Technician

Palestra House is only one of a range of iconic London structures on which Universal have worked recently, with other projects including the Willis Tower, the London Eye and 30 St Mary Axe (popularly known as ‘The Gherkin'.)

A focus of Universal's approach is the permanent on-site presence of an engineer known as a Direct Support Services Technician. Crucially, this engineer will not only be the client's reference point for technical matters but will have business acumen to ensure an understanding of the end-user's commercial objectives.