Making its debut at the recent Cheltenham Festival, the joint venture takes proven access control technology from APT Skidata and the similarly proven modular units from Rapid Retail to provide a temporary solution to an often permanent headache.

APT SkiData?s Dermot Murphy said: "Most event organisers rely on handheld devices to control access at temporary outdoor events, or for additional gate entry at events which attract increased numbers of visitors.

"With increasingly stringent health and safety legislation, numbers to events need to be closely controlled and monitored, and the problem with handheld devices is that they are prone to human error, and overcrowding becomes a risk.

"RapidStile not only affords greater physical control, but it is also supported by intelligent software that provides accurate data on numbers given entry into the event and greatly reduces the opportunity for fraud."

RapidStile comes as a complete self-contained unit featuring six pre-installed and wired turnstiles with readers to handle multiple ticket types including RFID cards, conventional barcoded as well as 2-D barcoded tickets.

Easily transportable, they are also easy to install, requiring only a local mains supply or generator. Depending on the venue location, the unit can be connected to the venue?s local network giving access to the ticket information or, where a network is not available, ticket information can be downloaded onto the unit?s onboard server.

The units - which have a flow rate of 5,000 to 6,000 people per hour - will be marketed at all outdoor events, including racecourses, air shows and festivals.

The RapidStile units are supplied on a rental basis with a daily charge.