Instead of simply requiring a key to open a door at a business premises, these days, many will have integrated access control systems that require a passcode, keyfob or ID card in order to allow access.
Bespoke Access Control and CCTV security
Electro Automation have been awarded a contract for the supply and installation of a full access control system and an upgrade of an out-dated analogue CCTV and Intercom system to a HD mega-pixel CCTV system with full Control Room monitoring equipment.
Covering thousands of square metres, the site and premises presented a number of access management requirements including the control of car parks and lifts, as well as the main entrances, secondary entrances to floors, offices and other secure areas.
With more than 5,000 regular uses, the challenge was to install a system which could cope easily with the daily volume of traffic through each of the some 200 access points and 285 car park spaces.
The system would also have to be flexible enough to cope with the large numbers of visitors, and sufficiently user-friendly for both the operators and the card holders. In particular the system needed to permit a rapid throughput of ‘rush-hour’ traffic whilst maintaining a high level of security and control. Some 200 Bewator PR100 proximity readers were installed throughout the site together with a number of long-range readers at certain sensitive sites.
The PR100 reader, used in conjunction with Cotag active technology cards, enables access systems to be activated without the user having to remove the card from their handbag or pocket. The cards also feature the latest video badging allowing photo ID to be printed in house. The PR100-Cotag is a mullion proximity reading head that is narrow enough to mount on any door frame and has a reading range of up to 30 cm. The whole system is controlled by Bewator’s powerful Granta 4.2 software system, which allows for rapid and flexible control for the site's 5,000 plus card-holding users.
The new CCTV system had to be highly flexible and capable of growing with the future’s technological demands. It also needed to deliver significant cost savings and organisational benefits. Our client required very high performance in the new system including the ability to capture live images at state of the art resolution. They also required a user-friendly interface for all staff to view, play back and operate the system. Re-use of existing cabling infrastructure were key in keeping installation costs down.
The scope of the contract was for the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a hybrid system setup for 63 CCTV cameras made up of 44 existing analogue CCTV cameras and 19 HD (High Definition) CCTV cameras. A new audio video intercom IP (Internet Protocol) system was also installed. Both the CCTV and Intercom systems are managed by a central control room.
Electro Automation also installed a new LAN (Local Area Network) to support the HD megapixel system and IP Intercoms to allow ease for expansion. All future systems will be “plug and play” into the new LAN.
The HD megapixel CCTV cameras comprised of:
- 16 5-megapixel fixed cameras
- 1 8-megapixel fixed 180 degree camera
- 2 HD megapixel PTZ (fully functional dome cameras)
All remaining 44 analogue fixed and PTZ cameras were integrated into the Avigilon system via IP (Internet Protocol) video encoders.
The CCTV system installed records all channel of video and stores images for 30 days. The recording system consists of an Avigilon HD (High Definition) 15 terabyte NVR server and control of live and recorded image playback is by keyboard and mouse interface.
The Paxton IP audio/video intercom system was the one most suited to the clients’ requirements. This system comprises call-stations from 15 different access points throughout the large site. In the Control Room, there are 2 monitors with handsets to allow video verification of caller. An excellent feature of this system is that it is addressable, meaning the control room staff are able to identify the exact location of each caller. As there are 2 handsets with monitors, an operator can receive two calls simultaneously without the caller being disconnected.
As experts in our field, Electro Automation provided our client with full Project Management skills to design the best layout and solution in order to meet their project requirements and budget.
This included the management of any sub-contractors, the installation and commissioning of the various elements of the project while the site remained in full working operation and full training to key staff on each of the systems installed.