City Link is one of the UK’s leading premium express delivery companies, and is this year celebrating 40 years in business. The organisation boasts a network of 100 depots, employs more than 6,500 people and operates a fleet of 3,500 vehicles.
In recent months, City Link has enjoyed a number of significant contract wins, invested over GB pound 2.5 million in IT systems and, importantly, has continued with major investment in its depot refurbishment project.
“City Link is committed to protecting its properties against security, operational and business risks,” commented Stuart Godman, the company’s sales and marketing director. “To this end, we have worked closely in partnership with Unique Integrated Systems to ensure that we invest in quality security systems, and that they’re upgraded on a continual basis.”
Godman continued: “We have been happy to accept Unique Integrated Systems’ advice that Videoswitch DVRs should be deployed as these system are used by non-security management personnel on a daily basis. They’re easy to use and produce the right results.”
Remote monitoring from a central Control Room
The CCTV systems are remotely monitored 24/7 by City Link’s own central Control Room staff, and are mainly used by City Link to prevent and detect security incidents.
However, the systems are also engaged to monitor Health and Safety, operational and security procedure compliance, and as a general management review tool. They provide data to help identify preventative and corrective actions in many areas of operational activity.
“We have been pleased with the results achieved so far due to the quality of the images recorded,” added Godman. “Video evidence has been used by the police in criminal prosecutions, and by City Link Management in disciplinary cases. We’ve also been reviewing Health and Safety incidents.”
Operational requirements different from site to site
Paul Brown of Skelmersdale-based Unique Integrated Systems added: “City Link depots range in size from 25,000 to 65,000 square feet. Understanding the client’s day-to-day operational requirements at each site is, of course, essential in order to be able to recommend an effective CCTV system.”
Brown explained: “Our research on behalf of City Link led us to believe that the Videoswitch Vi405 slimline DVR would be very easy to operate, with City Link personnel being able to set-up recording between one and 999 days or by frame rate per camera. Video evidence can be retrieved by simply pressing a ‘Burn’ key. The recorded video is then written onto a CD or DVD using the DVR’s built-in DVD writer.”
Unique Integrated Systems specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of high quality electronic security systems.
From intruder alarms, CCTV systems and access control systems through to fully-integrated security and communications packages, the company designs and installs proven systems that offer the utmost quality, reliability and value.
