When TNT Fashion Group was looking to create a security and management system for its new warehouse and distribution centre dedicated to the Primark Group, it needed a solution that would be both powerful and simple to use. The solution came in the form of a fully integrated CCTV, access control and intruder detection system, installed by Amsec UK Ltd.
TNT Fashion Group, a division of TNT UK, is a market leader in the lifestyle and retail industry for distribution. The group has a huge range of high profile customers across the fashion industry, including Primark, Nike, Harrods and Selfridges.
When the original warehouse burnt down in November 2005, Jon Webster, security manager for TNT Fashion, was given the opportunity of designing the security for the new buildings from scratch. With a million square feet to cover, this was a huge planning and design operation.
The tender specification was sent to a number of installers and, after reviewing the returns, Amsec UK Ltd was selected. “Amsec was the obvious choice for the job,” says Webster. “Having worked with them before, I knew that their high standards replicated my own within TNT Fashion security – there’s nobody better in the business.” Along with supplier Norbain, a plan was formulated that encompassed the comprehensive use of CCTV, access control and intruder detection.
Taking a lesson from the destruction of the first site, they decided on two control rooms, both external to the main warehouses, in the security gatehouses. If one was destroyed in a fire, the other one would still be fully operational.
Keeping a watchful eye
The warehouses, affectionately named Dante and Oliver, have a total of 62 cameras installed internally and externally. Twelve Pelco Spectra IIISE cameras are being used for general surveillance, with two Pelco Esprit cameras for overt security.
“These cameras have been strategically placed at the front and rear of the building to advertise the use of CCTV on site,” says Ashley Holt, director of Amsec. “We’ve used a combination of overt and covert surveillance to provide the most comprehensive cover.”
Staying with Pelco, two internal Pelco Spectra IIISE and nine Spectra mini-domes cover the internal loading dock areas and automated conveyors as well as the canteen, hallways and lobbies. Chosen for their small, discreet casing, they are used to monitor staff activity and movement of stock. Should an incident occur, the footage can be used to assist investigations and provide evidence for disciplinary matters. Vista 3V9C cameras are also used throughout the offices and reception for the same purpose.
A further eight Pelco Image PAKs cover the barriers and turnstiles the staff use to enter and exit the site. Two Vista vandal resistant domes are also used on the turnstiles and are specifically positioned for facial recognition.
Pelco DX8000 DVRs, two for each site, are located in a central equipment server rack in a dedicated security comms room and provide reliable, real time recording of all the footage. These are complemented by a Pelco CM6800 matrix and the Pelco VMX300 video management software which provides a graphical front end interface creating “a seamless integrated system”.
“Ease of use was a key consideration in the design of the system and the VMX300 was instrumental in achieving this,” explains Holt. “Electronic maps showing camera locations are displayed in each of the gatehouses. The cameras can be dragged and dropped onto individual monitors, making it very easy for the guards to keep track of all of the cameras without needing to remember the exact location of all 62.”
When an alarm is activated, the map displays a flashing alarm icon and the correct camera is automatically displayed on the screen.
Should managers wish to view footage from the DVRs on their laptops, the Pelco DX8000 client software allows them to log on from their desk to any camera they wish to view. This provides them with an invaluable management tool as, in a million square foot warehouse, this is the only way to realistically keep an eye on all the areas.
Access all areas
PAC 500 series controllers and PX50 proximity readers are used to control all the doors and gates as well as the barriers and turnstiles. PAC is currently used for controlling access across all TNT sites in the UK and Europe, allowing an individual to access any of the sites with the same keyfob.
“The PAC securenet is very simple to use which provides us with a huge advantage,” Webster says. “Our security guards are able to manage the whole system, change access levels and so on from the gatehouses, with no need for supervision.”
Redwall detectors and Fire Exit door contacts have been linked into the Pelco video management system so, should an alarm be activated, the relevant camera will automatically pan round to cover the area. A tannoy system has also been installed to allow for general announcements and security alerts.
The whole system is linked together using fibre optic cabling. This allowed Amsec to keep the number of cables down to a minimum whilst still obtaining better images than standard cabling would allow.
“We’re very pleased with the way in which we have integrated the whole system,” says Holt. “We’ve brought together some of the most sophisticated technologies available on the market and created a system that gives TNT Fashion and Primark all the information they need whilst also being very simple to use.”
Impressive results
According to Webster, the benefits of the system have already compensated for the expenditure. “The system covers issues ranging from petty theft to vehicle damage. This information is essential for our own investigations, and also for us to pass onto our insurance company should it be required.” Perhaps of even more importance are the benefits of the system to the management team. “Being able to access the footage from their workstations really is invaluable,” he says.
Equipment supplier Norbain SD played an instrumental part in ensuring the smooth-running of the installation. “Our contacts at Norbain have given us great support,” says Holt. “If there were any problems with the equipment they sorted the issue immediately, without fail.”
Webster is delighted with the solution and with the job Amsec has done. “We were faced with erecting a million square foot warehouse for a very prestigious customer. Timeframes were tight and all the systems had to integrate together to form one easy solution for both security and management purposes. This was completed in an outstanding manner and I truly believe that no one but Amsec could have managed it.”
* Operating throughout the UK and Europe, Amsec specialises in the design, installation, maintenance and monitoring of CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems. Visit www.amsec.co.uk for more information.
