Raysil Security Systems, based in Surrey, was called in to upgrade the company’s outdated and impractical security system after it successfully tendered for a modern, integrated solution.
The drinks firm stipulated that the installation was to be completed in two phases and that disruption had to be kept to a minimum.
The first phase, which is now complete, involved installing a Bewator Granta security management system to provide integrated monitoring for access control, CCTV and fire warnings. In the past security staff had to rely on multiple screens for monitoring, but now a single display in the building’s control room is continuously staffed around the clock.
Raysil has arranged for some of the views presented on the monitoring screen to be superimposed onto a floor plan of the building. In the event of an alarm, security staff should be able to immediately identify its location and, if necessary, call up images from nearby CCTV cameras.
As part of the Granta access control system, Raysil has also installed equipment covering 55 doors on five separate floors, including lifts and two speed lanes in the reception area. The lanes, which are designed to prevent tailgating, are claimed to allow rapid movement with a high level of security.
The existing fire alarm and CCTV equipment has been retained and while Raysil has already integrated the CCTV system, it has yet to link the fire alarm system to the new installation. However, cameras will eventually be replaced and linked to new digital recorders.
The new access control installation has more than 750 cardholders and includes a roll call function that should make it easy to account for the building’s occupants in an emergency.
Bewator said temporary access cards are easy for staff to make up and can be automatically cancelled if they are not returned. Cards can be set up to last for fixed periods of days or weeks, which can prove useful for contractors and temporary staff.
If an attempt is made to use a deleted or expired card, an alarm is shown on the central monitoring screen and the access control system automatically instructs CCTV cameras to capture and record images of the person attempting to use the card.
“Our client is delighted with the performance and versatility of the new system, as well as the minimal level of disruption caused by its installation,” said Pete Stewart, managing director of Raysil.