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Case Study: Access Control for Your Office Complex

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Posts, Security.

The Challenge:  Replace an Aging Access Control System and Connect Four Office Buildings

The Solution: Linear Emerge Access Control and Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges

A commercial property manager needed to replace an aging access control system and various electronic locks that were not operational. The system worked some days and not others leaving tenants feeling unsafe. They also experienced intermittent outages with their ancient intercom system, if it was working at all.

Enter Alen Security. After receiving a call from this property manager, we visited the site for a walk-thru of the four office buildings. We performed a full evaluation of the existing access control system and its condition. We also consulted with the client about what they were looking to accomplish. The client wanted a property with a modernized system and access control readers for each buildings’ main entrance. They also wanted to replace any electronic locks that were not working properly. The customer was also looking to place the entry doors on a scheduled timer so that they would remain open during business hours. They then wanted the doors locked during the evening and weekend hours, requiring a valid access control card for entry.

Through our evaluation and consultation with the customer we devised a new system that would accomplish their goals. The system included the installation of Linear eMerge Access Control panels in each building. We also used Securitron Power Supplies and HID Thinline II Proximity Access Card Readers. Adams Rite 7410 Electric Strikes were used to replace existing malfunctioning electronic locks. Doors can now open and close on a pre-determined schedule with the installation of a timer relay in each panel. For the finishing touch, we added Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges to each building and networked the buildings to each other. Subsequently, the facilities manager can now control each of the buildings access control systems from one location. Thereby, eliminating the need to travel to an affected building while working off of a laptop plugged into the panel in cramped spaces.

The Result:  A happy customer with even happier tenants. This property now has a modernized Access Control system with doors that open and close when they are supposed to. They also have locks that are fully functional. The client can also maintain the system from one location, making for a more efficient operation and improved productivity!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the office complex need a new access control system?

Its aging access control system, electronic locks, and intercom worked inconsistently. These failures left tenants feeling unsafe and made the property difficult to manage reliably.

Can office entrance doors follow an automatic schedule?

Yes. Timer relays allow the doors to remain unlocked during normal business hours and lock automatically during evenings and weekends, when a valid access card is required.

How were the four office buildings connected?

Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges were installed to network the buildings together, allowing their access control systems to communicate across the property.

Can all four buildings be managed from one location?

Yes. The facilities manager can control each building’s access control system centrally instead of traveling between buildings and connecting a laptop directly to individual panels.

What improvements did the new access control system provide?

The property gained reliable electronic locks, scheduled door operation, proximity card readers at the main entrances, and centralized management that improved security and operational efficiency.

security-camera-operator-asleep-at-monitor-desk

Remote Video Monitoring Never Sleeps on the Job

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: On-site Guards Were Failing to Secure a Commercial Rental Property

The Solution: Remote Video Monitoring protects 24/7/365

A commercial rental property owner became increasingly frustrated to learn their security guards were sleeping on the job. This was unacceptable and could lead to the possibility of a security breech. Consequently, something had to be done.  In response, Alen Security was hired to install an IP video surveillance system. The system he chose would provide remote video monitoring and protect his entire facility of high-tech computer components. We installed twenty (20) Avigilon 2-Megapixel (MP) Indoor Dome cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics. These analytic cameras ‘learn’ and ‘remember’ the daily sequence of activities while alerting the owner of any trespassing. This is accomplished with alarms that trigger notifications to their smartphones and tablets and the central station video monitoring center. Viewing and recording is done in 1080p video while the Integrated IR allows the cameras to function in total darkness.

The event-based remote video monitoring center, staffed by security professionals, schedules virtual guard tours and responds immediately to any alarms, notifying both law enforcement and the property owner, so there is always someone watching over their equipment, personnel and data.

The Result: The best news of all was that this new multi-faceted security system, including the video monitoring, cost almost one third of the amount they were paying per year for a single guard over three shifts, a savings of $75,000 per year per guard!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the property owner replace on-site security guards?

The owner discovered that the guards responsible for protecting the commercial rental property were sleeping while on duty, leaving valuable computer equipment vulnerable.

What equipment was included in the remote monitoring system?

The system included 20 Avigilon 2-megapixel indoor dome cameras with integrated infrared technology and self-learning video analytics.

Can the surveillance cameras operate in complete darkness?

Yes. Integrated infrared technology allows the cameras to record and monitor activity even when the facility is completely dark.

What happens when the system detects possible trespassing?

Triggered alarms send notifications to the owner’s smartphone or tablet and the central monitoring station. Security professionals can respond immediately and notify law enforcement and the property owner.

How did remote video monitoring affect the property’s security costs?

According to the case study, the complete system cost almost one-third of what the property had been paying annually for one guard across three shifts, producing savings of approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

man-reviewing-footage-on-several-monitors

Video Analytics and Access Control Restricts Access to YOUR Company’s Data and Servers

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Challenge: Protecting valuable and sensitive data

The Solution: Video Analytics and Access Control to monitor and restrict access combined with remote video monitoring 24/7/365

A prominent financial institution contacted us to protect a floor full of equipment and infrastructure vital to the organizations functioning. This included their Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, servers, network connections, transfer switches and generator. The client wanted to restrict access with an access control system while still allowing entry for approved personnel.

Alen Security designed a solution that provided them with continuous video analytics for video review and two-factor authentication access control to restrict access. We installed access card readers with keypads requiring both an access card and a special code for entry. Remote video monitoring is also used, so people could also be granted access, remotely, as required. Security professionals approve Personnel access in real time or in advance, as needed.

The video feed from the cameras with video analytics is pushed to monitors either in another part of the building or off-premises. Trained security professionals then view the live or recorded video footage either looking for anomalies or responding to alarms. Authorized users are also able to view the video remotely via their smartphones and/or tablets.

The Result: A more secure area of their facility allowing access to only those on an approved list.

Contact us today at 877-215-2536 (ALEN) or via email at [email protected] to learn more about the state-of- the-art systems that we can customize to YOUR Company’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment was the financial institution trying to protect?

The institution needed to secure a floor containing critical equipment, including servers, network connections, UPS systems, transfer switches, and a generator.

How does two-factor authentication control access to the secured area?

Personnel must present an approved access card and enter a special code. Requiring both credentials provides stronger protection than using an access card alone.

Can personnel be granted access remotely?

Yes. Security professionals can approve access remotely in real time or authorize personnel in advance when needed.

How are video analytics used to monitor the protected area?

Camera feeds are sent to monitors elsewhere in the building or at an off-site location. Trained security professionals can review live or recorded footage for unusual activity and respond to alarms.

Can authorized users view the cameras from mobile devices?

Yes. Authorized users can remotely view the video through smartphones or tablets, providing visibility into the secured area while away from the facility.

long-haul-trucks-parked

Security Case Study: Access Control for Vehicle Dealership with Corporate, Sales, Service and Retail Departments

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Locksmith, Posts, Security, Uncategorized.

The Challenge: A local vehicle dealership and supply company needed access control to secure their brand-new multi-department facility.

The Solution: Access Card Readers with Multi-Level Access Control protocols and a Video Intercom System.

A large vehicle dealership and supply company wanted to secure their multi-department facility. The need was to restrict the flow of traffic throughout their building.

Their building housed their corporate offices as well as sales, service and some retail space.  With all of this traffic and activity they needed to control “who went where”. This was a key to restricting the flow of traffic throughout their facility. Our solution was a Physical Access Control System.

We used a multi-pronged Access Control approach including access card readers, keypads, electric locks and a video intercom system. First, they needed to solve for the fact that they receive parts deliveries in the middle of the night. This necessitated a system to avoid having to staff 24/7.  To accomplish this, we installed access card readers with keypads and issued them codes. We further integrated their Access Control System with their security system to allow for after-hours deliveries.

Thirdly, we secured their inventory of trucks with electric gates and a video intercom, access cards and a keypad.

Finally, they did not want their retail clients walking into their corporate offices upstairs. So, we installed access card readers to prevent walk-in customers from gaining access to their corporate offices.

The Result: Consequently, they have a more secure facility with access to specific areas restricted to authorized personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the vehicle dealership need an access control system?

The dealership’s new facility contained corporate offices, sales, service, and retail departments. Access control was needed to manage traffic and prevent people from entering areas where they were not authorized.

What access control equipment was installed?

The facility received a combination of access card readers, keypads, electric locks, electric gates, and a video intercom system.

How could the dealership accept deliveries after business hours?

Delivery personnel received access credentials and keypad codes. Integrating the access control and security systems allowed approved overnight deliveries without requiring the dealership to remain staffed around the clock.

How was the dealership’s truck inventory protected?

Electric gates, access cards, a keypad, and a video intercom were used to restrict access to the area containing the truck inventory.

How were customers prevented from entering the corporate offices?

Access card readers were installed between the public retail space and the upstairs corporate offices. Only authorized personnel could enter the restricted office area.

outdoor-security-cameras

Security Video Surveillance Case Study: Updating Outdated Security Systems

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Digital, Security, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: Multiple, low resolution, outdated analog video surveillance systems, in multiple locations

The Solution: Integrate new IP components with their existing analog system for updated security and functionality

This client, a large Pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Northern NJ had totally outgrown their old security system. They had multiple systems from multiple vendors. They were recording on multiple DVRs. All of this this was providing them with low resolution data, which was being monitored from multiple locations! This was NOT effective cost wise, nor from a security standpoint.

We devised a solution which allowed them to integrate new IP components with their existing analog system. This meant that they did not have to pull out everything and install an entirely new video surveillance system. This resulted in some state-of-the-art functionality, allowing them to transition as their budget allows, to an entirely up-graded system.

The solution was an IP Video Surveillance System with Analog Encoders and a new 21 TB Network Video Recorder (NVR). The encoders convert their analog data and the new NVR consolidates their data into a single, more streamlined system.  This also allows them to monitor the system remotely. Avigilon software was also installed to enable remote access. This way they no longer need to be in a specific location or in front of a specific monitor to access their information

In addition, exterior cameras were strategically placed to monitor walking paths. These cameras provided additional public safety. We also installed new IP cameras in their Clean Rooms. These new cameras allowed the staff to monitor the workflow process in these rooms without disturbing them, which helps maintain safety as well as helping to ensure regulatory compliance.

The Result: This single video surveillance system provides them easy access to, and quick searches of, their data. Also, new Ultra HD 8K 30MP HD Pro Cameras link to 4K Monitors which allow prospective clients to see into and view demonstrations in the Clean Rooms without interrupting the process, giving them an added benefit they never had before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the pharmaceutical company need to update its surveillance system?

The company had outgrown its low-resolution analog systems. Multiple vendors, DVRs, and monitoring locations made its surveillance difficult to manage, less secure, and inefficient from a cost standpoint.

Did the company have to replace its entire analog surveillance system?

No. New IP components were integrated with the existing analog equipment, allowing the company to upgrade gradually as its budget permitted.

How were the analog cameras incorporated into the new system?

Analog encoders converted the existing camera data so it could be consolidated within a new IP surveillance system and stored on a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

Could employees monitor the upgraded system remotely?

Yes. Avigilon software provided remote access, allowing authorized users to view surveillance information without being at a specific monitoring station.

How did the new cameras support clean-room operations?

IP cameras allowed staff to monitor workflows without entering or disturbing the clean rooms, supporting safety and regulatory compliance. Ultra-high-definition cameras and 4K monitors also allowed prospective clients to view demonstrations without interrupting operations.

commercial-trucks-parked-on-angle

Security Case Study: New Video Surveillance System Reduces Guard Costs

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Video Surveillance System Upgrade

The Challenge: The customer had an old analog video surveillance system and on-site guards which were ineffective and expensive to maintain.

The Solution: An Avigillon IP Video Surveillance System Solution with IP Cameras and a Network Video Recorder.  Therefore, providing them with improved security at a lower cost.

A multi-location trucking supply company was using an outdated analog video surveillance system to protect their site and equipment. They were also employing on-site guards to watch their premises.

Hence, they contacted us to upgrade their overall system. So, we installed an IP Video Surveillance System from Avigilon. The system included twelve (12) 3 Megapixel IP H3A Bullet HD cameras for the exterior and eight (8) 3-Megapixel H3A IP Day/Night HD Indoor Dome cameras for the interior. We also installed a 21TB Network Video Recorder (NVR) to record all of the action.

The new video surveillance system provided improved image quality, better monitoring of employee activity and better secured their grounds. This also gave them the ability to remotely access the data. So, to augment the new security system, we were able to add Video Analytics and Video Monitoring. With this ability, we instituted ‘rules’ and ‘triggers’ related to access and certain timeframes. This now allowed them to create alarms to alert them of any incidents. Interestingly, the first thing that they discovered with this new monitoring system was that their guards were not as actively engaged as they needed to be. Therefore, with the new system being monitored at a remote central location, they were able to eliminate their on-site guards. This allowed them to greatly reduce their costs.

The Result: A much MORE secure site and at a LOWER cost, saving the customer $75,000 per year per guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the trucking supply company replace its surveillance system?

The company’s outdated analog cameras and on-site guards were expensive to maintain and did not provide the level of security needed to protect its locations and equipment.

What equipment was included in the new surveillance system?

The company received 12 exterior bullet cameras, eight interior day-and-night dome cameras, and a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

What improvements did the IP cameras provide?

The new cameras delivered clearer images, better coverage of the property, improved monitoring of employee activity, and remote access to surveillance footage.

How did video analytics improve the company’s security?

Video analytics allowed the company to establish rules and triggers for specific access events and timeframes. The system could then generate alarms when potentially suspicious activity occurred.

How much did the company save by using remote video monitoring?

Remote monitoring allowed the company to eliminate its on-site guards while improving security. According to the case study, this saved approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

storage-container-with-boxes-and-pallets

Security Case Study: IP Video Protects Your Property and Equipment

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

IP Video Equipment

Challenge: Construction Company wanted security and remote monitoring of expensive equipment around the clock

Solution: Installation of Avigilon IP Video Bullet HD cameras with Video Analytics and Remote Video Monitoring Solution

We were recently contacted by a large construction firm who does bridge repairs along a major US highway. They have tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of trucks, tools and equipment on their property as well as Conex storage containers and fuel tanks. They know that theft of, or tampering with, any of this equipment would seriously impair their ability to keep their teams working, costing them time and money.

Knowing that any delay would cost them thousands of dollars per hour, they didn’t take any chances. So, they called Alen Security to install eight (8) state of the art Avigilon 3 Megapixel (MP) H3A IP Video Bullet HD cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics along with talk-down speakers.

The video analytics built into to the IP Video security cameras use Avigilon’s “Teach by Example” technology, learning on their own by observation and also from the operators who actively use it. They automatically adjust to changing scene conditions, helping reduce false alarms, and provide superior protection for both assets and personnel.

Along with the IP Video cameras, we also employed an 8 channel, 4TB Video Appliance running the feature-rich ACC5 video management software. This allows them to store the video data and quickly review and search for the video they want.

The event-based remote video monitoring center is staffed by security professionals and schedules thrice-daily guard tours. They also respond to video “alarm triggers” and can talk-down to would-be intruders. Talk-down capability allows them to alert intruders that law enforcement has been notified and to leave the premises immediately. Hence, combining these features protects their facility around the clock.

Result: The IP Video security cameras and event-based remote video monitoring keep their property and equipment secure 24/7/365.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the construction company need around-the-clock surveillance?

The company stored valuable trucks, tools, equipment, fuel tanks, and storage containers on its property. Theft or tampering could stop its bridge-repair crews from working and cause costly delays.

What surveillance equipment was installed?

The company received eight 3-megapixel HD bullet cameras with infrared capability, self-learning video analytics, and talk-down speakers.

How do self-learning video analytics reduce false alarms?

The analytics learn through observation and feedback from system operators. They adjust to changing conditions within a scene, helping the cameras distinguish potential threats from normal activity.

How is the company’s surveillance footage stored and reviewed?

An eight-channel video appliance with four terabytes of storage records the footage. Video-management software allows authorized users to search for and review specific events quickly.

What happens when the system detects a possible intruder?

Security professionals at the remote monitoring center respond to video alarm triggers. They can use the speakers to warn intruders that law enforcement has been notified and direct them to leave the property.

exterior-of-modern-commercial-facility

Security Case Study: Access Control System Secures Building Exterior

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Security.

The Challenge: A Global Property Management Company wanted to secure their building’s exterior with an Access Control System.

The Solution: Access Card Readers and a Visitor Management System.

A Global Property Management Company wanted to secure and control the flow of access into a large office building in one of America’s largest and most important cities. This included all exterior doors on the Main level and building access from the Garage level. The company also requested that this Access Control System project be completed under a strict deadline and for it to be fully code-compliant.

Consequently, Alen Security installed a physical Access Control System with Access Card Readers on the Garage level to allow access to the Security Portals that permit only one person to enter the building at a time. In addition, Access Card Readers and electric locks were installed on all exterior doors on the Ground level and electric locks were installed throughout, thereby, controlling the flow of traffic into the building.

Finally, we installed an intercom system to control visitor access along with Easy Lobby, a Visitor Management software system. This system allows for:

  • A central database of visitors Email/text notifications of visitor arrival
  • The ability to create watch lists
  • Badging
  • An Archive of Photos
  • Scanning of ID Cards
  • Pre-Registration / Self-Registration
  • Integration with Access Control System
  • Analysis/Reporting on visitor data, quickly and easily available

The Result: The Access Control and Visitor Management systems controlled building access to the desired degree for a large urban office building and allowed for the documented tracking of visitors. Furthermore, the project was completed on-time and in code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of the office building needed access control?

The property management company needed to secure every exterior door on the building’s main level and control access into the building from the garage.

How was access from the parking garage secured?

Access card readers were installed at the garage level. Approved users entered through security portals designed to allow only one person into the building at a time.

How were the building’s ground-level entrances protected?

Access card readers and electric locks were installed on all exterior ground-level doors to control who could enter the building.

How did the visitor management system handle guests?

The system supported visitor pre-registration, ID scanning, badges, arrival notifications, watch lists, photo archives, and a centralized visitor database. An intercom was also installed to control guest access.

Could the building track and report visitor activity?

Yes. The visitor management software integrated with the access control system and provided documented visitor tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

air-conditioning-units

Security Case Study: Video Analytics can Protect Your Property

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Posts, Security, Video Analytics.

The Challenge: Vandalism and Property Loss

The Solution: Avigilon Cameras with Video Analytics Appliance

We recently worked with a world renowned non-profit organization based in Southern New Jersey. This group had their air conditioning (AC) units tampered with and stripped of their copper tubing. The group replaced the units, in full, only to actually have the new units stolen! Shortly after having the units stolen, they called us looking for a solution that could have prevented the theft and vandalism in the first place.

In response, we consulted with them about their business and any other issues they were experiencing. We do this in order to provide a comprehensive security solution. Our proposal then included installing a Video Surveillance System using Avigilon Cameras and other equipment with video analytics to monitor their property and the new AC equipment.

Alen Security installed four (4) new Exterior Bullet cameras with integrated IR, to add to their existing camera base, along with an Avigilon Rialto Analytic Appliance and talk-down speakers. The video analytics allow them to set up “triggers” or “alarms” so they can be alerted when a person or vehicle is in an area they are not supposed to be in. So, if an incident like this were to happen in the future, they will be able to be pro-active and someone can “talk-down” to the alleged perpetrators asking them to leave and alerting them that law enforcement has been notified.

The Result: Adding the Rialto Analytic Appliance to their existing analog camera network along with the new cameras we installed provided this organization with a cost-effective way to easily add video analytics to their existing analog video surveillance system. The best part is that they have not had any further incidents of theft or vandalism since the new system was implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security problem was the nonprofit experiencing?

The organization’s air-conditioning units had been stripped of their copper tubing. After replacing the damaged units, the new equipment was stolen entirely.

What equipment was installed to protect the property?

Four exterior bullet cameras with integrated infrared technology were added to the existing camera system, along with a video analytics appliance and talk-down speakers.

How do video analytics detect suspicious activity?

The system uses triggers and alarms to identify when a person or vehicle enters an area where they are not supposed to be.

What happens when the system detects a potential intruder?

Security personnel can use the talk-down speakers to direct the person to leave and warn them that law enforcement has been notified.

Could video analytics be added to the organization’s analog cameras?

Yes. The analytics appliance worked with the existing analog camera network and newly installed cameras, providing a cost-effective upgrade without replacing the entire surveillance system. The organization reported no additional theft or vandalism after installation.