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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.

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Remote Video Monitoring of All Your Security Cameras’ Across All Platforms Made Easy

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

The Challenge: Video Monitoring for all of your Video surveillance feeds without being tethered to a single desk or location.

The Solution: Avigilon Control Center (ACC6) Video Management Software with Remote Access capabilities.

Imagine a scenario with the same high-quality Video surveillance coverage you want and seeing it from wherever you are. ACC6 does that for you. So, whether you are in your boss’s office, at a wedding or just at home, ACC6 puts video monitoring at your fingertips.

The feature-rich Avigilon ACC6 Video Management software makes it easy to access your video anywhere or anytime on any device. You can be on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. As a result, you can decipher between serious incidents or a false alarm from anywhere. You can also check in on employees to see if productivity is where it needs to be.

The ACC Mobile app, for both iOS & Android, offers superior preventative protection from the convenience of your mobile device. This combined with Avigilon’s HD adaptive video analytics technology gives you all that you need. Consequently, the latest version of ACC Mobile offers intelligent, accurate and effective real-time video monitoring of your people, property and assets. All this from the convenience and flexibility of your mobile devices.

You can quickly view and respond to alarms, effectively stopping security incidents before they escalate.

So, gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen in a single location for video monitoring. Our state-of-the-art systems allow you to monitor security video feeds across all platforms including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The Result: Avigilon ACC6 and ACC Mobile Video Management Software is the answer to your video remote access needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does remote video monitoring solve?

Remote monitoring allows users to view security-camera feeds without being tied to a particular desk, screen, or physical location.

What devices can be used to monitor security cameras remotely?

Avigilon ACC6 supports remote viewing from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Is remote video monitoring available on both iOS and Android?

Yes. The ACC Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Can users respond to security alarms while away from the facility?

Yes. Users can view camera footage and respond to alarms remotely, helping them distinguish between false alarms and serious incidents before a situation escalates.

Can remote video monitoring help evaluate employee productivity?

Yes. Authorized users can review camera feeds from another location to monitor workplace activity and determine whether productivity is meeting expectations.

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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.

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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.

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.