On the case

Perfect on the pallet
Reflex Systems, supplier of CCTV, access control and audio communications, has completed a contract to design and install critical security, access control, and associated systems for distribution company, RCS (UK) Ltd. A latest generation technology Panasonic CCTV system was installed to protect the main warehouse and third party logistical equipment, each unit having the ability to switch between colour and monochrome picture depending on light levels.

The Panasonic cameras can also perform programmable tours, allowing the client to maintain a high level of surveillance to vulnerable areas, monitored continuously by centralised security personnel.

Reflex also provided a six-meter barrier for the staff car park as part of a new access control system.

Dave Ellis of RCS (UK), said: "We wanted to concentrate on our distribution business rather than always worrying about security and health and safety issues … Reflex have certainly delivered the goods and our operations are much safer, more secure, and more effective as a result of their installations."

Reflex also installed an intruder and fire system at RCS's South Kirkby depot.

Hand picked installation
Reflex also completed a contract to install and maintain critical security systems and associated technologies for luxury hotel operator, Hand Picked Hotels.

An essential part of the brief was to ensure that security systems were reviewed and upgraded whilst considering and respecting the architecture and character of the individual hotels. Latest technology and techniques were employed to keep the installation as discreet as possible. CCTV and security management systems were fitted to ensure the optimum security and safety of guests and staff, with digital cameras, recording and playback integrated into the hotel's IT infrastructure. The system is now used as a management tool and can be viewed by authorised personnel on their PCs remotely.

Guy Cherry, property and maintenance manager for Hand Picked Hotels, said: "Reflex Systems came on recommendation because of their work for other leading hotel groups."

Less Kewing for staff
Engineers at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, have successfully installed a Bewator Granta access control system, having been trained to do so by Bewator technicians at the company's Cambridge headquarters. The system comprises more than 70 readers throughout the 350 acre site which receives up to one million visitors every year.

Kew's senior building services engineer, James Dennis, said the access controls replaced outdated and inadequate systems as well as improving the level of control throughout the site.

The new system will allow Kew staff to access the areas they work in, while protecting controlled areas from visitors and unauthorised staff.

A total of 60 doors, and 13 perimeter entry turnstiles are controlled by the PR100 readers together with 4101 controllers, all co-ordinated by Bewator's Granta PC-based control system. The slimline PR100 readers are unobtrusive, can be hidden behind non-metallic screens or walls and are said to be easily installed, making them suitable for architecturally sensitive locations like Kew.

Says Dennis: "Having been trained by Bewator we can now add to the system whenever we like."

Flying simulation
CAE simulator training facilities based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset have installed JVC 's TK-C1480BECCTV cameras in two Royal Navy Lynx Mk8 helicopter simulator systems, a full mission simulator and a procedural trainer.

Distributor VCL, provided the JVC cameras to installer, Telstar Communications, who designed and integrated the cameras to be directly linked and operated by a host computer. The simulator system features a visual system with terrain databases of the UK, Scandinavia and the Gulf, as well as 60 different ship and aircraft models. The facility has four simulators available for the Royal Navy to train their Lynx aircrew.

Ken Combes, CAE site manager at Yeovilton said the previous de-brief display provided an unusable image … "The challenge for us was to get an image that was clear and had the correct colours. The image also had to be flicker-free".

Telstar Communications, with the help of JVC, designed an effective low-cost solution that has allowed the Royal Navy, to use the equipment to its full capability Steve King, director of Telstar Communications said they had to "tweak" the JVC camera specifically to correctly set up the system with the best colour rendition and flicker-free images Remote viewing of car sites Shadow Security of Cambridge has installed JVC TK-C676E and TK-C1460BE dome cameras into seven Marshall Motor Group car dealerships in the UK.

The monitoring system was designed by Paul Bromley whilst working at Farsight (now at Oak-ESP).

At each site a camera has been connected to a TCP/IP video server, Each combination forms part of a security LAN. Images from the cameras are transmitted back to a remote video monitoring station via a single BT ADSL broadband link. Marshalls Motor Group are able to view each individual site using a PC internet browser.

  The remote monitoring system was installed as part of an initiative to audit the quality of the system and as an alternative to more expensive security guard and manpower expenditure.

Shadow Security themselves are also using this facility to assist in fault diagnosis.

   Mission accomplished
Nova Integrated Systems installed a Kaba exos sky access control system at the UK headquarters of New Tribes Mission, an organising which co-ordinates missionary work.

So easy was it to install, that New Tribes Mission were able to start operating the day after work had been started.

The organisation has over 130 students and staff on site and many other guests visiting the campus and conferences.

They needed an access control system for multiple buildings, which would be simple to install, allow administration from any location, and be backed up with the support of a reputable installer and manufacturer.

Kaba exos sky does not require software installation and uses Microsoft Internet Explorer to interface to the central access hub. It allows any PC on the network to administer the system. Controlling up to 32 doors and 10,000 cardholders, it can be expanded to meet future needs.

Alarms are linked to the system users via SMTP email, ensuring immediate notification of incidents.

Kevin Still of New Tribes Mission said the feature that most attracted them was the user-friendly interface. Each person can be given specific access to certain doors at set times, but also each door can be customised with specific operational times as needed.

College cuts keys
An Intellikey electronic based access control system has been installed at Croydon College, South London as part of a major upgrade and refurbishment.

Ensuring the safety and controlled access of 18,000 students and 800 staff as they move around the college was a major job.

The refurbishment period covers the removal of 8,000 locks ranging from old mechanical locks to push button pin code.

These are being replaced with Intellikey, the stand-alone key based access control product.

The systems uses a microcomputer fitted to both the key and the lock controller together with an electronic cylinder.

The key can be issued and programmed to work for a limited period. For instance, if a temporary tutor forgets to hand back his key it can be removed from the system without the worry of someone unauthorised using it.

Intellikey also enables the college to operate an auto lock/unlock door system allowing certain doors to be unlocked at certain times.

Security patrols are able to access doors using just one key instead of having to carry around big bunches.

Prestige development
Camwatch has installed 36 Sony ExWave colour cameras for internal surveillance plus the SNC RZ30 IP camera at S1 St James, a prestigious 14-storey building in Sheffield City Centre.

The office development also benefits from remote CCTV monitoring provided through Camwatch Monitoring Limited.

The cameras are linked by IP transmission to the Camwatch Monitoring station elsewhere in the city. In the control room at S1 St James are three Sony HSR digital recorders and three Sony colour monitors.

Dennard domes are linked externally to a series of Redwall detectors monitoring the exterior and car parks.

   In Perspective
Midnight Security and Monitoring has installed a digital video door entry system for the newly redeveloped Century House MI6 building in South London.

   A BPT System 200 video door entry system with Nova monitors was installed in the 22 storey building now called Perspective.

The Nova monitors have been flush mounted in the halls of each apartment. Nova has a sleek minimalist design which contrasts with its surroundings. It has a 2 inch LCD flat screen with colour images and a combined audio module. At the two main entrances, BPT Targha digital video door entry panels in aluminium finish have been installed.

Mission not impossible
Alarm Service Group and FAAC worked together to design and install a new parking control and security solution at a challenging installation in South Wales where limited space called for specialist design. A gate system was required for Windsor Arcade in Penarth, home to retail and commercial businesses with residential accommodation above street level. A gate system was required for secure parking for residents but local installers had refused to tender because of the limits on space, the restriction of a low undercroft and a very narrow turning angle.

"Some said the job was impossible", said Kevin Taylor, Director of Operations for Alarm Services Group of Bristol. After a number of site visits, FAAC 844 sliding gate operator – designed for the heaviest gates – was chosen. Alterations were made to the gate to accommodate pedestrians and special hangers and brackets were designed. Changes were made to the design of the change clamp to suit the gate assembly.

Limit switches were mounted on purpose made brackets to prevent overdrive and safety beams were specially angled to achieve success.