G4S Technology provides integrated access control, intercom and camera system solution to 41 Yell sites in the UK

(18/03/2010)

In the UK, Yell are best known for their printed Yellow Pages directories but also offer an integrated portfolio of printed, online and phone-based products and services. Yell is a leading international directories business operating in the classified advertising market through printed, online and phone-based media in the UK, US, Spain and Latin America.

Yell recently decided to hold a competitive tender to find a company to provide an IP-based security solution.

Analysis of the market concluded that G4S Technology were to be selected as the provider to upgrade systems at 41 UK sites. This was as a direct result of the flexibility and functionality that the Symmetry™ Security Management System (SMS) solution delivered whilst seamlessly integrating IP-based access control, CCTV and Intercom.

Symmetry SMS was installed throughout the computer network infrastructure within Yell to connect to multiNODE Door Controllers located on remote sites. Administration from the remote sites is provided using Windows Terminal Services Thin Client Technology without the need for dedicated terminals.

In addition, IP audio intercoms and video cameras were integrated into the system to enable the central security control room within Yell to remotely manage visitors when the remote sites are unoccupied. Further auxiliary inputs also enable the IT Department to monitor the status of remote communications room equipment, such as air conditioning, power failure and fire suppression systems.

The system installed had to fulfil two major requirements: It must be centrally managed; plus, the intercom and camera solution must be able to be integrated and controlled using a single software platform.

Yell recognised that by specifying a centrally managed system, it would save time and money through the security team administering access rights from a single hub. The Symmetry SMS also allows the staff rights be personalised, which means that access to specific buildings can be automatically controlled by the status or clearance level of an individual.

The integrated intercom and camera system solution tightly linked to the central management requirement and allows the security team to grant access to people remotely. As Yell owns sites that are not manned all of the time, previously they had needed to send out personnel to individual sites to open gates and doors.

“It was important for convenience and also safety that we could see and speak to anyone that wanted to get into a Yell facility. G4S Technology created the system that met our requirements” explained Jon Buckley, Operations & Compliance Manager.

The security solution comprises:
- Symmetry Enterprise Edition Software with Terminal Services Server;
- Photo ID, visitor management, graphic maps, threat level manager, data import/export options;
- 41 colour fixed IP cameras, positioned externally adjacent to main entrance doors, together with 41 audio intercom call stations;
- 41 IP intercom handsets for local door release and visitor reception;
- 122 Mifare Card & PIN readers with associated door controllers;
- 400 auxiliary monitor point alarms.

Related topics:  Building access control system   CCTV cameras and domes   CCTV system and accessories   Digital CCTV   IP monitoring   Public Address system 

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