Mission
The glorious, sun-kissed suburb of Umhlanga Ridge, north of Durban (South Africa), is home to Liberty Life's plush new regional office. The 11,000 square metre building was designed and built with an emphasis on environmentally-friendly features and energy-saving technology, as part of Liberty's commitment to the national Energy Efficiency Accord. Liberty Properties' stringent security and building management system criteria necessitated the installation of a sophisticated, effective surveillance solution.
Solution
ML Technologies (Pty) Ltd, a company specialising in high tech network solutions, was awarded the security and building management installation tender issued by Liberty Properties. Various Axis Communications network cameras were installed in strategic locations to maximise the efficiency of the system. ML Technologies was instrumental in designing a surveillance solution, using Axis Communications network video products, as well as the Honeywell EBI solution which effortlessly meets the uncompromising security standards set by Liberty Properties.
Result
The central control room, situated within the Liberty Life development, is able to maintain strict control over the movement of persons entering the premises, thereby reducing the security risks associated with modern day buildings. Axis Communications network cameras are used to monitor vital areas throughout the building, while the EBI system is used to monitor and control equipment, such as extraction fans, standby generators and water levels, ensuring that swift action can be taken to avert possible incidents or malfunctions. All critical areas of this vast building can be accessed via the surveillance system, providing peace of mind for visitors and staff alike.
A camera for every eventuality
ML Technologies, with its extensive experience in the surveillance industry and high profile client base in all sectors of the economy including Mondi Business Paper, Pioneer Foods, Blyvooruitsicht Gold Mine, NPC-Cimpor and Universal Print Group, is well equipped to make the right decisions concerning security products. As the world moves towards IP network solutions, ML is focused on offering their clients a fully integrated system consisting of technologically advanced equipment in a flawlessly designed configuration.
It is this dedication to perfection that led to the installation of Axis Communications network cameras at Liberty Group's Umhlanga offices. ML Technologies carefully selected the appropriate Axis network camera based on the individual location requirement.
The Axis Communications P3343 Fixed Dome Network Camera, chosen for its compact design and ability to operate in low light conditions, secures the fire escape passages where space is limited and light conditions are not optimal. "The remote focusing functionality, tamper-resistant housing and ease of installation provided by Power over Ethernet makes this an ideal camera," remarks Regardt Kruger, Technical Director of ML Asset Management (Pty) Ltd (holding company of ML Technologies).
Vehicle entry and exit is monitored by the Axis Communications 216MFD Network Camera. The megapixel resolution of the camera allows for the crystal clear identification of license plates and vehicle occupants.
Discreet and unobtrusive surveillance throughout the building is provided by the Axis Communications P3301 Fixed Dome Network Camera. This camera is capable of supplying crisp, superior quality images in both illuminated and lowlight conditions.
 |
| The AXIS P3301 fixed dome network cameras provide discreet and unobtrusive surveillance |
The robust Axis Communications 221 Day & Night Network Camera, installed internally and externally, offers day and night functionality and operates effectively in sections of the building subject to dusty conditions and temperature fluctuations.
Progressive security in a contemporary setting
As the regional office for both Liberty Life and STANLIB, South Africa's largest unit trust provider, this state-of-the-art development is of great strategic importance to the Liberty Group and is believed to be the Group's largest investment in regional infrastructure to date. The Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre site, already home to several major financial institutions such as Rand Merchant Bank and Deloitte, offers a unique urban setting just minutes away from the fabulous Indian Ocean coastline.
The importance of exceptional security in this exclusive environment was not underestimated by ML Technologies. "We operate within a rapidly evolving industry and it is imperative that we constantly adapt and grow technologically," says Regardt Kruger. "We have to be at the forefront of development. By keeping our focus on IPbased solutions we are able to integrate various functions in the business environment (weigh bridges, fridges, water levels, back-up generators, conveyor belts, point of sale, etc.) enabling management to effectively manage risks through their networks and Axis Communications IP cameras."
Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town is another of the Liberty Groups' developments undergoing a surveillance face-lift. The old analogue system has been replaced by an IP solution consisting of numerous Axis Communications network cameras, with a further fifty cameras scheduled to be installed throughout the year. Once again, ML Technologies has been appointed by the consulting engineers, CKR Consulting, to tackle this installation.
