After installing security systems for the Marshall Group of Companies for almost two decades, integrated security installer and solutions specialist, Guardian Security and Communications Ltd, was invited to tender for a major upgrade and for the provision of systems to serve a new Forward Base Operations and Maintenance Repair Operations complex for corporate jets.
After carefully analysing the requirements of this complex project - which involves widely separated multiple sites - the company decided that the versatility and comprehensive functionality of an access control system from Siemens was an ideal choice for the application.
The Marshall Group of Companies comprises Marshall Aerospace, Marshall Specialist Vehicles, Marshall Motor Group and Cambridge City Airport - a regional airport, providing service for the fast growing businesses in East Anglia. The security systems cover not only the main sites at Cambridge but also satellite sites such as the one at Mildenhall, 15 miles away. Each site has many buildings and, in total, the security system was initially required to serve a total of 60 doors.
Capacity for further expansion, including the addition of extra sites, was essential, as was the option to provide integration with the company's CCTV system in the future. It was also vital that any new security system would be able to interface with existing card readers, and that it would be compatible with the 2,500 cards already issued and in use.
"We had no doubt at all that the Siemens access control was the best solution," said Brian Hodges of Guardian Security and Communications Ltd. "This system is highly expandable, it provides easy integration of both access control and CCTV functions, and its TCP/IP support means that it is easy to set up network connections with remote sites."
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| Siemens integrated solution offered the client easy expandability |
"In addition," he continued, "the system can accommodate most types of card readers and cards, which meant that we could make effective use of legacy equipment. Finally, but just as important in this project as in any other, it is very affordable and it offers outstanding value for money."
Having won this prestigious contract on the basis of using the Siemens system, Guardian Security and Communications Ltd was pleased to find the installation and commissioning to be straightforward, despite the added complexity of setting up the 15-mile long TCP/IP Ethernet link to the Mildenhall satellite site.
Because of its foundation of well-proven SQL database technology, and its excellent track record in large high-security applications, the access control installation was also able to satisfy the Ministry of Defence that it would meet its especially demanding security requirements for the military areas of the various sites.
The new system is delivering a whole range of important benefits to the end user, The Marshall Group. "The biggest benefit is undoubtedly its ease of use," said Tom Richards, Chief Security Officer for the Group. "Once you've understood the basics - and that's certainly not complicated - it's a simple process to create access groups, create and amend records and to interrogate the system."
Tom Richards also commented on the excellent product insight provided by Siemens Security Products at its headquarters in South Wales, which allowed him to see at first hand the strength and resources behind the brand. Added to this reassurance was the first class training provided by Guardian, as well as ongoing system support.
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| The security system was initially required to serve a total of 60 doors |
"On the very few occasions when it has proved necessary to call on support services to resolve highly complex and sensitive security network issues, Guardian and Siemens staff have invariably proved knowledgeable and helpful. Both organisations have worked well together as partners to provide us with a speedy solution.
"The Siemens system has fully lived up to our expectations, and has proved to be an excellent tool in the ‘security in depth' approach that the Marshall Group adopts. When there are new build and refurbishment programmes on site, security aspects are always high on the agenda, with the specific details of access control being particularly important.
"Our current preferred solution," he continued, "which is to extend the networked Siemens system rather than rely on standalone systems, is proving very successful, dependable and cost-effective. In summary, we're delighted with the current performance of our system, and its expandability means that we are confident that it will go on serving our requirements well into the future."
