Aesthetics and functionality

January 2014 Integrated Solutions, Residential Estate (Industry)

At an upmarket townhouse complex in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, security originally comprised a control room, guards and a closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system. The developer decided to further enhance residents’ security with the addition of an intrusion detection system.

Owing to the particular dynamics of a complex where residents typically spend little time at home, units are often vacant. Stylishly and expensively furnished, these empty homes are desirable targets for robbers, hence the need for an aesthetically-pleasing, state-of-the-art intrusion detection system. Most units have patios, gardens and/or balconies, which required outdoor as well as indoor protection.

The system had to link to the complex’s control room, so that security personnel could be immediately dispatched in the event of an alarm being triggered.

In addition, the system not only had to be easy to use but also able to notify owners of the security status of their properties at any time. Since most residents use their cellphones and 3G cards for communication, units invariably don’t have fixed telephone lines. This demanded alternative methods of communication between control room and owners.

Considering the wide use of water and reflective material used in the complex, the outdoor trigger had to be able to differentiate between real threats and reflections.

The Elvey team recommended the DSC intruder detection system, which fulfilled the developer’s requirements perfectly. The DSC wireless alarm system took less than an hour to install eight zones in a unit. Not only does this save on installation time and costs, but its slick design blends in with any architecture.

Elvey then suggested that the Bentel GSM/GPRS wireless alarm communicator be incorporated into the system, to inform both residents and security guards of alarm triggers via SMS over the GSM/GPRS network. In the event of an alarm, the communicator operates as a SMS dialler, capable of automatically dialling up to eight pre-programmed telephone numbers to deliver an alarm message.

Specifically designed to be centrally wall-mounted, the wireless battery-operated BX-80NR from Optex, with its long, narrow detection capabilities, covers the perimeter with a multi-layered, horizontal barrier that detects intruders before they break in.

Best practice

“Keeping the undesirable elements out of the estate whilst still keeping the estate friendly enough for visitors, could be considered the primary goal of estate security systems. Access control plays a vital role here and choosing a feature-packed product that can handle all the different risks estates pose, but that’s also robust enough to handle the traffic, is a challenge,” said Sean McCarthy, regional sales manager at Elvey.

“I believe that one should use the experts, as in an external company. The selection process and consequent service level agreement is key to how your security is handled. External companies have the necessary skills set.

“Better education on products will see these systems being optimally used by residents and security staff. In addition, new technology that is available can manage guards on patrol as well as help the guards patrolling to be more effective whilst on patrol.”

McCarthy added that a strong database, containing name, ID and fingerprint of every visitor to the estate and outsourced contractors who perform permanent, temporary or domestic work is essential. “The flow of traffic has to be managed using biometrics. However, access control without video is going to offer only half the picture and management capability. The concurrent use of both technologies offers a great deterrent for an estate.”

For more information contact Elvey Security Technologies, +27 (0) 11 401 6700, priyesh.jagjivan@elvey.co.za, www.elvey.co.za



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Pentagon appointed as Milestone distributor
Elvey Security Technologies News & Events Surveillance
Milestone Systems appointed Pentagon Distribution (an Elvey Group company within the Hudaco Group of Companies) as a distributor. XProtect’s open architecture means no lock-in and the ability to customise the connected video solution that will accomplish the job.

Read more...
Future trends for electronic safety and security in mining
Fang Fences & Guards Mining (Industry) Integrated Solutions AI & Data Analytics
The mining industry is ever evolving, driven by technological advancements and the growing need for enhanced safety and security measures, with significant innovation seen in turnkey electronic security for mining operations.

Read more...
Unlocking enhanced security for mining
Mining (Industry) Integrated Solutions
In the dynamic landscape of African mining, security remains of paramount concern as threats evolve and challenges persist, and mining companies seek innovative solutions to safeguard their operations, assets, and personnel.

Read more...
A constant armed struggle
Technews Publishing XtraVision Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Mining (Industry) IoT & Automation
SMART Security Solutions asked a few people involved in servicing mines to join us for a virtual round table and give us their insights into mine security today. A podcast of the discussion will be released shortly-stay tuned.

Read more...
Smart intercoms for Sky House Projects
Nology Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
DNAKE’s easy and smart intercom solution has everything in place for modern residential buildings. Hence, the developer selected DNAKE video intercoms to round out upmarket apartment complexes, supported by the mobile app.

Read more...
Access and identity in 2024
Technews Publishing Gallagher HID Global IDEMIA Ideco Biometrics Enkulu Technologies neaMetrics Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
SMART Security Solutions hosted a round table discussion with various players in the access and identity market, to find out what they experienced in the last year, as well as their expectations for 2024.

Read more...
Advanced security solution for high-risk areas
Secutel Technologies Surveillance Integrated Solutions
The need for a sophisticated intrusion detection system is paramount when faced with persistent security challenges, particularly in isolated battery rooms or high-risk areas prone to vandalism, cable theft, and battery theft.

Read more...
Vumacam and NAVIC enhance SafeCity initiative
Integrated Solutions Risk Management & Resilience
Vumacam and NAVIC, two of South Africa's most respected surveillance technology and vehicle intelligence providers, are proud to announce an alliance that will greatly expand the coverage and impact of the SafeCity initiative across the country.

Read more...
Gallagher Security’s achieves SOC2 Type 2 recertification
Gallagher News & Events Integrated Solutions Infrastructure
Gallagher has achieved System and Organization Controls (SOC2 Type 2) recertification after a fresh audit of the cloud-hosted services of its integrated security solution, Command Centre. The recertification was achieved on 21 December 2023.

Read more...
Integrated transportation security
Guardian Eye AI & Data Analytics Integrated Solutions Logistics (Industry)
HG Travel installs an AI-powered camera system integrated across 115 vehicles throughout a fleet comprising 160 vehicles of different sizes, along with predictive and self-monitoring tools to track tyre condition, fuel consumption and theft, and overall vehicle maintenance.

Read more...