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Fernridge Estate upgrades to IP

Ringmaster Security recently completed a security upgrade for Fernridge Estate, improving, upgrading and expanding the existing security installation. The result was a solution that strengthened the estate’s access control and surveillance systems.

Today, all parties involved in the estate, from the managing agents to the homeowners and the security team can rely on the system to support and protect them when incidents occur. This is a dramatic change from the previous system the estate had installed, in which the access control system was not reliable and often failed to operate correctly. In addition, the surveillance system constantly failed due to power, weather and recording problems.

One primary concern for the estate was the unreliable operation of its security processes, which increased the risk of breaches and made registering visitors consistently, safely and at a reasonable speed a difficult challenge.

Ringmaster was recommended to the Homeowners Association (HOS) and, after a presentation to the board, selected to handle the project. To contain costs, Ringmaster was required to reuse some of the older equipment, after it had been serviced, cleaned and, where necessary, equipped with firmware updates.

The first step in the project was to replace the estate’s copper cabling with a new fibre-optic IP network, which would be more reliable and secure, and it is less vulnerable to lightning and power fluctuations. Following this, the task was to upgrade the surveillance and access control systems to full IP solutions to create a common network and allow for easier, faster communication and for the integration of all the security systems.

The project was not without challenges, however, as laying the new fibre backbone took longer than expected because of the state of the existing cable routes. Additionally, the commissioning of the systems took longer than expected due to the high volume of traffic flow that had to be accommodated while the installation and testing was in progress.

Nevertheless, Ringmaster and estate personnel worked together and logged their progress daily on a project schedule to ensure the client knew where in the process the project was.

In the end, Ringmaster was able to deliver a high-end solution that benefitted both Ringmaster and the security staff on site. Certain procedures are now automated and the need for constant manual operation eliminated, and the users have been trained in the efficient use of their new security technology. Ringmaster no longer needs to be onsite constantly to put out fires since the onsite staff have a handle on the solution that has been designed to stand the test of time. Ringmaster will also continue to maintain the system at regular intervals to ensure the solution delivers over the long term.

Fernridge can now boast of:

• Reliable operation of all mechanical and electronic systems.

• Smoother, faster and safer processing and control of visitors.

• Trained security staff, proficient in managing the security systems and processing reports and evidence.

• The ability to offer off-site monitoring as well as remote access to the surveillance systems for viewing by homeowners.

• Regular maintenance of the systems to prevent downtime.

This solution has met its goals and the security staff are now more efficient and proactive in their duties. Regular maintenance ensures that these systems remain in a healthy working condition.

Key partners

• BFR Digital: POE, surge protection, fibre and POE switches.

• Boomgate Systems: Traffic barriers, spike barriers, turnstiles and goosenecks.

• Powell Tronics: Impro access control equipment and Sagem biometrics.

• Sensor Security: Hikvision CCTV equipment.

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