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A safer retreat

Project scope

Nanhua Retreat Centre, a Buddhist Temple situated in Bronkhorstspruit, recently installed 25 Optex indoor/outdoor beams. A DSC alarm system was also installed replacing the previous system. Due to the remote location of the centre, integrated with the alarm system was a Bentel GSM module.

The history

The centre, which was established in 1994, was seen as a place of retreat until a burglary occurred a few months ago. Despite having an alarm system and electric fences around the property, intruders entered the centre comfortably and held staff up at gunpoint. Later, staff were gagged and tied up while the burglars made off with goods from the temple.

The goal

To install a security system that will give years of reliable, trouble-free operation and most importantly one that will maintain the peace and security felt by visitors at the centre.

The solution

Nanhua Retreat Centre employed the technologies of Optex, DSC and Bentel. Various Optex beams were chosen from the AX series as it best suited the needs of the temple.

Being a large centre, comprising of three buildings, the DSC Power8 control panel was chosen. Previously, each building had a separate alarm system. But with the advanced features of the DSC alarm panel especially the partition function only a single control panel and keypad was used for the entire centre.

The Bentel GSM module was also integrated with the alarm system and operates as a GSM interface, voice dialler, SMS dialler and remote control via SMS which is ideal for the temple.

The benefit

The Optex beams prevent false alarms and thus offer more accurate and reliable detection. The alarm system by DSC eliminated redundant equipment providing a single secure solution. The modular design of the panel allows greater flexibility in terms of future upgrading while the Bentel GSM Communicator was a cost-effective solution for added confidence in the security system.

Obstacles en route to a final solution

The temple practises conservation of nature and thus all trees and plants are not allowed to be cut down but rather, projects must be conducted around them. Thus the installation design of the Optex AX beams had to take the trees into consideration. As a result of this more beams were required.

The result

The objectives of the centre have been met, which is a safe and secure environment for all visitors and staff.

Fact file

Elvey Security Technologies, Kenny Chiu, 011 401 6700, [email protected]

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