Honeywell and NSI Gold installer Clear Image provide integrated Video and Access Control management for the new Leeds Metropolitan University Business School Building – The Rose Bowl.
Clear Image, Honeywell and ADI Global Distribution were the chosen security companies for Leeds Metropolitan University’s new Rose Bowl development, in Leeds city centre. The landmark £50m development, officially opened by HRH the Duke of Kent in April 2009, is now the new home of the Leeds Metropolitan University Business School. At its heart is a reflective glass ‘Rose Bowl’ lecture theatre.
Having recently delivered security systems maintenance which resulted in cost savings of over 30 per cent for the University, Clear Image was asked to project manage and deliver a fit for purpose security solution for the Rose Bowl.
Universities are presented with a multitude of complex security threats internally and externally. They house many thousands of pounds of audio visual and computer equipment and have hundreds of faculty, staff and students entering, leaving and moving within the buildings on a daily basis.
The system design required a fully integrated and networked security and access control solution comprised of IP CCTV surveillance and digital / network video recording, intruder detection and barrier management.
“From a safety and security perspective, the University’s main priority was a robust and reliable system to protect people and premises,” said Declan Meighan, Leeds Metropolitan University Security Consultant. “Having worked with Clear Image over a number of years, and knowing of their vast experience in the university sector, they were the right choice to deliver such a major project.”
The solution
Clear Image recommended a Honeywell video and access system solution as it offered the best match for the University’s requirements. The system consists of a Honeywell WIN-PAK Access Control system with 100 Honeywell FlexPass proximity door readers, two Honeywell Fusion 32 channel Digital Video Recorders (DVR) with three terabyte memory capacity, Fusion Video Management Software (FVMS) and 25 IP CCTV camera’s (13 fully functional and 12 static).
Clear Image began work on the project in September 2008 and completed on schedule in March 2009, in time for the official opening in April.
The key elements of the new Honeywell video and access system was the ability to work seamlessly with other manufacturers’ equipment – in this case the cameras, domes and intruder solution and of course the remote monitoring requirement – satisfied by Honeywell WIN-PAK and FVMS. This is part of the University’s strategy to control security, video and access from a secure hub not located within the main campus buildings.
“When I was commissioned to manage the project at the Rose Bowl I encountered a number of technical issues with the design and how the new system would meet the customer’s operational requirements,” said Martin Aston, Clear Image Project Manager. “These issues were easily overcome due mostly to the flexibility of the Honeywell systems and how they all integrate with each other. Working with the Honeywell team and the design consultant for Leeds Metropolitan University, we produced a very effective solution that meets the security needs of this site.”
“Clear Image adopted a true consultative, partnership approach, working with us every step of the way – from advising on and making recommendations for system designright from the outset, to managing the project from end-to-end.”
– Declan Meighan, Security Consultant, Leeds Metropolitan University
Use
Using the Honeywell video and access software and hardware, the Rose Bowl now has a solution that ensures the safety of staff, students, visitors, equipment and property, while monitoring the movements of its employees, visitors and students.
The security operation has a combined systems approach with remote connectivity and integration. The access control, video and intruder alarm systems can all be controlled from the security hub off-site which allows the security team to centrally monitor all CCTV and alarm events whilst being able to run consistent and holistic access control reports from the WIN-PAK application. Importantly, the system is scalable, allowing for seamless expansion and development, in line with the university’s growth and building requirements.
As WIN-PAK, Fusion and FVMS are network based solutions; the University IT team has been able to add them seamlessly onto the existing network infrastructure, thus reducing the significant costs associated with additional cabling and network architecture requirements. The sleek readers were placed throughout the building and provide access to doors, lifts and authorised zones.
“WIN-PAK is easy to use for the client and even easier to maintain from an installation point of view,” added Aston. “Its scalability for future expansion and remote monitoring capabilities make it the obvious access control central station for a project of this size and scope.”
