Security Management Systems Installs 1,000+ Cameras for Massive N.Y. Complex

The scale and scope is staggering. Integrator Security Management Systems designs and deploys a comprehensive security solution featuring 1,183 cameras for a Manhattan-based development’s 110-building, 80-acre site encompassing more than 30,000 residents. See why the amazing multiyear project won SSI‘s 2011 Integrated Installation of the Year Award.

[IMAGE]12192[/IMAGE]Designing a Grid for Success

The massive project presented two primary challenges. SMS was able to address and solve both of them — power and the lack of existing infrastructure — with innovative solutions. 

Each of the 110 buildings required power for cameras, plus uninterrupted power supply (UPS) backup for access control and locking hardware. The existing battery-equipped solutions were determined to be unfeasible due to the limited amount of space in each of the buildings to accommodate the batteries for the UPS backup.

Instead, SMS engineers devised a novel solution that would fit space restrictions and satisfy significant power supply requirements. The firm designed an innovative, low-voltage power and data grid to concentrate and distribute power from 35 fused distribution panel (FDP) locations where network fiber was also available. The grid is an impressive system with a custom distribution frame in every building. 

Camera, lock and UPS power for all the access control and security cameras in each building tower are terminated in the custom distribution frame supported by this low-voltage grid.

SMS acted as the general contractor on the project, provided engineering and project management, and utilized an electrical subcontractor to install miles of conduit for power, cable and data systems.

User-Friendly Command

During the course of the project, a more spacious area was designated for the new command center that is both functionally ergonomic and attractive. When tenants enter the management office, they are immediately struck by the massive screen-filled room that is visible behind glass, providing a reassuring level of safety and security.

Because of the IP system architecture the command center could efficiently be relocated anywhere on the network. SMS coordinated with the architect and selected Winsted to provide a custom-designed console for four workstations supporting an array of eight 42-inch and 16 20-inch monitors. Up to four security personnel at a time, which are deputized by the New York Police Department, monitor the facility’s bank of screens.

For monitoring purposes, the complex is divided into three geographical areas. Alarms are routed to one of three workstations in the command center, with alarms in the queue automatically routed to an alternate workstation. The fourth workstation serves as a “catchall,” receiving alarm events from the entire complex. “This redundancy in the system ensures that no alarm goes unanswered,” Albrecht adds.

Critical to a user-friendly surveillance system for such a large complex is an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). SMS developed a GUI that enables the security team to drill down from an overall site map. They can select to view a quadrant or single in on one building. The system architecture allows the user to select any one or a group of cameras in a given area by simply clicking an icon on the GUI. The sophisticated interface precludes operators having to memorize a specific camera number or location.

On a s
elect number of cameras, SMS has deployed a video analytics platform by Verint. “The Nextiva analytics is a best-in-class solution that provides enhanced situational awareness, in this case, to detect loitering or unattended packages,” says William Eckard, director of enterprise sales and strategic accounts for Verint.

When there’s an alarm event, the system programming automatically assigns predetermined camera views. A lobby door being forced open triggers a programmed response calling up views from all nearby cameras. Similarly, if a tenant uses an emergency assistance phone, the audio channel is opened, while cameras on the call box and adjacent buildings will appear on screen for a simplified, informed event response.

As part of the programmed response, when cameras detect activity in the field of view, the capture frame rate is automatically increased to a predetermined setting to provide greater detail for event video and reduce archived storage space. This advanced, highly programmed front-end is the result of integration of multiple products and SMS’ customized programming.

SMS selected AMAG’s Symmetry as the integration platform for both access control and video surveillance.

“SMS was instrumental in taking a conceptual design and delivering a value-engineered, fully integrated, high security system,” says AMAG Technology Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Matt Barnette. “This project required a concerted effort to combine access control, IP video and IP audio from three of the best-in-breed manufacturers in the security space. SMS was the nucleus and driving force.”

While AMAG contains an embedded video management solution (VMS), the sheer magnitude of video involved required a separate storage and archiving system.

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