Integrated Operations: How Panduit Did It
The goal of integration is for the whole to exceed the sum of the parts or systems. Increasingly, that equation is extending far beyond the interactivity of security systems to incorporate what had been disparate systems within buildings into cohesive enterprise-wide solutions. Panduit’s new world headquarters offers one of the most convincing examples of this vision made real.
Panduit combined security and network operations into a Unified Operations Center. This eliminated redundant servers and networking systems to facilitate the teams collaborating to meet operational efficiency needs.
[IMAGE]12274[/IMAGE]“Panduit tested many NVRs and access control systems and decided on the Cisco physical security product line due to it being a true enterprise, distributed-architecture solution that leveraged PoE on both IP cameras and access control door controllers,” says Green. “Cisco’s access control also had the ability to integrate glass-break sensors and PIR motion sensors for alarm functionality. And they have tight integration with the network and discovery protocol.”
The headquarters building installation included 96 monitored and access controlled doors. HID iClass proximity readers are connected to the access gateway controllers and used for time & attendance and other personnel-related purposes. Optical turnstiles are also part of the access system and can be optionally integrated to elevators.
“One of the innovative features was we were able to use PoE-based door controllers that have a 12VDC output to power the door security hardware,” says Green. “This provided for a much more redundant architecture, as network infrastructures are typically managed more closely than facility systems.”
The access gateway controllers are also integrated into the lighting system so the security management system is alerted when lights are activated afterhours via the lighting control sensors. This allows those sensors to perform double duty as motion sensors. In addition, redundant backup features — including spare servers, UPS and generators — are part of the solution and guard against functional, power or data-related losses or outages.
There is integration with the fire system so access gateway controllers can send alarms that change camera views, monitor water-flow alarms, trigger DoorKing gate controllers to open parking lots and allow emergency responders quick access, and display evacuation instructions on digital signage.
For surveillance, 120 Cisco indoor and outdoor IP mini-domes, Cisco HD IP brick cameras, and strategically placed Axis IP pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) cameras were brought online. Video is stored on three 18TB media servers and can be monitored by authorized personnel from any Web browser on a PC or smart phone.
Three AgentVi video analytics servers were integrated into the system. Analytics enabled a virtual fence that saved the expense of 4,725 feet of perimeter fencing. If a camera detects an intruder crossing the “virtual tripwire,” the video feed is displayed on a monitor. A nearby Axis p/t/z camera tracks the intruder, providing situational awareness so security personnel can plan the appropriate response.
The IPICS enables Panduit personnel to communicate directly with fire, police and emergency medical services using any type of radio, telephone, mobile phone or software-enabled PC. To meet the fire department’s request t
hat firefighters be able to maintain radio communication inside the five-story building, Panduit installed an antenna and police radio that is integrated with the IPICS. Thus operations personnel can join Panduit’s own radio channel with that of the police.
Single Command Center Control
Instead of building a separate security operations center and network operations center, Panduit combined them into what it calls a Unified Operations Center (UOC). This eliminated redundant servers and networking systems to facilitate the two teams collaborating to meet ongoing operational efficiency needs.
“The unique Unified Operations Center enables close coordination and information sharing in a central location,” says Woodward. “Moving to converged and IP-based systems speeds time-critical evaluation and response for improved workplace safety and network service level agreements. This consolidated environment also reduces duplication, which results in a positive ROI [return on investment] in both hard equipment and soft operational costs.”
As an example of how the combined workspace reduces time spent investigating false alarms, IT personnel can quickly find out if an alarm from a building system resulted from a power outage. The goal is to manage the security for all of Panduit’s global facilities through this central UOC location. Since completing the world headquarters, the firm has expanded the integration to five U.S. and three international offices.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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