Access Control Goes Green

Feb 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Carol Carey

           

Smaller models of the C-CURE software had been used prior to three years ago, when the systems were still standalone and hardwired. “Everything was converted onto Liberty Mutual's network,” says Sickles, who explains that the company has seven buildings in New England and a total of 40 across the country. “All of the apC panels were given IP addresses and an Ethernet connection to the network. The IT group provided network jacks, and we programmed 15 terminal servers (communication devices) throughout the headquarters building and wired them to the apC panels.”

The Software House apC/8x alarm management panels (controllers) contain an alarm-monitoring panel, as well as outputs for the building's 80 RM-4 reader modules, which are connected to 80 Indala proximity card readers. The RM-4 modules provide the link between the controllers and the access control readers.

Also connected to outputs in the controllers are American Dynamics Intellex digital video management system recorders, integrating CCTV with the access control and alarm functions. “Cameras feed into an American Dynamics matrix switcher and alarm outputs. The switcher allows for camera call-ups when an alarm is activated,” Sickles explains.

Cameras include Sony, Silent Witness and American Dynamics. Five American Dynamics mini-dome pan/tilt/zoom cameras are used; all are color and auto-focus, with the outdoor cameras switching to black-and-white at night. Liberty uses more than 100 cameras at its headquarters.

Security control center brings systems together

Inside Liberty's security control center, a team of in-house and outsourced security professionals are responsible for day-to-day operation of the C-CURE system. Ten monitors, ranging in size from 9 to 18 inches are installed at the center. The C-CURE software, using a Windows CE operating system, is installed in a server at the center and linked to the company's LAN.

The access control system and cameras can be viewed from the control center and from work stations installed at three entrance desks on the main floor.

Liberty has two in-house employees who supervise an outsourced staff of security officers from Vance Security Co. The officers monitor the cameras and entrances and conduct patrols.

After hours, front doors are locked, and access to the building is granted by ID badge. Certain departments also limit access after business hours; they include the facilities operations office, the security control center, the legal department, business underwriting and the human resources and compensation departments.

The large building, with approximately 2,000 employees, is a busy place brimming with activity. Thanks to innovative thinking, along with teamwork between its facilities and security departments, the world headquarters of this insurance company has streamlined and improved security, and at the same time, reduced energy use and costs.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

SUBSCRIBE

Select an Issue September 1, 2008 August 1, 2008 July 1, 2008 School Security IP Security Supplement June 1, 2008 May 1, 2008 April 1, 2008 March 1, 2008 February 1, 2008 January 1, 2008 December 1, 2007 November 1, 2007 October 1, 2007 September 1, 2007 August 1, 2007 July 1, 2007 June 1, 2007 IP Security Supplement May 1, 2007 April 1, 2007 March 1, 2007 February 1, 2007 January 1, 2007 School Security December 1, 2006 November 1, 2006 October 1, 2006 September 1, 2006 August 1, 2006 July 1, 2006 June 1, 2006 May 1, 2006 April 1, 2006 March 1, 2006 February 1, 2006 January 1, 2006 December 1, 2005 November 1, 2005 October 1, 2005 September 1, 2005 August 1, 2005 July 1, 2005 June 1, 2005 May 1, 2005 April 1, 2005 March 1, 2005 February 1, 2005 January 1, 2005 December 1, 2004 November 1, 2004 October 1, 2004 September 1, 2004 August 1, 2004 July 1, 2004 July 1, 2004 June 1, 2004 May 1, 2004 April 1, 2004 March 1, 2004 February 1, 2004 January 1, 2004 December 1, 2003 November 1, 2003 October 1, 2003 September 1, 2003 August 1, 2003 July 1, 2003 June 1, 2003 May 1, 2003 April 1, 2003 March 1, 2003 February 1, 2003 January 1, 2003 December 1, 2002 November 1, 2002 October 1, 2002 September 1, 2002 August 1, 2002 July 1, 2002 June 1, 2002 May 1, 2002 April 1, 2002 March 1, 2002 February 1, 2002 January 1, 2002 December 1, 2001 November 1, 2001 October 1, 2001 September 1, 2001 August 1, 2001 July 1, 2001 June 1, 2001 May 1, 2001 April 1, 2001 March 1, 2001 February 1, 2001 January 1, 2001 December 1, 2000 November 1, 2000 October 1, 2000 September 1, 2000 August 1, 2000 July 1, 2000 June 1, 2000 May 1, 2000 April 1, 2000 March 1, 2000 February 1, 2000 January 1, 2000 December 1, 1999 November 1, 1999 October 1, 1999 September 1, 1999 August 1, 1999 July 1, 1999 June 1, 1999 May 1, 1999 April 1, 1999 March 1, 1999 February 1, 1999 January 1, 1999 December 1, 1998 November 1, 1998 October 1, 1998 September 1, 1998 August 1, 1998 July 1, 1998 June 1, 1998 May 1, 1998 April 1, 1998 March 1, 1998 February 1, 1998 January 1, 1998 December 1, 1997 November 1, 1997 October 1, 1997 September 1, 1997 August 1, 1997 July 1, 1997 June 1, 1997 May 1, 1997 April 1, 1997 March 1, 1997 February 1, 1997 January 1, 1997

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue