Manchester installs a comprehensive security solution in its most emblematic buildings

Para securizar los edificios administrativos de la ciudad de Mánchester, su Ayuntamiento ha implementado una solución formada por las cámaras de Axis y el software Security Center de Genetec.

Las cámaras de red de Axis combinadas con el software de gestión de Genetec han sido las soluciones elegidas por el Ayuntamiento de Mánchester para securizar el Grade II Town Hall Extension y la Biblioteca Central de la ciudad.

Un proyecto que ha planteado grandes retos ya que se precisaba de una solución integral que permitiera la vigilancia de unos edificios de 18.288 metros cuadrados que están abiertos al público. "Besides, the cameras not only had to offer excellent image quality and advanced features but also had to integrate into the environment, to be part of it without compromising the aesthetics of these historic buildings, explains Atul Rajput, regional director of Axis for Northern Europe.

Grantfen Fire and Security (Grantfen) has been the company responsible for carrying out this project, which chose the Axis M3005-V camera as the equipment that best suited the implementation requirements.

In these buildings more than 200 of these ultra-compact fixed dome cameras, which are part of a solution that integrates intrusion detection, fire and flood alarms, detectores de fugas, protocolos de iluminación de emergencia y un sistema de gestión para controlar la seguridad de los edificios.

El nuevo sistema sustituye a la anterior solución analógica CCTV, que empezaba a quedarse obsoleto y mostrar ciertas vulnerabilidades que debían ser solventadas.

“Grantfen obtuvo la licitación para implementar una solución eficaz de vídeo y control de acceso basado en IP para el Ayuntamiento de Mánchester como parte de una remodelación más amplia, que incluye el Grade II y edificios de cierta importancia arquitectónica. Es por esto que una prioridad, therefore, era que cualquier cámara utilizada en el proyecto, it had to have sufficient resolution to meet the required security standards, but discreet enough so as not to detract from the historical buildings”, adds Atul.

The fixed dome camera Axis M3005-V met the requirements set, both for its features and functionalities as well as its size. But the project not only required cameras but needed an integrated and customized solution, and, for it, it was necessary to combine Axis equipment with Genetec's Security Center software. With this tool, when an incident occurs, the alarms are transmitted to a centralized control area with detailed specifications of the procedures to be followed.

Central Library

In the Central Library, people counting was also included to be able to verify the number of visitors. Thanks to the capacity and range of motion of the Axis equipment, they could be mounted in areas that previously had an obstructed view.

“In the case of the entrance to the Central Library, mounting the camera was quite a challenge due to the unusually narrow area of the door, which was too small to accommodate most surveillance cameras, comments Graham. To solve this problem, the Axis P1214 HDTV camera was installed, which fit this space and allows discreet surveillance with high visibility.

“This technology is leading our administration towards greater efficiency and better customer service. The new security system has made the buildings safer and the management team allows the staff, visitors and important documents of the Manchester City Council are effectively protected”, clarifies Ian Jackson, sales director of Grantfen. At the moment, this Local Administration is considering expanding this facility and replicating it in the Town Hall building.