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Systems integrator Eric Schaeffer, president of Advantech Inc., is in an elite group. This year he carries the distinction of being chosen a Honeywell Security Partner of Choice. Part of what got him this recognition was a one system/one card solution with true data integration of the sub-systems, IP video, smart card technology, and its own dedicated 1GB network installed at St. Georges Technical High School, Middletown, DE.
The design process started three years ago, Schaeffer recalls. On December 2005, construction began on the most advanced Technical School in Delaware. Located in Central New Castle County, St. Georges Technical High School is a 225,000 square foot school designed to accommodate over 1,000 students in Middletown, DE.
At the time the school district determined that security would be vital to day-to-day operations, and the district consulted with Mahaffy & Associates, Inc. to design the system, who selected Advantech, Dover, DE. Schaeffer put together a team and worked with all parties involved on a project that exemplifies what can be accomplished when true partnerships are formed.
"The School District's IT Director, Gary Hostetler, and the Project Engineer, Ed Fayda, were wonderful to work with and were important contributors to the project's overall success," states Schaeffer. "Ed was also critical in the outstanding design of the system and project management."
The District's embracing of leading edge technology and commitment to excellence should also be acknowledged.
TEAM LINEUP
St. Georges Technical High School
New Castle County Vocational/Technical School District
Middletown, DE
Project Engineer:
Edward Fayda, P.E.
Mahaffy & Associates, Inc.
Wilmington, DE
New Castle County Vo-Tech School District's IT Director:
Gary Hostetler
Advantech Integration Specialist:
Eric Schaeffer
Advantech Project Leads:
Doug Peterson
John Gampp
Eric Timmons
Honeywell Security Project Leads:
Bill Yesnick
Todd Stephan
The school district wanted a system that could be used for access control of the building and as a management tool, according to Schaeffer. In addition the school had many wings that controlled internal doors as well as offices that needed specific access requirements. The video portion required outdoor and interior perimeter security with monitoring capability. It had to be integrated, of course, and above all easy to use for the students and faculty.
"This project is unique because it offers true data integration since intrusion, access control and CCTV are in one networkable/expandable system," explains Schaeffer. The system features IP cameras which provide easy expansion, offering significant cost savings. PTZ cameras monitor the perimeter grounds and interior cameras monitor activity in common and critical areas.
To ensure efficiency, the system operates on its own 1 Gigabit Ethernet network eliminating bandwidth impact to the school's computer network. Conventional digital video recorders were substituted with hot swappable, digital hard drive storage arrays using RAID5 recording technology. This permits future expansion of the system with minimal upgrade costs.
"The simplicity of use and the inherent ability to economically expand and incorporate new technology positions the school district to achieve a maximum return on investment," Schaeffer feels.
The system monitors and digitally records the cameras for simple event recovery and digital reproduction. In the event of an alarm, the system can be programmed to recognize the point of alarm, and change from timelapse recording to real-time recording, making the system less dependent on operator observations and enabling real-time decision making. There is no need to watch a video monitor, manually call up cameras or search through dozens of tapes to find the associated information, helping to increase personnel productivity and responsiveness.
A key concern for the district was that the system be easy to use. Therefore, the system employs contactless smart card technology. Unlike conventional proximity cards, smart cards can be programmed to contain a variety of information such as a photograph, biometrics, and access levels granted. Since this one card solution is used for multiple applications, it offers convenience and security for the end users. The security system is automatically disarmed based on a valid in card read to that area of the school, simplifying operation and eliminating user caused false alarms.
An end user does not have to enter any PIN numbers since the card arms and disarms the intrusion, providing accountability. Lost cards can easily be deprogrammed from the system without the need for changing locksets and reissuing brass keys. In a crisis, school officials have the ability to "Lock Down" the school at any time.
The design also ensures ease of use with an interactive touch screen controller located in the main and custodial offices. They display the entire footprint of the building and any points in alarm. From the touchscreen, users can select a camera and view video in real time. The touchscreens allow staff to see at a glance all alarm points from one location. Staff can quickly locate and close doors left open as well as other alarm points, ensuring that the system is used every day, keeping the facility and the students safe and secure.
"It comes down to relationships," Schaeffer concludes. "Rarely do I go on sales presentations without a Honeywell rep being there. They get answers and things get taken care of."
author: By Susan A. Brady, Editor in Chief - Security Dealer