Warehouse Securing Case Study: Comprehensive CCTV and Access Control Solution by Sense Group
Securing a Facility Equivalent to 40 Basketball Courts
Sense Group recently completed the CCTV system installation and setup of access control and security measures for a warehouse and production facility in Milton, ON. This case study delves into the challenges, solutions, and technologies used to secure a 270,000-square-foot facility, showcasing how a blend of advanced CCTV systems, access control, and alarm systems eliminated vulnerabilities and enhanced operational security.
Security Case Study: Understanding the Security Needs of Each Zone
Given the size and complexity of the facility, the warehouse was divided into distinct security zones, each with unique challenges and requirements:
- Offices
- Need: Monitor administrative activities while ensuring data privacy.
- Solution: CCTV Installation of high-resolution 8MP Dome Cameras with compact designs, ensuring both aesthetics and effective surveillance.
- Entrance and Loading Dock Areas
- Need: Control and monitor high-traffic zones to prevent unauthorized access.
- Solution: Uniview Dual-Dome Cameras were deployed to cover multiple directions with a single device, simplifying installation and reducing wiring costs.
- Production Floor
- Need: Rugged surveillance systems capable of withstanding industrial conditions.
- Solution: Durable LightHunter Dome Cameras with weather-resistant features provided crystal-clear footage, even in dim lighting.
- Warehouse Storage Aisles
- Need: Eliminate blind spots in long aisles and ensure stock safety.
- Solution: Multi-sensor cameras with individually adjustable lenses ensured comprehensive coverage along aisles.
- Perimeter
- Need: Secure the facility’s boundaries against intrusion.
- Solution: ColorHunter Turret Cameras provided 24/7 full-color monitoring, enhancing visibility during nighttime.
The Challenges Faced
The warehouse’s sheer size and the absence of any pre-existing security infrastructure presented several challenges:
- Unsecured Premises: The facility was initially a blank slate, with no equipment installed.
- Tight Deadlines: The client required full operational security within a month.
- Complex Requirements: Each zone required tailored solutions to meet specific operational demands.
Sense Group tackled these challenges head-on by deploying a skilled six-person team and leveraging their extensive experience in large-scale installations. Despite the tight timeline, the project was delivered on schedule without compromising quality.
Integrated Technologies: A Closer Look
To meet the client’s requirements, Sense Group implemented a combination of advanced security technologies:
1. CCTV System
Equipment Used:
- 73 Uniview Dome Cameras: Compact, reliable, and high-resolution, designed for office and warehouse coverage. These cameras provided precise monitoring of entry points, production areas, and loading docks.
- 25 Multi-Sensor Cameras: With four 5MP lenses housed in a single unit, these cameras offered 360° coverage, reducing labor and cabling costs. Installed at high ceilings (40 ft), these cameras eliminated blind spots in expansive storage zones.
- 11 LightHunter Dome Cameras: Engineered for low-light environments, these cameras captured sharp, color-rich footage, even at night. Used at warehouse perimeters and outdoor loading docks.
- 4 Fisheye Cameras: Providing 360° views of critical zones, such as the warehouse corners and intersections, ensuring no area was left unmonitored.
Features:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Uniview’s advanced 256-Channel NVR system was central to the monitoring setup, allowing seamless integration of all 113 cameras.
- RAID Configuration: The NVR was configured with 20 hard drives (200TB total storage) in RAID 5 and RAID 6 arrays, ensuring data redundancy and uninterrupted recording even in the event of drive failures.
- Motion Detection Technology: Ultra-motion detection minimized false positives by ignoring environmental changes, such as flickering lights or falling snow, while focusing on people and vehicles.
- Remote Access: Live footage was accessible from any location via mobile or web applications, granting management full control over their security system.
2. Access Control
Equipment Used:
- ICT Door Controllers and Card Readers: Each employee received a uniquely registered key for precise movement tracking. ICT systems provided centralized control over entries and exits across the facility.
- High-Security Sensors:
- Glass-Break Detectors: Installed in office areas to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive locations.
- Motion Detectors: Monitored activity at all key entry points, including emergency exits.
Features:
- Individual Tracking: The ICT system logged every access attempt, creating a detailed audit trail for management to monitor employee and visitor movements.
- Zone-Based Security: Restricted areas such as storage zones and server rooms were accessible only to authorized personnel, reducing internal security risks.
- System Integration: The ICT system was fully integrated with the BAS-IP intercom and DSC alarm panels, enabling synchronized responses in case of breaches or alerts.
- Ease of Management: Administrators could manage all access permissions from a single platform, simplifying the process of adding or removing users.
3. Alarm Systems
Equipment Used:
- DSC IQ Pro Panels: Centralized alarm control with intuitive interfaces, ensuring easy configuration and management.
- Acuity Glass-Break Detectors: Installed at critical locations to provide an additional layer of perimeter defense.
- PIR Motion Detectors: Dual-technology motion detectors with pet immunity, designed to prevent false alarms caused by animals or environmental factors.
Features:
- Custom Access Codes: Only select individuals had access to alarm management, ensuring tamper-proof system control.
- Real-Time Alerts: The system sent instant notifications to the management team in case of security breaches, enabling swift responses.
- Seamless Integration: Alarms were connected to both the CCTV system and access control network, creating a unified security ecosystem that could detect, monitor, and respond to threats in real-time.
4. Intercom System
Equipment Used:
- [AM-02 Monitor]: A 10.1” TFT LCD touchscreen monitor designed for table installation. Features include:
- Support for up to 100 IP cameras with quad-splitter view modes.
- Internal memory for video and audio recordings, as well as 100 photo frames.
- SIP P2P (peer-to-peer) communication for secure and seamless intercom connectivity.
- Integration with alarm systems to display and manage alerts in real-time.
- [AV-04SD Door Camera]: A robust 1.3 MPx digital IP camera for secure access points. Features include:
- 100° wide viewing angle and IP65 protection class for outdoor durability.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) compatibility for efficient and reliable installation.
- Mechanical call button with a backlight for easy use, even in low-light conditions.
- Built-in relay to control electronic locks, enabling remote door access management.
Features:
- Seamless Communication: Employees and management benefited from secure intercom communication between offices, warehouse zones, and entry points.
- Remote Access Control: Management could monitor and grant access to visitors or employees directly through the AM-02 monitor or via the web interface.
- Integrated Security: The BAS-IP intercom system worked in tandem with the ICT Access Control system and DSC alarm panels, creating a fully integrated, layered security network.
- Alarm Notifications: The system could receive and display alerts from alarm monitors, allowing instant responses to security events.
Comparative Table: Security Technologies by Zone
| Zone | Technology Used | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Offices | 8MP Dome Cameras | High-resolution, compact design |
| Entrance & Loading | Dual-Dome Cameras, Intercom System | Multi-directional coverage, secure communication |
| Production Floor | LightHunter Dome Cameras | Rugged, weather-resistant |
| Warehouse Aisles | Multi-sensor Cameras | Adjustable lenses, expansive coverage |
| Perimeter | ColorHunter Turret Cameras | Full-color night vision |
Project Timeline & Team
The project was completed within a month, with a skilled six-person team ensuring efficiency and precision throughout the process.
Seamless Integration and Training
After the installation, Sense Group provided comprehensive training to the warehouse’s management team. Using tools like the Uniview Link app, managers could access real-time footage and review historical data remotely. This empowered the client with full visibility and control over their facility from anywhere.
Results Achieved
Sense Group’s meticulous planning and execution delivered exceptional results:
- Enhanced Security: Blind spots are eliminated with a strategically placed CCTV network.
- Improved Access Control: Real-time tracking and restricted zones ensured operational safety.
- Remote Monitoring: Enabled 24/7 facility management from any location.
- Peace of Mind: Comprehensive logs and alerts kept management informed at all times.
Acknowledgment
This article includes materials provided by XLR Security, a supplier of cutting-edge surveillance systems. For tailored security solutions, trust XLR Security to deliver quality equipment and technical support.
About Sense Group
With a reputation for delivering state-of-the-art security solutions, Sense Group has become a trusted name in the Greater Toronto Area. Their expertise extends beyond installation to include technical support, maintenance, and training, ensuring long-term satisfaction for their clients.
Visit Sense Group to learn more about their services.
For further inquiries or to discuss a custom security solution, contact Sense Group at sensegroupinfo@gmail.com.
📢 Sign Up for Pipl Systems’ Newsletter!
Want more expert content like this? Pipl Systems provides:
📌 Step-by-step installation guides.
📌 Hands-on tutorials & product reviews.
📌 Podcasts & interviews with industry leaders.
📌 Case studies from professional installers.
🔹 💡 Get the latest security insights straight to your inbox!
👉 Sign Up for the Newsletter
