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ToggleWarehouse 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.
Case Study: 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 and among them 2× 4MP Dual-Dome Cameras (IPC328SB-ADF40K-I0): 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 (IPC8645EA-ADZKM-I1): 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 (IPC3238SB-ADZK-I0): 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 (IPC86CEB-AF18KC-I0): 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.
Sense Group: Innovative Surveillance Solution – 113 UNV Cameras and 188 Video Streams
Sense Group continues to set new standards in security systems across Ontario. In a recent project, we implemented a large-scale surveillance system featuring 113 UNV cameras. However, thanks to innovative multi-sensor camera technology, the total number of video streams reached 188, providing maximum coverage while optimizing cable infrastructure costs.
How Does It Work?
Today’s security industry increasingly relies on multi-sensor cameras, such as:
• Dual-lens cameras – providing dual coverage from a single device
• 4-in-1 cameras (panoramic or multi-lens) – delivering four independent video streams from a single installation point
This allows one physical camera to replace multiple traditional units, leading to:
• Fewer cables – instead of running 2-4 separate lines, only one cable is needed
• Faster installation – fewer connection points mean quicker deployment
• Optimized network performance – UNV’s advanced encoding reduces bandwidth consumption despite the additional video streams
• Lower PoE switch costs – a single port can power up to four lenses, eliminating the need for multiple switch ports
Project Implementation
For this project, Sense Group designed and deployed an optimized network architecture to ensure:
• Centralized management – all cameras are connected to a powerful UNV NVR in the server room
• Maximum performance – load balancing across three 48-port PoE switches
• Dedicated fiber optic lines – each camera group connects via separate fiber optic links to prevent network congestion
• Reliability and security – redundant connections ensure uninterrupted system operation
✅ Results: Maximum Efficiency with Optimized Costs
Sense Group successfully delivered:
✔️ 188 video streams from 113 physical cameras – reducing hardware and cabling costs
✔️ High-quality video transmission with zero loss – ensuring real-time monitoring
✔️ Lower infrastructure costs – fewer PoE ports, cables, and mounting points
✔️ Faster installation and easier maintenance – thanks to a well-planned network architecture
2. Access Control
Equipment Used:
- ICT Door Controllers and Card Readers such as ICT TSEC Extra Combo (PRX-TSEC-EXTRA-BT-B): Each employee received a uniquely registered key for precise movement tracking. ICT systems provided centralized control over entries and exits across the facility.
- Protege WX Web Enabled Controller (PRT-WX-DIN) – centralized access control management.
- 2× Protege DIN 2-Door Expanders (PRT-RDM2-DIN-485) – expanded access points for controlled entry.
- 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
🚨 Intrusion Alarm System (DSC)
Sense Group implemented a fully integrated intrusion detection system:
- DSC AC-102C – glass break detectors for high-risk zones.
- DSC LC-203 PIR – dual-technology motion sensors with false alarm prevention.
- DSC IQ Pro Panel (IQPR006M) – smart alarm control panel with remote monitoring capabilities.
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:
- AT-07L Monitor: A 7” TFT LCD touchscreen monitor designed for table installation. Features include:
- Support for up to 32 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 Entrance Panel: A robust 2 MPx digital IP camera for secure access points. Features include:
- 100° wide viewing angle and IK-Code: IK09, 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 AT-07L 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.
How to Build a Reliable Network for a Large-Scale Surveillance System?
Sense Group, a leader in security and surveillance systems in Ontario, successfully implemented a professional setup for 113 surveillance cameras at a large commercial site.
To ensure signal stability, high-speed data transmission, and scalability, we designed an optimized network architecture where each switch was connected to the server room via a dedicated fiber optic link.
Key Solutions Implemented by Sense Group
1. The Core of the System – UNV NVR in the Server Room
A high-performance UNV NVR (Network Video Recorder) was installed in the server room to handle large video streams without quality loss. This ensures continuous recording and real-time video analysis.
2. Three High-Capacity 48-Port PoE Switches
We structured the network using three 48-port PoE switches, distributing the cameras efficiently to ensure optimal load balancing and seamless operation.
- Balanced traffic distribution prevents network congestion.
- Scalability and flexibility allow easy expansion of the system.
- Centralized management simplifies network monitoring and adjustments.
3. Dedicated Fiber Optic Links for Each Switch
To guarantee maximum speed and network reliability, Sense Group installed three separate fiber optic lines connecting each switch directly to the server room.
Why Is This Important?
- Eliminates bottlenecks by ensuring maximum bandwidth for each switch.
- Minimizes latency and packet loss, enabling real-time video transmission.
- Enhances reliability, ensuring that a failure in one segment does not affect the entire system.
Results: A Reliable and Scalable Surveillance Network
Sense Group delivered:
- High-quality video without delays – all 113 cameras operate flawlessly.
- Stable network performance – dedicated fiber optic links provide high bandwidth.
- Easy maintenance – all equipment is centrally managed.
- Future-ready infrastructure – new cameras and devices can be added seamlessly without network redesign.
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.
Case study: 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.
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