The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
A world-leading centre for research and post-graduate education
Background
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research and post-graduate education in public health and tropical medicine.
The institution is based in Bloomsbury, was founded in 1899 and has become one of the most highly placed universities in global rankings in the fields of public health and infectious diseases.
The school operates across five sites and properties that are all within a one-mile radius in central London.
Project Challenges
The existing security systems were outdated and based on older analogue technology which was no longer fit for purpose.
After an extensive security review and tender process Optyma Integrated Security Systems were awarded the project.
The key priorities identified by the LSHTM security team focussed on four key areas:
Systems needed to provide a safe and secure environment for staff, students and visitors
Entrance and egress points needed secure access control and intercom access facilities
The systems needed upgrading to an IP based future-proofed, scalable CCTV based system
All the systems required to be controlled via a graphical user interface that integrated the different systems across all of the sites
During the systems upgrades and enhancements, Optyma’s engineering team needed to ensure no downtime and deliver continuous surveillance and access control without compromising the live security of the buildings during the installation phase.
Solutions
Optyma Integrated Security Systems designed and installed a modern, future-proofed IP CCTV system that is both resilient and reliable and offers LSHTM the ability to scale and expand as the demands of the sites change.
The solution incorporated a fully integrated system based on the TYCO Exacq Vision platform which is a powerful intuitive video management system that provides the schools security teams with many benefits including:
A customisable video wall
Two-way audio
Interactive mapping
Data integration with the access control systems
Notification overlays
The IP cameras were deployed across all five sites throughout the school’s estate and were then integrated into the TYCO platform along with intruder, access control and intercom systems from:
Intruder alarms and Panic alarms – Galaxy
Door Access Control – TYCO CEM
Intercoms – Videx
The door access platform installed was the CEM range from TYCO which is a powerful and reliable enterprise access control and security management system which was integrated with the Videx intercom systems that provided communications between the entrances and the secure areas.
Results
The installation of the new IP based security systems provide LSHTM with the ability to effectively monitor video, audio and data in real time, reduce review time and conduct investigations seamlessly.
In addition the access control management system controls the key security aspects for students as they enter and exit the buildings and move between sites.
The result of this successful project is that the security team of the LSHTM were so impressed with the project delivery of the Optyma engineering team that they instructed Optyma to take over the maintenance of the other site security systems.
Optyma Security Systems have since integrated the CCTV and access systems, with the room booking system and the student services and muster reporting systems which are all linked to the access control database.