Case Study
Town of Diamond Valley
Background
On January 1, 2023, the neighboring towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley amalgamated to form the new town of Diamond Valley. This unification created a need for the consolidation of services and infrastructure across the newly expanded municipality. One of the primary challenges following the amalgamation was the integration of security, access control, and surveillance systems. Each town had a different set of products and services that were incompatible with one another, complicating the management of municipal assets and infrastructure.
Challenges
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Incompatibility of Security and Surveillance Systems
Each town utilized different platforms for security, access control, and surveillance, resulting in inefficiencies and security risks.
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Decentralized Control
The lack of a unified system meant that town administrators had to manage multiple interfaces and systems to control municipal buildings, increasing the complexity of operations.
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Key Management Issues
The traditional key-based access system presented challenges such as handling lost or stolen keys and managing who had access to specific buildings.
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Outdated Internet and Networking Infrastructure
With the amalgamation Diamond Valley inherited an assortment of internet and network setups from both towns, many of which were outdated and not designed to support a unified, town-wide security and surveillance system. This created issues with connectivity and bandwidth, which were necessary for the smooth operation of the centralized security and surveillance systems. Coordinating and upgrading these networks to ensure seamless integration and reliable service posed a significant challenge.
Solution
To address these challenges, Diamond Valley sought a comprehensive solution to streamline security and networking across all municipal buildings. The Phone Experts/ProComm collaborated to implement an integrated ICT access control and intrusion security system, along with Uniview video surveillance systems. This solution was designed to centralize the management of security, access, and surveillance across the town’s 12 municipal buildings.
The key components of the solution included:
Centralized Security and Access Control Platform
The new ICT system allows town administrators to manage all security functions from a single software interface. This includes programming and issuing access fobs for employees and contractors, as well as arming and disarming any of the municipal buildings.
The system provides the capability to control access to any door via a mobile app, eliminating the need for physical keys and reducing the risk associated with lost or stolen keys.
Integrated Surveillance System
The Uniview video surveillance systems have been integrated into the single interface, allowing administrators and maintenance staff to control and monitor all cameras across all municipal buildings. This integration simplifies surveillance management and enhances security monitoring capabilities.
Optimized Internet and Networking Infrastructure
Recognizing the need for a robust communication infrastructure, The Phone Experts optimized all internet and telephone services for Diamond Valley. Dedicated fiber connections were established to all major municipal buildings, ensuring high-speed and reliable connectivity across the town.
Results
Improved Operational Efficiency: By consolidating multiple systems into a single platform, town administrators can now efficiently manage security and access control across all municipal buildings.
Enhanced Security: The new access control system reduces the risks associated with traditional key management and provides real-time control over building access.
Streamlined Surveillance: A unified surveillance system offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities, improving the town’s ability to respond to security incidents.
Optimized Networking: The upgraded internet and networking infrastructure ensures reliable communication and supports the centralized management system’s performance needs.
Conclusion
The amalgamation of Black Diamond and Turner Valley into Diamond Valley presented an opportunity to modernize and unify the town’s security, access control, and surveillance systems. The implementation of a centralized ICT access control and Uniview surveillance system, along with optimized internet and networking infrastructure, has significantly enhanced the town’s operational efficiency and security management capabilities. This integrated approach ensures that Diamond Valley can effectively manage its municipal assets and provide a safer environment for its residents and employees.