Paxton’s Net2 access control has been installed at Highlands Grow, a fully licensed industrial-scale cultivator, producing cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.
Based in Lapeer in Michigan, Highlands Grow provide consumable cannabis products to US-based retailers, projects. The volume of produce cultivated is of extremely high-market value and needs to be secured as stated by Michigan state law.
Prior to the new Net2 from Paxton security installation, the Highlands Grow facility was secured by traditional locks and keys. This meant that it was open to potential security risks, and the site would not meet the legal requirements to secure the higher volume of product planned to produce as the company increased the size of its customer base.
Highlands Grow, called consultants Existo Solutions who recommended Net2 access control.
Chris Hernandez, Operations Lead at Existo Solutions, said: “Achieving compliance while growing cannabis in most US states is related to the security and access of the facility. Cultivators who don’t comply can receive up to a $90k fine from the US government, so access control is vitally important to get right.”
For the new security system to meet legal surveillance requirements, cameras needed to be integrated alongside a remote alert system. For Highlands Grow, that meant monitoring 50 cameras, while securing 21 doors, which lead to large-scale grow rooms and secure vaults, storing curing cannabis and finished products.
Having this functionality is crucial so the owners can receive real-time notifications and video clips of potential security risks on individual doors when the facility is at low capacity.
Chris continues: “What is very important for the customers in our industry, isn’t just knowing who goes in and out of a facility, it’s who goes up to a door when they are not supposed to. It’s about being aware of who tried to open a vault when no one is there.”
Existo Solutions installed Net2, Paxton’s networked IP access control system, integrated seamlessly with Vivotek cameras, meaning that Highlands Grow can now remotely monitor every door on their facility 24/7, using Net2Online software and the Paxton Connect app.
Chris said: “Net2 has enabled us to provide Highlands Grow with the highest security service package we offer, which is great for them.”
Paxton’s vandal resistant Entry range touch panel has been fitted on the main entrance to the facility, alongside an Entry Premium monitor in the site’s security station. The Net2 software has been configured to provide notification alerts on the owner’s smart devices if people are trying to enter the building outside of business hours.
Net2 readers were fitted across all doors alongside the camera integration to monitor access from internal employees to grow rooms and vaults. These readers have been configured to allow different access levels depending on seniority in the company, and time restrictions added to lock down rooms with no need for frequent access.
The Net2 system has been installed with no problems and the owners are pleased with how easy it is to use. They have been maximising the use of its feature-rich software and have been impressed with the proximity cards, which they have doubled up as access tokens and ID cards.
Matt Saagman, Director of Cultivation at Highlands Grow, said: “As we expand out our facility, we plan to keep building on the current system and we are interested in seeing what else it can do as we grow.”
