A landmark building located on the north side of the River Thames, has recently seen its security upgraded with Smart R Distribution and Isecurity Systems working in partnership.
The Northern & Shell Building at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3 has an on-site restaurant, a ten-storey glazed atrium and glass wall climber lifts. Among its tenants, Northern & Shell Group occupies approximately 110,000 sq. ft. spread over the ground, 4th, 9th and 10th floors.
As part of a phased office refurbishment programme, the owners of the building reviewed the tools available to the security personnel to enable them to maintain a safe and secure environment for approximately 5,000 people who work in the building, as well as contractors and visitors.
“The existing Geoffrey Access Control system had been in use for over 20 years and although it was still operating effectively, its functionality was limited compared to more modern solutions,” said Russell Morgan, Project Manager for Isecurity Systems. “A decision was made to invest in Vanderbilt Security Management Systems (SMS) which enables users to manage alarms, lifts, visitors and the photo ID badging process, from a single software platform.”
Russell and his colleagues at Isecurity Systems worked with the Smart R Distribution team to supply a Vanderbilt SMS access control system and they are also in the process of replacing the 140 magnetic stripe readers with new Cidron access control readers which support securely encrypted DESfire EV2 contactless smart cards from Authenticard.
Smart R Distribution also supplied a new Comelit ViP video entry system, comprising eight door stations and two control desk positions, which has been installed by Isecurity Systems to allow operators within the building’s 24/7 control room, to communicate and remotely open doors for contractors and couriers who need to gain entry. The Comelit video entry system integrates seamlessly with the SMS control system.
“We now have a highly efficient access control solution which helps us to manage the smooth movement of large numbers of people through turnstile controlled speed lanes located in our reception area and it also enables us to control who can gain access to other restricted areas within the building,” said Dave Wratten, Facilities Manager for Northern & Shell Group.
