Delivered by Inner Range and A D Security Systems
Type of site: Multi-tenant office on the banks of the Thames
Location: 2 London Bridge
Site Size: 116,538 sq. ft. over seven floors
Users: 700 – 1,500
Client needs:
- Update systems to a quality access and security system to replace obsolete product
- Smooth transition to new system with no downtime
- Intuitive controls for security managers
- Trouble-free access for site users
- Long lifespan with ability to accommodate future additions and improvements
Solution:
- Inner Range’s enterprise-level intelligent integrated access control system Integriti, which provides robust security as well as seamless integration to an array of other security and building management systems
- New server and software dedicated to the Integriti system and all integrated products
- Easy to use, but secure MIFARE DESFire EV2 key fobs for users and tenants.
- COMINFO easy gates in the entrance foyer
- End-to-end encrypted messaging through every interface and integration by Inner Range’s Integriti for high level security
- Re-using some existing cabling to reduce disturbance to tenants
- Future additions and enhancements easy to accommodate via Integriti’s open IP platform
The client:
Real estate services firm, JLL, owns and leases 2 London Bridge, which is a prominent space located on the Southbank, overlooking the River Thames and London Bridge.
It has an attractive period façade to the east, and a glass and steel exterior to the west. The seven-storey property comprises mostly of multi-tenant office space, though a cocktail and espresso bar, London Grind, occupies the ground floor.
The building is very close to the world-famous Borough Market, with easy access to mainline rail, underground and bus services at London Bridge, Blackfriars, Bank and Monument.
System requirements
The previous access and security system for 2 London Bridge was old and fast becoming obsolete. A new, fit-for-purpose access control and security system was needed to keep people and the site safe and secure.
It was important the transition to a new system was as smooth as possible, with very limited downtime so as not to disturb users.
The new system needed to be intuitive and easy for security guards to operate, as well as offering ease of access for tenants and property users.
The ability to make further changes or improvements to the system easily in future to extend its lifespan and minimise ongoing running costs was also essential.
The team
A D Security Systems project managed the design, supply and installation of the access control and security system for 2 London Bridge and carried out all liaison with the property’s management firm, JLL.
A D Security Systems provides innovative security solutions to a wide range of clients including those in commercial and industrial sectors, as well as local authorities, schools and colleges. The firm is committed to engineering excellence, and has many skills and safety accreditations including being SSAIB approved, which means all staff are vetted and all systems installed comply with the latest industry standards and are regularly inspected.
Inner Range provided the core access and security management system, Integriti, that enabled A D Security Systems to build the bespoke solution needed for 2 London Bridge. Inner Range has been a world leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent security solutions since it was established in 1988. Inner Range systems have been installed in over 25 countries. It’s flagship product, Integriti, offers enterprise-level intelligent security and integrated smart building controls for single sites through to global estate portfolios.
Solution
Fit for purpose access and security management system
Inner Range’s flagship intelligent, integrated access and control system Integriti was selected to replace the previous access and security system, which had become obsolete. This included installing a new server and software for Integriti’s open protocol platform, which blends robust physical and cyber security.
Integriti can integrate with a multitude of third-party products, such as the COMINFO easy gates to create a sophisticated and highly secure access and security solution while also providing trouble-free access for site users.
Easy access for users
Users have been provided with MIFARE DESFire EV2 flat key fobs to show at door readers and the COMINFO easy gates at reception for hassle-free access up to 24 hours a day, depending on users’ credentials. Flexible user permissions can accommodate a range of access information, ensuring users can only access the areas they are specifically approved for.
Ease of use for security managers
Another reason Inner Range’s Integriti system was selected was because of how easy it is to use. Integriti uses schematics to help security managers see at a glance where an alert is coming from, and acts as a unified platform so operators can control other integrated systems, such as entrance gates, from one place.
James Reeds, facilities manager for JLL, said: “A D Security Systems managed a challenging project well by running two systems alongside each other and ensuring a very smooth transition, which was essential for our tenants on site. We were also impressed with Inner Range’s Integriti system, which our security managers have found straight-forward and intuitive to operate and uses an open protocol, so we have the option to extend and enhance the system in future.”
Smooth transition with no downtime
A D Security Systems ensured there was no downtime for tenants and users by running the new Integriti system alongside the old security system, and they made the final transition overnight when no one was in the office.
Disruption for tenants was also kept to a minimum by A D Security Systems by re-using as much existing cabling as possible, rather than pulling up floor and chase cables along walls. While new LAN cabling allowed the new Integriti system to run simultaneously alongside the old one until the switch-over.
The project involved some tricky engineering work for integrators, especially in confined spaces, such as riser cupboards.
The team kept all tenants aware of when and where they would be working, and were able to maintain high security levels throughout the project.
In addition, because of the age of the previous access control system, user details couldn’t be transferred to Integriti automatically. Instead, A D Security Systems worked with the security team at 2 London Bridge to ensure user details were added to Integriti in an orderly way. Users were separated into groups by floor and invited in turn to collect their new access and security fobs. Their details were added at the same time.
Future proofing
Integriti is flexible and scalable, which together with its breadth of integration opportunities means 2 London Bridge will have an up-to-date and efficient access and security system for many years to come. If further integrations, or enhancements are needed, Integriti will be able to deliver these. There won’t be any need to replace the core access and security system.
System benefits
- Efficient, high-quality access and security controls
- Long lifespan system that’s easy to update and enhance in future
- Ease of use for security managers
- Trouble-free access for site users
No disruption to users and tenants during transition
