CCTV proves invaluable tool for Ontime Guarding
Ontime Automotive has had comprehensive CCTV systems installed throughout its sites across the South East of England. The installations have ensured that the sites are thoroughly protected, both day and night, in-line with the demands of their customers.
Ontime Automotive, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BIDVest, employs over 800 staff and is the owner-operator of 600 transporter vehicles operating throughout Europe. There are a number of businesses within the group that have been added organically over the years as the company has grown and developed. These include Prestige Distribution - which delivers high value prestige cars such as Aston Martins, Bentleys and McLarens - as well as Technical Services, Parking Solutions, Rescue and Recovery and, most recently, Guarding. This includes manned-guarding, responding to alarm calls, key holding and mobile patrols throughout the South East and Midlands.
The importance of CCTV
Eddie Lewis, General Manager of Ontime Guarding, wanted to ensure that security across the Ontime Automotive sites, especially those that hold the prestige vehicles, was as effective as possible. "As a security company we have to be trustworthy and ensure we provide the service we say we're going to provide," he explains. "If our clients didn't have confidence in our ability to protect their goods, we'd loose their business very quickly."
Having carried out work for other businesses in the group, installers Security Design Services were recommended to advise on the best way forward. "They immediately impressed us with their attitude towards the project and with their knowledge of the technologies that would best help us meet our objectives," says Mr Lewis.
24-hour protection
Security Design Services suggested that Dennard 2060 fully functional PTZ domes and Vista VFD3V9CM fixed domes be positioned around the sites, mounted either on poles or on the buildings. The number and location of the cameras differs according to the use and layout of the sites. Accompanying the cameras are Optex Redwall PIR detectors which, when activated, trigger an audible alarm in the control room where the operators can either speak to the trespassers or call the police to the site. Internally throughout the site buildings, Vista VEC cameras have been sited to ensure that no-one goes undetected trying to break into the offices. "This is all well-trusted kit for us," says Dayne Lees, Security Consultant for Security Design Services. "You need to be confident that the kit will work and we have great confidence in their reliability and in the quality of pictures they produce."
Each site has its own security room, manned during office hours, where footage is recorded on the Dedicated Micros Digital Sprite 2 DVRs with 16 camera inputs and viewed on Vista 17" flat screen monitors. A high speed broadband connection enables the footage to be viewed remotely, 24-hours a day, at the main control room in Wellesbourne.
A model installation
As with any installation, Security Design Services needed to find the right balance between offering a cost-effective solution and achieving the necessary coverage to meet objectives. "We put a lot of initial work into the design of the installation to ensure we achieved this balance," says Mr Lees. "Once we'd done the groundwork we were able to use the same basic model across all the sites." As a result, all subsequent projects are completed quickly and efficiently, with little disruption to the customer; an impressive feat considering the yards are often operational 24 hours a day with busy schedules.
"A key factor to all our installations is after sales care," says Mr Lees. "It's vital that our customers have the support they need to ensure the system is operating to the required level at all times."
"We used Norbain to supply all of the equipment for the project," he continues. "Our account manager is extremely helpful and is always available should we need any advice. The next day delivery is also very reliable."
The CCTV system now in place plays a vital role in effectively securing the sites. "It's an essential tool for the guards and ensures that they achieve the best coverage possible," says Mr Lewis. One reason for its success is its simplicity to operate and the excellent picture quality it produces. "There's no doubt as to the quality of the equipment Security Design Services has installed," says Mr Lewis. "Combine this with the excellent service we continue to receive from them and we know that we've got a system that satisfies all our demands and those of our customers."
