Institutional Case Study

Situation:

Security Solutions was selected as sole provider of electronic access control for an expading bio-genetic research facility. When complete, the complex would comprise 14 buildings within a square mile, including greenhouses where research projects would be conducted. At issue was security for individual cells within the greenhouses, each of which required a different method of access management. Additionally, a harsh environment of chemical sprays, high temperatures, fog and watering systems had to be considered. Due to life safety concerns, the system not only had to report a closed or opened door but also had to report positively that doors were locked.

Equipment & Services:

Security Solutions developed a comprehensive electronic access control (EAC) solution that included weatherproof magnetic locks with positive bond sensors. The plan also called for weatherized electrified exit devices and request-to-exit buttons, along with carefully specified cabling and redundant, monitored communication channels.

Results:

Five years later, the facility expansion is nearing completion. Greenhouses are managed almost entirely through EAC, which is also used to register visitors, monitor accounting time and attendance, and create federally required entrance and exit logs for radioactive laboratories. Thoughtful design and proper implementation, has rendered the system a valuable management aid, as well as a vital security tool.