Responsible for the security of these shopper's mecca, Finnish building technology specialists, Are Oy, has relied on the quality and expertise of Siemens Building Technologies Security Products's integrated security systems for the past few years.
Recently, Are Oy has been commissioned to supply two major security system projects in two new shopping centres, Jumbo and Sello. Jumbo, which is located in Vantaa near Helsinki, was completed in September 2005 and the Sello development was completed and opened for business during autumn 2005.
Fundamental to the success of these developments was security. As millions of Euros worth of cash and merchandise are exchanged every year, staff, shoppers and visitors alike need to feel safe and secure.
Bewator's 2010 integrated access control system has been key to the installation and was chosen as the security system of choice for the shopping centre, due to its flexibility to manage all elements of security, including intruder alarms, access control, video management and fire warnings.
It is important for staff safety and company security that only authorised individuals are admitted to the workplace. The access control element of this security system at Jumbo and Sello means that only selected staff can be granted access to pre-determined areas using special cards instead of keys.
"The Bewator 2010 system removes the need to use keys, which are too often misplaced, stolen or copied. In this instance, if a card is lost, it can be easily locked out of the system. The system is very flexible, and even allows the use of a pin-code, which means the security level can be increased further if necessary." Says Bewator 2010 product specialist Rickard Hammarberg.
Today, intruder alarms are a matter of course for most large facilities such as these. In the case of Sello and Jumbo, the system has been programmed so that should a dangerous situation arise, the intruder alarm immediately alerts the central control room located in the shopping centre. This prevents any third party from passing through the restricted area (controlled by the access control system) without the alarm being triggered.
Tight timetable
Are Oy business division manager, Jan van der Meer, who is in charge of the security systems products and has overseen security for a number of shopping centre developments concurred that large shopping centres of this calibre are challenging installation projects for security system contractors.
Despite any potential construction delays in projects with the size and scope of Jumbo and Sello, it is crucial for access systems and intruder alarms to be in operation within the project's deadlines.
"As security system contractors always start their work once the construction phase is over, adjustments are often made to the system once it is already operational."
The key to the success of these projects was the flexibility and openness of the security system, Bewator 2010.
Pleased with the co-operation
Pleased with the service and operation provided by SBT, Van der Meer said he understood why SBT had its reputation as a reliable and credible company.
"Such a positive reputation is not an easy task to accomplish in the security business," he said.
"When you choose a new product you have to consider cost-effectiveness, flexibility, durability and the potential for integration. More importantly, any new solution being considered should equal and ideally exceed the performance of products previously used."
Bewator 2010 is now certified to PD6662: 2004, which brings it in line with the European EN50131-1 Standard for intruder alarms.
