DSSL Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

An important heritage site which played a key role in protecting the UK during World War II is itself being made safe and secure with the installation of a comprehensive and fully integrated security system, including more than 75 Dahua HD CCTV cameras. Battle of Britain Bunker The Battle of Britain Bunker is an underground operations room in Uxbridge, formerly used by No. 11 Group Fighter Command during the Second World War, most notably in the Battle of Britain and on D-Day. The operations room was one of the key parts of the world’s first integrated defence system, which linked Fighter Command with Anti-Aircraft Command, Barrage Balloon Command, the Observer Corps, radar, and the intelligence services. The site is run by Hillingdon Council as a heritage attraction with a museum and a visitor centre. Fully integrated security solution DSSL Group installed more than 75 Dahua HD CCTV cameras linked to a Genetec Security Centre VMS DSSL Group completed a full analysis of the existing CCTV and intruder alarm systems, with the aim of creating a fully integrated security solution, to enhance the security around the site, reduce manned security costs, and speed up remote security and police response times. Using the existing wireless network also designed by them across the borough, DSSL Group installed more than 75 Dahua HD CCTV cameras linked to a Genetec Security Centre video management system (VMS), as well as Axis IP PA speakers externally. All cameras are viewable by management and the security team on site, and also from Hillingdon Council’s main CCTV control room. Surveillance cameras with smart analytics using AI External cameras are equipped with smart analytics using AI, to help secure the perimeter of the site. In 2018, a state-of-the-art wireless CCTV system consisting of more than 1,000 Dahua HD cameras, along with Dahua NVRs, XVRs and control and viewing equipment, was installed across the borough by DSSL Group. More recently, an additional 1,000 Dahua HD cameras have been added to the council's network making it 2,000 in total. In addition to the cameras, DSSL Group installed a Honeywell Galaxy 62-zone intruder alarm system which feeds back to a central monitoring station and is also integrated with the VMS. Dahua CCTV system installed Cllr Richard Lewis, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, Culture and Heritage, said “The Battle of Britain Bunker is one of Hillingdon’s treasured heritage sites. It played a pivotal role in the Second World War, and it’s important that we keep it protected. Dahua CCTV system will help us to do that with their state-of-the-art system and high performing cameras.”

DSSL Group, the security systems company, has rolled out a new field service management system from BigChange. The cloud-based system incorporates vehicle tracking, a mobile workforce app, intelligent job scheduling and an online customer booking portal.  The system has already helped the Essex-based company offset more than 200 tonnes of CO2 and achieve net zero running for its fleet of vehicles, as well as reducing paper use by around 20,000 sheets a year. Disparate and outdated systems Predominantly specialising in Local Authority CCTV systems and access control systems for Housing Associations, DSSL operates a mixed fleet of more than forty vans and five cherry pickers from its regional operation centres in Essex, Leeds and London. Completing around 100 planned jobs a day with an additional 15-30 out-of-hours callouts, DSSL implemented BigChange to replace a number of disparate and outdated systems. Implementing BigChange, DSSL has very reduced its back-office authority resources Since implementing BigChange, DSSL has significantly reduced its back-office administration resources. Automated workflows and integration of management systems has meant that two, full-time staff members have been redeployed within the business equating to a saving of around £60,000 per annum.  DSSL is also realising improvements in cashflow due to more timely and accurate invoicing and improved management reporting. Separate tracking system “Prior to BigChange we had a job sheet system that was server-based, we used Google Calendar, a separate tracking system and multiple spreadsheets to manage daily activities such as job raising and invoicing,” commented Aaron Stephens, Managing Director of DSSL Group. “Engineers couldn’t create jobs when responding to call outs, which meant we needed a dedicated member of staff to raise these retrospectively and chase engineers for the required information to close the job for invoicing. We also had another member of the admin team whose job it was to print completed job sheets and get them marked up for invoicing.” Cloud-based system DSSL selected the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app DSSL selected the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management, and business intelligence tools in one system, after just one face-to-face demo. “We knew how our business operated and the workflows that were required to get jobs done and invoiced,” he continued. “However, we also knew this was long-winded. We knew we wanted a cloud-based system and it very quickly became apparent that the BigChange methods and processes were aligned with what we needed to achieve, and the functionality and vision was there to save us resources from day one, boost customer service and support us as we continue to grow.” Real-time sharing DSSL customers are also noting the changes in the business with real-time sharing of information DSSL customers are also noting the changes in the business with real-time sharing of information between the field and the office, and more detailed and comprehensive reporting. Southern Housing, one of the largest Housing Associations in the UK with more than 45,000 homes across London, the South East and the Midlands, uses DSSL access control solutions and commented, “We are delighted with DSSL and their performance as they continue to deliver against our targets and KPI’s. Best of all is their ability to communicate and put in place processes and procedures to keep customer satisfaction at 98% and complaints to a very low level.” Additional training requirements Some additional features within the BigChange system, such as vehicle checks, driver behaviour alerts and improved field reporting, are also helping DSSL look after their workforce promoting safer and greener driving and identifying additional training requirements. DSSL Group is a family-run security solutions integrator whose services include bespoke designs for security installations, tailored planned maintenance and reactive repair for all types of security systems across the UK. Founded in 1998 by Dave Stephens, DSSL Group was formed in 2009 and is now run by Dave’s eldest son Aaron Stephens as Group Managing Director with his two brothers alongside him on the board. The business continues to grow, having recently upgraded over 20 town centre CCTV systems and attended over 30,000 jobs in the past year, and is committed to sustainable operations.

Global MSC Security announces that Fraser Sampson, the Commissioner for the Retention and Use of Biometric Material and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, will call upon local authorities to prioritise human rights, when investing taxpayers money into new CCTV equipment. He will make the keynote address at the Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition, which is taking place in Bristol on Tuesday 19th October 2021. The Commissioner will use the platform to urge procurement processes to give equal attention to human rights and the assurance of ethical supply chain together with costs. Surveillance camera systems It is clear that operators and purchasers of such systems need direction and guidance" Fraser Sampson states: “Some of the camera systems being made available from outside the United Kingdom are highly competitive and cost-effective and are therefore attractive at both local and national government level.” He adds: “It is unsurprising that some of the surveillance camera systems attracting attention are becoming popular with public services as they will probably excel in meeting the relevant criteria in the procurement scoring process.” The Commissioner continues: “Direct corporate complicity in the furtherance of human rights abuses in the specific context of surveillance camera technology has been raised directly by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.” He adds: “It is clear that operators and purchasers of such systems need direction and guidance.” Citing a tryptic approach to the use and deployment of CCTV equipment the Commissioner recommends asking is it technologically possible? Is it legally permissible? And is it societally acceptable? Cost-effective camera Managing Director of Global MSC Security, Derek Maltby, comments: “Many local authorities we work with seek advice as to the most cost-effective camera systems to purchase with taxpayers money, but which are also socially acceptable having regard to human rights and cyber security. Guidance and leadership from the Biometric and Surveillance Camera Commissioner will provide the direction needed.”