SafeSite Facilities provides their access control and CCTV cameras to protect a storage container facility

Remote location, 24/7 access requirements, multiple users - automation was the answer for the owner of this storage facility who needed to prevent false alarms and ensure around-the-clock security for its customers.

Located in rural Somerset, Dan Riddle, Owner of Southwood Secure Storage, wanted to secure a new storage container facility. Various challenges particular to the case meant that no off-the-shelf product or service ticked every required box. But, close teamwork between the client and SafeSite Facilities resulted in a custom automated system being installed, which the client has future plans to roll out across other sites.

Background of the storage container facility

The storage container facility consists of a large outdoor space, with fencing and the main access controlled gate

The storage container facility consists of a large outdoor space, with fencing and the main access controlled gate, keeping the containers housed securely within.

The biggest challenge was how to allow alarms triggered by break ins, without also generating false alarms when a genuine, authorised user enters the facility. The client also required CCTV to cover the expansive site, and a visual deterrent to dissuade people from attempting unauthorised access attempts in the first place.

Repurposing a COVID solution

One option was for customers to be given an alarm fob to disarm and arm the system on entry and exit. But this posed a security risk if left unarmed accidentally. It could also give malicious customers the ability to disarm the system if they wished. An additional challenge was how to know not to arm the system if there was still another customer inside.

SafeSite Facilities worked closely with the client to devise a bespoke automated system which delivers on all fronts, comprising access control, CCTV cameras, a rapid deployment tower, and 24/7 remote monitoring.

Customer access is a two-stage process – firstly the main gate which has two-factor authentication – a fob and a pin code.

Bespoke automated system

During the height of the COVID pandemic, security installers encountered a new need from customers"

Once access is granted through the gate, the customer uses a simple key to open their specific container. The new approach involves repurposing a COVID feature of the main gate access control system to control the alarming of the CCTV. Adam, The CCTV Technical Manager at SafeSite Facilities, explains:

“During the height of the COVID pandemic, security installers encountered a new need from customers - clients couldn’t have site areas becoming too crowded, so they needed a way to prevent even authorised staff entering, at least until the population dropped to an acceptable number. Security manufacturers responded by integrating population counters into their access control systems.”

Deny additional entry

Some access control systems, including the one in use here – Paxton’s Net2 – keep a running count of people in a specified area, and deny additional entry should the space become too crowded. “Even though the need on this project wasn’t COVID related, we realised we could piggyback on the functionality for this project,” explains Adam.

“The access control system keeps a tally of individuals entering and exiting the compound and alarms are automatically disabled when the system recognises that there are authorised people on site. When all authorised people on site have fobbed out, the alarm system automatically rearms, without any specific action or knowledge from the customer.”

Rapid deployment CCTV tower

The client also required a visual deterrent so, at the heart of the monitoring system is an imposing rapid deployment CCTV tower. It’s physical presence - featuring florescent colours which echo police warnings – helps make the site look far from an easy target.

Additional pole-mounted CCTV cameras are also located around the site to ensure full coverage

Additional pole-mounted CCTV cameras are also located around the site to ensure full coverage. The integrated 4G routers are registered with most network providers and will intelligently switch between them, seeking the strongest signal to provide reliable coverage of the site.

Automation and humans work together

The automated solutions are coupled with a 24-hour remote monitoring service, provided by Safesite. Should an alarm be raised, the monitoring service is alerted and the CCTV footage reviewed in order to gauge the most suitable response – either highlighting incidents for the facility’s security response team to handle, or escalating to the police, if required.

Pretty much any aspect of the system can be controlled using a smartphone app, from anywhere in the world, which gives great flexibility. The system also creates an audit trail of events, which can be used for security and safety reasons. The client can, for instance, generate reports detailing which days and hours see the most footfall, or they can find out when a particular customer entered the site.

“This has been a great project to be involved in,” Adam continues. “It’s worked out very well – we’ve created a simple system for the client and its customers to use, the site is secure and false alarms are very low.”