Canadian Municipality Integrates Avigilon Technology With Existing IT Resources

Avigilon recently announced that the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has deployed the Avigilon HD Surveillance System on the ferry transit system, at several recreation centers and at a metro transit service garage to protect its critical assets.

The Avigilon HD Surveillance System was selected for its advanced management features and ability to integrate with HRM’s existing IT infrastructure, intrusion, and access control systems.

“HRM owns millions of dollars’ worth of assets and property that are accessible to the public, so it is vital that we ensure that they are protected and used properly, while also ensuring the safety of the people who routinely use our facilities,” said Randy Stoddard, manager of corporate security at HRM. “Offering an IP-based, HD surveillance solution, Avigilon was chosen for its performance capabilities and because it could easily leverage our existing network and integrate with our intrusion and access control systems to facilitate installation, reduce costs, and meet IT standards across the board.”

HRM security personnel manage the Avigilon HD Surveillance System using Avigilon Control Center Network Video Management Software (NVMS.) The municipality installed more than 200 megapixel Avigilon HD cameras (1 MP, 2MP and 5MP).

These cameras have been installed at three recreation centers, wirelessly on three ferry boats and their corresponding transit terminals, and at its new metro transit service garage, which also has an Avigilon 180 degree 8MP Panoramic HD Dome camera. Monitoring traffic flow and protecting assets are the primary security goals at both the recreation centers and transit garage, while passenger safety is the top priority at the ferries. HRM stores 14 days of footage on 14 servers located across the municipality and monitors the system at a central control room and onsite at each location.

By leveraging existing IT resources, HRM is able to save installation and maintenance costs and cost-effectively migrate over to full HD as network requirements and budget allows.

The Avigilon HD Surveillance System can also be integrated into HRM’s intrusion and access control systems to create an integrated security solution. By dedicating a portion of its network to the Avigilon HD Surveillance System, HRM was able to create a wireless surveillance solution for its ferry system, which is connected remotely to the central control room for 24x7 monitoring. With the ability to digitally zoom in for superior image clarity, the Avigilon HD Surveillance System in many instances replaces the need for a PTZ camera because it can zoom in to capture details without losing the broader field of view. Avigilon Control Center advanced management features help HRM staff reduce investigation times from hours to minutes.

“As a municipality, HRM encompasses many different types of facilities, from headquarters to transit systems to recreation centers that present different security challenges but all share a common thread: the IT infrastructure,” said Alexander Fernandes, president and CEO at Avigilon. “By deploying the Avigilon HD Surveillance System, which can integrate with its existing IT network, HRM has successfully taken a unified approach to protecting its people, property, and information.”

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.