Loughborough University has upgraded its CCTV security network to increase the level of protection for the 17,975 students and 3,787 members of staff that study, work, live in or visit the campus. The project has been completed by OpenView Security Solutions (OSS) which was awarded the contract through the ESPO tender portal.

After completing a series of enhancements to the CCTV system, the last of which took place in 2012 when it was chosen as the official preparation camp headquarters for Team GB prior to the London Olympic Games, the university wanted to upgrade the existing security control room equipment which had reached end of life. This would include the consolidation of two separate workstation systems, enabling them both to monitor any part of the campus, enhancing service delivery and delivering cost savings.

OSS installed an IndigoVision Control Centre, a fully integrated system that allows video, access control and alarms to be easily managed. With a unique Distributed Network Architecture (DNA), it delivers greater resilience and supports continuous system growth for future-proofing. The company also installed two Indigo Vision Enterprise NVR-AS network video recorders in a server farm on the university’s IT network along with an additional failover unit for added resilience. Each NVR has a data throughput of 2 Gbps and up to 112TB usable storage.

Over 300 cameras have been connected to the IndigoVision platform using the latest high speed IP technology over the existing IT infrastructure. The university also took the opportunity to install 30 new IndigoVision PTZ cameras to provide enhanced monitoring at key locations across its 440 acre campus. OSS also installed encoders and an IndigoVision Camera Gateway to enable older analogue cameras to stream images via IP over the network.

“OpenView Security Solutions worked closely in partnership with our IT team to ensure there was no loss of service throughout the upgrade process,” commented Andrew Burgess, Director of Infrastructure & Commercial Services at Loughborough University. “The new system has delivered immediate operational benefits by being easier to use and manage. It enhances the level of security provided across the campus which is helping to reduce the incidence of reported crime and ensure the safety and welfare of students, staff and visitors.”

The new system also allows images from the bodycams used by security patrols that help maintain an effective Campus Watch Scheme to be uploaded via docking stations. All footage is stored centrally helping to maintain crime recording procedures and make informed decisions concerning the patrolling strategy.

According to OpenView Security Solutions: “The award of this contract confirms the growing recognition of our technical ability to efficiently handle high profile installations. We are focused on working with ‘best of breed’ technology providers and using the latest standards such as ONVIF to ensure that security systems meet client expectations, reduce the fear of crime and create a safer community wherever they are deployed.”

OSS has subsequently been awarded a contract to support and maintain the university’s CCTV network, control room and intruder alarm systems helping to maintain community confidence.