Remotely monitored security systems – Barings

One BSIA member worked with Barings, a global investment management firm, during the opening of new premises for its European Data Centre which needed to synchronise security between its new building and its long-established City headquarters.

The new facility was designed as a ‘lights-out operation’, meaning that staff don’t work there full-time. It is used as a data centre and to provide alternative workspace in the event of any problems at the global headquarters. The priority was to ensure that security at the new site could be easily managed remotely. To do this, the new system would need to mirror the functionality of the headquarters’ security system and include continuous synchronisation with the access control there.

As a financial institution, Barings’ security systems have to ensure that the business complies not only with its commitments to customers and shareholders, but also with stringent legal requirements set down by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

After conducting a detailed assessment, the member advised on and delivered an appropriate security solution based on the requirements at the two sites. This involved a complete solution for both CCTV and access control across booth locations, plus search and reporting functionality and the assurance of reliable back-up.

“The installation went very smoothly and I doubt staff even noticed,” said Mark Williams, Head of Business Services, Baring. “We have strong confidence in the BSIA member; the way they presented themselves and their ability to deliver what they said they would. The relationship is excellent - they have always been able to offer new solutions to meet our changing requirements.”

The new security solution integrates video and access control to enable headquarters staff to monitor the data centre remotely. Linking cameras to access control software easily alerts the remote operator to any alarms, displaying live camera views. On a day-to-day basis the system is simple to manage and Barings is confident that the system will be able to accommodate future requirements as they arise.

- Mark Williams, Head of Business Services, Barings.

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