2004
A Security Solution in 'Real Time' [Irish Trucker]
Netwatch Ireland Ltd based in Carlow town recently launched a 'next-generation' security system, which is currently taking the market by storm. Sales director and co-founder of the company, David Walsh gave Irish Trucker the run down on the ground-breaking system.
Netwatch Ireland has installed more than 50 state-of-the-art-security systems at varying sites throughout Ireland since its inception more than six months ago. Factories, warehouses, stud-farms, garages and retail premises have all benefited from the Netwatch treatment.
'Netwatch' is an intelligent security system that incorporates advanced alarm technology with the most modern CCTV techniques, allowing the company's command centre to watch in 'real time' as an intrusion takes place.
From its central command centre in Carlow, Netwatch provides extremely cost effective monitoring and control of remote site activity 24 hours a day, reducing the need for 'on site' security.
David revealed the technology employed in the company's innovative security system. "We place detectors on the outer perimeter fence of the site, which are linked into CCTV. Once the perimeter is breached it will trigger a transmitter unit to send 'live' CCTV footage to the command centre. Firstly we get an audio warning saying the system has been breached and then we get the 'live' footage."
"The signal is transmitted through a high-speed telephone line (ISDN) or by satellite depending on the area. Probably 90 per cent of our customers would be utilising existing ISDN lines. If the host site doesn't have an ISDN line we can utilise satellite technology," he commented.
The command centre receives a "snapshot of what set off the alarm" in the first instance quickly followed by 'live' CCTV footage. The command centre quickly assesses what triggered the alarm, before notifying the key holder and or Gardaí. "It could be a dog or cat or an intruder that set off the alarm. We quickly establish the cause before proceeding with an appropriate course of action," David explained.
The command centre can communicate with the intruder through an audio system installed on the host site. "We can speak directly to the intruder before they commit the crime. Knowing that they are being watched and that the Gardaí have been informed proves to be a huge deterrent. In the vast majority of cases the intruder leaves the premises without committing a crime," David enthused.
"The idea behind communicating with the intruder is to prevent the crime. The principle behind this system is crime prevention, not crime detection. Most business people don't want to go to court in three months time to give evidence after the crime has happened. Our customers want the crime prevented," David commented.
Once the Gardaí and key holder have been notified, the company will monitor the movements of the intruder, and relay vital information back to both parties. David explained: "We will give the Gardaí every assistance we can in apprehending the intruder. We keep in contact with the Gardaí, and pass on descriptions of the intruders, their location on the site and the registration numbers of any vehicle involved etc."
This system has inherent benefits for the key holder also. "Often a key holder will return to a site, and not know what he is facing. With this system, we keep the key holder abreast of all developments, including the movements of the intruder. We can advise the key holder whether the intruder is still on site. We stay online until the Gardaí arrive," assured David.
In essence each CCTV camera on site becomes a security guard 24-hours a day. "If you have 10 CCTV cameras on site, it is the equivalent of having 10 security guards there 24-hours a day.
However, this system costs only a fraction of the cost to maintain. This system goes way beyond the capabilities of a conventional alarm and CCTV system."
This state-of-the-art security system comes at a cost well within the reach of most transport operators and companies working in the warehousing sector. The initial capital outlay can be depreciated over a number of years - like any asset - with tax associated benefits. The ongoing monitoring charge also represents extremely good value for money.
David elaborated: "A security guard will cost at least €12 per hour. To monitor 10 CCTV units over a 24-hour period will cost the same, so it does represent exceptional value for money."
Daily Netwatch Ireland checks each CCTV unit to make sure it is in working order. It also ensures the unit hasn't been disturbed or pointed in the wrong direction. This service also has labour and cost efficiencies for the host company.
Systems can be tailor made to meet individual customer requirements. "We send out one of our security experts to conduct a site survey. We will then tailor a specific security solution for that site and it is priced accordingly. In doing that, we maximise security on the site," David noted.
Netwatch Ireland can incorporate existing CCTV security systems into the final package. "There are four elements in terms of hardware -detectors, CCTV, transmission unit, and audio unit. If the site already has CCTV, we include that in the overall package. That will reduce the overall cost of the package." he added.
To ensure that site monitoring is carried out effectively, Netwatch Ireland has built a purpose built command centre in Carlow. This state-of-the-art facility is virtually impregnable. David enthused: "The command centre has been purpose built. There are no windows on the building for security purposes.
The ceiling is made of mass concrete. We have also installed a secondary power supply in the event of a power failure. The command centre is manned 24 hours a day monitoring our sites."
Response from the market has been phenomenal. "We have more than 50 sites up and running since last November. All our sales have come through word of mouth and personal recommendation. We are miles ahead of target," David concluded.