How Bell Security was awarded the contract to provide ’next generation’, networked, integrated security and fire protection systems across the IWM’s multi-site estate.

Background

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) is a multi-branch, national museum housing six facilities in England:

• Lambeth – main site, in South Central London
• Churchill Museum – Whitehall, London
• Cabinet War Rooms – Whitehall, London
• HMS Belfast – historic ship moored in the Pool of London
• IWM Duxford – features aviation exhibits, near Cambridge
• IWM North – near Manchester

Founded in 1917, the IWM seeks to provide for, and to encourage, the study and understanding of the history of modern war and ‘war-time experience’ – particularly where the peoples of Britain and its Commonwealth have been involved.

The IWM sites house permanent displays, archives, special exhibitions as well as corporate hospitality and shopping facilities. The IWM currently attracts in the region of two million visits across its sites each year.

Client’s challenge

The museum was aware that the new generation of security systems solutions embodies the convergence of IT and communications/networking technologies. These deliver a series of additional capabilities (for centralized control, report generation, increased reliability, transmission cost savings etc.) that can significantly enhance the physical security risk protection benefits available from traditional systems solutions.

IWM sought a supplier with not only a security and fire systems pedigree, but also an ability to deliver a value-added, highly future-proofed, integrated solution to maximize benefits across multiple facets of its operations.

How we helped

In mid-2007, IWM awarded Bell Security the contract to provide ’next generation’, networked, integrated security and fire protection systems across its multi-site estate. The project embraces video surveillance, access control, intrusion and fire alarms, voice alarm and emergency lighting systems, a centralized control and management front-end and incorporation of a number of legacy systems. A new fiber optic communications backbone is also provided offering considerable, value-added, spin-off benefits through the creation of surplus data-handling capacity for other IWM communication needs.

The system is designed to protect premises, exhibits, staff and visitors in a range of interior and exterior, front-of-house and back-office environments. These incorporate many different spacial layouts. Some present particular challenges due to the nature of the exhibits they contain.

The results

“The decision to commission Bell went beyond the satisfaction of our cost criteria,” explains Brian Colyer, the IWM’s Project Engineer. “Bell presented us with a ‘security partner’ philosophy, backed up with solid, integrated systems and networking experience and the support of their remote systems management facility, Bell MIT.”

Bell’s ‘security partner’ approach involves briefings to, discussions with and then input requests and final design approvals from, all major stakeholder groups within IWM. These groups include IT, Collections Management, Exhibitions, Firearms, Marketing/Hospitality. Fine details of the systems’ functionality are therefore being allowed to evolve as the installation progresses, customized in response to the specific needs of these internal stakeholders.

Bell Security’ Chief Operating Officer, Syd Heals, said: ”The IWM is a prestigious addition to our client portfolio. I am delighted we have been selected by this national institution to take its security and fire systems forward with new technologies.”