The Client:
Discovery Networks Europe (DNE) is a division
of the leading global real-world media company, Discovery Communications Inc.
DNE has grown from one channel in the UK launched 17 years ago to 13 channels in
the region. With new headquarters in London, DNE has local offices throughout
Europe, including Germany, Italy, France, the
Netherlands, Poland and Denmark.
DNE has recently moved into new European headquarters in London, UK. The
100,000 square-foot centre includes one of Europe's most extensive media
transmission centres, which broadcasts 51 unique distribution feeds to 105
countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa, using the latest tapeless
technology.
The Transmission Centre, which delivers 31 million minutes of programming per
year to almost 200 million cumulative viewers, was also designed to accommodate
emerging multi-media formats including high-definition television (HDTV), 3G and
other mobile broadband content delivery technologies.
The Situation:
Having moved into the new state-of-the-art
premises in West London, the company was keen to implement an adequate security
solution. Whilst it needed to protect its hightech multi-media and digital
equipment, it also required a system that was simple to manage and would easily
enable future proof investment protection for seamless technology upgrades. The
system would also need to provide for the building's unusual entrance which
featured three bi-directional speed gates and one sliding entrance gate. The
speed gates are especially designed for buildings with a high flowcapacity,
providing adequate security whilst, at the same time, enabling visitors to be
identified in an easy and quick manner, allowing access into or out of the
building. The sliding entrance gate is for disabled or goods access and features
remote operation and Light Emitting Diode (LED) display for status indicator
change-over.
The new building also brings together the broadcasting and administration
departments of DNE under one roof for the first time with the intention that
both these departments would grow over time. The system therefore needed to be
designed on the basis that it could easily be upgraded.
“We recommended Honeywell WINPAK as we knew it would meet and
exceed the current and the
future needs of Discovery Networks Europe.”
Paul Morris, Managing Director, WOT Security
The Solution:
WOT Security Group was one of a number of
installers invited to submit proposals for a suitable solution. Their first step
was to undertake a complete assessment of DNE's requirements, reviewing the site
itself and understanding how the company's requirements could be expected to
change over time as it continued to grow.
WOT Security concluded that the best solution
was WIN-PAK™ access control from Honeywell Security, a networked security solution
that would enable users to monitor events and alarms from central or remote
locations. The software also lets administrators automate functions, such as
creating customized alarm reports, and photo I.D. badging.
Paul Morris, WOT's Managing Director, comments "Rather than adopt a 'one size
fits all' approach we like to take the time to understand our clients' needs and
recommend the solution that best meets those needs. In this case we recommended
Honeywell WIN-PAK as we knew it would meet and exceed the current and the future
needs of Discovery Networks Europe".
The Implementation:
WOT Security undertook the
implementation and commissioning of the solution including the installation of
Honeywell PW5000 Controllers, card readers at all 37 doors and the
administration of employee and visitor badges. WOT installed motor-less read and
retain readers on the speed gates which resolved the issue of the loss of
visitor access cards where visitors failed to return them on completion of their
visit. On entry into the building visitors are issued with a card which allows
restricted access around the building however, exit is only possible via the
speed gates where the readers are able to distinguish between an employee or a
visitor access card and automatically retain the latter.
The Benefits
Using the WIN-PAK access control solution from Honeywell, Discovery Networks
Europe now has a state-of-the-art security solution to ensure the safety of
staff and equipment, while allowing a user-friendly and convenient access
control system to manage the movements of staff and visitors at the premises.
Other capabilities and benefits include the ability to track the movements of
building occupants and the integration of control and security systems for
greater speed and efficiency. As a networked solution the system is also able to
manage remote sites with employees able to use one card to gain access to
multiple sites. Finally, the system has been designed to be future-proof - WOT
have created a network backbone with distributed installation points around the
building. This means that as the system expands the cost of installing an
additional point and running a cable to the nearest control panel will be
minimal whilst causing little disruption to the client. Paul Morris continues
"Vital to the success of the project was our commitment to providing a complete
solution, starting with scoping and deployment and ending with a fully
functioning solution and staff trained and confident in using the solution. We
knew that, by implementing Win-Pak, we would be providing a stable, flexible and
expandable solution". Comments Steve Kendal, DNE's Security Manager "From a
management perspective we are easily able to identify and control who enters and
exits the facility and respond proactively to alarms and events. We are
particularly pleased that the system allows employees traveling between company
sites to access sites other than the one at which they are based".
Alex Wilkins, Office Services Manager, Discovery Networks Europe adds: "The
WIN-PAK system installed at Discovery's new European headquarters by WOT
Security Group not only provides an adequate security infrastructure for our
current needs but also respects the growing nature of our business, allowing for
future upgrades and new developments. In addition, its extension to our local
European offices reflects the truly multi-cultural scope of Discovery Networks
Europe."
“The WIN-PAK system not only provides an adequate security
infrastructure for our current needs but also respects the growing nature of our
business, allowing for future upgrades and new developments”.
Alex Wilkins, Office Services Manager, Discovery Networks Europe
Discovery Networks
Europe Case Study (PDF 341k) | 
