Johnson Controls delivers security and access solution for state of the art distribution centre
Johnson Controls has delivered a world-class technology solution for Drakes Supermarkets’ new grocery distribution centre in Adelaide’s north.
After investigating redevelopment of an existing facility, South Australia’s largest independent retailer confirmed it had planning consent to build a brand new, multi-million-dollar distribution and logistics centre in Edinburgh North.
Johnson Controls was chosen to deliver a comprehensive security solution for the facility, designed to support the biggest grocery range for South Australian shoppers, with the capacity to house up to 23,000 lines of grocery, dairy and frozen produce.
As a global technology leader with substantial experience and expertise in creating industry specific solutions, Johnson Controls delivered a highly advanced, cost effective access control and security solution for the entire site.
Building on its reputation for delivering bespoke solutions, Johnson Controls designed the system around the distribution centre’s temperature-controlled environment, providing added flexibility and capability to support Drakes’ future expansion and growth plans, a key consideration of the project.
To meet the project’s 12-month construction deadline, Johnson Controls worked in close partnership with Drakes’ security and IT teams, tailoring a fully integrated solution to ensure it provided complete and thorough coverage across the 104,000sqm site, efficiently and reliably managing multiple access points.
The collaborative approach enabled Drakes’ IT team to design network infrastructure that would align and integrate with the access control and security systems, providing substantial cost savings.
With up to 120 semi-trailers expected to deliver produce directly into the facility’s numerous freezer areas each day, a camera system featuring accurate high-resolution output was needed to allow Drakes’ to oversee the safety of staff and delivery drivers, as well as controlling large stock quantities.
Johnson Controls installed a network of 183 advanced Avigilon digital video cameras for CCTV surveillance, which provided 360-degree coverage of a number of identified black spots areas within the facility.
The Avigilon high quality camera output delivers imaging with maximum coverage and minimum bandwidth. There is also the potential to increase the number of security cameras with almost no increased pressure on bandwidth, or any need for additional servers or hardware, to support future operational growth.
The CCTV network is integrated with the access control system, providing maximum security across all facility gates and perimeter doors. The system is connected to a central security mobile device that is alerted of potential issues in real time, allowing the officer in charge to act instantaneously, while also feeding into the facility’s lighting network, triggering flood lights in critical areas.
The advanced web-based access control system manages staff entry, including access cards and photo identification, with Bluetooth embedded technology for areas requiring maximum security reducing the need for key personnel to carry access cards for entry.
Johnson Controls has carefully managed the project around the extremely tight deadlines, with installation aligned with the construction schedule, which is on track for completion in October 2019.
According to Drakes Supermarkets’ security manager, Jim Corbett, “From the outset the team at Johnson Controls was very attentive to our needs and expertly showcased the technology that was eventually integrated into the Edinburgh Park DC. Their clear-cut approach and extensive product knowledge made it easy to choose Johnson Controls as our integrator.
“Without doubt the timelines have been intense resulting in a very dynamic construction site with many challenges. The install team has been prepared to roll with the punches and when required, willing to do the hard yards to get the job over the line. Throughout the project, Johnson Controls willingly shared information, advice and guidance that has proven highly beneficial.
“I have no doubt that the finished product will provide enormous benefits to Drakes and help us create a safe, secure and controlled environment,” continued Mr Corbett.
