Genetec, a provider of IP security solutions, acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) has installed Genetec’s IP video surveillance system, for the protection and monitoring of its prized collection. The system is currently managing more than 200 Axis Communications and InterlogixTM network cameras, and a few analog PTZ cameras connected via encoders.
Genetec, a provider of IP security solutions, acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) has installed Genetec's IP video surveillance system, for the protection and monitoring of its prized collection. The system is currently managing more than 200 Axis Communications and InterlogixTM network cameras, and a few analog PTZ cameras connected via encoders.
MIM is the first global musical instrument museum and has a collection of more than ten thousand musical instruments and artifacts housed in a magnificent building of more than 190,000 square feet. Several key stakeholders at the museum previously had positive experiences with Genetec products and believed they would be an ideal fit for MIM given Genetec's superior technology and flexibility.
Armed with Genetec's video surveillance solution, museum staff are able to key in to specific high-risk pieces and ensure they remain safe. Currently, the management platform monitors everything from the 190,000-square-foot interior to the exterior of the building and parking lot for complete facility coverage.
All main security operations are centralized in MIM's security command center, a station manned 24-hours a day. However, the system also allows for remote monitoring by senior staff and configuration of internal access user privileges by administrators, which provide an extra layer of security.
The platform's user interface, which required little training despite a staff unaccustomed to security system usage, was a key feature. Jeff Worcester, Project Manager at Climatec, the integrator involved in the project said, “The ease of use is a key advantage to the system in any environment. It enables a security team comprised of individuals with any level of experience from none to a lifetime on legacy systems to quickly and easily learn to navigate the software.” Additionally, the system's flexible nature, permitting customization via programming as well as an array of plug-in and macro options, was paramount to the success of the installation.
While MIM has only been open since April 2010, staff were able to use the surveillance system to track a potential thief off the grounds and onto a bus. Later, MIM staff were able to direct law enforcement to the suspect using the bus identification number. In another instance, security staff were able to identify paparazzi outside the building attempting to photograph a visiting celebrity and attend to the situation immediately all without visitor disruption.
“We have been quite pleased with Genetec's system. Its flexible nature is particularly well suited to a museum environment, where exhibits move and the security needs are amorphous, changing regularly,” said Justin Karim, the Head of Security at MIM.” The system has met our demands, and we are even looking at possibly using the system to inform business decisions for example by expanding our system to include Genetec's LPR software for counting license plates in the parking lot to keep track of patron numbers. I would definitely recommend this system to fellow museums, as well as other professionals seeking a robust security system that delivers on the reputation of a leading company like Genetec.”