DynaFire is a full service provider of fire alarm, sprinkler, and suppression system solutions for businesses small to large.
DynaFire is a full service provider of fire alarm, sprinkler, and suppression system solutions for businesses small to large. The company was incorporated with two employees in 2004 with the singular mission of providing alarm system solutions to commercial facilities located in Central Florida. Today, DynaFire employs over 220 staff members at 7 offices serving the entire state of Florida. Corporate headquarters are based in the city of Casselberry, just outside of the Orlando area. Recognized for industry awards and community outreach, DynaFire is a family-owned business known for their core values and forward-thinking vision. Their expansive portfolio includes commercial buildings, condominiums and apartments, education, entertainment, defense contractors, healthcare, highrises, hotels and resorts, retail, stadiums and casinos. Visit dynafire.com to learn more about services and solutions.
Why Choose AES?
Christopher Creamer, DynaNet Development Manager at DynaFire, said, “We, as a company, are looking to have more control over fire alarm monitoring. When we signed up as an authorized AES Dealer back in 2005, it was pre-Cellular in Florida, and it always bothered us that we were liable and responsible for the monitoring of fire systems to the panel but didn’t have any operational control. Using AES technology provides more control versus having to rely on a third party contractor for delivering alarm communications from the protected premises to the Central Station. This gives us the power and responsibility to control our clients experience from start to finish.” DynaFire serves thousands of customers with 3,900 units deployed and 36 IP Links covering the state of Florida.
Challenges
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active since 2005 including four major hurricanes: Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria. When Hurricane Irma was approaching the Sunshine State, a state of emergency was declared and every county was under evacuation. Many contractors were forced to close up operations. “It was agonizing watching the radar for days upon days to monitor the fluctuations of intensity and track the latest path,” stated Chris Creamer. With widespread power outages and fuel shortages, DynaFire’s greatest struggle was managing the large geographical spread of their client base. Coordinating service was a logistical nightmare. DynaFire’s corporate headquarters re-opened quickly and never lost power. Of the 6 satellite offices, 4 had no power for two days and 150 Clients went 6-7 days before power was restored. Viewing customer base stats on the AES-Network Management System (NMS), data showed that half of 1,800 units suffered power loss and were immediately sent into the battery backup.
Solution
Chris Creamer shared, “Zero AES Subscriber units were impacted by the hurricane, regarding being hit by the storm or damaged. Two dozen antennas and some brackets needed to be readjusted and redeployed after the storm to reposition. We lost no units due to water, wind, or storm damage including the IP Links. Our mesh radio network, DynaNet, was 100% solvent. We only had to replace 60-75 batteries mounted outside and in breezeways due to prolonged use during power outages. There were no actual equipment faults.”
He added, “Rick DiStefano and Mike Walline of the AES Technical Support team reached out in advance to help us with preparation for the storm, we talked about worst case scenarios and what to do. Luckily, we didn’t have to go into any of those modes and fared well throughout the storm. The AES Support team coverage across different regions gives contractors more flexibility and more avenues for support. The AES Maintenance Program service plan with dedicated support expert Travis Everage helps us protect our investment in AES technology.”
Kevin Smily, DynaNet RF Operations Specialist, commented on AES Training Academy regional sessions, “Worth it. Ask about the NMS; no network manager should be without this valuable tool.”