Viscount Systems, a leading edge high technology supplier of security systems and software announced that its Freedom IT-based access control technology has been successfully installed at a large industrial facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta owned by Methanex, the world's largest supplier of methanol. Viscount's system will enhance the safety and security programs and provide a platform for Busines...
Viscount Systems, a leading edge high technology supplier of security systems and software announced that its Freedom IT-based access control technology has been successfully installed at a large industrial facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta owned by Methanex, the world's largest supplier of methanol. Viscount's system will enhance the safety and security programs and provide a platform for Business Continuity to improve the plant's resilience and reliability. This was achieved with significant cost savings due to the use of existing cabinets and card reader wiring. In addition, due to the nature of the advanced IP-based architecture, the installation utilized Methanex's existing IT backbone, further improving the security of in-plant communication.
The Viscount system was installed by IRISS, a high-end Systems Integrator that focuses on Business Continuity and Security Solutions. “Being ready at all times is an important element of Safety, Security and Business Continuity -- we do not just install systems, we provide integrated solutions. We also ensure a quality technical solution through systematic Factory (FAT) and Site Acceptance (SAT) Tests,” commented IRISS' CEO and Oil and Gas Veteran, Joe Smolinski.
Richard Dworschak, Methanex Project Lead, commented, “The inherent IP architecture is one of the key reasons for choosing IRISS and the IP-based solution. Expansion of an effective safety and security system is always a consideration with a plant of this size. With the old access control panel based system along with its proprietary communication, flexibility was not there to easily modify the system. Now we have the freedom to utilize the advantages of the mustering and access control system as the need arises; future safety and security measures can be implemented at minimal cost”. “This is one of the most comprehensive deployments of Freedom technology so far,” noted Stephen Pineau, President and CEO of Viscount Systems. “Large industrial facilities have specific compliance requirements that are not well suited to traditional access control systems. We worked closely with IRISS and Methanex to design a robust, multi-functional system. Through this we designed a number of special applications including emergency mustering that allows Freedom to be used not only as a security system but an integral part of the overall life safety system. With Freedom the client hardened the systems in ways not possible with a traditional security system and we expect this installation to be a benchmark for future projects in the critical infrastructure market. ”