Groupama is one of the largest mutual insurance groups in France providing insurance, banking and other services in 11 countries. Activeille is a subsidiary of Groupama focussing on the protection and remote monitoring of property and people since the 1990s.
The customer
Groupama is one of the largest mutual insurance groups in France providing insurance, banking and other services in 11 countries. Activeille is a subsidiary of Groupama focussing on the protection and remote monitoring of property and people since the 1990s. Activeille's services are APSAD certified, and include risk assessment as well as security system installation for Group members and customers. In 2011, under the direction of Activeille, Groupama decided to upgrade its security system at the Noisy-Le-Grand site located in Ile-de-France. Honeywell's video protection and intrusion detection solutions were chosen to secure the 40,000 square metre site. Christophe Pillet, key-account sales manager at Activeille, and Group security expert was appointed to oversee each stage of the project.
The situation
Built in the 1970s, the Groupama offices at Noisy-Le-Grand are spread across two buildings including 8 floors and 3 basements within which are offices, kitchens, and other facilities.
In addition to close to one thousand people accessing the Groupama buildings daily, the site is located adjacent to “Les Arcades” shopping centre and shares public access via an esplanade located between the two Groupama buildings which is also accessible to the centre's 12.5 million annual visitors. So risk on this site is therefore twofold; firstly with Groupama employees and customers and, secondly with the general public eager to access the shopping centre's retail space.
In 2011, Groupama recognised that its incumbent security system had become obsolete and no longer met the security standards required for this type of site. Activeille recommended that the entire security system be modernised. "We had to completely rethink the security system on the site, while adhering to APSAD certification standards. We had no video surveillance system, only an intrusion detection system. We wanted to put in place a comprehensive solution that would allow us to see the entire site," explains Christophe Pillet.
The solution
Implementation of the new security system was subject to a preliminary assessment carried out by Activeille, taking into account Groupama's needs and the specific requirements of the site. Following this assessment, the project was put out to tender. The solution had to allow the integration of video surveillance with the intruder detection system. Christophe Pillet explains why Honeywell's integrated solution was selected - "With the buildings being relatively large, we had to find technology that enabled us to secure all the premises while limiting the number of security guards required. The Honeywell solution allowed us to respond to all these challenges by combining the integrated intruder detection and access control system - Galaxy® Dimension with Network Video Recorders (NVRs) from the Honeywell Fusion range.”
The advantages
* Optimal security across the entire site
Given the surface area, location and multi-site infrastructure, Activeille had certain requirements for the security system. It required a solution that would provide remote, centralised management from security posts and also respond to the needs of the security team to improve their safety and increase their autonomy, particularly at night when the number of guards would be reduced. Activeille therefore installed the Galaxy Dimension integrated intruder detection and access control solution covering over two hundred zones and six Fusion NRVs at two control centres. The recorders manage eighty IP cameras, including two PTZ domes. Security guards can now monitor areas remotely from PC screens, which reduces the number of physical interventions required alone on site, thereby improving their safety and saving time. "The security system is like a second person", reports one of the site's security guards. Christophe Pillet adds "The intruder detection system is integrated with the video surveillance system, so when triggered, verification images are sent directly to the control centre, making it possible to manage the situation quickly, securely and effectively."
* A comprehensive security solution able to provide large-scale customisation
The Honeywell intruder-detection system makes it possible to define autonomous groups. "On this site we have identified up to 16 groups, enabling us to programme and set the alarm in specific areas of the building at certain times, while keeping other areas operational. The security system is operational 24/7 depending on which parts of the building are occupied. As an example, when the company's restaurant is closed, the intruder alarm is automatically activated. “This unique, integrated solution is really easy to use, programme and activate", explains Christophe Pillet.
*A reliable and certified security system
The new security system has been designed to be APSAD R81 certified, facilitated by the NF&A2P 3-shield certified Honeywell Galaxy Dimension solution. APSAD R81 is an installation regulation that defines minimal technical requirements and methods for implementing automatic detection systems designed to detect and alert to the approach, penetration and/or movement of an intruder in monitored areas. "To do this, we have fitted access control modules and motion sensors on the main entrances and emergency exits to provide two levels of detection. In the event of an alarm, the access control module will trigger the cameras. Hence video surveillance is in place, where cameras are automatically triggered to film the monitored area using cameras corresponding to the entrance in question. We can thereby verify the source and cause of an alarm quickly and easily. The risk of false alarms is reduced and the reliability of the system reinforced", explains Christophe Pillet.
Christophe Pillet concludes, "the implementation of this Honeywell system has allowed us to fully secure the entire site and all staff, as well as shopping centre customers who frequently use the esplanade, an area monitored by Activeille. Installing security cameras in this location has significantly reduced cases of vandalism and damage. We have expanded the Honeywell solution to other Group buildings, using the Galaxy® Dimension integrated intruder detection and access control solution and for video surveillance with Honeywell's Fusion NVRs and IP cameras. We also offer Honeywell solutions to our clients. For businesses with complex sites, we install the same system, while for residential properties and small businesses, we recommend Honeywell's Domonial wireless intruder alarm solution.”
* A partner of choice
Groupama is one of the largest mutual insurance groups in France. Launched in the early 1990s, Activeille is a subsidiary of Groupama specialising in the remote monitoring of property and premises. Activeille services are APSAD certified (APSAD R81 for intrusion detection systems, R82 for video protection systems and P3 for remote monitoring), and include risk assessment as well as security system installation (intrusion detection, video protection and access control systems, remote monitoring and verification services, alarm intervention and security-guard services etc.) for Group members and customers. It carries out its activity in partnership with a large network of security installation companies throughout France. Designed for businesses, local authorities and professionals, Activeille offers customised security installation with the option to purchase or lease surveillance equipment, as well as remote monitoring solutions (24/7) including alarm attendance and maintenance services. The company has 40,000 customers using its remote monitoring services to protect their homes and business premises. The company provides remote management services for intruder detection, deterrence and alarms, as well as home monitoring and intervention at the location of the incident.
The products
* Galaxy Dimension integrated intruder alarm and access control solution
* Fusion Network Video Recorders
* IP Dome video cameras