Axis helps Italian organization care for young minds

Mission

Seeking additional security measures to protect its facilities serving urban youth just south of Boston, the Italian Home for Children had its eyes on both access control and surveillance cameras to strengthen its sense of safety. The inefficient practice of changing out keys and locks each time an employee left the facility was not only time-consuming but also created security issues if keys were duplicated without the agency knowing it. Answering the front door caused nervousness without any tangible way of seeing who was there. An access control and network camera solution by Axis Communications was installed to give the staff at the Italian Home for Children comfort as they serve the community. 

Solution

A total of 18 AXIS A1001 Network Door Controllers were deployed on both external-facing doors as well as rooms requiring privacy like dormitories. The interior doors needing coverage are generally rooms that the Italian Home would prefer visitors not wander into on their own, even if they are formally permitted on the property.

The main and back entrances were key to this solution as staff can scan their ID badge at the door and be granted immediate access; when a staff member leaves the organization altogether, their card is simply deactivated using AXIS Entry Manager.

The facility size is over 50,000 square feet overall, with the main building sizing up as half of that total. The issue for staff has always been in determining who is around and what their purpose may be to approach and request access to the building. The full brick walls, though containing a selection of windows, create a sizable barrier for staff to straightforwardly know who may be lurking around the structure.

Further, a set of Axis network cameras was installed across the property to resolve these issues. “It is absolutely vital for us to have a security system with live viewing access,” Dr. Jacobson added. “We need to make sure first and foremost that we are keeping these kids safe and secure, and especially to know who is in the building at any given time.”

Cameras monitoring the parking lot and the front door are critical additions to the Italian Home’s security arrangements. A selection of AXIS P3365-VE Network Cameras allows staff to see who is approaching the building, whether by car or foot. The Italian Home utilizes CompleteView VMS from Salient System to monitor activity and pull footage as needed to address any concerns. Before, staff was stuck asking questions of who was at the entrance and determining why they were there. These new preventative measures shore up the comfort levels of everybody involved.

Additionally, multiple AXIS M3005-V Fixed Dome Network Cameras are placed in crucial spots within the facility to provide a tool for staff to react in case of an incident. These 2-megapixel mini domes provide additional help in making sure things are in order and running smoothly.

Result

Staff have found continued success with their access control system that requires just the scanning of an ID badge at the doors rather than an old-fashioned key and lock to gain entry into the buildings. The Italian Home realized cost savings quickly with this method, as there is no additional cost associated with switching out an employee’s access through their card rather than worrying about who may have taken and copied a key into the facility. The organization is happy to report reinforced security habits that allow staff to keep focus on the wellbeing of the individuals in attendance.