UK FreePort go for integrated security leader

Gemini integrated security monitoring software from Bold Communications is providing alarm management protection for the Port of Liverpool in the UK.

The Port of Liverpool is the largest free zone in the UK with logistics accommodation of nearly 4 million square feet. In addition, 22 miles of the Manchester Ship Canal, large enough to carry inter-continental shipping and connecting the Mersey to Manchester also forms part of this estate. With 40 million tonnes of cargo passing through every year, the Port is a significant European shipping facility in particular for the Irish and American container trade.

Security for the site is provided by the Port of Liverpool Police originally formed in 1811 as the Liverpool Dock Police. Having undergone many reorganisations since that time, Port Police officers have full police powers in addition to carrying out specialist tasks relating to the security and operation of the estate. The Police have jurisdiction over a mainly populated area of 70 square miles, with high levels of activity and traffic, on both sides of the River Mersey.  Security for this considerable estate is co-ordinated from the fully equipped force control room, where operators manage and deploy police, and security resources.

When a new solution for security monitoring was required, having considered the available technology and suppliers in this market, the Port came to Bold Communications.  Bold is a well known developer and integrator of security management systems and now, approaching its 30th year in this market, supports the widest range of commercial and public sector control rooms in the UK.   

Bold Gemini is an all MicrosoftTM based program utilising the Fluent User interface and SQL database schema, developed over the last 4 years by Bold, bringing together all security applications into one efficient management system.  Scaleable from simple site monitoring applications to high volume commercial central stations, and with a large user base already in Europe, Gemini has quickly become the integrated solution of choice.      

The functional specification for the Gemini software was led by the requirements of Bold's group of central station customers, including many commercial and public sector control rooms.  As such a diverse group, the result was a very comprehensive system design which then had to be developed into an operational product with multiple communication methods and many different alarm signalling protocols.  But what made Gemini different is the integration to other security technologies. Applications like CCTV monitoring software, access control and lone worker systems were designed in at the planning stage, not added as an afterthought.  The result of this is the sheer useability of the product and it was this that persuaded the Port of Liverpool to choose Gemini. 

An essential part of the innovative approach is the use of dynamic reporting allowing instant access to the SQL database to obtain management information according to a schedule or on an "as required" basis.  Setting up new monitored sites and administration is vastly simplified and configurations are created which specifically match the user's needs.  With the familiar interface following Window'sTM Ribbon Control and Menu tabs, Gemini can be quickly mastered by control room operators. 

Gemini also offers a sophisticated web access administration and reporting module, task scheduler and a SMS broadcast/receiver, as well as supporting many third party security products.  Bold users obtain the benefit of reduced costs with an efficient off-the-shelf solution which can be customised if required.

The project for the Port of Liverpool was co-ordinated with a Bold project consultant attending pre-installation meetings to ensure the end result was precisely in line with the client's requirements.  Operator and administration training was provided to ensure that the maximum benefit was obtained from the system and out of hours support made available as required.  Having now fully implemented Gemini, The Port  is able to monitor all current alarm panel types and will be able to accommodate new security technology as it becomes available, with software updates and new modules. 

A Port Police spokesman commented: "We were interested in a system which met all our present and future security monitoring needs and which could be delivered in a single project. Bold were able to take care of all aspects of the installation, including working with existing equipment, and they also provide 24/7 technical support. The operators are positive about using the system which performs in exactly the way Bold had specified."

Bold delivers integrated security projects throughout Europe and the Middle East. For more information please call us on 0044 1925 245599, email info@boldcommunications.co.uk  or visit our web site www.boldcommunications.co.uk

About Bold Communications

Bold Communications provide IT Solutions to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC) worldwide. Based in Warrington, Bold has been developing communications systems for nearly 30 years and is now the leading UK provider of alarm monitoring systems to the security industry. The Company offers a 24/7 technical support service to clients, which include commercial and corporate central stations, universities and colleges, local authorities and NHS institutions. For additional information, please visit www.boldcommunications.co.uk