Drax Technology partnered with Jesus College, University of Cambridge, following the request to improve student safety by implementing an alarm monitoring system.
University of Cambridge
Sector: Education
Company Size: 1,000 members
Site Size: 33 acres
Location: Cambridge, UK
Solutions: AMX & SmartWatch
About
Jesus College, part of the University of Cambridge, boasts a vibrant community of more than 1000 members, including approximately 500 undergraduates, 400 graduates, research associates, and over 100 Fellows. This academic body is supported by more than 150 staff members. The College’s impressive asset portfolio, valued at around £344m, makes it Cambridge’s fourth-wealthiest college.
The College’s main site spans approximately 33 acres, featuring expansive grounds, sporting fields, and diverse wildlife habitats. The College is renowned for its close proximity to its boathouse and its picturesque environment.
What was the brief?
Jesus College required a robust solution to monitor the fire alarm systems across its multiple properties scattered throughout Cambridge. The solution aimed to enhance protection in external system whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, including the ANUK Code of Practice, was essential. Each property was equipped with a standalone fire alarm system. The Porters’ Lodge, responsible for campus security, lacked visibility over these systems, hindering their ability to respond promptly to fire events.
What were the challenges?
The main challenges and pain points revolved around the lack of knowledge or visibility of the alarm systems across 50+ properties, difficulty in evidencing compliance, and limited resources for managing multiple standalone systems. Additionally, the installation of hardware across 50 sites within a small geographical area posed a logistical challenge, though it did not present significant technical difficulties.
What was the solution?
To address the lack of visibility and monitoring capabilities, multiple Smartwatch devices were installed, connecting to the Gent Vigilon fire alarm panels in each property. These devices monitored individual properties for fire and fault conditions, relaying the information back to the Porters’ Lodge through a single AMX platform. A VLAN was used to integrate these systems with the College’s existing IT network, ensuring seamless communication and monitoring.
The system ensured fire alarm testing adherence and streamlined monthly reporting, improving maintenance efficiency and enabled rapid and appropriate responses to alarm activations, eliminating the need for individual alarm raising and physical checks by porters. The centralised system provided a comprehensive view of all connected fire alarm systems.
Drax Technology's alarm monitoring solution successfully addressed Jesus College's goal of enhancing student safety and meeting regulatory requirements. The solution streamlined operations, improved response times, and facilitated centralised monitoring and management. It provided an efficient and cost-effective approach in managing multiple buildings in diverse locations, ensuring student safety and compliance.
What products were used?
AMX
SmartWatch x50
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