Religious Temple Upgrades Physical Access Control For Improved Security

Overview: 

A Jewish Temple first came to ADVANTIDGE back in 2015 to assist with improving security as part of a major construction upgrade to their Culver City campus. 

The existing security system included outdated, low-resolution, CCTV cameras that didn’t provide sufficient visibility to the staff or security team. The door entry system was only supported by their phone system to activate gate release. They had no way to see who was requesting entry access. They also had no way to survey surrounding areas in case there were multiple people trying to gain entry. Their organization had grown significantly since their access control system was first installed, and yet only secured a few doors. 

With the increase in anti-semitic hate crime in LA, the Temple and its members were concerned about security and the limitations of their existing system. Their location was on a busy street, nearby a freeway that enabled easy getaway access for criminals, making them vulnerable to an attack.

By working with their members along with the Federal Government, the Temple was able to raise significant funds through donations and grants to invest in security upgrades. These included RFID credentials for all staff, volunteers who were authorized access after hours, and parents and caretakers of children at the school.

Electronic locks were installed for all exterior entrances along with video intercoms at the front and back gates where most visitor traffic flowed. Physical access control expanded within the facility for interior doors and elevators, based on group membership and where individuals were authorized to enter. Upgrades to their CCTV camera system enabled security personnel better visibility onsite. In addition, their admin staff could utilize remote login capabilities for management, while having sufficient storage for the recorded video to review past events. An ID card tracking system was implemented for students to check in/out for attendance using simple, low-cost barcode technology. This provided peace of mind to both staff and parents.  

Challenge: 

In 2021, the Temple leadership team reached back out to ADVANTIDGE  to expand their security operations with an important upgrade request. They had invested and installed a new HVAC system, but because of its location in the alley, they wanted to secure the area with CCTV to deter vandalism of the unit. 

They wanted assurance that the CCTV add-ons would integrate seamlessly with the existing security system. However, they were concerned the new installation would require a massive construction project, not align with the modern architecture, and disrupt the daily experience of active members

Solution:

With 20+ years of experience, the team at ADVANTIDGE determined the best way to address the Temple’s concerns around security and financial capabilities.  To respect and accommodate the Temple’s budgeting needs, ADVANTIDGE recommended the placement of the CCTV on the roofline to avoid trenching costs and disruption of work activities.

They then installed additional cameras that would connect with the existing NVR. Connecting the system to a cloud-based panel allowed the Temple management team to access the video to monitor activity, and review or store footage remotely. 

Lastly, additional doors were secured with electronic locks to streamline the daily flow of foot traffic. The electronic locks helped to manage physical access control so that only administrative staff could gain entry to secure areas. 

The Temple leadership team continues to work with ADVANTIDGE for their security upgrade needs.

_____ 

Talk to the team at ADVANTIDGE if you’re looking to upgrade your physical access control system.