Client Overview
A newly constructed eight-story residential building with 134 apartments required a robust and fully integrated security system. With multiple access points, shared amenities, and remote management needs, the client sought a modern access control, intercom, and surveillance solution to enhance security and streamline operations—without ongoing cloud-based fees.
Challenges
The property management team needed a scalable and unified security platform that could:
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- Secure 134 apartment doors and 31 common area doors.
- Provide tenants with flexible access via key fobs and mobile credentials.
- Integrate garage entry with long-range readers and windshield UHF credentials for seamless vehicle access.
- Restrict amenity access through elevator integration based on designated hours.
- Offer tenants control over visitor access at the front entrance, mailroom, and elevators.
- Enable centralized management across multiple properties.
- Deploy an advanced surveillance system for real-time monitoring and recorded footage.
- Ensure the access control system is self-hosted, with no recurring fees.
Solution
ISS/Chicago Sound & Communication designed and installed a fully integrated security system, ensuring seamless functionality across all aspects of access control, intercom, and surveillance:
- Apartment & Common Area Access Control (Self-Hosted, No Recurring Fees):
- Installed electronic access control on all 134 apartment doors and 31 common area doors.
- Provided a mix of physical key fobs and mobile credentials for tenant flexibility.
- Designed as a self-hosted system, eliminating cloud dependencies and ongoing subscription costs.
- Garage Access Integration:
- Implemented long-range readers integrated with the access control system.
- Deployed windshield-mounted UHF credentials for touch-free vehicle entry.
- Elevator Access Control:
- Integrated with elevator control equipment to restrict access to amenities during off-hours.
- Enabled secure elevator call button activation through the intercom system.
- Video Intercom System:
- Installed video intercoms allowing tenants to remotely manage visitor access at the front door, mailroom, and elevators.
- Eliminated the need for traditional keys and provided a seamless entry experience.
- Scalable, Multi-Building Access Control Management:
- The system was partitioned for remote deployment, allowing property management to expand access control to additional buildings.
- Maintains a self-hosted infrastructure, ensuring long-term cost savings with no recurring cloud fees.
- IP Surveillance System:
- Installed 73 high-definition IP cameras strategically placed at entry points, hallways, garage areas, and shared spaces.
- Deployed multiple recording servers for secure video storage and easy retrieval.
Implementation
The ISS team collaborated closely with developers and property managers to integrate the security system efficiently with minimal disruption. Key steps included:
- Installing access control and surveillance infrastructure alongside construction timelines.
- Ensuring seamless integration between access control, video intercom, and elevator systems.
- Configuring long-range vehicle access solutions for garage entry.
- Deploying a network-based recording system to handle high-resolution surveillance footage.
- Providing training for property management on system use and remote administration.
Results
The newly installed security system significantly improved building operations and tenant experience:
- Seamless & Secure Access: Tenants enjoy keyless entry with mobile credentials and fobs, while management has full control over access levels.
- No Recurring Costs: The self-hosted access control system eliminates cloud-based fees, reducing long-term expenses.
- Automated Amenity Restrictions: Elevator integration ensures amenities are only accessible during designated hours, improving security.
- Convenient Visitor Management: The video intercom system allows tenants to control guest access remotely.
- Effortless Garage Entry: Long-range readers and windshield credentials provide touch-free vehicle entry.
- Scalable Remote Management: Property managers can oversee multiple buildings without relying on cloud services.
- Enhanced Security & Monitoring: 73 cameras and multiple recording servers provide 24/7 surveillance coverage.
