Charity Positive Steps looks to Axis to replace antiquated surveillance system

2 Jul 2014

Not-for-profit career guidance and support organisation Positive Steps has selected Axis Communications, the global leader in network video, to fully replace its antiquated surveillance system to make it fit-for-purpose and improve overall safety and security.

Oldham-based Positive Steps is a registered charity that provides a range of targeted and integrated services to young people and adults in the North West of England. Promoting education-related local government services, its overall aim is get the people of Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside on the right track to fulfil their potential within education and working environments.

The business moved into previous commercial premises that were last refurbished in the 1970s and inherited the outmoded analogue CCTV system, which didn’t provide the level of coverage needed to ensure the safety and security of its data, its staff and the general public.

“Together with our partner, NW Systems Group, we presented Positive Steps with a range of options that not only represented the most suitable solutions, based on its requirements, but also took into account the obvious budgetary constraints of a not-for-profit organisation,” said Axis Northern Europe regional director Atul Rajput.

Paul Wooding, information systems manager at Positive Steps, added: “We work in what can be a challenging environment, so we really needed an effective surveillance system that could provide us with more coverage across the site, both internally and externally.”

Positive Steps decided that an overall systems replacement was the most efficient and cost-effective solution in the long-term. Working with installers NW Systems Group, Axis created a bespoke surveillance solution that comprised 14 Axis cameras. Internally, the discreet AXIS M32 Network Camera provides excellent image quality, powered over ethernet. Externally, AXIS P3364-LVE and AXIS P1354-E Network Cameras are vandal-resistant while ensuring high performance. All the outdoor cameras featured Axis’ innovative ‘Lightfinder’ technology.

The Axis cameras provide blanket coverage of Positive Steps’ building and surrounding area. The cameras’ built-in intelligent movement recording ensures that the server is not overloaded with continual footage and only records when the cameras detect movement which has significant energy-saving benefits.

Axis’ Lightfinder technology also means that any incidents that occur outside of the working day are much more likely to be accurately recorded and therefore, can be used for further investigations. The system also has the ability to continually operate during a power outage. “When I was first shown the Lightfinder technology it was mind-blowing. The images are amazing – light years ahead of our previous system”, added Paul.

Atul continued: “The Axis system provides Positive Steps with a reliable, high-quality, advanced surveillance set-up that can be accessed and monitored 24x7 both on and off-site. Staff at this public-facing organisation now have a safe and secure environment for their team and the customers using the on-site services.

“This project demonstrates how we can work with our partners to deliver the prefect surveillance solution for any business, regardless of its size or budget. The system that we delivered in conjunction with NW Systems Group will be extremely beneficial for Positive Steps and will not only provide a state-of-the-art security system but also a platform for them to build and expand upon in the future.”