Scope of Work

System D were awarded the project of working with a new client to upgrade the electronic security system in a live data centre in West London. The scope of works included upgrading the old analogue CCTV system, expanding the intruder alarm system and installing all new control equipment.

Work Carried Out

Our team completed a full upgrade of a client’s site-wide security infrastructure, covering CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control systems. The project was carefully planned and executed to ensure minimal disruption to the client’s operations and zero compromise on site security throughout the works.

CCTV System Upgrade

The existing analogue CCTV system, consisting of 49 cameras and 4 recorders, was replaced with a modern IP-based solution featuring 53 high-resolution cameras and a single recorder. A key requirement was to avoid any loss of external camera coverage during the upgrade. We achieved this by running the old and new systems in parallel, allowing a phased migration. Camera downtime was kept to short, controlled windows of around 2 hours during daytime hours, ensuring ongoing security coverage overnight and throughout the transition.

Intruder Alarm System Expansion

To enhance site security, we expanded the existing intruder alarm system by installing additional sensors to cover previously unmonitored blind spots. This required extending the data line and integrating new control equipment. The work was carried out without affecting the operational system outside of working hours. By pre-planning the layout, running all new cabling and hardware in advance, and then switching over in a carefully staged process, we ensured seamless integration with no system downtime.

Access Control System Replacement

The client’s ageing access control system was at the end of its life. We installed a brand-new control system to futureproof the site. Once the new system was live and fully tested, we transitioned one door at a time, upgrading each with a new card reader in the process. The rollout was managed at a pace of three doors per day, with each door only left unlocked for a maximum of 2.5 hours while engineers completed the work. This careful scheduling ensured continuous access control and site security during the upgrade.

Project Review

This project involved upgrading critical security systems on a fully operational, live site — a task that required careful coordination, clear communication, and a collaborative team approach.

Throughout the project, the team worked exceptionally well together, demonstrating strong teamwork and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality results with minimal disruption to the client’s daily operations. Given the live nature of the site, maintaining open and consistent communication with the client was essential. Regular updates, planning meetings, and responsive dialogue ensured that all stakeholders were aligned at every stage of the project.

When unexpected issues arose — as they often do in complex upgrades — the team acted quickly and efficiently to find and implement appropriate solutions. Their proactive approach to problem-solving meant that challenges were addressed with minimal impact on the timeline or overall system performance.

The successful completion of the system upgrade not only met the technical requirements of the project but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and clear client communication in delivering secure, efficient solutions in live environments.