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Pfizer in large-scale IT security deployment

By Dave Glazier, ITWeb journalist
Johannesburg, 15 Sep 2006

An IT security and biometrics deployment has been completed at pharmaceutical giant Pfizer`s head office, in Sandton.

Local company IDTek was awarded the contract in March, says MD, Julian Thorrold. He describes the deployment at Pfizer`s five-storey headquarters as a "multimillion-rand contract."

The solution consists of an access control and CCTV system, an intercom and panic system, intrusion detection, guard tracking, perimeter security, and parcel and pedestrian x-ray equipment.

"The whole system is controlled by a single control room which is equipped and operates on the back of Impro`s IXP400 system and a Pelco CCTV Switching Matrix," explains Thorrold.

The HID iClass Smart Card, and Sagem-Ideco MA100 biometric technology (for areas where heightened security is required) are used for access control.

"The card is printed with the user`s photograph and in the event they use the card at certain access points, their image is brought up on the relevant graphic user monitor in the control room - where CCTV coverage ensures the correct person is using the card," he says.

He adds that this is the same technology IDTek recently installed at Johannesburg International Airport.

The system controls and monitors 35 doors, 45 CCTV cameras, 50 passive infrared detectors, over 20 intercoms, numerous door monitors, and multiple fixed and remote panic buttons.

A Pelco switching matrix supplied by Norbain ensures that as a camera detects movement, the relevant footage is brought up instantaneously on the video screen.

Facilities manager at Pfizer, Noah Dube, confirmed he was aware of the project, but was unable to comment further on the deployment.

Related story:
Jo`burg utilises biometrics

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