Innovative Audio Visual Boosts Security for Mercy Center for Women in Erie, PA
A variety of Hikvision turret and dome cameras, plug-and-play NVRs, HikCentral VMS and door controllers expand protection for residents
Hikvision Dealer, Innovative Audio Visual, based in Erie, P.A., helped the Mercy Center for Women with a comprehensive security system for a building remodel on their site, also in Erie.
The Mercy Center for Women (MCW), a 501© (3) charitable organization, was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in January 1994 to provide transitional housing and support services to homeless women, with or without children. It’s committed to providing a safe space for these women and dignity to each person with a supportive environment and opportunities. It houses 16 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 32 residents at any given time.
The Mercy Center’s “Dress for Success” renovation fully rebuilt a multi-floor building with apartment units, daycare, classrooms, office space, and more. Using a combination of Hikvision dome cameras, bullet cameras, door access controllers, the HikCentral VMS and plug and play NVRs enabled Innovative Audio Visual to develop a complete security system for resident safety.
“The Mercy Center for Women is a vital community center in Erie, and our team was excited to apply our expertise to help secure their new building. Beyond high-quality video security using 30 cameras, we also provided the latest in access control for the secure management of about 50 doors in the facility, along with a robust video storage option,” said David Mattison, Owner of Innovative Audio Visual.
Mattison’s team used the Hikvision 32-channel DS-7732NI-I4 plug and play NVR with H.265 video compression and 8 frames per second (fps) to capture and maintain 30 days of video storage with continuous 24/7 recording.
Innovative Audio Visual connected the HikCentral video management system (VMS) using PoE switches. The system was supported by a broad range of Hikvision security cameras. This included a 4 MP Turret Camera using Virtual Corridor Mode for the basement hallways and 2 MP Dome Cameras placed in the daycare room corners.
The team installed a variety of domes and turrets on the first-floor classrooms, gym, kitchen, and hallways. At the main entrance Learning Center, Innovative Audio Visual installed 2 MP Varifocal Dome Cameras with an ultra-low light capacity of up to 0.002 lux (with f/1.2 Lens) and DarkFighter technology for enhanced images around the clock, even in darkness. On the second floor, 4 MP domes and turrets were used in the computer room, workout area in the gym, and the main hallway. The exterior was secured using an outdoor 4 MP Motorized Varifocal Bullet Camera, and several exterior cameras were upgraded at no extra charge to 8 MP models.
Fourteen 4-door controllers secure approximately 50 doors to the building, ensuring secured and authorized access for residents and staff. Communication data is encrypted to improve system security. The controller also supports offline operation and is designed with a tamper-resistant switch. The system supports the Wiegand access card reader interface, with residents utilizing 13.56 MHz Mifare Key Fobs to enable entrance to the building.
Mattison added that Innovative Audio Visual did all of the bending and the design of the conduit work for the equipment. “This work is often completed by electricians, but we add value and save time by doing this work with our own team. We are also very grateful for the support the Hikvision team provided for programming and setup. Thanks to Brad Heckelman, Chris Wiggins, and Cristian Terreros for all of their help.”
“The professionalism and knowledge of Dave Mattison at Innovative Audio Visual guided the project management team in selecting a security system to protect a campus of families. Dave was efficient and patient when working with the team. The security system is smooth and easy to navigate. I recommend the work of Innovative Audio to others,” said Jennie Hagerty, the Executive Director of Mercy Center for Women.