Tech Electronics Tailors and Delivers Smart Classroom Technology & Security Solutions to Vision Academy’s New Facility
COMPANY
Vision Academy
CHALLENGE
Design and install multiple technology systems for a new building under extreme time constraints.
SOLUTION
Tech Electronics installs fire alarm, video surveillance, access control, entry intercom, intrusion detection, classroom A/V, voice/data cabling, and classroom and corridor intercoms to meet daily safety and communication needs of a school environment.
RESULTS
Tech Electronics delivers new systems on time and within budget, allowing Vision Academy to meet its short-term and long-term goals.
BACKGROUND
The Vision Academy at Riverside, located in Indianapolis, IN, is a Community Charter Network school that provides tuition-free, college preparatory education to more than 250 students. The new 50,000-square-foot building was in need of a complete technology solution that would provide both current and future students with modern, advanced technology and safety features. With construction completed only a few months before the start of the new school year, Vision Academy required a company with skilled, detail-oriented staff to work around the clock to meet the school’s deadline.
TECH ELECTRONICS PREPARES VISION ACADEMY FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE FACILITY FOR YEARS TO COME
Vision Academy was committed to opening the new facility for classes August 4th, 2014. This commitment and the commitment to providing a state-of-the-art facility required a quick and thorough installation of technology solutions. Vision Academy turned to Tech Electronics, a solution based, systems integrator for the new facility’s technology and life safety needs.
“We put out a public bid opportunity to multiple companies,” said Kyle Rouse, Director of Operations for the Community Charter Network. “We had offers from many vendors, but Tech Electronics was awarded the project based on their organized, structured approach and ability to work with our timeline.”
To complete the project by the start of the school year, Tech Electronics worked with the electrical contractor and proposed a campus-wide solution including a fire alarm system, video surveillance, classroom and entry intercoms, voice/data services and classroom A/V systems.
The first phase of the installation was outfitting the facility with security and fire alarm technology, starting with the industry leading Notifier NFS-320. As one of the nation’s leading providers of Notifier, Tech Electronics knew that installing this system would result in a uniformed system of fire and life safety protection. Also, Tech Electronics of Indianapolis staffs Notifier-certified personnel to provide customized support and service.
Next, the proximity card readers were installed at the perimeter entrances of the facility to assure only authorized individuals gained access into the facility. The systems integrator implemented an access control system utilizing IP-based door controllers that could be seamlessly integrated with the chosen video surveillance system. Avigilon’s Video Surveillance System was chosen for its seamless integration with the access control system and its rich features. The system provides HD quality video, utilizing 3-megapixel video cameras and highly intuitive video management software. The cameras were installed in the corridors, main entrances, and parking areas to keep a reliable eye on the facility while the educators focus on their primary goal of educating students. Live and recorded video can be accessed by Administrators onsite or remotely from their computers or mobile devices.
To further the protection of the students, staff, and facility, the main entrance was equipped with an Aiphone AX Series audio/video intercom system. This system allows monitored, secured access to the building by providing video of the visitor and two-way audio communication with the main office. Once the visitor is verified, the operator can momentarily unlock the door to allow the visitor entry to the office.
Nearing the end of the campus-wide security installation, Rouse saw a need for intrusion detection systems and went directly to Tech Electronics for a solution. The integrator installed Honeywell Intrusion Detection system, which outfitted the school with commercial door monitoring and motion detectors to protect the school when unoccupied.
“We are very excited to be able to meet the needs of our customers by providing a one-stop-shop for delivering all of the technology needs of a modern education facility,” said Joel Staples, Account Manager for Tech Electronics. “Vision Academy required a seamless solution to continue its mission of preparing scholars to succeed on their path to college and create a vision for their future.”
After providing the school with state-of-the-art security and fire alarm technology, Tech Electronics moved to the next phase of the installation. The systems integrator implemented new classroom technology including intercoms, voice/data services, and A/V devices.
Valcom Class Connect was chosen for the classroom intercom systems, as well as for the corridors. This system features facility-wide mass notification for emergency announcements, an advanced bell scheduler and unlimited voice paths for simultaneous conversations. In combination with the intercoms, Tech Electronics provided voice and data capabilities by cabling the infrastructure with 270 data and voice connections with a 10GB fiber optic backbone.
To ensure the school was equipped with smart classroom capabilities, Tech Electronics installed A/V devices from Epson. These projectors engage the entire classroom with annotations from a pen or finger touch and are designed to share lessons from computers, smartphones or no device at all.
“Tech Electronics went above and beyond the scope of the initial project and delivered a complete technology solution within the time frame and budget,” added Rouse.
VISION ACADEMY BENEFITS FROM TECH ELECTRONICS’ INSTALLATION OF NEW CURRICULUM AND SECURITY SOFTWARE
Tech Electronics understood the deadline for Vision Academy and seamlessly implemented a successful project for the education facility. The systems integrator went beyond expectations, working diligently in order to meet the new school’s needs and deadline. Vision Academy proudly opened its doors in August of 2014 as the Community Charter Network’s second start-up school.
With the school year in full swing, Vision Academy is seeing the benefits of the tailored-made technology solution. Vision Academy is so pleased with Tech Electronics’ quality of work that Community Charter Network requested the system integrator’s involvement in three additional school projects.
CONCLUSION
Vision Academy is now able to meet both curriculum and security needs with new systems installed throughout its campus. Tech Electronics worked strategically in order to deliver the new school with the necessary equipment needed to open in August. Vision Academy is now fully prepared to educate students in a safe and secure school environment.
