VECTOR SECURITY WINS KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT`S

VERTICAL SOLUTION
PUBLIC VENUES
CASE STUDY
VECTOR SECURITY WINS KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT’S
PEACE OF MIND PRIZE
Buckle up for the story of how Vector Security avoided the roller coaster-like ups and downs when upgrading security at Knoebels
Amusement Resort.
By Scott Goldfine · July 3, 2015
For those having the time of their life frolicking
relate to public liability, loss prevention and
fancy-free at Knoebels Amusement Resort,
safety issues were the objectives that drove
security is likely the last thing on their minds.
Vector Security’s system design. It included
And that’s exactly how it should be for patrons
video
of America’s largest free admission amusement
server, IP megapixel cameras with IR and 360⁰
park, which is nestled in an idyllic wooded
functionality, encoders, access control software,
setting within Elysburg, Pa. To see it stays that
card readers, electronic locks and custom-
way, behind the scenes Knoebels management
developed integration software.
enlisted Vector Security to deploy a parkwide
integrated video and access management
management
software
(VMS),
VMS
INTEGRATOR QUEUES UP
system that ensures safety and enhances
customer service. The project allowed Vector
Knoebels was looking for an integrator that
Security to bag an SSI Integrated Installation of
could support its growing needs and meet
the Year Award.
budgetary requirements. The choice of vendor
was predicated on the ability to consult, design,
In operation since 1926, Knoebels Amusement
install and service the system now and into the
Resort is one of the nation’s most unique and
future. In late 2013, Knoebels began discussions
exciting facilities of its kind. Besides featuring a
with Vector Security to review its current
900,000-gallon crystal pool filled with refreshing
system, develop a more comprehensive plan
mountain
for upgrading current infrastructure and set
stream
water,
two
overnight
campgrounds accommodating cabins and more
objectives for further system integration.
than 800 campsites, Knoebels contains 60+
rides, award-winning food, games and gift shops.
The result of hours of discussion and planning
In addition, visitors can hit the links at Knoebels
between the Knoebels team and Vector Security
Three Ponds Golf Club located adjacently to the
resulted in commencement of the project in
park.
early 2014. The job would entail consultation
and coordination with all manufacturers and
Addressing
improved
efficiencies
as
they
custom software developers, as well as Knoebels’
Source: Security Sales and Integration
park safety, IT, loss prevention, maintenance,
in the amusement park industry for more than
engineering and staff electrician personnel.
just security. The system is used for security, but
used more for liability and safety purposes,” says
“We work with these groups from design
Shipierski.
through implementation of the systems for
input on design requirements to installation
Working through the winter and early spring
infrastructure
Vector
months to meet a late April deadline also
Security Integrated System Coordinator Gary
presented challenges. And the solution had to
Shipierski. “This includes IT WAN support, POS
adhere to the customer’s site and ride safety
interface support and engineering’s support on
plans.
requirements,”
says
system integration with the park’s ride control
systems.”
were several difficult aspects associated with
“There
this project. A large portion of the work was outdoors
“There were several difficult aspects associated
with this project. A large portion of the work was
outdoors and it all had to be completed in a
short period from when the project was awarded
to when the park opened for business for the
season,” says Shipierski. “We had to work with
and it all had to be completed in a short period from
when the project was awarded to when the park
opened for business for the season.”
manufacturers and suppliers to ensure longer
Gary Shipierski, Vector Security Integrated System Coordinator
Shipierski credits hard work by the project team
In addition to Shipierski, key Vector Security
personnel involved in the planning, design and
lead times so equipment would be available to
meet the timeline. And we had to work with the
customer and custom software developer to
ensure software met expectations.”
on tasks ranging from placement of equipment
orders to the implementations of the systems by
the technicians as being critical to overcoming
installation included Sales Representative Scott
the job’s challenges.
Christian, and Installation Technicians Brian Peet
VIDEO ALONG FOR THE RIDES
and Joseph Tweedle. According to Shipierski, the
project, which would total out at more than 400
labor hours, was a very collaborative process.
The video management portion of the
“The customer had an idea of the system and
public liability, loss prevention and safety. To
end result of the systems design, but didn’t
have specific products selected to accomplish
their final objective,” he says. “They knew how
the system should look and operate, but looked
to Vector Security to provide the solution.
The manufacturers were also very important
in providing support in both the design and
system was aimed at three major objectives:
address public liability, IP cameras were added
throughout much of the common areas of the
park utilizing existing — and extending where
necessary — network infrastructure. IP cameras
aimed at loss prevention were added to gift
shops and game venues.
installation phases of the project.”
“The integration of the VMS and cameras to the
AN AMUSING ENVIRONMENT
operation had to allow for changes to the
Though Vector Security is well versed in
integrated solutions for a wide swath of vertical
market clients and monitors 275,000 customers,
the Knoebels amusement park venue was a
unique undertaking.
“A challenge of the project was utilizing products
primarily designed for use in the security
industry, making modification of their use to
not only work for security but also to be used
ride systems was very difficult as the system
performance of the ride system,” says Peet.
In all, the system incorporates 250 cameras,
including
analog-encoded
Hikvision
1.3-megapixel (MP) to 5MP IP mini domes, Vivotek
bullet cameras and 360⁰ fisheye lens cameras
with VMS image dewarping. Video is recorded
on seven Iomnis VMS rack-mounted servers with
could make a quick decision on stopping the
RAID storage. The OnSSI VMS is monitored by a
ride should the need exist. Conventional video
central command and control center, and VMS
motion detection did not provide the operation
for individual rides are monitored by HD video
that was required, so software integration was
and touchscreen video displays at each ride
needed to provide these unique views.
operator station and control room.
The project likewise required integration of
“The VMS IP system was used in place of an
access control with the VMS in order to provide
NVR or DVR type of system due to the open
reliable monitoring of irregular access events.
architecture design of the VMS,” adds Peet.
The access solution incorporates nine Locknetics
“This allowed the use of the best camera type
maglocks, seven Farpointe proximity readers,
for the application, integration with the access
seven Bosch egress sensors, seven Nascom
control system and also allowed for the use of
door switches, six Securitron exit buttons and
VMS IP system was used in place of an NVR or
“The
DVR type of system due to the open architecture
design of the VMS.”
Galaxy Control Systems software.
The
server/client-based
prox
system
was
installed in five buildings with critical doors
being secured such as ride control rooms, IT
rooms, cash rooms, first aid rooms and park
administration offices. Photo badging was
Brian Peet , Vector Security Installation Technician
the custom-developed software for integration
to the park’s ride systems and POS register
system.”
From a safety standpoint, IP cameras were
deployed for unique purposes. In addition to
installation of cameras at ride-loading platforms
and ride operator stations, cameras were
utilized for ride-specific needs. For example, the
Flying Turns ride is a trackless coaster, much like
a bobsled, that must ensure that no obstruction
such as clothing or debris falls on the track.
The solution: 43 cameras monitor all parts of
the tube to enable ride operators to identify
and clear any obstructions before releasing
additional cars.
In another case, the Black Diamond ride has
25 cameras watching the track. Integrating the
cameras with the ride’s programmable logic
controls (PLCs), along with custom VMS viewing,
also included. At press time, integration with
Knoebels POS stations was underway to aid in
loss prevention.
A THRILLING EXPERIENCE
With the project successfully completed, Vector
Security continues to keep in close contact
with the end user. The integrator’s ongoing
service contract allows it to swiftly respond to
repair issues and provide software upgrades
as needed. Once up and running, in addition
to the myriad security and operational benefits
already described, the solution wasted little time
in helping prevent and resolve park safety and
liability incidents.
It’s little wonder Knoebels’ management is very
pleased with the project’s outcome, and ongoing
system expansion is anticipated. In the end,
it’s a scenario akin to the kid, who after some
apprehension, wants to go on the thrill ride over
and over and over again.
enables operators to view and stop the ride in
the event of debris or other safety concerns.
With three cars simultaneously in operation
at any one time, there was the requirement to
only display the cameras immediately ahead
of the moving cars to ensure ride operators
Originally published in
Security Sales and Integration
www.securitysales.com
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