Glass Solutions
Upgrading Glass Solutions Technology Infrastructure
For over 20 years, Glass Solutions, a regional commercial glazing contractor has continued to expand its personnel and services. To support the organization’s growth, the Glass Solutions team needed a solution to maintain their networking, security, and cybersecurity needs. Through consultation, the Scientel team was confident they could provide not just any solution but a complete situational awareness solution.
As The Universal Integrator, Scientel effectively supports technology integrations across three specialties: networking, security, and lifecycle management, giving clients a reliable connection with robust protection in both the physical and digital worlds.
THE CHALLENGE
Engineers and technicians navigate aging software, mixed technology, and daily business operations.
From the perspective of both networking & cybersecurity, Glass Solutions had limitations within its existing wireless infrastructure. The facility had multiple network switches operating on older software that spanned throughout three data rooms.
Mixed Access Point (AP) hardware and various vulnerabilities hackers can easily exploit were also found. Few management capabilities and slow network traffic impeded the installation. Through further cyber analysis, Scientel’s engineers found bugs hackers could use to bypass authentication measures and run code with administrator privileges.
The Glass Solutions team was also looking to increase its video surveillance capabilities. The facility needed to upgrade its aging cameras and video management system to increase the range and field of view.
Accounting for the seasonal staff and other contingencies were also challenges the Scientel team had to consider. Being that seasonal staff fluctuates, a robust access control solution with security camera integrations was necessary. During the project, the Scientel team had to work after hours to not impede on daily production. However, no challenge was too hard or impossible for the Scientel team to overcome, especially with the solution the team had in store.
“…pretty much all behind the scenes with no impact to the end-users.”
– Jacob Gurke, Glass Solutions CFO
SCIENTEL’S SOLUTION
Scientel’s team built a new technology infrastructure from the ground up.
After examining Glass Solution’s network layout, cyber protocols, and security system, the Scientel team proposed a complete situational awareness solution. Complete situational awareness compiles all of Scientel’s core business units into one. With Scientel’s cutting-edge solution, clients gain an all-in-one consultant, systems integrator, and support provider.
Scientel’s networking & lifecycle management team presented a Fortinet architecture comprised of a FortiGate Firewall, FortiSwitiches, and FortiAPs. Scientel’s network engineers began migrating Glass Solutions off its legacy technology. With the new hardware and software installed, the Glass Solutions team will gain greater visibility of its network. This gives the team more control in case any malicious activity is detected. While configuring each AP, the team upgraded the networking hardware in the Main Distribution Frame, Independent Distribution Frame, and security rooms.
Additionally, all the network devices had the same name. To begin troubleshooting and configuration, the team needed to log into each device one by one to find the respective parameters to make the appropriate changes. The team assisted Glass Solutions by determining a naming convention for IT to have ease of use when making network changes. Taking these steps will allow the Glass Solutions team to easily navigate the network when making important changes.
“Everything is running smoothly thus far without any large hiccups.”
– Anthony Fiorito, Project Manager at Glass Solutions
Scientel’s security team recommended an integrated video security and access control solution. After surveying the area, the team began determining and testing the best vantage points for installation. After receiving Glass Solutions’ approval, the Scientel team installed and replaced 28 cameras throughout the facility.
The team’s video security solution comprised Avigilon’s NVR hardware and Avigilon cameras. The cameras ranged from multiple multi-sensor cameras with 4k resolution, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras with 1080 resolution, and H5SL cameras with 1080 resolution. During this time, Scientel’s network engineers worked closely with the security team to integrate each camera into Glass Solutions’ network.
While the cameras were being installed and configured, Scientel’s technicians began implementing the Kantech expansion kits in the facility’s data room. Technicians installed a Single Door Kit in the warehouse and transitioned the legacy access control system to Kantech’s Entrapass Corporate Edition Software Suite.
THE RESULTS
Glass Solutions gains 360° protection and reliability.
After designing, integrating, and testing, the software and hardware, the Scientel team was able to complete the project within the allotted project timeline. With the complete situational awareness solution, Glass Solutions has gained full oversight over its network and security.
The FortiGate Firewall provides a single pane of glass that allows users to manage all security parameters, FortiSwitiches, and FortiAPs. With built-in multilayer protection, increased network versatility, and consistent internet speed, Glass Solution’s network infrastructure has evolved alongside the company’s needs.
“[Scientel was] easy to work with, seamless. Very satisfied with the customer service & end-user training.”
– Anthony Fiorito, Project Manager at Glass Solutions
Along with the customer’s cyber needs, its physical security needs received a complete update. All cameras installed can monitor, log, and alert security personnel in real- time. The newly installed Video Management System and Access Control Manager integrates seamlessly into a unified solution creating a consistent stream of communication between the two technologies. Now, the security team can have complete control and awareness of who enters or leaves the facility.
To ensure a seamless transition, Scientel’s engineers and technicians hosted an in- depth training and system walkthrough for the Glass Solutions team. The Scientel Project Manager for this project, worked closely with the Glass Solutions team to coordinate trainings and other sessions. Now, all appointed personnel can effectively navigate their new software and systems without little hassle or confusion.
“We now have more coverage of our facility with the cameras, and we can now have better tools to access what we need.”
– Anthony Fiorito, Project Manager at Glass Solutions