Gemini Software a Bold Choice for EB

Reported May 2009

Since the company was originally established in 1979, Midlands-based EB Security has continuously extended their range of services.  Their diverse and prestigious range of clients, included within which are some of the UK’s biggest organisations such as Network Rail and the NHS, were already using EB’s uniformed guarding and security systems installation services.  However, they were experiencing disappointing alarm monitoring services from their existing ARCs which employed dated technology.  The challenge therefore for EB Security was to create a nationwide monitoring facility for those clients which not only complied with the requirements of BS:5979 Cat II, but also offered a distinctively different level of service, supported by industry-leading technology.   

EB’s systems and monitoring director, Kev Davison, set about the task of finding the best available alarm management solution.  This entailed reviewing what was currently available on the market, speaking with a number of security industry specialists and considering the particular needs of his clients.  The Gemini software from Bold Communications seemed to meet all his criteria and he decided on that basis to select that solution for the new EB Security ARC.  Following a series of detailed project meetings and surveys, Bold supplied and installed the complete control room system – including industry-leading Gemini monitoring software and all communications equipment and hardware.   

Since opening their 24 hour control room, EB’s success with their policy of rapid growth means they have quickly seen an increase in demand for their services.  The flexibility and range of functionality provided by the Gemini software, together with the unique 24/7 support service from Bold means that EB can confidently expand and upgrade their monitoring services in line with their clients’ requirements.   

Bold Gemini is designed as a modular, multi-protocol and open-platform solution.  New workstations can be easily and quickly added in addition to all industry standard alarm receivers and a wide range of third party CCTV systems.  Using all Microsoft technologies, like SQL, .NET and Office 2007 screen styles, Gemini has, from day one, been developed as an integration security management solution.  EB’s next implementation from Bold will be Gemini PC Web which allows clients and installers to run reports, up-date keyholder information and look at current activity from their browser.   

Kev Davison commented “As monitoring was a new area to us, we needed a company able to provide the complete project and to give us valuable advice in the early days. When we first opened the control room, we also needed a cost-effective start-up solution. Our aim was always for rapid growth though, so we needed management software that could handle high volume alarm processing from a number of different security systems.

“Gemini allows our operator to process alarms as efficiently as possible – all alarms are presented to the operator in essentially the same way – so they can handle them quickly and without complexity.  Our staff are very positive about the Gemini system and actually seem to enjoy using it!  I feel having the capability of the software gives us an edge in a competitive market and the opportunity to offer our clients a little more than they are used to.”

If you would like more information about a taloired solution for your alarm monitoring organisation please contact us.