CASE STUDY

VECTOR SECURITY WINS KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT’S PEACE OF MIND PRIZEBuckle 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 fancy-free at Knoebels Amusement Resort, security is likely the last thing on their minds. And that’s exactly how it should be for patrons of America’s largest free admission amusement park, which is nestled in an idyllic wooded setting within Elysburg, Pa. To see it stays that way, behind the scenes Knoebels management enlisted Vector Security to deploy a parkwide integrated video and access management system that ensures safety and enhances customer service. The project allowed Vector Security to bag an SSI Integrated Installation of the Year Award.

In operation since 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of the nation’s most unique and exciting facilities of its kind. Besides featuring a 900,000-gallon crystal pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water, two overnight campgrounds accommodating cabins and more than 800 campsites, Knoebels contains 60+ rides, award-winning food, games and gift shops. In addition, visitors can hit the links at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club located adjacently to the park.

Addressing improved efficiencies as they

relate to public liability, loss prevention and safety issues were the objectives that drove Vector Security’s system design. It included video management software (VMS), VMS server, IP megapixel cameras with IR and 360⁰ functionality, encoders, access control software, card readers, electronic locks and custom-developed integration software.

INTEGRATOR QUEUES UP

Knoebels was looking for an integrator that could support its growing needs and meet budgetary requirements. The choice of vendor was predicated on the ability to consult, design, install and service the system now and into the future. In late 2013, Knoebels began discussions with Vector Security to review its current system, develop a more comprehensive plan for upgrading current infrastructure and set objectives for further system integration.

The result of hours of discussion and planning between the Knoebels team and Vector Security resulted in commencement of the project in early 2014. The job would entail consultation and coordination with all manufacturers and custom software developers, as well as Knoebels’

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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.”Gary Shipierski, Vector Security Integrated System Coordinator

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park safety, IT, loss prevention, maintenance, engineering and staff electrician personnel.

“We work with these groups from design through implementation of the systems for input on design requirements to installation infrastructure requirements,” says Vector Security Integrated System Coordinator Gary Shipierski. “This includes IT WAN support, POS interface support and engineering’s support on system integration with the park’s ride control systems.”

In addition to Shipierski, key Vector Security personnel involved in the planning, design and installation included Sales Representative Scott Christian, and Installation Technicians Brian Peet and Joseph Tweedle. According to Shipierski, the project, which would total out at more than 400 labor hours, was a very collaborative process.

“The customer had an idea of the system and 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 installation phases of the project.”

AN AMUSING ENVIRONMENT

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

in the amusement park industry for more than just security. The system is used for security, but used more for liability and safety purposes,” says Shipierski.

Working through the winter and early spring months to meet a late April deadline also presented challenges. And the solution had to adhere to the customer’s site and ride safety plans.

“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 manufacturers and suppliers to ensure longer 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.”

Shipierski credits hard work by the project team on tasks ranging from placement of equipment orders to the implementations of the systems by the technicians as being critical to overcoming the job’s challenges.

VIDEO ALONG FOR THE RIDES

The video management portion of the system was aimed at three major objectives: public liability, loss prevention and safety. To 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.

“The integration of the VMS and cameras to the ride systems was very difficult as the system operation had to allow for changes to the 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

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on seven Iomnis VMS rack-mounted servers with RAID storage. The OnSSI VMS is monitored by a central command and control center, and VMS for individual rides are monitored by HD video and touchscreen video displays at each ride operator station and control room.

“The VMS IP system was used in place of an NVR or DVR type of system due to the open architecture design of the VMS,” adds Peet. “This allowed the use of the best camera type for the application, integration with the access control system and also allowed for the use of

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, 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

The VMS IP system was used in place of an NVR or DVR type of system due to the open architecture design of the VMS.”Brian Peet , Vector Security Installation Technician

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could make a quick decision on stopping the ride should the need exist. Conventional video motion detection did not provide the operation that was required, so software integration was needed to provide these unique views.

The project likewise required integration of access control with the VMS in order to provide reliable monitoring of irregular access events. The access solution incorporates nine Locknetics maglocks, seven Farpointe proximity readers, seven Bosch egress sensors, seven Nascom door switches, six Securitron exit buttons and 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 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.

Originally published in Security Sales and Integrationwww.securitysales.com