National Utilities Operator
Case Study
Centralising Gas Network Security
This utilities provider uses Synergy to centrally monitor and manage surveillance and security systems across its estate, enabling response teams to be on-site in minutes.
One of Europe’s largest gas distribution network operators (DNOs) can now centrally monitor and manage security systems across 18 operational sites, all vital to national infrastructure.
Supplying millions of homes and businesses, the operator needed to extend the capabilities of its Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to cover geographically dispersed facilities that are typically uncrewed, yet critical to service continuity.
To achieve this, they required a platform capable of integrating multiple security systems, from a wide range of vendors, into a single, manageable solution. One that would ensure 24/7 intelligent monitoring – aiding rapid risk detection and response in line with government-mandated requirements for CNI sites of such importance.
A single, connected view for faster decisions
The Synergy security and surveillance solution integrates data inputs from a multitude of site-based systems used by the DNO, including emergency alarms, perimeter protection, access control and concierge/intercom solutions.
By pairing this information with OpenStreetView, CAD maps of the sites, and live video from deployed cameras, ARC operators gain a real-time, geographically accurate picture of any event, triggered in any location. Automated camera prioritisation then ensures they can instantly investigate and verify anomalies detected.
Because of the national security implications, each site had to go live exactly on schedule, with progress on ‘go live’ timings formally reported. The entire estate transitioned to the new, unified Synergy system in just 18 days.
Analytics that cut through the noise
Built-in data analytics and a powerful rules engine continuously evaluate multiple inputs, distinguishing everyday activity from incidents that demand immediate attention.
For example, something as benign as a passerby or animal may trigger a perimeter fence alert. But if an access-door activation quickly follows that same alert, Synergy instantly recognises the elevated risk and prioritises the event for operator response. By analysing combinations of data points in context, the platform ensures ARC teams focus on genuine threats while reducing time lost to false alarms.
Synergy’s advanced alarm management also accounts for planned activity such as maintenance visits, where systems may need to be temporarily disabled. Rather than generate unnecessary alerts, the platform verifies visit schedules and authorised personnel, then shunts alarms for the duration. This prevents false triggers, keeps monitoring accurate, and ensures ARC teams remain focused on genuine threats.
“To guarantee performance, we built and tested the complete system using surrogate remote sites. That allowed us to replicate the exact set-up, fine-tune workflows, and validate responses – ensuring absolute confidence when the system went live.”
Workflows that drive instant, compliant action
The solution doesn’t just flag anomalous activity. It guides operators through the right next steps, based on real-time intelligence. Configurable workflows, aligned with standard operating procedures (SOPs), provide clear, on-screen instructions that ensure responses taken by the ARC team are fast, consistent, and compliant.
Workflows are also configured to automate specific actions in response to event combinations or alarms – from floodlight activation to access point lockdowns. By combining human decision-making with intelligent automation, the platform accelerates response, reduces the risk of error, and strengthens site resilience.
Soon after deployment, an attempted break-in occurred at one of the sites. Workflows triggered initially by the perimeter system meant the ARC team was instantly aware of the intruders, police were notified, and a response team was on site within minutes.
Built-in resilience, trusted evidence
While centralised monitoring delivers the connected oversight needed to protect dispersed assets, certain site-level capabilities remain critical. Each facility operates its own Synergy server, ensuring local systems remain fully operational even if ARC connectivity is lost.
Synergy also supports fast, secure evidence handling at the site level. Central ARC operators can save incident footage directly to site-specific evidence lockers, enabling immediate access for local police or security partners without delay. As requirements evolve, cloud-based data sharing is being explored as a future option to further streamline the secure distribution of evidential material to wider response teams.
A platform built to evolve
While the unified Synergy security and surveillance solution has already transformed how these sites are protected, its open architecture ensures the system can continue to evolve with changing needs. Plans are in place to upgrade remaining analogue cameras so that the entire estate operates on an all-IP basis, strengthening video quality and simplifying integration.
The operator is also exploring mobile applications to extend Synergy’s benefits to field teams. Engineers and maintenance staff will be able to use secure apps to receive alerts, review workflows, and access site information directly during visits. This will enhance coordination between the ARC and on-site personnel, further improving efficiency and resilience.
By building on a scalable foundation, the DNO has a future-proof security infrastructure that can adapt to new technologies and threats while safeguarding the gas supply that millions of homes and businesses depend on.
Effective Security and Operations for Utilities
How can utility providers keep their infrastructure, personnel, and operations secure while maintaining efficiency and regulatory compliance?
This guide examines how a modern security and surveillance solution can be effectively deployed across power generation facilities, electrical substations, water treatment plants, and renewable energy sites to achieve this goal.
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