GSA Fast Tracks Southern Hemisphere’s largest Dahua Intercom Install for Record Delivery

GSA Systems’ technical services team have fast-tracked the southern hemisphere’s largest Dahua intercom project, halving installation times on site with in-house pre-configuration services.  
 
The project, which consisted of 2245 intercoms, 43 lift controls, associated switches and hardware, alongside off-site pre-programing and configuration services, has been supplied by GSA to a third-party integrator for installation in a large Melbourne apartment complex. 
 
“By managing the system designing, labelling and individual unit programming off-site, on behalf of the integrator, GSA were able to save them at least a month of work – fast-tracking the project delivery and halving the time it would traditionally take to install a system this size,” said Kai Pang, GSA’s Technical Lead for the program.  
 
With the physical installation of equipment taking close to a month, the project was delivered in record time by the third-party security integrator. At the time of installation, this project was the largest of its kind in the world for Dahua. After a recent install outside of Australia, this project remains the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. 
 
The need for the new system arose after vulnerabilities were identified in the building’s pre-existing intercom system. The pre-existing system was found to be unstable and could only support audio. It also presented several challenges for building management who were unable to monitor the security infrastructure of all four apartment towers from one location. 
 
“A new system was needed to replace outdated and broken technology in the building, as well as to address security concerns that had been identified in the old set-up,” Kai said. 
 

The new system GSA has designed and supplied, in addition to switches and peripherals, eliminates the concerns regarding the previous system’s privacy and security. The vulnerability, which was identified during a security penetration test, highlighted weaknesses in the older intercom network that presented privacy concerns for residents of the building. 
 
The new system supplied by GSA was chosen for its reliability and the efficiency of scale for such a large project. The new solution needed to meet stringent quality requirements, while also being accessible, modern and professional looking; to match the overall aesthetic of the building. The end user also needed a robust solution that would be vandal proof and could withstand frequent and heavy use. 
 
Truman Zhang, the Dahua Oceania Region MD says the DHI-VTH2421F-P intercom model was the perfect choice for this project. 
 
“We provided this project with both software and hardware products that meet the end user's needs for equipment upgrade and centralised online management. Dahua’s customised VTH (indoor) monitor and VTO (exterior) station firmware saves the hardware costs of upgrading the intercom system. The lift controller is perfectly compatible with the existing access control system to prevent unauthorised entry, and Dahua DSS Pro enables the building management team to respond to emergencies in a timely manner and efficiently manage devices in different locations.”
 
Glenn Opray, a Director at GSA Systems, says the success of this project can be attributed to clear teamwork and GSA’s careful planning. 
 
“There was a large amount of pre-planning done in-house to make sure the project ran smoothly on site. The integrator averaged roughly a tower per week,” he explained.  
 
“Our technical team pre-programmed and then hand labelled each of the 2000 plus units with their corresponding switch port to ensure that the equipment could be rapidly deployed on-site when the time came.” 

 
The finished system, which includes central management functionality stored on a single server, ensures all 2245 intercoms and 43 lift panels can be seamlessly controlled from one central location within the building. This feature enhances and streamlines operations for the complex.
  
Diagram: system map shows the network of components required to make the system functional. 
With the complete system now functional, feedback from the building’s residents has been exceedingly positive. 
 
“I love the new system, it looks really professional, it’s easy to use and it gives me peace of mind knowing my family and I are living in a secure building,” says Cherry, a resident of the building. 
 
“There was minimal disruption on site when the changeover happened and it’s been a really easy transition for us,” she concluded.