Quantum wins major Port Security contract at Cromarty Firth for CDA
Cromarty Firth Port Authority's Invergordon base. (Image courtesy of Scotavia Ltd)
Partly to improve its compliance with the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Security) and partly due to the construction of a new main entrance for the port, Cromarty Firth Port Authority went to tender for an integrated port security system and after a very rapid turnaround, CDA Solutions was awarded the contract at the end of September 2009, for installation and commissioning by the end of November.
CDA's Managing Director, Andy Watson said "We are absolutely delighted with this contract. Quantum found this tender for us and really pulled all the stops out to make sure we were in position to win it. Nick Dalton went to Scotland three weeks running to carry out a site survey and negotiate the contract. I went up with him the last time and we came away with the order. The whole thing was done and dusted in 3 weeks from start to finish. Great stuff."
CDA's PC-based system architecture kept them out in front on price, but it was their technical capability, warranty terms and the ability to perform remote maintenance and upgrades that swung the deal. Despite being based almost as far away from Cromarty Firth as it is possible to be whilst staying on the same island, CDA made no change to their standard warranty terms of same day response, next day fix.
The contract is for 8 new CCTV cameras, to be controlled from the new security office, plus 3 vehicle barriers with an Automatic Numberplate Recognition System, 2 pedestrian turnstiles and intercoms, remote viewing and access keyfobs for staff. The contract also expanded to incorporate the integration of an existing network of cameras into the system - and including them in the 6 year warranty CDA was required to put on the system. At least one camera will be kept as spare at Cromarty Firth ready to “hot-swap” in the event of a problem with another camera. The server software and data storage will be maintained remotely, saving the customer money over the life of the contract.
Captain Ken Gray, Port Manager at CFPA said "We were impressed from the outset with CDA's immediate grasp of what we were trying to achieve with this contract. The installation went very well and once we had seen the quality of the system we expanded the contract to include the replacement of the existing cameras as well. So far, we're very impressed with CDA and Quantum".
Nick Dalton, Managing Director of Quantum says "Naturally, I'm thrilled to have got CDA this contract. It's right up their street and it's the first major contract we have got them in the marine sector. It’s proof – if it were needed - that the fit is right between the two companies. It was a quick turnaround for both of us and bears out what I have thought of CDA from my first meeting with them: that they are highly professional, no-nonsense people who know their subject inside out and can deliver and support high-quality systems anywhere in the UK. They have not yet been known to be beaten on price, which of course is music to my ears as their Agent for the marine industry. Andy Watson’s background as a systems integration specialist means we have massive flexibility when it comes to bringing in parts of legacy systems, which was a bonus in the case with CFPA”.
Useful Links:
