One and a Half Square Kilometers of Security

Results at a Glance

• Centralized Building Management: Control center operators manage all systems via the WinGuard platform. This saves time, reduces costs, and further increases the already high level of security across the organization.  
  
  
• High Usability: Because all security subsystems are integrated into WinGuard, employees work with a single, visually appealing, and intuitive interface. Linking different systems simplifies daily operations – for example, access control if an employee has forgotten their authorization badge. 
  
  
• Fire Alarm System Management:  Thanks to intensive training, management and employees are highly proficient in using the software’s features. Analyses enable continuous improvement – including adjustments to the product portfolio. Maintenance workflows can be suppressed, and regular fire alarm system updates require just a few clicks.

Why rising systems?

Configuring graphics, adding texts, linking subsystems, and connecting them via conditions – with the WinGuard platform, almost anything imaginable in digital building management is possible. As a WinGuard Custom Development Partner, rising systems tailored the solution specifically to the requirements of a large enterprise like Henkel. Thanks to extensive interface expertise, the integration of numerous security subsystems was seamless. In addition, the Düsseldorf-based software experts impressed with their deep know-how in fire protection and safety systems. 

One and a Half Square Kilometers of Security  

Only about 6,000 of the 10,000 people working at the Düsseldorf site are employed directly by Henkel, as external companies such as BASF are also located on the extensive premises. Dirk Ullrich, then Project Manager for Plant Logistics at Henkel, once described the site as an “industrial park situation” in an interview – a scenario that is highly demanding from a security perspective. To manage these challenges, Henkel uses a wide range of security, building technology, and communication systems from different manufacturers within its hazard management strategy.

Previously, control center operators were burdened by having to operate multiple control interfaces and undergo training on various systems. The goal was to introduce a central, user-friendly interface that would relieve operators both in day-to-day operations and during emergencies. Henkel therefore implemented WinGuard, the market-leading building management platform. Michael Voigt, Planning Technician at Henkel and responsible, among other things, for the corporate emergency call and service control center, explains: “Today, we use WinGuard for fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, and video detection systems – in other words, for safety-critical areas.”

Open and Flexible: Easy Integration Through Interfaces

Via the platform, control center staff access all physical security systems, building technology systems, cameras, alarm and notification systems, and communication units. Michael Voigt particularly appreciates the wide range of interfaces offered by the building management solution, which allow different systems and installations to be connected easily. In addition, Henkel can interlink various systems directly via WinGuard. “I don’t know any other system that offers the same capabilities. For security management in the control center, WinGuard is the best solution.”

Thanks to its high usability, the centralized platform helps staff quickly and reliably assess critical situations. The high level of integration also benefits the entire workforce. For example, if an employee is stopped at an entrance turnstile because they have forgotten their authorization badge, they can ring the bell and are connected to a control center operator via a call system. Once the operator has verified the employee’s identity and authorization, they can open the turnstile directly from the control center.

rising systems develops Fire Alarm System Management 

The production environment in Düsseldorf involves significant fire and explosion risks, which Henkel addresses through a comprehensive safety concept. Fire detectors monitor the environment and measure physical fire indicators such as heat or gas concentrations. However, long-term reliability of fire alarm systems can only be ensured through regular inspection and maintenance. This includes triggering all detectors, checking displays in the control center, performing functional tests of alarm devices, and monitoring fire control systems and fault message forwarding. 

rising systems not only integrated all security subsystems – including fire alarm systems – into WinGuard, but also developed the fire alarm system management directly within the platform, making a crucial contribution to site safety. The software experts transferred fire detector data from the WinGuard system and integrated it into downstream processes. As a result, processes such as inspection and monitoring of fire alarm systems could be automated. This digitalized monitoring ensures a very high level of safety while significantly reducing workload in the control center. Michael Voigt adds:  “In addition, we have a higher-level incident management system that allows emergency forces to be dispatched using information from the system in the event of an emergency.”