SubscribeReliance High-Tech maintain the responsibility of challenging security systems at 7 of the Marsh office buildings, including an extensive access control and CCTV system at Tower Place, London.
Case Study: Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC)
Marsh, the world’s leading risk and insurance services firm, is part of the Marsh & McLennan (MMC) family of companies with 55,000 employees serving clients in over a hundred countries. To support ambitious growth plans, Marsh wanted a trusted partner to deliver security system installation and maintenance across its expanding UK portfolio.
Office Access Security Challenge
In 2004 Reliance High-Tech won the tender to install an extensive access control and CCTV system at Tower Place, a prestigious development adjacent to the Tower of London. Working directly with the landlord, Reliance High-Tech was part of a team preparing the premises that Marsh would occupy as its new European headquarters.
Following a successful implementation, Reliance High-Tech established regular contact with Marsh. The relationship flourished, forming a firm foundation for future collaboration.
At this time, Marsh was sourcing electronic security systems and services from a range of suppliers. However, this disparate approach presented a number of major security challenges across the Marsh estate. In mid-2004, Marsh invited tenders for a national maintenance agreement for its security systems, to resolve the following issues:
• Inconsistencies associated with different security technologies
• Variable service levels across different systems
• Administrative complexity and high security costs.
It was recognised that a standardised approach would better support Marsh’s business goals. Marsh also wanted a partner that could establish a single access control card for use by all staff and visitors to gain access into any of its buildings; this would be accompanied by a gradual upgrade of legacy security systems.
Our Building Security Solution
Against strong competition, Reliance High-Tech won the tender and secured the contract to deliver service and maintenance at seven Marsh buildings throughout the UK.
The contract was to support existing CCTV, access control and intruder detection systems. The solution included:
• A comprehensive Reliance ‘GOLD’ maintenance agreement covering all equipment parts and labour; This gave assurance that any system faults would be repaired within an all-inclusive price
• Highly skilled service engineers would be on call 24/7, 365 days a year to provide any system support required
• A dedicated Reliance High-Tech account manager would provide a single point of contact to ensure streamlined and proactive customer care.
As Marsh has grown rapidly Reliance High-Tech has ably accommodated its evolving security needs. In November 2006 the maintenance contract was further expanded to include Marsh’s sister company Mercer.
An in-depth assessment of security was conducted at 17 Mercer sites that had previously been serviced via a generic facilities management package. Reliance High-Tech presented the concept of a fully costed national maintenance contract to the Mercer team. It was well received and Reliance High-Tech took over responsibility for security at the additional sites.
Benefits and Results
Since 2004, close collaboration has enabled Reliance High-Tech to deliver a continual stream of security enhancements. Key benefits include:
• Vastly improved and more consistent delivery of service across the Marsh UK portfolio
• Ongoing standardisation of security through system upgrades in line with overall security strategy
• Implementation of a single access control card at all locations; this is improving security monitoring capability and reducing the cost of consumables
• A more responsive security service via dedicated account management
• Access to expertise about the latest security system technologies to help Marsh plan future security provision.
To date, Reliance High-Tech has successfully completed a number of projects and continues to develop innovative security solutions with Marsh. These include a new back-up data centre facility with leading-edge biometric access control technology in Devon. This business-critical facility will support the company’s main data centre in the Midlands.
Overall, the relationship is regarded as a great example of how a strong, multi-faceted partnership can achieve excellence across all aspects of security.
“Our relationship with Reliance High-Tech now spans three years.
Year after year they continue to innovate and enhance their support and maintenance of our access control systems and CCTV infrastructure for thirty-two offices nationwide.” Ian Fatt, Marsh UK Security Manager, Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC)
About Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC)
Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) has annual revenues around $12 billion. Its services include risk management and consulting, insurance broking and financial management.
Reliance High-Tech Solutions
Reliance High-Tech applies advanced technologies to design and deliver fully integrated electronic security solutions. It is part of Reliance Security Group, an established market leader that employs 12,000 people nationwide in manned security, facilities management and outsourced services.
