Case Study
5
minute read

SMART Place – Revolutionising West Chester BID Security with Data-Driven Insights

Montage of security camera mounted on lighting column in a Business Improvement District.
Written by
Lee Donaghey
Published on
October 9, 2024

Introduction
In the evolving landscape of urban management, data is the lifeblood of informed decision-making. OneTek Business Solutions Limited has pioneered aground breaking solution with SMART Place—a dynamic, AI-powered platform that revolutionizes traditional CCTV systems. Designed to transform security infrastructure, while delivering high-value insights into environmental and traffic data, SMART Place offers a powerful toolkit for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) looking to enhance their estates. This case study highlights the remarkable impact of SMART Place at West Chester BID, underscoring OneTek’s ability to deliver large-scale, innovative projects that exceed initial expectations.

Project Overview
West Chester BID sought a forward-thinking solution to enhance security and contribute to the UK's drive toward net zero carbon emissions. Partnering with OneTek, they deployed SMART Place, a sophisticated AI-powered CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system designed to safeguard thee state while capturing critical environmental and traffic data. OneTek’s commitment to pushing beyond the traditional CCTV system brief resulted in an unparalleled data-driven platform, positioning West Chester BID at the cutting edge of smart urban management.

Objectives

  1. Elevate Security: Implement a future-proof, AI-enhanced surveillance system capable of 24/7 monitoring.
  2. Actionable Data Collection: Harness AI and computer vision to gather detailed, real-time data on vehicle movements, traffic patterns, and environmental metrics.
  3. Support Sustainability Goals: Utilise collected data to contribute toward West Chester BID’s net zero ambitions and establish a model for environmentally responsible urban planning.

The OneTek Difference: Innovation Beyond the Brief
While West Chester BID originally sought a traditional CCTV system, OneTek took the project beyond its initial scope. SMART Place isn’t just a surveillance tool—it’s a fully integrated platform for actionable insights. With cutting-edge AI, computer vision, and machine learning capabilities, SMART Place delivers a level of intelligence that BID managers can use to make informed decisions about security, traffic management, and sustainability. This innovative approach has set a new benchmark for what’s possible in BID technology, proving that OneTek can exceed expectations and lead the charge in BID innovation.

24-Hour Remote Monitoring: Securing Your Estate Anywhere, Anytime
SMART Place offers a robust 24-hour remote monitoring solution, allowing BID managers to monitor their estates from any location in the UK. For West Chester BID, a security company based in Crewe oversees the live feeds, responding rapidly to incidents and coordinating with local law enforcement for evidence retrieval. Regular security meetings with Groundwork CLM, OneTek, and the security team ensure that any emerging threats are promptly addressed, keeping security operations ahead of the curve.

This proactive, collaborative approach ensures that the system stays agile, with all insights seamlessly integrated into West Chester’s security protocols. This real-time responsiveness is what sets SMART Place apart from traditional systems.

Key Features That Drive Results

  1. Superior Video Quality: Equipped with 20MP high-resolution cameras, SMART Place     captures every crucial detail, providing crystal-clear footage that serves     both security and analytical purposes.
  2. AI-Powered Insights: SMART Place’s intelligent algorithms automatically recognize     vehicle types, fuel sources, and traffic flow—turning data collection into     a seamless, real-time process.
  3. Deep Data Analysis: The AI system continuously processes data from CCTV,     ANPR, and environmental sensors to uncover patterns in traffic, vehicle     emissions, and pedestrian movements. These insights empower BID managers     to make decisions that enhance both safety and operational efficiency.
  4. Environmental Monitoring: Advanced sensors track air quality and carbon emissions,     enabling BIDs to understand their environmental footprint and make     data-backed decisions to reduce emissions.

AI and Computer Vision: Driving the Future of Smart Places
SMART Place leverages the latest in AI and computer vision to deliver intelligent insights far beyond conventional CCTV systems. The system can instantly recognize vehicles, assess their emissions, and track movement patterns. Over time, it learns and adapts, offering trend predictions and identifying anomalies, such as unexpected traffic surges or increased emissions.

These capabilities enable BID managers to not only respond to current challenges but to forecast and mitigate potential issues before they arise. This combination of real-time analysis and predictive intelligence positions SMART Place as a leading solution for BIDs aiming to stay ahead insecurity and sustainability.

OneTek’s Commitment to Pioneering Solutions
OneTek’s leadership in the West Chester project exemplifies our ability to deliver beyond expectations. Our decision to incorporate AI technology and advanced analytics was driven by a commitment to innovation, transforming atypical CCTV system into a platform that provides deep, actionable insights. By partnering with OneTek, BID managers gain more than just a security system—they gain a comprehensive solution that can adapt, evolve, and meet the growing demands of urban management.

Supporting the UK's Net Zero Journey
As the UK strives toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050, SMART Place empowers West Chester BID to actively contribute to this goal. The system provides real-time tracking of vehicle emissions and air quality, allowing the BID to implement strategies that reduce their environmental impact. This level of insight helps BIDs create greener, more sustainable urban environments and ensures compliance with upcoming environmental regulations.

SMART Place equips businesses within the BID with the tools to report on their environmental impact, aligning them with the government’s sustainability agenda and enhancing their credibility in the marketplace.

Quotes and Testimonials


Jordi J Morell, Chair of the West Chester Commercial BID Executive Board, praised SMART Place’s transformative impact:
"This project has redefined our BID’s approach to security and sustainability. We’ve moved from a basic surveillance setup to a cutting-edge system that offers powerful insights and solutions for the future."

Lee Donaghey, Managing Director of OneTek, reflected on the significance of the innovation:
"SMART Place has elevated West Chester BID into a model of innovation. Our integration of AI, environmental data, and real-time insights has set a new benchmark for BIDs across the UK."

Continuous Development: A Future-Ready Solution
SMART Place is designed to evolve. OneTek is continuously expanding the system’s capabilities, with plans to introduce new sensors that track noise pollution, weather patterns, and additional environmental metrics. These developments will provide even deeper insights, allowing BID managers to fine-tune their sustainability strategies and adapt to changing urban environments.

As SMART Place continues to evolve, its AI will become even more sophisticated—offering greater precision, deeper insights, and more value for BIDs looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Customizable Dashboard: Real-Time Data at Your Fingertips
SMART Place offers a fully customizable, web-based dashboard, giving BID managers real-time access to the data that matters most. From emissions monitoring to detailed reports on traffic patterns, the dashboard allows users to create, tailor, and export reports that meet their specific needs. This platform not only enables real-time monitoring but also supports embedding, making it easy to share insights with local authorities, business partners, or other stakeholders.

This flexibility ensures that SMART Place integrates seamlessly into your operations, providing the transparency and collaboration needed to drive smarter decisions.

Outcomes that Matter
The deployment of SMART Place has delivered clear, tangible results for West Chester BID:

  1. Elevated Security: Continuous, AI-driven surveillance has dramatically improved safety, reducing crime and enhancing the overall security of the estate.
  2. Data-Driven Decision Making: The insights gathered from SMART Place have empowered BID managers to make informed, strategic decisions on traffic management,     environmental policies, and space utilization.
  3. Sustainability Leadership: With real-time environmental monitoring, West Chester BID is already making strides toward meeting the UK's net zero goals, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban management.

Conclusion
OneTek Business Solutions Limited has transformed West Chester BID into a model of innovation and sustainability with SMART Place. More than just a security system, SMART Place is a comprehensive platform that delivers real-time insights, predictive intelligence, and the tools to drive impactful change. As BID managers across the UK look for ways to future-proof their estates, OneTek stands ready to deliver large-scale, cutting-edge solutions that meet the unique challenges of today and tomorrow.

For more information on how SMART Place can revolutionise your BID, book a call today.

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Security
Net Zero
Analytics
Lee Donaghey
October 9, 2024
Security
Net Zero
Analytics
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