MerlinSolo  is the latest version of Initsys Merlin Control Room Software. Designed specifically for the smaller control room.

It incorporates alarm monitoring linked to access control, CCTV and now crisis, event and video wall  management.

• Alarm Processing from all types of alarm systems, access control and BMS.
• Video processing from nearly all IP cameras and popular DVR from all manufacturers. Both IP cameras and DVR recording channels can be connected to the "GoFetch" system - Go Fetch automatically collects CCTV images from the camera or cameras that are nearest the alarm "event" making it unnecessary for the control room operator to view all cameras to try and trace where the event has occurred.
• 3d mapping via MerlinMap and interface to GoogleEarth. 
• Comprehensive time/date event creation and management, for example, posting traffic cameras to the video wall on time or analytic deviation. 
• Easy to use event handling system with rules based process and procedure definition. 
• Connection to a wide range of lone worker and track and trace systems. 
• Connection to a number of Guard control systems.
• Connection to both VerifiedAlarms and NASCOM networks.
  
• SIP based telephone module available, which includes automated caller recognition both for key holders and sites.
• Remote web based client application allowing access to historic event handling data, including video, pre and post alarm event recordings, voice recordings (MerlinSIP connection required).
• Separate Incident Commanders terminals, Despatch terminals and Crisis input screens are available.
  

Just as CCTV systems require some form of event management, events raised by alarms and access control require some form of verification. In MerlinSolo alarms and CCTV compliment one another.

However it is a fact that control room operators cannot learn all the intracacies of different and diverse systems in use without a common interface.

It uses MySQL® database which has become the world's most popular open source database because of its consistent fast performance, high reliability and ease of use. It is used around the world by individual web developers as well as many of the world's largest and fastest-growing organisations to save time and money powering high-volume websites, business-critical systems and packaged software.

In particular, MySQL® enables databases to be based on virtually any type of server technology including Windows, Linux and more.  This will help deliver lower running costs as systems can be supported using in-house IT support resources.

MerlinSolo is able to handle legacy digital diallers using RS232, serial data connections including X.25, most IP forms of alarm transmission including RedCare, DualCom, WebWay, Emizon 21 and Chiron as well as video and audio from just about any source, for example DVR's and IP cameras. 

MerlinSolo is capable of directly connecting to intruder panels from Cooper, Honeywell, GE and others without the necessity for a separate alarm transmitter, ideal for locations where the alarm systems are connected on a LAN.

Merlin is also able to act as a customer database for CRM purposes.

In order to make the operation of a control room as easy and flexible as possible, MerlinSolo  provides the ability to have its windows (panes) split across multiple monitors.  The position of some panes can also be set and locked into any position to suit user preferences.

The MerlinSolo status panel allows the operator of a terminal to see the overall status of the system at a glance and also provides shortcuts to undertake key activities.

Of course the main task for the status screen is to allow the operator to be busy doing another task (writing a letter perhaps) but still be made instantly aware that there is an alarm to deal with.

Right click image for larger display.

  The status panel gives you the option to show the outstanding alarms queue as an automatic pop-up style window or to allow the operator to manually open the queue.  Audible alarms will also enable the operator to hear the type of alarm recently received.

MerlinSolo ensures that operators are not left to make difficult decisions. Alarm processing is controlled within MerlinSolo by selective intelligence, the more important the alarm the higher in the queue it becomes. Regular or false alarms are filtered.

Management of the control room decide how each alarm is dealt with and set the process to be followed.

MerlinSolo has an advanced activity menu and is, for example, capable of checking that a system alarm is armed.  It can even arm a system if that is required based on schedules.

MerlinSolo can even connect to a full commercial Merlin system in the event of failure or inattention by security operators, this is automatic when selected. MerlinSolo acting in Child/Parent mode.

To see the full range of features register and download the Merlin Manual or request a demonstration system on a short term loan.