We were appointed to provide project and programme management services for the replacement and upgrade of access-control systems across a major international financial institution’s estate. The programme was established to address obsolescence within the existing security platform, maintain building security and introduce a consistent, future-ready technical standard across the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The works included new access-control cabling, secure containment, card readers, request-to-exit devices, emergency break-glass units, door contacts and locking equipment. New network access points, fire-alarm interfaces, power supplies and door-controller units were also integrated, together with the development of replacement server architecture. Equipment was commissioned sequentially, door by door, to minimise downtime and maintain secure access throughout occupied buildings.

Our role included programme governance, master programming, procurement and contract strategy, commercial control, risk management and coordination of the client’s property, security, technology and operational stakeholders. Building surveys were undertaken across a geographically dispersed portfolio to establish site-specific requirements, with design solutions, budgets and delivery plans developed for each location while maintaining consistency across the wider programme.

A key challenge was coordinating security, IT, fire-alarm and electrical interfaces within live, high-security workplaces operating across multiple jurisdictions. Installations were planned primarily outside normal working hours and aligned, where possible, with other estate projects to reduce disruption. The programme established a robust technical, procurement and governance framework capable of supporting phased implementation while protecting all sensitive information relating to the client, its buildings and security systems.