Protecting Lemay Car Museum's priceless collection
LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) in the United States is home to one of the largest museum car collections in the nation. Today, the security team uses the Omnicast video system to protect their multi-million-dollar fleet and improve the visitor experience.
The company
LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM) is a four-story museum in Tacoma, Washington, United States. The ACM houses just under 300 vehicles at any given time across its 165,000 square-foot space. After purchasing tickets, guests can roam the museum floors, visit the gift shops or restoration shops, and dine in the café. The campus also features a massive three acre show field which is used to host various events from auctions to car club events.
The challenge
ACM’s security team is tasked with keeping watch over it all. While the team’s primary responsibility is to secure the multi-million-dollar collection of rare and vintage car, they must also ensure that guests always feel welcome and safe and that operations run smoothly. Sometimes this means making sure caterers or other teams can freely move around the property to set up events or curate special exhibitions, while still maintaining the highest levels of security.
The solution
Efficient 24/7 monitoring
ACM manages over 90 cameras using the Omnicast system. This includes a blend of high- and low-resolution cameras, giving the team the tools they need to secure the museum all day and night.
Quick video searches
Easy video retrieval helps the team address guest emergencies or accidents. Operators can respond to an event and bookmark it, or they can quickly find and save the recording as evidence.
Flexible device choice
The Omnicast system supports thousands of cameras, so ACM was able to select a budget-friendly blend of cameras. They can also add more or upgrade to newer devices when funding allows.
Video access from anywhere
ACM is looking to provide their officers with mobile system access though the Genetec Mobile app. This will allow them to access video and respond to alarms from anywhere in the museum.
“The Omnicast system has met all our needs, especially as a solution that can grow with us. It gives us the opportunity to upgrade to new technology over time, as more funding becomes available.”
Paul E. Miller, Vice President and COO
Results
Using the Omnicast video system, operators now work around the clock from an open six-monitor station located just beyond ticketing. From the start of the tour, visitors become aware that they are in a secure and monitored facility. Numerous cameras target the car collection, giving the team clear visibility of guests and their proximity to each row of cars. The team monitors live video feeds but also quickly reviews recorded video when incidents arise.
Beyond securing the car collection, ACM has been able to improve guest services and personnel management. According to Jeff Gordner, Facilities Manager at ACM, "We have found that [the Omnicast video system] has really been helpful in managing operations. Differing opinions of events or interactions can be easily resolved. Using the video surveillance system, we are able to see what happened, how events unfolded, and address the situation appropriately.”