To gain a better understanding of the project and what really goes on during the day-to-day tendering of an Enterprise Project, we spoke with Simon, our Business Development Executive. Who has played a key role in the tender process for this project, and here he shares his thoughts of what sets enterprise projects apart from more traditional large-scale work, and how the team successfully secured the contract.

What Is an Enterprise Project and What Sets It Apart from A Normal Security System?

“An Enterprise Security System is essentially a more advanced, large-scale version of a typical security setup. Rather than just covering a single building or a basic system, it’s designed for larger organisations such as large commercial businesses, government departments, or critical infrastructure who often operate across multiple sites and have more complex requirements.

In contrast, a standard project might only involve securing one building, with relatively straightforward needs that don’t require the same level of depth or integration you’d find at a high-profile or security-sensitive site.

What really sets an enterprise system apart is the level of integration and centralised control. Everything is connected, so it can all be managed from one place, making it much more efficient. Plus, it’s scalable so as the organisation evolves, the system can grow and adapt alongside it.”

What Was It Like to Know You Would Be Tendering an Enterprise Project?

“When Protec was invited to tender for this high-profile project, the whole team was genuinely excited. Not just because it was a well-known client, but also because the project itself was challenging the kind of complex, enterprise-level system integration and is something we love getting stuck into.

For us, it was a real chance to demonstrate what we’re capable of when it comes to delivering large-scale security solutions.”

What Does the Tender Process for An Enterprise Project Look Like?

“The tender process was a very hands on process.

We were up against multiple contractors who were also in the running, and we all took part in detailed walkthroughs of the site. These walkthroughs were key to understanding the layout and the specific security challenges. It gave us the context we needed to develop a solution that was genuinely tailored to the client’s needs.

From the get-go, our design, sales, and project teams worked closely together. We made sure every part of the tender was carefully considered and transparent and never at the expense of quality or system reliability.”

What Did You Do Differently at Tender Stage?

“As part of our bid, we hosted a compliance review at our Nelson HQ. It brought together our internal teams and supply chain partners to go through the project requirements in detail. It was a great opportunity to make sure we were all aligned on scope, standards, and how we were going to approach the delivery.”

Congratulations on winning the tender but what’s next in the process?

“Now that the contract’s been awarded and handed over to our Projects team, we’ve moved into the execution phase. Our engineers have already completed several joint training sessions with our supply chain partners so that everyone involved is on the same page technically and practically, before any boots hit the ground.”

Will you and the quotation team have any further touchpoints with the client?

“Yes, it just so happens the team have put together a custom training course specifically for this client and their system. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, we have made sure it addressed their unique requirements in detail. That’s helped ensure our team is not only well-prepared but also completely aligned with the client’s expectations and the technical demands of this enterprise-level system.”

What Was the Experience of An Enterprise Project Like for our Supply Chain Partners?

Now that we’ve explored what project tendering looks like from Protec’s perspective, let’s consider the experience from the viewpoint of our supply chain partners. What does the process look like for them, and what benefits does it bring to their businesses?

Since this project involved several supply chain partners collaborating closely with Protec, we’ve selected a few key questions that highlight their experiences and insights. These responses provide a clearer picture of what it was like to work on this enterprise project and the value they gained from being part of it.

Supply Chain Partner: Genetec

Protec partners with Genetec Inc. to deliver advanced, tailored security solutions that align with our commitment to quality and innovation. Genetec’s flagship platform, Security Centre, unifies multiple security systems such as video surveillance, access control, ALPR, and associated analytics into one powerful system. With both on-premise and cloud-based options, it enhances security and operational intelligence across disciplines. Protec ensures seamless deployment from survey to installation which is backed by NSI and NPCC standards for reliable, integrated protection and peace of mind.

How did you collaborate with other supply chains other than Protec in the tender process to ensure the systems integrated correctly?

“Through the project, Genetec worked closely with the consultants, Axis Communications, and Nedap to ensure the final solution met all of the client’s requirements, while functioning seamlessly as a single pane of glass.

A proof of concept was carried out on the project to verify that the existing cameras could be integrated into the Security Centre without any loss of functionality. In addition, we provided a Streamvault SV-2030E series server and an SVW-505E workstation to test the proposed cameras’ performance during event days.

Our long-standing relationship with Axis allowed us to leverage their expertise from previous stadium deployments in the United States that are already utilizing the Q1809-LE 41MP camera. They also provided valuable guidance on the optimal settings for their bit-rate reduction technology, Zipstream, to assist in camera bandwidth calculations.” – Ross Bennett – Gentec

Did you supply any new or groundbreaking technology?

“During our discussions with the end-client and the consultant, it became clear that a collaborative decision management system which was integrated into Security Centre was essential. As a result Mission Control exceeded this requirement with its ability to provide situational intelligence, visualization, and comprehensive incident management capabilities. This technology enables the stadium’s operators to prioritize key incidents and follow step-by-step procedures, allowing for informed and decisive action—even during the high-pressure environment of an event day.

Additionally, due to the unique nature of stadium operations, the security system must behave in two distinctly different ways. For example, during event days, recording frame rates and access rules can differ significantly from non-event days. The system must be capable of adapting its behaviour quickly and dynamically based on the day’s events. To address this, Genetec proposed the use of Threat Levels. These can alter the system’s behaviour instantly—whether scheduled, triggered manually, or activated automatically by an event or alarm. When a Threat Level is activated, a predefined list of actions is executed. This could include increasing recording frame rates and resolution, restricting access to certain areas, or arming/disarming specific zones.

A key innovation developed for this project was the new Nedap AEOS plugin for Security Center. This plugin, created by Videoguard in collaboration with our Development Acceleration Program (DAP) team, enables AEOS access control to be integrated as a federated entity within Genetec. Live events from AEOS are received as events on federated doors, and cardholders with corresponding credentials are created in Security Center as federated cardholders (i.e., AEOS visitors and employees). These AEOS carriers are thus managed as federated entities via the plugin. It also supports door unlocking through Security Centre including through the Genetec mapping interface.” – Ross Bennett – Gentec

Supply Chain Partner: Nedap

Nedap Security is a global leader in access control, offering the advanced AEOS platform that integrates access control, intrusion detection, and video management. With a focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and user-friendly design, Nedap delivers tailored, future-proof solutions across sectors like healthcare, education, enterprise, and government. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Nedap partners with trusted experts worldwide. Protec, a certified Nedap Channel Partner, provides full-service system design, integration, installation, and support, ensuring reliable performance and long-term client success.

How did you ensure the products and services met the specification required and would work in a real world scenario?

“Nedap are a leading access control manufacturer globally and have deployed AEOS at over 5000 sites. This is a tried and trusted system in the global marketplace. The specifics of this project and the bespoke integrations meant that all parties have had to work very closely together to ensure that we develop the right functionality. Many workshops and planning has gone into this to ensure that we meet the spec.” – Michael Lee – Nedap

What testing procedures were put in place before the contract was awarded?

“Some proof of concepts were delivered along with some demo’s. This was done over a period of around 6 months before being selected as the access control partner.” – Michael Lee – Nedap

Supply Chain Partner: Axis Communications

Axis is a global leader in network technology, offering video surveillance, access control, intercom, and audio solutions enhanced by intelligent analytics. With 5,000 employees in over 50 countries, Axis collaborates with partners to deliver smart, secure solutions. As an Axis Gold Partner, Protec provides complete system design, integration, installation, and support. Trusted across sectors like government, commercial, and MoD, Protec ensures Axis technologies are implemented to the highest standards, delivering reliable performance and long-term value.

What difficulties did you find in the tender process and how did you overcome these?

“The tender process is one that Axis is accustomed to, and we found no difficulties in meeting all the specifications from a technology point of view. What is unique about this project is the close collaboration with the other vendors, some of whom we hadn’t worked with so closely before. However, Protec recognised this and from day one literally sat all the vendors in a room together so we could discuss the complete solution and requirements and ensure very vendor was aware of their part in the project and the overarching objectives.” – Nick Platt-Higgins – Axis Communications

How did you find the collaboration with Protec?

“Our partnership with Protec has always been one of close collaboration and they are the embodiment of an Axis Gold Partner. From the very inception of this project, they have been very pro-active in terms of the system specification and their attention to the client’s requirements and ensuring they can deliver and in some cases over-deliver is laudable.” – Nick Platt-Higgins – Axis Communications

Roundup

So, there you have it, a glimpse behind the scenes of the tender process for a large enterprise project, and how a more personal, collaborative approach can make all the difference. By fostering true cooperation across multiple companies, we not only create a winning outcome for the businesses involved, but also deliver a solution perfectly tailored to the client’s needs, with their vision and input shaping it from day one.

If you’re preparing to tender for a large enterprise project and like how we, together with our supply chain partners, use a bespoke process to meet your needs or those of your client, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our enterprise team, who will be happy to provide all the information and guidance you need.