How Ajax breathes new life into outdated wired systems and integrates them with smart offices.

Client

MacPaw

MacPaw is a Ukrainian manufacturer of products and applications for macOS and iOS since 2008. MacPaw's products include CleanMyMac X, Setapp, The Unarchiver, and many others. The company's flagship product, CleanMyMac, has over 25 million downloads and users in more than 180 countries worldwide, including Antarctica. MacPaw applications are installed on every fifth Mac in the world.

MacPaw began with a man's passion for Apple technology. MacPaw founder Oleksandr Kosovan wrote the first version of the CleanMyMac app, which has been downloaded over 25 million times and has 12 language localizations. MacPaw started as a dorm room as a startup and quickly grew into an office space of over 3,000 square meters.

Today, MacPaw's office space serves as a model for many IT companies: innovative design, multiple meeting rooms, a rooftop terrace, a gym, a recreation and meditation room, an amphi area for presentations, two cats, and one of the world's largest collections of rare Apple devices. And rightly so, a modern security system demands a modern security system.

MacPaw's office has an area of ​​3,350 square meters.

Challenge :

Upgrade the security system and integrate it into the smart office system.

As office spaces evolved and expanded, more and more equipment from various manufacturers appeared within them, as well as independently developed solutions. Eventually, part of the space was protected by the old wired system, and the rest was controlled by the first Ajax wireless sensors connected to the wired alarm system via the ocBridge integration module.

Technical assets include equipment of different generations and capabilities:

• Wired alarm systems are outdated.

• The wireless Ajax sensors are part of the first product line.

• Modern access control system.

• A smart system for controlling lights and curtains.

All this diversity of technology needs to be expanded with a flood control system and then integrated with an app that each team member will have on their iPhone.

Solution:

Upgrade outdated wired security systems and integrate Ajax system software via API.

MacPaw made the thoughtful decision to integrate outdated wired sensors into a modern Ajax system. This approach offered the immediate benefit of Ajax and ultimately expanded the scope of possibilities for future improvements. In general, MacPaw's solution encompassed both hardware and software. First, a security system upgrade was implemented, allowing for the integration of new functionalities into the company's office application. Let's go through the process step by step.

Hardware: Switch to Ajax device

The first step was replacing the outdated control panel with the Hub 2 Plus. The company decided to gradually transition to Ajax security devices. The Hub 2 Plus supports 200 devices and users. Image verification and continuous software updates help protect the hub's future. The Hub 2 Plus has four independent communication channels – the security system is always online thanks to the Ajax Cloud server, which opens up opportunities for extensive software integration.

The previously installed wireless Ajax sensors were simply added to the Hub 2 Plus. The installers and MacPaw security team immediately saw full information about the devices: signal level, battery level, and temperature. The security team could now change the sensitivity level or remotely disable the sensors. With the old control panel, such capabilities would have been unimaginable.

For example, previously, the security team couldn't see the exact battery level of each sensor because they weren't connected to the Ajax hub. The team had to manually check each sensor to determine which one needed a battery replacement. From now on, the company will receive notifications and know in advance when a battery replacement is needed.

The Hub 2 Plus blends seamlessly into office interiors and doesn't attract unwanted attention.

The second step was connecting the third-party wired alarm system to Ajax via the integrated MultiTransmitter module. This module has 18 wired zones for connecting protective devices and sensors supporting four communication types: NO, NC (no impedance), EOL (NC with impedance), and EOL (NO with impedance). Three MultiTransmitter modules were required for the MacPaw office portion where third-party wired sensors were installed. Over 50 wired sensors were integrated with Ajax. The old wired system was given a new lease of life.

Hoover, the cat, and the inspector supervised the MultiTransmitter installation process.

MacPaw's office has specific characteristics such as narrow and long rooms, and non-standard interior design solutions made from different materials. In addition, there are many devices that generate magnetic fields within the office. All of this affects the radio signal. Two ReX radio range extenders were installed to ensure stable communication between the Ajax sensors and the hub. Due to the office layout, range is not as critical as radio signal strength.

From now on, MacPaw's entire security system is connected to the Ajax control panel. This opens up the potential for further security system development and closer integration with MacPaw's smart office.

The Ajax system is connected to a monitoring station belonging to a security company.

The third step is to build a flood prevention system. After updating the security system, it's time to add new sensors - LeaksProtect.

The LeaksProtect wireless leak sensor operates 24/7. The sensor requires no installation – simply place it at potential leak points. A relay is added to the system – in the event of a leak, the relay sends a signal to the smart office system, which then sends a command to shut off the water. This connection creates a flood protection system in the office. In the app, the system administrator will see exactly where the leak occurred. The event log will show the time when LeaksProtect was activated and the room number.

LeaksProtect is a flood protection device located on the floor under the sink. If a water leak is detected, the relay will immediately signal the smart office system to shut off the water supply.

Software: New options for controlling office space

MacPaw has a smart office system, and every team member can access its application. This application is MacPaw's customized solution for company use. It controls lighting levels, door openings, or, for example, curtains in the amfiteater area, allows for meeting room reservations, etc. At the same time, integration with the legacy security system doesn't offer sufficient flexibility and limits the development of the application and the smart office system.

For example, MacPaw had to call a security company expert to the office to add a new user to the system, which was extremely inconvenient. From now on, the application administrator will notify the security company that a user needs to be added. This can be done remotely.

The solution was to access the Enterprise API, which allows the integration of Ajax capabilities into third-party applications. As a result, MacPaw provided Ajax integration into its company application, and the team was able to control the office space from a single application.

The MacPaw team can now manage security systems, lighting, and rolling doors through a single app.

Thus, MacPaw has completely updated its security system and integrated it with its smart office. The company made a well-thought-out decision, integrating the existing wiring into Ajax's modern technologies.

Why choose Ajax?

• Wireless devices with reliable communication technology.

• Integrate the installed wired devices into the wireless system.

• Integration with smart office applications via API.

• Flood prevention

• Automated security scenarios

• 24/7/365 Technical Support

• Customized solutions designed for the customer's ecosystem.

“ Ajax Systems is a world-class security system. It’s fantastic that such an innovative, high-quality, and globally recognized product has been created in Ukraine.”

Oleksandr Kosovan, founder and CEO of MacPaw

“We trust Ajax for the security of our office. For us, one of Ajax’s advantages is its additional integration with the SmartOffice system, which, among other features, automatically turns off the lights throughout the office when equipped. Additionally, it can provide individual keys or passcodes for security purposes, so now multiple team members can safely close the office. And when you need to change the office configuration, you don’t need to redesign the entire system — just add the new detection devices you need. Essentially, the security system overhaul and the switch to Ajax has opened up new opportunities for further development of the security system,” said Oleksandr Kosovan, co-founder of SMRK investment fund. In 2015, the fund became the first investor in Ajax Systems with a $1 million investment.