Background

4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, focused on developing next-generation gene therapies through its innovative vector discovery platform. Following the company’s expansion into a modern, high-standard facility, leadership prioritized creating a secure, compliant, and technologically advanced environment for its operations. The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), spearheaded the initiative to find a trusted security partner to design and implement an integrated system for access control, video surveillance, alarms, and environmental monitoring.

The Challenge

4DMT required a modern, reliable, and flexible security system to support the safety of personnel and protect valuable research assets in their new facility. The existing setup relied on outdated infrastructure and did not meet the company’s growing needs for scalability and regulatory compliance.

Specific challenges included:

• Access control upgrades: The need to replace their outdated access system with Openpath smart readers at some key entry points.
  
• Video surveillance coverage: Installation of cameras in an open warehouse with, requiring creative mounting solutions.
  
• Burglar alarm integration: Connecting and wiring a customer-provided Elk alarm system with multiple sensors, detectors, and contacts.
  
• Environmental monitoring: Supporting REES environmental sensors with dedicated cabling across the warehouse.
  
• Infrastructure demands: The team completed extensive data cabling to support sensors and network infrastructure, ensuring all wiring was securely organized and protected from daily operations.
  

The project required careful coordination with locksmiths, IT staff, and EH&S leadership to ensure proper integration of multiple systems.

Why Safe and Sound Security

4DMT selected Safe and Sound Security because of their ability to deliver a comprehensive, integrated solution that covered all aspects of the facility’s security and infrastructure. Key reasons for choosing Safe and Sound included:

• Expertise in Openpath systems, providing seamless access control with Openpath Core Series Smart Hubs and Smart Keypad Readers.
  
• Turnkey video surveillance solution, including strategically placed cameras designed for open spaces and connected to the facility’s access control system.
  
• Alarm system integration, connecting the customer-provided Elk burglar alarm hardware with new cabling and wireless contacts.
  
• Environmental sensor support, running 15 dedicated data drops for REES sensors and coordinating with the customer’s environmental monitoring requirements.
  
• Complete network infrastructure, including 17 standard data drops, patch panel termination, and cable tray installation for long-term durability and organization.
  
• Collaborative project management, coordinating locksmith work for electrification and ensuring all systems tied together smoothly.
  

Results

Safe and Sound Security delivered a fully integrated security and infrastructure solution for 4DMT’s Emeryville facility:

• Access Control: Three Openpath readers with a smart hub now secure key facility entry points, providing reliable badge access and future-ready scalability.
  
• Video Surveillance: Six cameras—including interior and exterior units—are installed with proper cabling and mounting for complete coverage of the open warehouse and entry points.
  
• Burglar Alarm: The Elk system, including sensors, contacts, sirens, smoke, and CO detectors, was successfully wired and integrated, enhancing overall facility protection.
  
• Environmental Monitoring: Fifteen REES sensors were fully supported with dedicated cabling, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
  
• Data and Network Infrastructure: Seventeen standard data drops and a new 100-foot cable tray were installed, providing reliable IT connectivity while protecting cables from potential forklift and aerial lift damage.
  
• Knowledge Transfer: Safe and Sound Security trained staff on programming procedures, system operation, and maintenance for long-term usability.
  

By partnering with Safe and Sound Security, 4D Molecular Therapeutics achieved a secure, compliant, and scalable facility, ensuring that their sensitive research and operations are fully protected while laying the groundwork for future growth.

Expansion and Continued Trust

After the initial installation for the Emeryville facility, 4D Molecular Therapeutics was impressed with the seamless integration and professionalism that Safe and Sound Security delivered. Recognizing the value of having a trusted partner who understands both their security requirements and compliance needs, 4DMT awarded additional projects. The next phase included the installation of the Openpath Video Intercom, further enhancing secure access and communication at critical entry points. This expansion underscored the confidence 4DMT has in Safe and Sound Security as their ongoing security partner.

Looking Ahead

As 4D Molecular Therapeutics continues to grow its operations and facilities, Safe and Sound Security is positioned to support them with scalable, cutting-edge solutions. With Openpath’s cloud-based access control and intercom technology in place, 4DMT has the flexibility to expand its security infrastructure as new needs arise. Whether through additional video surveillance, environmental monitoring, or enhanced access solutions, Safe and Sound Security will continue to provide the expertise and reliability 4DMT requires to safeguard its people, assets, and research.