Retail security applications

Opening up new possibilities for competitive video surveillance deployments in retail, restaurant and small business applications, IDIS has launched a compact range of robust, high performance cameras and recorders. The IDIS Compact Solutions series is designed for rapid installations and both single and multi-site roll outs, allowing for the mixing and matching of analogue and IP technologies, making upgrades and system extensions more affordable than ever. IDIS Compact Solutions The new line includes a choice of network and HD-TVI cameras and recorders, all of which are easy to install through one-click network configuration. A highly competitive price point comes without any compromise on IDIS’s signature reliability and performance, while hardened network security protocols provide complete reassurance against hacking risks. The new Compact Solutions line features 4-channel compact recorders that can be conveniently desktop or wall mounted, and for end-users and operators - including branch managers, small business owners and security personnel – the line combines high performance features with simple operation and a choice of client software. The IDIS Compact Solutions range is hard-wearing, making it particularly durable and perfectly suited for busy environments where reliable capture of high definition video images is important. IDIS dome and bullet PoE cameras IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance in live view and playback (including on remote devices such as smartphones) and come with motion detection, tamper alarms, zoned privacy masking, day and night ICR and IR LED up to 20m. A choice of four and eight channel IP or HD-TVI recorders allows fast and trouble-free installation and lets installers take advantage of existing coax cabling. The IP recorders also benefit from H.264 live view which eliminates the need to upgrade hardware peripherals. For highest performance streaming capacity, H.265 and IDIS Intelligent Codec compression deliver bandwidth savings of up to 90 percent, ensuring smoother real-time viewing and full evidence retention. “The new IDIS Compact Solutions line continues our longstanding tradition of market-responsive offerings, designed and developed in house to meet the real-world needs of our industry partners and end-users. This new line of fills an important need in the market, for high value, high performance technology from proven market leaders able to reliably meet highly specific requirements in vertical spaces, such as retail, and smaller business operations,” noted Keith Drummond, Senior Director, IDIS America. IDIS Total Solution As with all IDIS products the Compact Solutions range is backed by industry-lauded technical support and service, including the company’s global technical support operation, co-located with IDIS America’s regional headquarters near Dallas, Texas. The new IDIS Compact Solutions line is the latest offering in the powerful and award-winning IDIS Total Solution—an end-to-end, single sourced offering that delivers unrivalled plug-and-play simplicity (combined with highest-quality performance, compatibility, now featuring the longest recorder warranty in the industry), with a low total cost of ownership.

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorisation bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response from the manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centres on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact on contractor business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company statement on the NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision comments on GSX presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

With the impact of a rapidly developing online shopping industry through PC and mobile devices, retail stores are facing great challenges. In a fiercely competitive market, enlarging the customer base and maintaining their loyalty become increasingly important and at the same time – very difficult. Improving customer satisfaction, maximising per-customer transactions, ensuring a safe environment, and reducing unnecessary loss have become a major focus of retail owners and chain store companies. Dahua Technology, a global provider of intelligent video surveillance products and solutions, launched the Dahua Retail Security Solution. Dahua Retail Security improves customer satisfaction, secures the shopping environment, and optimises business results – which keep OPEX low, enhance store operating efficiency, and increase profits. The solution is customised for you. Dahua Ultra Smart series cameras provide up to a 140dB Wide Dynamic Range for obtaining a crystal clear image even in high contrast, sunny environments Features of the Retail Security solution People Counting & Height Detection The 3D Camera provides people counting and height detection functionalities. It calculates foot traffic at the store entrance, and supports the export of daily / monthly / yearly reports, providing highly valuable data as a reference for future business decisions. POS (Point of Sales) Integration The video feed and corresponding POS information can be shown simultaneously, both in the real-time and in playback mode. Text search is supported to retrieve specific order and associated video recording data. Super WDR Dahua Ultra Smart series cameras provide up to a 140dB Wide Dynamic Range for obtaining a crystal clear image even in high contrast, sunny environments. Clearly monitor store entrances under various conditions, day or night. Heat Map Fisheye cameras provide Heat Map functionality for areas throughout the store, helping businesses analyse and adjust to customer traffic. A fisheye camera also can capture images around the store floor. Fisheye cameras provide Heat Map functionality for areas throughout the store, helping businesses analyse and adjust to customer traffic Dewarping Modes Dewarping modes allow fisheye cameras to capture a full view of the stores. One fisheye camera has a field of view equivalent to 8 standard cameras. Corridor Mode Corridor mode is suitable for narrow shopping aisles, enabling minimal camera usage to monitor the same area. Solution can be used in following areas: Entrance Port People counting & Height Detection helps retail stores acquire customer flow data, enabling them to manage and operate according to data like an e-commerce storefront. Store Floor As a major area centre of the shopping experience and customer traffic, the shelf area tends to have differentiated visitor flow and requires great efforts in enacting security measures. Monitoring coverage contributes to reducing theft of customer property and retail goods, providing a reassuring shopping environment. Meanwhile, visitor flow data helps shopkeepers understand visitor flow distribution so they can prolong the time of customer stay and visitor flow coverage by rearranging goods and shelves. Checkout Counter Customer disputes and salesperson fraud occur frequently at the checkout counter. High-definition video, audio, and POS overlay can improve identifying the cause of problems. Starlight cameras make sure your store room is under careful surveillance 24-hours a day, performing well under any lighting conditions Store Room Starlight cameras make sure your store room is under careful surveillance 24-hours a day, performing well under any lighting conditions and greatly reducing the probability of being robbed. Day and night, starlight cameras provide complete coverage of the store room, preventing theft. Office DSS business analysis application scenarios are mainly used to help retailers manage the store more efficiently with valuable data. It utilises data processing to reduce time & labour cost, and relies on a visualisation of various data to get an intuitive understanding of previous and current status of the store as well as its future trend. Access video remotely through mobile Remote Access At the same time, with remote access to the management client in Dahua DSS (Dahua Security Software), managers can view the latest store information and access video through mobile devices even when they are on business trips. The Dahua Retail Security Solution provides more details without blind spots, ensuring the safety of your employees, customers, and property. It also helps provide valuable statistics to aid your future business decisions. It is cost-effective, customisable, and cross-functional, and is an ideal solution for retail shop owners and chain store companies. With a mission of ‘Safer Society, Smarter Living’, Dahua will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality, and Service’ to serve partners and customers around the world.

"The Secutech India 2018 show was a great success and generated a great deal of interest about our product offering and our synergy with Hikvision." International Pre-Sales and Technical Support Manager, Dean Wood, said.  He continues: "We had great feedback from end customers, system integrators, distributors and consultants from different verticals. Already some real potential business has been gained, due to our presence at the show."

Checkpoint Systems, a global supplier of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS), RFID solutions and Alpha High-Theft Solutions for the retail industry, introduced the Alpha OptiLok, its next generation of specialised tags for eyewear protection. The new hard tag offers an improved and refined design to enhance the ease and speed of application/removal without any security compromises. It is based on a well-proven adjustable grip mechanism used in previous eyewear tags, but with an ingenious locking mechanism allowing easier application and removal. The locking mechanism is compatible with Checkpoint’s traditional S3 Key and is available in two sizes (large and extra deep) as well as two technologies (AM or RF).  Easy application and removal According to Irene Fernandez, EMEA Product Manager Alpha High Theft Solutions, “We’ve learned a lot from our work with eyeglass retailers over the years, which has led us to this major improvement in protecting prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Our new OptiLok tag provides durable construction with protective rubber pads that securely hold and protect more than 95 percent of eyewear frames, while achieving fast and easy applications and removals.” Key Features: Available in AM or RF technology Durable construction Quick application and removal Easy to recycle and reuse Unobtrusive Availability: OptiLok is available immediately for normal (large) and extra deep frames (April 2018).

At ISC West 2018, visitors to the Genetec Inc. booth #26065 will be able to learn about the company’s new range of market-specific solutions specifically developed to address the needs of airports, cities, educational institutions, retailers, and transportation customers. “By leveraging the growing availability of valuable yet untapped sources of data, these portfolios create a host of new opportunities for organisations to find synergies between their security, operations, and business intelligence needs,” comments Jimmy Palatsoukas, Director of Product Marketing at Genetec. Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies Genetec Airport Sense At ISC West, airport customers will be particularly interested in looking at Genetec Airport Sense, an advanced operational analytics solution that correlates data provided by existing security sensors to produce actionable intelligence about passenger flow, airport security, and overall operations. Attendees will also be able to see how Genetec Security Center, a unified security platform, Genetec Clearance, a digital evidence management system, and Genetec Mission Control, a collaborative decision management system, are helping leading airports around the world heighten security, improve operations, and grow retail revenue. Genetec Citigraf Already installed in several cities around the world, Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies. Citigraf was first introduced in the city of Chicago, where it is helping to improve collaboration, shorten the first-response time of reported incidents, and significantly reduce crime. Featuring a powerful correlation and analytics engine, as well as a unified view of public safety operations, Citigraf instantly detects and displays relevant information from disparate systems for inter-agency collaboration. The proliferation of new surveillance systems, body-worn cameras, in-car video and mobile phones has created more ways to gather evidence, while exponentially increasing the quantity of data collected. A digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance allows cities, police officers, investigators, and security managers to collect, manage, and share digital evidence from a variety of sources. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense Genetec Traffic Sense The efficient flow of people, vehicles, and goods throughout cities and communities is a fundamental aspect of everyday life and business activities. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense. This unified traffic operations platform brings together traditional traffic operations systems with security and incident response platforms and uses advanced analytics to detect road incidents and slowdowns, automates response, and provides operators with a consolidated view of events. Genetec Security Center and Mission Control Teaching, research, and learning happen best when faculty, staff, and students feel safe. With thousands of students and staff to protect, sprawling campuses, and emerging threats, campus security is often left feeling overwhelmed. Working together, Genetec Security Center and Mission Control increase situational intelligence and enable security personnel to prepare for, and effectively respond to, common occurrences and emergency situations. By unifying all aspects of campus security, such as access control, video, ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition), communications, and intrusion, Security Center enhances the efficiency of campus police. Not only do they benefit from a global view of all their buildings and campuses, but they are better equipped to centrally act on threats at a moment’s notice. Genetec Retail Sense Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service Retailers today are behooved to gather and rely on the same insightful customer analytics that online merchants can harvest automatically. Security Center offers retailers enterprise-wide visibility of sales floors, point-of-sale (POS) and cash-handling areas, distribution centers, and parking facilities so that they can efficiently safeguard staff, patrons, buildings and equipment. When used with Security Center, Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service by transforming existing video surveillance content into powerful consumer insights. Genetec solutions are designed to help public transit agencies develop and maintain the most efficient operations and processes to provide passengers with positive experiences in a secure environment. When transit and security personnel manage operations from a single, unified platform, such as Security Center, they have easy access to all the data being collected by their physical security system. With this bird’s-eye-view of their environment, they can respond quickly and knowledgeably to any incidents as they arise.

  Trust – along with appearance – both play a key role in the world of exclusive watches and jewellery. This is the case for Meiller Jewellers in Schwandorf, Germany. This fifth-generation partnership offers exclusive watches, jewellery, and glasses from venerable, high-end, and contemporary brands and models. With their experience, exceptional service and extremely wide selection of both traditional and trendy products, the family-run company has captivated customers since 1876. Twenty employees advise customers and sell products, as well as ensure the high-quality maintenance and repair of watches and jewellery in the certified master workshop. The jewellery store’s range includes around 200 brands of watches, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets as well as eyewear, offering over 10,000 products in total. When it comes to video security, Meiller also relies on a modern solution and has installed ten MOBOTIX cameras in the store. The family-run company Meiller Jewellers has captivated customers since 1876 Analogue footage issues Up until now, the jeweller had been using an analogue security camera system, which was starting to show its age and no longer ran smoothly. In addition, the quality of the video images sometimes left much to be desired. "We are dealing with very small items here, such as earrings, and sometimes these were difficult to make out due to the low resolution of the analogue camera," explains Roland Meiller, owner of Meiller Jewellers. Roland Meiller decided to install a new video solution and called security consultant Norbert von Breidbach-Bürresheim, Managing Director at VALEO IT Neteye GmbH. Norbert packed the MOBOTIX cameras up and brought them to the store where he demonstrated the video systems for the jeweller. In addition, he made a number of test recordings and the customer was more than satisfied with the results. "The resolution of the video systems was very good, and the details were easy to make out – even in backlight situations," Meiller said. "The price of the solutions sealed the deal for us because you can really see the difference when it comes to the value for money the new indoor cameras offer. Another criterion was the design of the cameras. Their design is very discreet, making the cameras on the ceiling hardly noticeable." Cameras ready for use in 12 hours The ten cameras were to be installed outside opening hours, but since shops were allowed to open on the Sunday of the chosen weekend, which is not usually the case in Germany, VALEO IT Neteye began to remove the old analogue system on Saturday afternoon, directly after the store was closed. Afterwards, new network cables had to be installed in the ceiling since there were only analogue cables in place at the time. Finally, the new cameras were mounted. "The removal of the old cameras and installation of the new ones went incredibly smoothly and was finished within just 12 hours, so that we were able to re-open the shop on time for a bustling day of business that Sunday,” Meiller explained. “VALEO IT Neteye had already preconfigured the video equipment they brought, so the installation was especially fast." Meiller Jewellery offers exclusive watches, jewellery, and glasses from venerable, high-end, and contemporary brands and models Excellent image quality even in poor light conditions A total of nine c25 indoor cameras were installed at the entrance and on the ceiling over the sale tables. These are ideal for installation in ceilings due to their small diameter of just 12 centimetres and a weight of approximately 200 grams. Features include a light-sensitive sensor with 6MP Moonlight technology, a microSD memory card and the latest camera software. The integrated Lowlight Exposure Optimisation MxLEO facilitates high-contrast images without motion blurring, even in poorly lit surroundings. This allows the easy identification of people, as well as the details of individual watches or pieces of jewellery. In addition, the c25 is equipped with MxAnalytics video analysis tools that can be used, for example, to carry out people and object counting or display a heat map of high-traffic areas. "We do not use these functions yet, but we are thinking about doing so in the near future," says Meiller. In high-end shops, a highly visible video surveillance system is not always desired, since the customers usually place high value on discretion Cameras provide overview of the entire shop A p25 indoor camera was installed above the cashier’s area. It is equipped with a 6-megapixel Moonlight sensor, and is very light-sensitive. Due to the manual swivel and tilt functions, the camera offers high flexibility during installation. The camera features a telephoto lens and provides high-resolution 6-megapixel images in high detail. It is true that a highly visible video surveillance system may deter potential burglars or thieves by emphasising the danger of being identified and caught after the act. In high-end shops, however, this is not always desired, since the customers usually place high value on discretion. That is why a video-based solution should be as discreet as possible. "In a jewellery shop like ours, a video system is part of the basic kit, for insurance purposes for starters. The MOBOTIX cameras have an elegant design, so that at first sight, they aren’t even visible on the ceiling," says Meiller. Evaluation made easy in suspicious cases The MOBOTIX cameras are based on a decentralised concept. In this decentralised concept, each camera functions as a high-performance computer. Both data and image processing, as well as the encoding, are performed by the camera itself. The recording can be stored to the camera’s SD card at Meiller Jewellers and transferred to a network storage device. It is only viewed in concrete cases of suspicion. Compared to a centralised system, up to ten times more cameras per server can be connected this way. Furthermore, no additional computers or software are necessary. This is another key advantage, since the old analogue cameras required an expensive hard drive recorder. In the workshop separate from the store, there is a computer on which live feeds from the jewellery shop can be viewed. In this way, employees always know what is going on in the shop, while as a result, the jeweller has a video surveillance system that ideally ensures quick identification and arrest of the culprits in the case of theft or burglary.

Intrusion can be a complicated and expensive subject when looking to protect retail businesses. Each installation can come with various difficulties to overcome, whether this is aisles, display spaces, counters, furniture and more. Maximum protection in all areas Another consideration is that burglars can be creative when breaking in. To avoid detection, they can hide behind furniture, crawl across the floor or even stay close to walls or aisles, where there may be natural blind spots in the security system. Therefore, to ensure maximum protection in all areas, a multitude of detectors would need to be utilised to cover each angle the different obstacles create. This can be a very time-consuming and expensive exercise. So, what’s the solution for a cost-effective and efficient installation that provides maximum protection? Fit the Pyronix Octopus DQ and take a different approach to detection. Instead of fitting various detectors at varying angles to cover large or awkward areas, you can fit one and detect from above! Better intruder catch performance This ceiling mount quad infrared detector utilises advanced Pyronix technologies, with 360º coverage to provide complete peace of mind. With a quad-element passive infrared (PIR) sensor, the Octopus DQ has better intruder catch performance when compared with traditional dual element ceiling mount PIR sensors. While its simple clip in PCB, single screw fitting, selectable EOL resistors and walk test LED make the Octopus DQ fast to fit! A more cost effective and secure solution for any installation. With the Pyronix Octopus DQ, retail owners can have complete peace of mind that the security system is watching over their property.

Founded in 1977, Cea Point Industrial Co. Ltd. initially specialised in the manufacture of men’s trousers, later shifting its focus to producing licenced products for various brands. Currently, Cea Point is Taiwan’s only licenced manufacturer for the Italian business casual brand Pebbles, British golf apparel brand Wolsey, Japanese brand Simple Life and British swimwear brand Zoggs, all of which are prominent brands in department stores and shopping centres across Taiwan. To accommodate the increasing number of retail outlets for these brands and the related demands on business management, Cea Point, after comprehensive research and assessment, employed an advanced IP surveillance system and secure network structure plan. Following the installation of this system, the flexible deployment of network cameras and convenient, real-time management were achieved – the sum result was substantially elevated management efficiency. Managers can also engage in real-time communication with staff members to arrange support during busy periods Remote surveillance and real-time inspection management Deputy Manager Li Si-Xian of the Import Brand Business Division of Cea Point stated that as Simple Life’s stores are spread across Taiwan, the company decided to employ an IP surveillance system, thereby enabling real-time monitoring for all stores and the efficient remote management of store displays. Even when travelling overseas for business, managers can monitor the stores’ operations by connecting their smartphones to the Internet and accessing the remote surveillance system, ensuring that all staff members are at their designated positions and that the retail outlet is running at maximum efficiency. Managers can also engage in real-time communication with staff members to arrange support during busy periods or to adjust product displays, thus increasing customers’ satisfaction and improving flow arrangements in all stores. This not only enhances management efficiency but also saves the cost and time required for inspecting stores. It also creates a unified shopping experience for customers loyal to the brand; who can expect the same displays and store layout no matter which retail outlet they decide to shop at. FE8180 for wide-range surveillance As Simple Life stores are mainly located in shopping centres, stores are not subject to the same limits found at department store counters. For example, Simple Life has stores in Mitsui Outlet Park, E-DA Outlet Mall, and Miramar Entertainment Park. The display areas of Simple Life stores in these three locations are quite large and are primarily open-plan. With the assistance of VIVOTEK’s distributor Zero One Tech, Cea Point employed the stylish VIVOTEK FE8180 fisheye network camera. This high performance but low profile camera has a diameter of only 90mm, but is able to offer 5-megapixel sensors and 180° panoramic and 360° surround views. The camera’s resolution enables effective wide-range surveillance, decreasing the number of cameras needed The camera’s excellent resolution enables effective wide-range surveillance, offering a comprehensive view while decreasing the number of cameras needed and thus cutting procurement costs. The FE8180’s built-in WDR enhancement technology results in significant benefits for processing environments with complex light sources, thus eliminating interference caused by the many projection lights found in many retail stores. Further, the FE8180’s lightweight, miniature, and minimalistic design ensures simple installation and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment, meaning that the camera’s stand-out performance can blend into even the most fashion-conscious retail environment. Smart surveillance in the future Finally, Deputy Manager Li also stated that with the rapid advancement of technology, IP surveillance systems can now be integrated with smart devices. In the near future, smart analytic functions such as traffic statistics, hotspot analysis, and motion detection will be applied to combine management and business intelligence and to provide customers with a more comprehensive and real-time shopping experience while multiplying the benefits and opportunities for marketing.

Keeping track of keys at Festival Place had become a full-time job. With over 170 shops, a cinema, sports centre and restaurants, the large retail complex has an ever-changing roster of permanent staff, cleaners and out-of-hours contractors. Everyone requires secure entry on demand.  At the same time, the public needs open access to a pool and gym, retail outlets and car parks, for 18 hours or more every day. Lockdown was not an option, yet a single lost key could become a security problem for all users and tenants.  CLIQ® solution The solution was CLIQ®, a security locking system with high-end microelectronics, programmable keys and cylinders. Installing just over 250 CLIQ® mechatronic cylinders from ASSA ABLOY drastically cut the burden that mechanical key management was placing on site security staff.  Now, cleaners and maintenance workers are issued with a key that allows entry to specific doors for a pre-defined time period. After the permitted time ends, the key no longer works. Using simple online software, site managers can immediately de-authorise and reissue a lost key, or amend any key’s permissions. A single lost key could become a security problem for all users and tenants Only genuine CLIQ® keys with the relevant authorisation will open a CLIQ® lock, meaning security risks from copied keys are no longer an issue. Generating a comprehensive audit trail – who accessed which lock, and when – takes just a couple of mouse clicks.  Flexible, programmable locking solution CLIQ® has also cut Festival Place operational costs. The electronics in CLIQ® locks are powered by the standard battery inside every CLIQ® key, not mains electricity. Installation was wireless, a huge saving on potentially expensive electrical work.  With CLIQ®, there is no need for keyholders to return to an administrator to change or update permissions. Everything is controlled remotely from the admin dashboard, streamlining everyone’s workflows. At Festival Place, CLIQ® technology now powers a flexible, programmable locking solution. It has put security managers in control of their 102,000 sq. m premises, around the clock, without compromising security.  “We were looking to solve key management issues,” explains Craig Allen, Festival Place’s security centre manager. “CLIQ® enabled us to have more control. “We now have plans to phase out mechanical keys altogether, replacing them with CLIQ® within two years.”

  The Dahl Auto Plaza in Winona, Minnesota is part of an auto dynasty that first began in 1911, when Andrew H. Dahl began selling Ford Model T’s out of his general store in Westby, Wisconsin. The company is in its fifth generation of Dahl family ownership with over a century of growth behind it. Today Dahl operates three dealership campuses throughout the Midwestern United States that are home to Subaru, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, and Lincoln automobile franchises. During construction of the new Dahl Auto Plaza in Winona, the installation of a video surveillance system was a required part of the planning. Arecont Vision became the go-to manufacturer for all the dealership’s surveillance cameras. Video surveillance system challenge Winona’s Dahl is home to three different dealerships on a single campus — Chevy, Toyota, and the Dahl Used Car Express Service Centre. The company needed a comprehensive video surveillance system to monitor its parking lots and service bays for traffic, customer flow, vehicle flow, vandalism, and theft. With a desired 15-16 camera limit to cover such a large amount of space, cameras with high image quality and flexibility were essential to the new surveillance system’s success. No other camera manufacturer could compete with the price and performance of the Arecont Vision Omni series Arecont Vision Try-and-Buy programme  The implementation of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras at Dahl Winona began with the use of Arecont Vision’s Try-and-Buy programme at the recommendation of Russ Neitzke, President and Founder of systems integrator Digicom, Inc. Cameras selected for a Try-and-Buy trial can be returned by the systems integrator for a full refund of the purchase price if the customer is unsatisfied. SurroundVideo Omni unique design The only cameras considered for the Dahl video surveillance system were Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Omni models after they were tested. “No other camera manufacturer could compete with the price and performance of the Arecont Vision Omni series,” Mr. Neitzke said. “As a result, no other surveillance camera manufacturers were recommended by Digicom, Inc. or would be able to so effectively cover the 15 acres of new and used vehicle display, public access, and vehicle service areas at the new Dahl Auto Plaza.” The SurroundVideo Omni series features a unique, patented 360o track design. Each camera includes four individual megapixel (MP) sensors mounted in multi-axis gimbals that can be independently placed and aimed in nearly any configuration, allowing coverage to be highly customised to specific project requirements. With features like remote focus in the SurroundVideo Omni G2, interchangeable lenses and high-resolution capabilities (12 and 20MP) in both G1 and G2 series models, the versatility of this camera family is unmatched. For large open spaces such as those found at the new Dahl campus, the SurroundVideo Omni series provides high resolution, omni-directional video in a rugged, low profile enclosure suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The cameras are IK-10 impact resistant and IP66 environmental rated against dust and water, making them ideal for Dahl’s requirements. Reduced need for multiple cameras Most critical for Dahl were the SurroundVideo Omni series benefits of low maintenance, high video resolution, and the ability to reduce the number of cameras required for full situational awareness throughout the campus. The SurroundVideo Omni 12MP models selected include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology, which aids in producing high quality, clear images even in challenging light situations. The SurroundVideo Omni reduces the need for multiple cameras to cover open spaces, saving the customer money The SurroundVideo Omni reduces the need for multiple cameras to cover open spaces, saving the customer money on both camera cost and installation requirements. Without the need for the constantly moving parts of a legacy Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera, there are no parts, gears, belts, or motors to wear out and to require maintenance in the SurroundVideo Omni series. This reduces ongoing operational costs. With Digicom Inc. designing the surveillance and installation plans, Dahl was in good hands. Dahl selected the SurroundVideo Omni series, reaping the significant benefit of reduced installation time. Each sensor gimbal in a SurroundVideo Omni is magnetically set in place around the 70+ placement-point omnidirectional track and then quickly locked down during installation. This makes it easy for the installer to arrange an ideal coverage layout. Another significant selling point for Dahl was that each SurroundVideo Omni camera requires only a single IP category 5 PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable, which reduces both complexity and installation cost. ExacqVision VMS Dahl can monitor the surveillance system locally, corporate-wide, and on various smartphones and tablets. Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program member ExacqVision is utilised for the video management system (VMS). A single ExacqVision VMS licence is required for each SurroundVideo Omni camera, while providing four high-definition video views. Arecont Vision cameras are certified with ExacqVision and the VMS is installed in the Arecont Vision MegaLab™ to enable ongoing collaboration between the two companies and to ensure the best possible integration and support for customers.  Dahl can monitor the surveillance system locally, corporate-wide, and on various smartphones and tablets Arecont success at Dahl The Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Omni cameras at Dahl have been a great success, with high customer satisfaction. “Basically,” Mr. Neitzke stated, “The coverage that you get with the SurroundVideo Omni is really like buying four cameras in one.” Being able to effectively cover Dahl’s range of campus requirements with fewer cameras and lower purchase, installation, and operational costs meant that Arecont Vision has hit all the required marks for this project, according to Mr. Neitzke. The system has performed incredibly well, with few issues from the end-user. On the rare occasion when an issue has popped up, the Arecont Vision team has been responsive to the customer’s needs, providing technical support, advanced replacements, or any other kind of assistance Dahl has needed for the surveillance system. Future projects Arecont Vision and Dahl are now planning a second, even larger project at Dahl’s campus in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dahl plans on upgrading this campus with a new surveillance system for indoor and outdoor spaces with Arecont Vision cameras. Digicom, Inc. and the Arecont Vision Field Application Engineering groups are developing a campus-wide plan for this next project. SurroundVideo Omni will be ready to be deployed yet again whenever Dahl needs it.

Industry challenges The retail industry suffers considerable losses each year as shrinkage due to employee theft, sweet hearting, and shoplifting. It also faces pressure from on-the-spot robberies and organised retail crime, workplace violence, slip-and-fall litigation, workman’s compensation, and legislation. Arecont Vision® IP megapixel cameras are proven around the world by retailers of all sizes, utilised in a wide range of retail locations and environments, to address these challenges. Arecont Vision deployment examples Arecont Vision IP megapixel single- and multi-sensor cameras are deployed in a wide range of applications to support the retail marketplace. Examples include: Providing complete situational awareness, with live and forensic viewing Video documentation for slip-and-fall, workman’s compensation, workplace violence and litigation protection Loss prevention including internal fraud, theft and sweet hearting, plus external fraud, shoplifting, and organised retail crime Entrance – exit – POS - aisle – stock room – cafeteria/break room – loading dock monitoring Parking area surveillance Licence plate recognition Customer/staff behaviour monitoring Workflow monitoring Audit programs Budget/business continuity Supply chain monitoring Arecont Vision cameras are deployed by small retailers, convenience and liquor stores, chain stores, department stores, big box retailers, supermarkets, shopping centres and malls, luxury goods suppliers, car dealerships and gas/petrol stations.