Retail security applications

Using a smart phone as an access control credential is an idea whose time has come – or has it? The flexible uses of smart phones are transforming our lives in multiple ways, and the devices are replacing everything from our alarm clocks to our wallets to our televisions. However, the transformation from using a card to using a mobile credential for access control is far from a no-brainer for many organisations, which obstacles to a fast or easy transition. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: When will mobile credentials dominate access control, and what are the obstacles to greater adoption?

In 1973, a brilliant economist named E.F. Schumacher wrote a seminal book titled ‘Small Is Beautiful:’ taking an opposing stance to the emergence of globalisation and “bigger is better” industrialism. He described the advantages of smaller companies and smaller scales of production, highlighting the benefits of building our economies around the needs of communities, not corporations. In almost every industry or market that exists in the world today, you're likely to find a difference in size between companies. Whether it’s a global retail chain versus a small family-owned store, a corporate restaurant chain versus a mom-and-pop diner or a small bed and breakfast versus a large hotel chain — each side of the coin presents unique characteristics and advantages in a number of areas. Disparity in physical security industry Customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises as the big names typically imply stability This disparity very clearly exists in the physical security industry, and differences in the sizes of product manufacturers and service providers could have important implications for the quality and type of the products and services offered. All too often, customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises, as the big names typically imply stability, extensive product offerings and global reach. And that's not to say that these considerations are unwarranted; one could argue that larger companies have more resources for product development and likely possess the combined expertise and experience to provide a wide range of products and services. But the value that a company’s products and services can bring isn’t necessarily directly related to or dependent on its size. In an age where the common wisdom is to scale up to be more efficient and profitable, it’s interesting to pause and think about some of the possible advantages of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Typically, “small” companies are defined as those with less than 100 employees and “medium” with less than 500. Providing social mobility  Schumacher argued that smaller companies are important engines of economic growth. Indeed, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of 36 member countries that promotes policies for economic and social well-being, SMBs account for 60 to 70 percent of jobs in most OECD countries. Importantly, SMBs provide resilience in that there are often large economic and social impacts when big companies fail. Smaller companies are better for regional economies in general, as earnings stay more local compared to big businesses, which in turn generates additional economic activity. SMBs are also better at providing social mobility for disadvantaged groups by giving them opportunities and enabling them to realise their potential. Smaller companies are often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions such as Cloud, analytics, AI, and IoT New companies introduce new technologies There's no denying the role of start-ups when it comes to innovation. In the security industry, many new technologies (e.g. Cloud, analytics, AI, IoT) are first brought to the market by newer companies. In general, smaller companies’ products and services often have to be as good or better than others to be competitive in the marketplace. They are therefore often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions. And these companies are also more willing to try out other new B2B solutions, while larger companies tend to be more risk-averse. Customer service Aside from the quality of products and services, arguably one of the most important components of a security company’s success is its ability to interact with and provide customers the support that they deserve. Smaller companies are able to excel and stand out to their customers in a number of ways: Customer service. Customers’ perceptions of a product’s quality are influenced by the quality of support, and smaller manufacturers often possess a strong, motivated customer service team that can be relatively more responsive to customers of all sizes, not just the large ones. A superior level of support generally translates into high marks on customer satisfaction, since customers’ issues with products can be resolved promptly. Flexibility. SMBs have a greater capacity to detect and satisfy small market niches. While large companies generally create products and services for large markets, smaller companies deal more directly with their customers, enabling them to meet their needs and offer customised products and services. And this translates to adaptability, as SMBs become responsive to new market trends. By having a pulse on the market, smaller companies have much more flexibility in their supply chain and can adjust much faster in response to changing demand. Decision-making. Smaller companies are much more agile in decision-making, while larger enterprises often suffer from complex, tedious and lengthy decision-making processes. Communication is easier throughout SMBs, as smaller teams enable new ideas to flow and can solve problems faster. Job satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction. SMBs are also generally more connected to local communities and participation in community activities leads to a greater sense of purpose. Additionally, SMBs have a much smaller impact on the environment, which is increasingly becoming an important consideration for today’s employees and customers. Though Schumacher's book takes a much deeper dive into the large global effects of scale on people and profitability, the general impact of a company’s size on its products and services is clear. It’s important for all players in the security industry to remember that the commitment and dedication to product quality can be found in businesses of all sizes. Ensuring safety of people, property and assets Large manufacturers may catch your eye, but small business shouldn’t be forgotten, as they can offer end users a robust set of attributes and benefits. While all security companies are aiming to achieve a common goal of providing safety for people, property and assets, smaller businesses can provide extensive value when it comes to driving the economy, innovating in the industry, providing quality employment and offering superior customer service.

Repercussions are rippling through the physical security industry since President Trump signed into law the ban on government uses of surveillance equipment by Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua. In addition to the direct and indirect consequences of the new law, there have also been other developments likely to impact the future of Chinese companies in the video surveillance market. The ban has raised awareness of Chinese companies’ role in video surveillance, and other developments are related to tariffs and possible sanctions, all playing out amid the backdrop of an escalating trade war. One Chinese manufacturer previously dismissed security concerns about its role in video surveillance as “Cold War rhetoric.” There has been an almost nostalgic tone recently to the escalating concerns about video cameras being used for spying. Hikvision and Dahua have both stated emphatically that they have not conducted any espionage-related activities. Even so, the U.S. government ban has emboldened the concerns. However, to be clear: No one has alleged that technologies from either of the companies have been used for espionage. Rather, the concerns are about the potential for misuse, not actual misuse. Also aggravating the situation are Chinese companies’ previous, actual problems with cybersecurity, which the companies say they have addressed. Here are some recent developments related to the U.S. government ban and Chinese manufacturers in general: Tariffs and trade concerns Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods, including data storage and processing components such as printed circuit boards, as well as video camera lenses. The escalating trade war has kept generalised concerns about China and its trade practices in the public eye and fomented a level of uncertainty in many markets, including physical security. Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods Involvement of surveillance in Chinese human rights violations Concerns have surfaced in a Congressional hearing recently about the Chinese government’s surveillance activities targeting the Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the Zinjiang Urghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Specific attention is being directed at the region’s surveillance system including “thousands of surveillance cameras, including in mosques,” and Hikvision and Dahua were mentioned in the Congressional hearing as profiting from security spending in the area. Increased global media attention The ban has not been widely publicised in the U.S. mainstream media, but the topic has attracted global attention. For example, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast a 10-minute expose on the use of Chinese-made cameras in Australian government facilities, including “sensitive military facilities.” The report, which mentioned the U.S. ban, noted that “Both [Hikvision and Dahua] have had security flaws be exposed leading to fears that some of the flaws were placed there to help the Chinese government spy.” The report continues: “China is trying to set itself up as the number-one country for cyber-espionage, and this is part of that platform.” How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of "critical infrastructure" mentioned in the bill? Broader interpretation of the bill beyond the federal government The language in the bill leaves a level of ambiguity in terms of the scope of its application, and the security marketplace as a whole has been struggling to understand its full impact. Does the ban only restrict an integrator’s use of Chinese technology on a specific government job, or does it eliminate an integrator who installs the technology (even in non-government projects) from consideration for government jobs? How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of “critical infrastructure” mentioned in the bill, for example, non-governmental facilities? Will other governments and private entities assume they should ban Hikvision and Dahua in order to be compliant? For example, Suffolk, Virginia, has announced it will not to use Dahua or Hikvision cameras because the federal ban applies to “U.S. government-funded contracts and for critical infrastructure and national security usage.” The result of these developments is a kind of snowball effect, simultaneously drawing attention to the issues and adding new elements to an overall narrative. Taken together, these developments suggest the U.S. ban has set off a level of concern about Chinese companies that will have an industry-transforming impact in the months to come.

Newly modernised halls with lots of daylight will house hundreds of exhibitions and conference events at the upcoming Security Essen 2018 at Messe Essen, Germany. A new layout and hall numbering system will be unfamiliar to past attendees but promises to simplify the experience as it brings together attendees and exhibitors. European physical security market Security Essen is an international trade fair, but the emphasis is more on German, Austrian and Swiss companies. In all, Security Essen will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 40 nations. The trade fair has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market. At the last Security Essen in 2016, organisers reported about 40,000 visitors including conference participants, VIP guests, members of various delegations and journalists. Security Essen 2018 has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market  “This year, we have sharpened the profile of Security Essen,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, a trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. “The trade fair has become considerably more digital, more modern and more interactive. Due to the optimised hall layout, we are offering our exhibitors and visitors the best possible experience with short paths and direct communication.” Newly modernised Messe Essen The newly modernised site of Security Essen will encompass eight halls, newly renumbered and with the subject areas reorganised, too. Visitors will find Services in Hall 1; Access, Mechanatronics, Mechanics and Systems in Halls 2 and 3 and the Galeria; Perimeter Protection in Hall 3; Video in Halls 5 and 7; and Fire, Intrusion and Systems in Halls 6 and 7. A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS), will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan; the exhibitor list with booth numbers and contact information; and an overview of the supporting programme. A separate hall – Hall 8 – will house new Cyber Security and Economic Security categories. Cyber Security Conference At the new Cyber Security Conference, located prominently at the new East Entrance, experts will share their knowledge about the more pressing challenges and potential of cybersecurity. The programme opens and closes on 25 and 28 September with the main topic “Opportunities and Risks of Cyber Security”. On 26 September, discussions and lectures will centre on “Entry, Admission, Access: Identification Options”.A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan On 27 September, the topic will be smart homes and focus on “Connected Building, Security in the Buildings of the Future”. Speakers will include the president of Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security, who will address cybersecurity as a challenge for politics, business and society. The fair organises the conference in cooperation with the BHE Federal Association of Security Technology and the technical support of the Federal Office for Information Security. In Hall 8, a new Public Security Forum will enable visitors to experience digital security technologies for public spaces from the areas of sensors/IoT, cyber security and surveillance. The products and solutions will be installed in four different building scenarios (town hall, school, hospital and library) and it will be possible to test them extensively. The forum, including lectures and discussions, will target municipal decision makers and planners of public spaces. Comprehensive programme A Security Expert Forum in Hall 2 will present a continuous programme with more than 90 presentations during the period of the fair. Visitors will obtain information and solution ideas about all six subject areas covered at the fair, and the programme will begin with a keynote lecture each morning and finish with a live demonstration in the evening. On the first day of the fair (25 September), Security Essen’s Career Forum will introduce retrainees, students, trainees and graduates to companies from the security industry. Targeted and professional communication will be established between companies and job applicants to facilitate making contacts, developing networks, and filling actual vacancies. Thursday (27 September) will be observed as Fire Prevention Day, and a Drone Course will be provided each day in Hall 7. One day admission to Security Essen is €41; a four-day ticket is €105. Advance sale tickets are discounted.

There are many aspects to consider when developing a retail security strategy, including loss prevention, physical security, asset protection, risk management, and IT. All these areas could be the responsibility of just a few people working to secure a handful of stores or each of these areas could be entirely separate departments, as is often the case for major retailers with locations throughout the country. Regardless of the size of the retailer, there are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention, yet none should be used in a silo. There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together, including enhancing overall safety and security, reducing shrink, and improving operations. There are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention As the existing security infrastructure is evaluated and plans for the future are developed, the team responsible should consider some of the following questions. Are there areas of the store that require greater security? Are there notifications or other technologies that could improve the efficiency of personnel and the safety of shoppers? Are there other departments within the organisation that could benefit from the data gathered by the security technology? Understanding current pain points within the stores and how integrated security solutions can address these is the key to implementing the best solution. Here are a few “hot spots” within a typical retail store that easily demonstrate the power of integrated solutions. Point of sale terminals Whether it’s loss through sweet hearting or other fraud, point of sale terminals present a significant shrink risk for retailers. Integrated systems enhance security at these locations. Video recording of HD or megapixel cameras integrated with point of sale data makes it easy to locate video associated with transactions and exception reporting. This allows for visual verification of each transaction when needed.There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together Other risks like robbery not only result in loss, but also impact the safety of employees and shoppers alike. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk. When the intrusion detection system is integrated with the video system, pressing a panic button or pulling the bill from the sensor can automatically trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the monitoring station to provide verification of the alarm and more information for law enforcement when they are dispatched. Adding audio integration to the intrusion system can also result in a message sent to the store security personnel’s two-way radio when a panic button is pushed, or a bill trap sensor is activated. If no security guard is onsite, video monitoring services can allow the monitoring centre to intervene through audio, alerting the perpetrator that his or her actions are being monitored and that the authorities have been contacted. This may cause the offender to flee the area, helping to mitigate the safety risk as well as the potential for loss. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk High value displays Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communication Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communications. For example, a person standing at a display for longer than a pre-defined time or touching items on display can trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the store manager and an audio message to play through a nearby loudspeaker, such as: “Thank you for your interest in our smartphone selection; an associate will be there soon to assist you.” This not only alerts potential offenders that their actions are being watched, it also serves to improve customer service for legitimate shoppers – as a retail floor associate is notified that a customer may need assistance. Cash office An access control reader at the door to the cash office restricts access to only authorised individuals. Integrating video can automatically capture an image of the person requesting access for verifying an employee’s identification prior to granting access or for retrospective analysis in the event of a theft. Exit doors If an employee props open a back door – either for easy re-entry after a break or to allow access to another person with intentions of theft – integration of the intrusion detection system to the video and audio system can significantly reduce risk of loss. For example, the intrusion detection system can monitor doors for abnormal conditions, even when the system is disarmed.Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door is accidentally left open A door left open for longer than a pre-defined time can cause an alarm on the intrusion panel, which can trigger a nearby camera to send a snapshot of the open door to the store manager and trigger the public address system to play a pre-recorded message through a nearby speaker. This prompts the employee to close the door, reducing risk of theft. Coolers and freezers Loss isn’t just about theft. Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door of one of these units is accidentally left open. The same concept for monitoring exit doors can also apply to doors for coolers and freezers to prevent spoilage. A cooler or freezer door monitored by the intrusion detection system can trigger an alert or chime to play in the area to remind an employee to close the door or to alert the store manager to the issue. While providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can be used to trigger an alert in case the queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold Serving a dual purpose Retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store While the technology solutions described above positively impact loss prevention in a retail store, they can also extend beyond security to improve health and safety and enhance customer service as well as customer engagement and sales. For example, while securing a store’s main entrance with IP cameras featuring on-board video analytics, retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store. This data can help them understand peak days and times when making decisions about staffing. Or while providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can also be used to trigger an alert in case the number of people in a queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold. At this point, the same public address system and loudspeakers used to play background music to enhance the shopping experience could be activated to broadcast a message to request another cash register to be opened, improving store operations. For security and loss prevention purposes, video analytics can also be used to ensure that no one enters or leaves the retail shop using the emergency exit. To address health and safety issues, these same cameras can also trigger an alarm if that emergency exit is blocked by an object – improving the safety of customers and employees. When systems are used to deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost Metadata generated by the cameras can also be used to gather information that when processed with sophisticated algorithms in the cloud can show trajectories of the paths that shoppers take as they travel throughout a store as well as heat maps indicating where they walk, stop and dwell – all while protecting the privacy of individual shoppers. This information can be used by merchandisers to evaluate the success of displays and store layouts, which directly impacts customer engagement and sales. When systems are used for and deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost of the system. This provides an added benefit by relieving some of the cost burden from security or other operational budgets. Product selection Integration is becoming easier using standards and expanding industry partnerships. However, in some cases, choosing systems from a single vendor that are designed to work together can help to speed and simplify installation, while also reducing system costs for both the integrator and the user. Regardless of the products chosen, it will be important for a retailer with many locations to have consistency in the type of equipment installed at each site. This makes support easier and enables a more uniform response to incidents that happen at various stores. As many retailers already understand, there is no silver bullet to reducing loss. However, a combination of the right technologies working together to prevent shrink and improve investigative capabilities can result in smarter and more effective loss prevention.

GSX 2018 is both a new event for the security industry and the continuation of a 63-year tradition. Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual seminar and exhibits, which have been held since 1955. In recent years, the ASIS event has joined forces with other organisations to expand its scope and to appeal to a broader audience. Partners include ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) and Infragard, a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The expansion is continuing this year with the addition of 30 supporting organisations representing industry verticals and reflecting ASIS’s intent to unite the full spectrum of security. Improving the state of cyber security Held September 23-27 at the Las Vegas convention Center, GSX 2018 seeks to attract more than 20,000 operational and cyber security professionals and 550 exhibitors. The Cyber Security Summit will co-locate with GSX, offering cyber security programming at a time when it is needed the most Other elements will further expand the 2018 event’s scope. The Cyber Security Summit will co-locate with GSX, offering cyber security programming at a time when it is needed the most. Top government, industry and academic thought leaders will engage in a dialogue to improve the state of cyber security. The 2018 Security Cares Program will address school violence prevention and response in a free education program. Topics will include pre-violence indicators, target hardening, and best practices to involve the entire community of school administrators, law enforcement, security professionals and mental health providers. Experts to deliver keynote speeches Keynote speakers including CNN host Fareed Zakaria will bestow celebrity appeal. Air Force Major General Bradley D. Spacy will share details about the new AFWERX innovation and tech hub in Las Vegas and how the U.S. Air Force is collaborating with the private sector to bring new security product ideas to market. Spacy’s keynote on Sept. 26 will kick off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Also, K.T. McFarland, former Trump Administration Deputy National Security Advisor, will share an insider’s perspective on critical foreign policy and defence industries. Attendees to ASIS International’s annual gathering typically list networking and education as big benefits of the event. Historically, the trade show aspect has existed separately from the educational program, and foot traffic to the exhibits has sometimes suffered from the competition. Beginning last year, and continuing in 2018, ASIS International has pursued innovative approaches to integrate the trade show more closely into the overall attendee experience. “The integration of programming and exhibits is truly seamless,” says one observer of the new approach. Held Sept. 23-27 at the Las Vegas convention Center, GSX 2018 seeks to attract more than 20,000 operational and cyber security professionals and 550 exhibitors X Learning Theatres GSX has sought to transform the exhibit hall into a ‘learning lab environment’ that features thousands of security products, technologies and service solutions (provided by the exhibitors), in addition to ‘immersive learning opportunities to connect the current and emerging threat landscape with solutions available in the marketplace’. There are several ‘X Learning Theatres’, including one (‘X-Stage’) focussed on leading-edge technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI, drones, and robotics. There is also an ‘Xcelerated Exchange Stage’ to facilitate discussions among security practitioners and solution providers. The ‘Xperience Stage’ showcases case studies and best practices. Also attracting more attendees to the Exhibit Hall will be ‘Career HQ’, a free career fair and enhanced career centre. ‘D3 Xperience’ (Drones, Droids Defence) will focus on unmanned systems with education and demos. The ‘Innovative Product Awards (IPAs) Showcase’ will highlight winners of an awards program. Focussing on security practices GSX is not as much about sales leads as about making connections and contributing to a larger conversation about how to protect people, facilities and assets ASIS International (now GSX 2018) is often compared to ISC West, the U.S. industry’s largest show held in Las Vegas in the spring. GSX 2018 this year may face even more scrutiny based on the changes, rebranding, and location (also in Las Vegas). However, GSX is a completely different show than ISC West, which focuses on the business of security. In contrast, GSX is much more about the practice of security than business. The international network of ASIS International members attend the yearly conference to make new connections, to learn and to benefit from the experiences of other security professionals around the world. The successful trade show exhibitors are the ones that approach the show with that understanding. GSX is not as much about sales leads as about making connections and contributing to a larger conversation about how to protect people, facilities and assets. ASIS International deserves credit for their efforts to integrate the trade show element into the larger goal of the event. Hopefully their new approach will enhance the overall experience for both attendees and exhibitors – and help to make the world a safer place as a consequence.

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.

The retail security market buys almost exclusively on price; however, with higher-quality camera resolution being the new norm, there has been an increase in storage requirements. Simply put, white-box solutions that may have been sufficient a few years ago can no longer support modern surveillance demands. Video surveillance solutionsThe short-term savings associated with white-box servers quickly deteriorates into high long-term costs. Making an investment in a custom-built solution will not only save money by working reliably for years, but the elimination of latency and downtime will ensure all incidents become recorded without fail. Solutions that are built specifically for video surveillance reduce the total project time by removing the need to wait for parts to arrive, create the solution and install them at their destination. Regardless of the number of cameras, all video surveillance needs to be considered critical. That means enterprise-quality should not be exclusive to large installations. The BCDVideo Aurora Server Series is specifically built for the under-100 camera marketplace. Unlike other small market servers, the Aurora Series has a total system throughput of over 500Mbps and bandwidth to scale up to 200 cameras. BCDVideo Aurora Server Series Small-budget projects that have previously succumbed to the pressure of sacrificing quality for short-term savings now have access to servers with redundant power, 12Gbps RAID controller with 2GB of Flash Based Write Cache, hot-pluggable helium hard drives, and 10,000 PassMark rated CPUs. These big project features fit price conscious budgets while maintaining the high-performance found in enterprise surveillance. No longer will surveillance projects need to use white-box solutions to meet their price-point. The Aurora Server Series, Winner of the Benchmark Magazine 2016 Innovation Infrastructure Award, offers a long-term, enterprise-performance solution at a small-budget price. With it, retailers can afford to stay up-to-date with the modern demands of video storage and resolution and integrators can provide a durable solution that will not consume valuable time and money.

Kjell & Company has become Sweden’s leading home electronics accessories retailer. As part of its ongoing improvement process, it is updating its security infrastructure with the use of state-of-the-art intruder alarm solutions from Vanderbilt International. For those in Sweden and Norway looking to purchase mobile phone and tablet accessories, electrical items for the home, cables and connectors, gadgets and other components, Kjell & Company is the place to visit. A household name, the company’s first store opened in Malmö in 1990, where it is still headquartered, and over the last few years it has been on a programme of rapid expansion. Today it has 87 stores in Sweden and 7 stores in Norway, with many more planned for 2016. The business was originally set up by Marcus Dahnelius, his two brothers and father, Kjell, and in 2014 Kjell & Company was purchased by FSN Capital. It has since enhanced its online offering and in early 2015 opened its first store outside Sweden in Sandvika Storsenter near Oslo, and has embarked upon ambitious plans to open 60 outlets in the country. Retail theft challengeSPC Manager is highly flexible, which means that it is equally suited for both small and large outlets" Retail theft is a significant cause for concern in Sweden and in 2013 The Swedish Trade Federation estimated that this activity costs businesses around six billion SEK a year. Stefan Cedervall, Kjell & Company’s Security Manager, comments, “As part of our company-wide store improvement initiative, we set our sights on enhancing security and implementing technology that could achieve this objective. We knew that we wanted an Internet protocol (IP) and general packet radio service (GPRS) based system that could be centrally managed from a remote location, so we contacted Hans Unger at AB säkerhet to find out more about the types of systems available and to get some advice about how to proceed.” “Since we formed in 2004, we have gained an enviable reputation for the quality of our work. After being approached by Kjell & Company, we used our extensive retail experience and suggested a solution based upon Vanderbilt’s SPC system together with the SPC Manager software, which we knew would fulfil all the requirements.” Multiple intrusion detection systems SPC Manager facilitates the administration of multiple SPC intrusion detection systems at one or more locations. SPC Manager can support up to 1,000 SPC panels located anywhere in the world and offers powerful features, including real-time monitoring of installed systems and the ability to modify the user settings of more than one SPC system in a single command. Explaining the benefits of the system for Kjell & Company, Vanderbilt’s Regional Sales Manager, Jonas Lideborg, says, “SPC Manager is highly flexible, which means that it is equally suited for both small and large outlets, whether on high streets or shopping malls. The software uses an always-on IP communication system to provide continuous monitoring of key status information such as panel set, panel unset or panel partially set. It also monitors events and activities for each panel and provides a convenient summarised overview, with drill-down options for additional details.” This has proven particularly useful for Stefan Cedervall, who states, “We have so far introduced SPC Manager into 45 stores and will replace existing systems as soon as they reach their end of life. My team and I can now monitor and manage all of these sites via a central location and if an alarm is activated the third party alarm receiving centre (ARC) gets a call before notifying us. If necessary the ARC will send its own personnel out or call the police if their services are needed. Meanwhile, we know exactly what’s happening with the system in real time.” Entrance and exit controlAs more stores are upgraded with the SPC System, the SPC Manager software can be easily adapted The SPC System at Kjell & Company controls every entrance and exit, including staff entrances, which are accessed initially via a key and then by requesting an alarm code. Importantly, it logs activities, provides authorised personnel with consolidated reports of intrusion or access attempts and door activities, while allowing codes to be changed and problems pinpointed. As more stores are upgraded with the SPC System, the SPC Manager software can be easily adapted, as the software offers the functionality to manage users who need access to multiple locations, and has an import wizard for the rapid assignment of access cards.  As Kjell & Company continues its remarkable success, security will play a vital role and Stefan Cedervall believes that the SPC System together with the SPC Manager software provides a robust, flexible and scalable platform upon which to build. He concludes, “The benefits of having it in place are already evident and I’m delighted with the impact it has had on our overall security strategy. Ultimately, remote monitoring is very useful and gives us valuable peace of mind and total control over the entire networked estate.”

Thanks to this solution, the San Nicolás shopping mall in Antioquia, Colombia, has upgraded from its manual people-counting procedure into a more practical and effective, IP based VIVOTEK system. Traditionally, people counting at shopping malls is done manually, a responsibility assigned to security personnel or guards whose primary task is to ensure public safety and protect the property of the mall and its tenants. To carry out this task, security personnel use a pushbutton that they activate whenever a person enters the building. However they have other tasks to take care of, which prevent full reliability and effectiveness in the counting process. Thus shopping malls are faced with a dilemma. It is important to count the number of people that visit them in order to determine the traffic flow and their potential customers, and even to determine issues such as the rent of particular high-traffic premises. Further, a number of marketing, infrastructure, events and other type of decisions are made based on the counting metrics. However, by employing security staff for this task, valuable human resources are taken up without a satisfactory end result. VIVOTEK meets shopping mall requirements The distributer, ICONTRONIX had previously worked with this client. "In the third stage of the mall we installed the complete security system, the fire control system, the CCTV, the surround sound system, the loudspeakers system, and implemented the monitoring centre", says Carlos Sanchez, Marketing Manager at ICONTRONIX. For this reason, the mall management asked the company to provide them with a people counting system. "We made an offer with two or three alternatives in the market and VIVOTEK was chosen. After testing, it definitely was the best option because its cameras both incorporate a counter function and armed with robust software for reporting", points out Sanchez. VIVOTEK’s SC8131 3D stereo network camera solution This project had two stages of implementation. The first was the establishment of infrastructure: the wiring, pipes, switches and the communication elements. The second phase, nearly a week long, focused on the installation of the cameras. It was also necessary to hold another week of testing to compare the results with manual counting and video recordings. Each installed camera works independently collecting its coverage statistics and reporting to the server regularly The solution was installed in the six pedestrian entrances of the mall. Six units of VIVOTEK’s stereo network camera, the SC8131 were installed – linked intelligently together by VIVOTEK’s professional video management software, VAST. Carlos Sanchez was extremely satisfied with the results: "Each installed camera works independently collecting its coverage statistics and reporting to the server regularly.” These individual cameras, smart on their own, become even more powerful and flexible when connected. As Sanchez added, “The reports can be exported from the server and organised in different formats.” Effectiveness and reliability – even in the shadows Sanchez, always focused on reliability, took great pains to confirm that if the camera performance parameters were met, the percentage of accuracy would be around 95%: "For example, we carried out tests with people who walked in hugging each other, and the camera detects them as two people when the heads are separated." The cameras are ideally mounted at a height of 3.6 metres and at a distance from the entrance of approximately 5 metres. When mounted in this way, the camera offers the ability to discriminate objects by their height. For example, supermarket carts are not detected as people. The hi-resolution power of VIVOTEK’s SC8131 can also differentiate shadows from people. This sets the SC8131 apart from other analytics-focused cameras which work only when the pixels in the image change; in such cases shadows interfere with metrics.

Dahua Technology, a world-leading manufacturer of video surveillance products headquartered in Hangzhou, China, provides an advanced security solution for SHOP N SAVE in Fiji. Shop ’n Save was founded in 1979 as a grocery store in Belleville. The chain now includes thirty-eight stores in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and three additional stores in Springfield, Illinois. In 1983, the retail chain was acquired by Wetterau, Inc. Nine years later, in 1992, Wetterau was acquired by SuperValu, and Shop ’n Save has been a subsidiary of SuperValu since. Recently, Shop N Save Supermarkets have become the fastest growing supermarket chain in Fiji with 16 supermarkets, serving the major towns and cities in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu - the two major islands of Fiji. The Company's trading name "SHOP N SAVE" is an identifiable brand name in the supermarket industry in Fiji, known both for the quality of its service and products. Advanced video security solution Supermarkets are among the places where supervision and security is most vital, and yet extremely difficult to properly maintain. A supermarket is usually enormous in size with racks and partitions literally everywhere. Shop ’n Save in Fiji needed a more advanced security solution for its protection. Because of the diversity of areas that needed protecting in Shop ’n Save, Dahua offered dome cameras and bullet cameras for the front-end and Beneficio series NVRs for storage-end. Dahua IR bullet cameras are installed in the entrances and exits and on the sales floor to prevent potential crime. Besides IR bullet cameras, the IR dome cameras are installed in the cash desk area, which provides a high zoom range to capture all details and maximum to 20fps@3M to support the security staff at their work. Dahua's 3-Megapixel full HD network water-proof IR bullet camera is delicately designed with a 2.7-12mm fixed lens and features excellent picture quality. IP66-rated weatherproofing and dust-proofing ensures the cameras can withstand even the harshest weather environments. Furthermore, IK10-rated vandal-proofing can effectively prevent violent destruction. Dahua 3-Megapixel full HD water-proof & vandal-proof network IR dome camera supports H.264 & MJPEG dual-stream encoding with 13-Megapixel effective resolution, and the maximum IR LEDs' length is up to 30 metres. The cameras are mounted in all critical spots which allows the manager and employees to manually follow events in the store, e.g. if a detective is involved. For recording, Dahua provided its Beneficio NVRs series including 16CH 2U 16PoE network video recorder and 16CH 1.5U 16PoE network video recorder. The Beneficio series recorder is user-friendly, reliable and has high recording performances in real-time. Data is compressed in H.264 which ensures a long recording period.

The Grand Indonesia's shopping malls and business office centres recently modernised its CCTV system taking its surveillance capabilities from analogue to IP by integrating OT Systems' Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) transmission solution to existing infrastructure. Upgrading to IP surveillance The Grand Indonesia is a multifunctional complex in Jakarta, consisting of the Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall, BCA Tower, Kempinski Private Residences and Hotel Indonesia and covering an area of 640,000 m2 (6,900,000 sq. ft.). It is one of the largest shopping centres in South East Asia. The multi-use complex opened in 2006 with a traditional analogue surveillance system. After a decade it was time to upgrade to an IP-based system to provide better image quality and advanced video management and integration. OT Systems’ comprehensive and reliable EtherXtra™ Ethernet-over-coax (EoC) solution fulfilled the need to support the existing analogue systems while upgrading to IP networks in an easy and affordable way. Power-over-coax technology A total of 100 single-channel ET1100CPp-T transmitters were installed to connect 100 IP cameras and connected to either single-channel ET1100CPp-R receivers or 8 to 16-channel ET4200CPp-RS8/16 rack-mount receivers. The ET4200CPp-RS8/16 receiver offers full switching capability and 10/100/1000Mbps auto-MDI/MDIX full-duplex communication and it’s available with rack-mounting installation in the 19-inch rack cabinet. The EoC solution provides flexible communications and 30-watt high power with power-over-coax (PoC) technology to remote PoE IP cameras or PTZ cameras. The power supply can be connected with one-channel or multi-channel receivers like the ET1100CPp-R and ET42000CPp-RS8/16 which supply power using legacy cable. Enhanced security with IP systems OT Systems’ wide range of EtherXtra™ EoC product series allows users to utilise the existing coaxial infrastructure to migrate to IP-based systems. This cost-effective EoC solution breaks Ethernet transmission distance and easily upgrades CCTV systems to IP surveillance networks. It offers long range transmission allowing 1 km to be reached via coaxial cable. It saves considerable expensive by eliminating installation of new Ethernet or fibre cables. Additionally, its plug-and-play design allows for easy installation without the need for extra infrastructure. To enhance the safety and security, more customers are considering updating existing systems to IP requirements. OT Systems is an industry-leading supplier focused on Ethernet-over-coax transmission solutions. Our EoC product series offers an unparalleled and innovative solution for system integrators, installers and end-users. This EoC retrofit easily repurposes existing coaxial cable infrastructure, enhances the system with centralised power and creates a feature-rich IP surveillance system.