Network cameras from Axis Communications, the global leader in network video have been installed in 10 Hughes and Hughes bookstores - Ireland's fastest-growing bookstore group. Working with IT consultancy and Axis Partner, OmniSys, Axis network cameras are being rolled out to its bookstores across Ireland and the UK. A driving force in airport book retailing, Hughes and Hughes currently has 10 airport stores including six at Dublin airport, one at London's City Airport. It has also won the contract to be the exclusive bookseller at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Across Hughes and Hughes' Dublin airport operation, a total of 21 network cameras have been installed including 18 AXIS 216 FD Fixed Dome Network Cameras across three stores, an AXIS 207W Wireless Network Camera monitoring a remote warehouse and AXIS 210 and AXIS 211 Network Cameras protecting the cash and administration offices. Images are fed on to the airport authority IT network and are monitored and recorded via a high specification personal computer (PC) using AXIS Camera Station capable of handling images from up to 25 network cameras.
In-store incidents recorded for up to 28 days - high quality JPEG video files are supplied to local police where offences have been committed or allegations made. IP-Surveillance has also helped Hughes and Hughes senior management teams to view customer shopping behaviours in real-time via their own PC or PDA.
Mark Gould, managing director for Hughes and Hughes commented:
"Thanks to the network cameras from Axis, I typically watch trading across our stores for about an hour or two a day. I can get a feel for customer numbers on different days or times of day. The information I get from what I see around the business helps me make more informed management decisions."
Colin Whelan, managing director of the integrator OmniSys, commented:
"Network Video represent a growing part of our business, we see IP-Surveillance as a natural extension to any business IT network. Many of our customers do not even consider installing surveillance cameras because the cost and relative poor quality they now associate with the old CCTV technology. The truth is that network cameras and associated management systems has changed the view amongst businesses - surveillance is now both affordable, highly effective and can grow with your business. For installers, Axis is making it easier - using Power over Ethernet network cameras, such as the AXIS 216FD, cuts down on costly electrical wiring."
Steve Gorski, managing director for Axis Communications (UK) commented:
"OmniSys and Hughes and Hughes have both recognised the potential of IP-Surveillance - to provide security monitoring and also to help cut insurance fraud and manage a fast-growing retail business. Senior managers can check on the progress of the business when they cannot physically be at the stores. This insight gives Hughes and Hughes a real edge over their competition."
