Brent Duncan

Interface Security Systems, a managed services provider delivering managed network, asset protection, and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, provided RMH Franchise, the world’s second-largest Applebee’s franchisee, with secure SD-WAN over broadband, 4G/LTE wireless WAN backup and VoIP solutions. A significant update for RMH’s aging network environment, the solutions are boosting RMH’s application performance, wireless failover capabilities, and providing a seamless voice solution that has proved to be particularly useful during times of lockdown and social distancing. Stricter compliance rules Founded in 2012, RMH Franchise operates more than 131 restaurants across 14 states. While it traditionally has offered in-house dining, additional Applebee’s options such as Carside To Go, online ordering and delivery have proved invaluable throughout the current health crisis. “I had been mainly keeping our IT in-house and managed our own Internet connections, routers, security, etc.,” explained Roger Somers, Executive Director of IT, RMH Franchise. “As our footprint was growing, the requirements for a secure network were also increasing, and it made sense for us to outsource. PCI (Payment Card Industry) requirements also became more stringent and businesses were required to adhere to stricter compliance rules.” Cost-effective solution Interface implemented a next-generation Secure SD-WAN network architecture with broadband upgrades Somers was looking for a managed services provider who could quickly deliver a cost-effective solution for managing and securing their IT network and voice communications across all locations. Interface, a preferred provider for CSCS, the purchasing agent for Applebee’s, perfectly fit the bill and customised a scalable solution bundle. Interface implemented a next-generation Secure SD-WAN network architecture with broadband upgrades. Additionally, Interface combined managed 4G/LTE wireless capability with terrestrial circuits in areas with low-speed broadband to deliver an improved restaurant and guest experience. The 4G/LTE service automatically takes over should the primary network connection fail. It offers seamless fail-over for POS transactions, credit card processing, inventory management and other key processes to continue to perform without interruption or store personnel involvement. Consolidating several vendors Interface also implemented its VoIP phone service and consolidated several vendors, migrating all RMH’s locations from legacy phone systems to a fully hosted cloud model, saving long distance costs and standardising all locations. As the worldwide health crisis became an ever-increasing concern and more restaurant guests were staying home, RMH leveraged these solutions for Carside To Go, and online delivery. Apart from the significant cost savings realised through Interface’s managed VoIP services, another benefit Somers sees is the cloud auto attendant feature. “The remote recording plays our business hours, curbside delivery or take out specials and can dynamically route calls. This reduces a lot of the call volume directly into the restaurants, has increased our efficiencies, and saved us time and money,” he explained. Providing business continuity Somers added that Interface has made spinning up secure networking and voice services ‘simple, fast and scalable’ with a fully configured proprietary cabinet that includes all of the franchises’ managed services. The Interface Cloud-Powered Remote Reboot feature power cycles equipment without any onsite intervention" He continued that the wireless backup has become “Increasingly important as we continue to layer more critical services on our Internet connection like tabletop devices. The Interface Cloud-Powered Remote Reboot feature power cycles equipment without any onsite intervention, before employees or guests realise there may be an issue. If an Internet provider is down or there is any sort of network failure, rolling over to 4G/LTE is automatic and provides for business continuity. That has become critical for us.” Alarm monitoring services Since implementing the Interface solutions, RMH has increased agility, gained operational efficiencies, and augmented security, all while realising 10X cost savings. RMH is planning on further strengthening the partnership with Interface by adding alarm monitoring services to Interface’s powerful bundle of managed services for networking, voice and security. “RMH Franchise has been at the forefront of implementing technology that delivers a superior experience to their clients. We are proud to be their managed services provider and look forward to our continued partnership,” said Brent Duncan, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Security Systems.

Interface Security Systems, a managed services provider delivering managed network, asset protection, and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, introduced a new interactive security service that allows businesses to equip at-risk staff with a wearable safety device that is directly connected to the Interface Interactive 24/7 Central Command Centres. Through a partnership with RiskBand, a provider of wearable live-monitored safety devices, Interface is enabling businesses including retailers and restaurants to make wearable safety devices an essential component of their emergency response strategy. Deploy appropriate emergency response The wearable personal protection device can be worn on a lanyard, belt, vest, jacket, or pants. A single push of a button provides two-way voice communications, user profile data, man down and hard fall detection capabilities, near real-time images, and geolocation data to Interface’s trained security professionals who can immediately assess the situation, intervene and deploy the appropriate emergency response. “Many businesses are forced to operate with reduced staff and adapt their offerings to include new services such as curbside pick-up. In times like these, more attention needs to be placed on protecting assets and increasing safety measures for employees and customers,” said Brent Duncan, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Security Systems. “This new service enables businesses to add another layer of protection for their associates when they are working alone, for locations with limited or no existing protection, or to expand security coverage outside a business’ building.” Protected by trained security professionals “RiskBand is excited to partner with an industry provider like Interface, one of the most respected security service providers in the US. With the combined power of our solutions, businesses will gain peace of mind knowing that their employees and premises are always protected by trained security professionals and state-of-the-art wearable devices,” added Jim Van Law, CEO and Co-founder of RiskBand. The new Personal Protection Monitoring Service is available to Interface customers as a cost-effective expansion to their existing solutions or to new customers as an autonomous solution that can be implemented quickly with a minimal investment.

Interface Security Systems, a renowned managed services provider delivering managed network, asset protection, and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, introduced a new interactive security service that allows businesses to equip at-risk staff with a wearable safety device that is directly connected to the Interface Interactive 24/7 Central Command Centres. Through a partnership with RiskBand, a renowned provider of wearable live-monitored safety devices, Interface is enabling businesses including retailers and restaurants to make wearable safety devices an essential component of their emergency response strategy. Increasing safety measures The wearable personal protection device can be worn on a lanyard, belt, vest, jacket, or pants. A single push of a button provides two-way voice communications, user profile data, man down and hard fall detection capabilities, near real-time images, and geolocation data to Interface’s trained security professionals who can immediately assess the situation, intervene and deploy the appropriate emergency response. More Attention needs to be placed on increasing safety measures for employees and customers" “Many businesses are forced to operate with reduced staff and adapt their offerings to include new services such as curbside pick-up. In times like these, more attention needs to be placed on protecting assets and increasing safety measures for employees and customers,” said Brent Duncan, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Security Systems. "This new service enables businesses to add another layer of protection for their associates when they are working alone, for locations with limited or no existing protection, or to expand security coverage outside a business’ building.” Personal Protection Monitoring Service “RiskBand is excited to partner with an industry leader like Interface, one of the most respected security service providers in the US. With the combined power of our solutions, businesses will gain peace of mind knowing that their employees and premises are always protected by trained security professionals and state-of-the-art wearable devices,” added Jim Van Law, CEO and Co-founder of RiskBand.   The new Personal Protection Monitoring Service is available immediately to Interface customers as a cost-effective expansion to their existing solutions or to new customers as an autonomous solution that can be implemented quickly with a minimal investment.