Switchnet Systems Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

Innovative design allows popular centre to protect visitors, staff and site with better quality images and fewer cameras MOBOTIX AG, a manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems announces that MOBOTIX Partner Switchnet Systems has completed a successful installation at a well-regarded garden centre that combines video surveillance, day-night operation, number plate recognition and analytics to secure the site and enhance management visibility. Vanstone Park Garden Centre Vanstone Park Garden Centre is a family run business set in a beautiful parkland setting near Hitchin, Hertfordshire. For over 40 years, this popular centre has expanded beyond garden essentials to offer a café and even a miniature railway for kids and adults alike. The 60-acre site with two buildings and a car park welcomes over 3000 visitors each week and is part of a sector with over 2500 garden centres contributing to a garden retail industry worth over £4bn a year to the UK economy. Having experienced several break-ins over the years which were not properly captured by its aging analogue CCTV system, owner Giles Groom approached local security expert Switchnet Systems for advice. “Our old system was nearly 15 years old, offered poor quality images and was starting to experience more failures,” explains Giles “Our aim with the upgrade was to not only improve security for our site, staff and visitors but also potentially improve the way in which we run our business through better visibility. We considered a number of installers but Switchnet not only gave us an innovative solution but the guys had a far greater understanding of our challenges along with unrivalled technical services and ongoing support.” Mobotix system Switchnet Systems conducted a full site survey and came up with an innovative solution that would both reduce the number of physical cameras along with discrete MOBOTIX hemispheric models able to cover larger areas in better resolution both day and night. The complete system also provides number plate recognition offering the centre better functionality and features when identifying vehicles entering the site. In total, Switchnet Systems via their distribution partner NBM Technology, supplied and installed just 10 cameras to provide complete coverage of all public accessible indoor and outdoor areas along with main entrance, car park and key perimeter areas. The system uses the decentralised MOBOTIX architecture to allow all video to be stored on a single Synology NAS server and viewed from any location. The system includes MxActivitySensor 2.0, a video motion analysis integrated into each camera that reliably detects moving objects and does not trigger any false alarms in the event of interference such as rain, snowfall or moving trees or poles. The centre also benefits from the MOBOTIX mobile application which allows senior managers to check any camera remotely via a smartphone or tablet in the event of an issue or alarm. "The new system is perfect for what we need and provides us with great image quality without loads of obtrusive cameras or the need for a dedicated control room" Great image quality “The new system is perfect for what we need and provides us with great image quality without loads of obtrusive cameras or the need for a dedicated control room,” says Giles, “The team from Switchnet Systems were fast and professional and the fact that the MOBOTIX software didn’t require an ongoing licence fee made the solution much better value for us over the longer term.” Gregg Pike, Managing Director for Switchnet Systems added, “In phase 1 we have installed and configured the security aspects of the solution and for the next phase, along with deploying additional cameras, the centre is planning on activating the built-in MxAnalytics solution to better analyse footfall and where customers go when they enter the site to help better plan the layout of its retail space.” Trevor Holt, Business Development Manager, UK & Ireland for MOBOTIX added, “This is a great example of how our channel partners are able to use our technology to help solve security challenges and also add value to day-to-day operational activities of our customers.”

The new MOBOTIX compatible accessory allows video surveillance to benefit from powerful new display and integration features As a manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems, MOBOTIX AG has announced that as part of a strategy to encourage partners to build a higher value solution, its Solutions partner SeSys has created an innovative new MOBOTIX compatible accessory that allows video surveillance to benefit from powerful new display and integration features. SeSys VS-One Video Matrix Server The new SeSys VS-One Video Matrix Server is a small standalone appliance that operates in two modes. While deployed in Matrix mode, the appliance can directly display real-time video from as many as 9 MOBOTIX cameras on a single HDMI compatible monitor or TV, without the need for a PC. A 1, 4 or 9-way Matrix is supported and optimises the display of the cameras on screen, configured through an integrated browser GUI. For cases that require simplicity, this mode takes advantage of the MOBOTIX distributed architecture that processes video directly inside each camera, which can be stored on an internal SD card or across an IP network to any Network Attached Storage Device. When deployed in Video Server mode, the VS-One can convert a single MOBOTIX MxPEG stream into H.264 Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). This functionality allows MOBOTIX solutions to deliver deeper levels of system integration; for example, by embedding video into websites and for use with other video analytics applications that require H.264 or RTSP. "VS-One is an alternative option as it is more cost-effective than a PC, uses less power, is quieter and offers more reliability" “Our aim with the new VS-One product is to enhance the capability of the MOBOTIX product set we have worked with for over 10 years that has been vital in helping customers across the world deliver innovative solutions,” explains Dan Eames, Operations Director for SeSys.“Unlike other vendors in this space, MOBOTIX has actively helped partners through its Software Development Kit and close relationship with senior technical engineers to innovate and VS-One is an example of how working together can deliver innovative third party solutions that benefit end customers and the wider MOBOTIX community.” MOBOTIX partner: Switchnet Systems One such partner that has already deployed VS-One is Switchnet Systems, a MOBOTIX AMP partner that has installed the solution at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, the UK’s leading indoor snow sports facility, as part of an ongoing refresh of the site. “The Snow Centre already has over 50 MOBOTIX cameras along with Wi-Fi and VoIP telephony solutions that we installed” explains Gregg Pike, Managing Director for Switchnet Systems, “As part of the recent office and conference room refurbishment, the management team at the centre wanted a single large screen that could display 9 key CCTV cameras’ views in the easiest fashion. VS-One is an alternative option as it is more cost-effective than a PC, uses less power, is quieter and offers more reliability by removing the need for operating systems, hard disk and other components. Setting it up took under an hour and our client is extremely pleased with the result.” MOBOTIX supports SeSys initiative  The development of VS-One is endorsed by MOBOTIX, which has embarked upon an ongoing strategy to help its channel deliver more value-added solutions that utilise a mix of innovative technology along with services such as design, implementation and support. Frank Graham, Key Account Manager for MOBOTIX, added: “VS-One is a great example of a useful third party accessory that takes advantage of the innovation that is at the heart of the MOBOTIX portfolio to add value to the wider product family. We wholeheartedly support partners like SeSys that have taken the initiative and urge other partners to look at ways in which products from the wider channel community can help to meet the needs of customers in this competitive marketplace.”

Paringdon Sports Club has used monitored CCTV security for its facilities for over 20 years Paringdon Sports Club is a unique venue offering a multitude of sporting, fitness and social activities for the community of Harlow, a town of 90,000 people just north of London, England. The site which was formerly the staff leisure and sports ground for GlaxoSmithkline, was taken over in 2011 to provide its members with the capabilities to improve their health and fitness, learn new sporting activities, participate in team sports and social events, but most importantly to offer relaxed and intimate surroundings for the community. Security upgrade and automation The 17-acre site includes a range of outdoor sporting facilities and a clubhouse with indoor sports facilities, fitness and dance classes, and a gymnasium. The clubhouse offers 2 licenced bars and is well known for a variety of social events. Alongside its 1100 registered members, the club welcomes over seventy-five thousand visitors each year with flagship events like its annual kids football tournament, hosting 50 teams and supporters over a summer weekend. As a venue that prides itself on maintaining a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, the venue has had a long-term commitment to safety and security and has used monitored CCTV security for over 20 years. However, with a growing membership and extended opening hours from 6am to 12am on certain days, senior management felt that an upgrade to security, plus a level of automation could help to further enhance security and reduce the management burden. “Our old analogue system was starting to show its age with relatively low-quality images and some reliability concerns,” explains Troy Mead, Director of Paringdon Sports Club, “What we needed was a better quality system but also ways to make it more flexible in terms of management as we didn’t want to have to dedicate any more time to CCTV monitoring when there are other more pressing things to deal with when running a busy venue.” Alongside CCTV, the Club also recognised a growing need for IT and network infrastructure to deliver services such as WiFi access and EPOS systems and decided that an upgrade of its structured cabling would be beneficial to the growing facility. MOBOTIX partner Switchnet conducts site survey After examining a number of potential suppliers and technologies, the Club selected Switchnet Systems based on its proven technical capabilities and also its deep experience gained through working with other busy venues, Switchnet is also a highly regarded national MOBOTIX partner. Switchnet carried out a detailed site survey and provided a number of suggestions on how it could improve the Club’s security coverage and local network infrastructure. One of the most interesting suggestions was the use of analytics, “This idea of a video security system that was also intelligent enough to give us more insights into what was happening around our site was a bit of a revelation,” says Mead, “But more importantly, it was a feature that would be provided without any additional increased cost or negative impact on the higher resolution cameras we had selected for the project.” The club selected MOBOTIX hemispheric models that would allow a wider area of coverage from the relatively unobtrusive cameras MOBOTIX hemispheric technology for wider coverage In the first phase, the team from Switchnet upgraded the existing structured cabling and updated wireless access points to create a solid foundation for the switch to IP based cameras. Next, Switchnet set up an initial 5 cameras at key areas such as the main reception, key corridors and bar areas. The club selected MOBOTIX hemispheric models that would allow a wider area of coverage from the relatively unobtrusive cameras. “The units we chose look similar to smoke detectors as we wanted to avoid the feeling of ‘big brother’ while still having the best possible image quality,” explains Mead. An additional feature, the MOBOTIX cameras use less than a quarter of the power of its old analogue system with Power over Ethernet to reduce cabling infrastructure. The Club deployed a range of 6MP MOBOTIX cameras which all use decentralised technology that offers several benefits over its old system. “One of the most useful features about the MOBOTIX technology is that we don’t need to have a dedicated monitoring room,” says Mead, “In fact, any of the management team with the right login credentials can check any camera and all historical footage via any internet connected device – including when we are at home of an evening or even via our mobile phones.” The club keeps several weeks of surveillance video on a resilient Synology NAS device and as an additional security measure; each camera can independently record 30 days’ worth of video in the event of a NAS failure or LAN outage. The implementation of free MOBOTIX Management Center (MxMC) software provided the Club with more value, “The MOBOTIX technology and the expertise of the Switchnet guys has helped us to retain our existing investment in our video security system by allowing the old analogue cameras to feed into our new MOBOTIX software,” explains Mead, “This means that we can take our time and gradually move over to MOBOTIX when it suits our schedule and budget.” Gaining insight into a busy venue Yet it was the analytics technology that has proved particularly interesting. “We have only really dipped our toe into the analytics part but it has proven really useful,” says Mead, “The simplest application is people counting as the cameras can tell us useful information about the site through a set of easy to generate reports.” The club is using MxAnalytics to monitor people entering and leaving the premises to generate statistical data. The people counting information has allowed the Club to analyse footfall within a specified period and in areas of the site such as reception and recreation areas. The people counting can be compared against data from the club’s members ‘electronic sign-in’ system to help the management team create new membership programmes that hopefully encourage guests to become full members. The implementation of free MOBOTIX Management Center (MxMC) software provided the Club with more value The “Heat mapping” capabilities also helps provide accurate statistical data relating to advertisement and sales promotion within the reception area,” explains Mead “Within reception we have a variety of special offers to existing and non-members, we have various internal and external classes taking place and the graphical analysis will provide us with a clear visual of what’s attracting potential new members, allowing us to strategically tailor our business and sales promotions in the future.” “The other area where the MxAnalytics can help is in potential overcrowding,” explains Mead, “We can tell extremely quickly how many people are in the building including staff, members and guests which is essential for health and safety as well as working out staffing levels.” “We can also use it as a backup to our room to room inspection when we are closing up at night to make sure that the number of people entering the club matches with the number that have left – to make sure nobody is still in the building,” Mead adds. The system has proven extremely reliable since its installation and the Sales Director believes that the better visibility over club activities will help the management team to improve customer service and develop new revenue generating opportunities. Expansion and upgrades With the success of the first project, the Club has brought Switchnet in for a second phase that has expanded the installation to 12 MOBOTIX cameras enabling it to retire almost all its legacy analogue system. “The image quality is fantastic and the system has allowed us to resolve a very minor theft issue by allowing us to show the person irrefutable evidence via the video security system and get them to return the item without involving the police,” says Mead, “The system has also proven extremely reliable and the flexibility of the monitoring means that if there is any issue we can bring up video footage in just a few minutes from almost anywhere in the site.” Mead is full of praise for both the MOBOTIX technology and the professionalism of its installer: “Switchnet have delivered a professional service and helped us get the most out of our investment in innovative technology which is helping to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and guests at the Paringdon Sports Club.”