Shopping centre security

As physical stores look to push the boundaries of retail design, demand for non-intrusive security systems at the store entrance/exit is growing. Checkpoint Systems, a supplier of source to shopper solutions for the global retail industry, has responded with the launch of an underfloor RFID antenna, UF-1. Delivering the same market-leading quality as Checkpoint’s more traditional EAS antennas, but using unique, patented RFID reader technology, the UF-1 system offers a large read range, with the added benefit of harnessing the power of RFID data to improve inventory management within a completely invisible solution. Checkpoint Wirama RadarTM technology UF-1 is suited to a wide array of projects; from those wanting aesthetically pleasing, open entrances to malls that restrict the use of traditional EAS antennas across their openings, and retailers that need wide, obstruction free store doorways. Using patented Checkpoint Wirama RadarTM technology, the underfloor RFID-enabled solution can identify the direction of a tag passing over the antenna, whether into the store, out of the store, or along the door. It is also able to determine if an item is simply located nearby the exit or potentially being stolen – minimising false alarms. Simon Edgar, Senior Director - Product Management at Checkpoint Systems, commented: “We’re hugely excited to be launching this new underfloor RFID solution that will enable retailers to become even more creative with their store designs and help them improve their customers’ in-store experience. UF-1 is advanced floor-based solution and we expect it to be extremely popular among RFID early adopters.”

VIVOTEK, the IP surveillance solution provider, has announced the launch of its multi-adjustable sensor dome camera, the MA8391-ETV. Featuring four independent 3-megapixel CMOS sensors, the MA8391-ETV allows users to simultaneously view four different areas while occupying only a single IP address. This not only reduces the installation time and total number of cameras needed, but also reduces management effort and maintenance costs. Due to its unique and small design, the camera is perfect for surveillance of large areas, such as parking lots and shopping centres, as well as for spaces like hallways intersections and building corners. See More in Smarter Ways Building on its strategy of “See More in Smarter Ways”, VIVOTEK is proud to roll out the brand new MA8391-ETV. Especially equipped with four independent sensors, each sensor features 3-megapixel and a 2.8 to 8 millimetre lens with remote-focus capability, allowing clients to both monitor wide spaces and retain a clear view of all details with the zoom-in function. This versatility makes operators are able to remotely tune the zoom and focus of each individual lens precisely, enabling full 360° coverage. Furthermore, it deploys SNV (Supreme Night Visibility) technology and a removable IR-cut filter, making it a true professional day and night camera. With an IK10 and IP66-rated housing and -40°C to 55°C operating temperature range, the MA8391-ETV is able to withstand rain and dust, and is safeguarded against vandalism and tampering when deployed for outdoor surveillance. Equipped with all the above features, the MA8391-ETV is the smallest of its type with a diameter of 21 centimetres but still packs a powerful punch.

Hikvision, a supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, has launched a new addition to its Turbo HD 4.0 analogue range with PIR technology to give it even more accurate detection. The PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor, which has a detection range of 11 metres, senses movement in an area. It has been added to four models (DS-2CExxD8T-PIR(L) series), so it is available in three form factors – bullet, dome and cube. Filtering our false alarms The sensor can filter out false alarms by differentiating between the infrared emissions of a human being from the other ‘noise’. So, when an inanimate object moves, there’s no alarm, but when it senses human body movement, an alarm is triggered. In the meantime, the camera generates flashing white light as a warning signal to deter the intruder, while it also provides supplemental light, allowing the camera to capture clearer image of the target in harsh environment. Filtering out false alarms saves on storage space and also means more efficient searching post-event, as there are fewer alarms to look through. The cameras are also equipped with ultra low-light technology, so they can produce clear, high quality images even in low-light scenarios – down to 0.005 lux. Camera applications These cameras are really useful in applications where cost is a relevant factor, like for private residences and outside smaller retail outlets. Keen Yao, VP at Hikvision International Business Centre, said: “We are pleased to extend our Turbo HD 4.0 range even further to meet more customer needs. This technology comes into its own in perimeter protection, on fire doors in buildings and dynamic fire detection. Applications include those areas with large areas to monitor, like airports, harbours, borders, industry and shopping centres.”

A business owner arrives at his office one morning to find a door open, windows broken, and property strewn about. After calling the police, he reviews the surveillance video: not much more than blurry images of indiscernible shapes here and there. A car’s headlights flicker across the scene. Then nothing. A night security officer hears an alarm, then sees a truck erratically driving away from a prohibited area. He calls in a report and requests law enforcement. After the area is secure, they review the security camera feed: black and white blurs; vaguely human silhouettes; darkness. The only witness says they heard something, but couldn’t see anyone. Night-time video surveillance Scenes like these are all too common. Of all known crimes, 70% happen at night, hidden under cover of darkness. To effectively reduce that crime statistic, video surveillance systems must extend and enhance surveillance capabilities into the dark, alerting security personnel before an event occurs. Today, Hikvision is equipping video surveillance hardware to shatter that statistic and take night time video surveillance deeper into the darkness, lifting the cover of night to capture the kind of information that will lead to the prosecution of criminals. Learning from the human eye In humans, two types of photoreceptive cells – rods and cones – sit on the rear inner surface of the eye, known as the retina. These two light-sensitive cell types independently perform different functions to capture the visible world around us. The rods respond to brightness while cones capture and identify colours. The brain fuses the information into a single image. Nature did it first, but emerging technology is going further. Hikvision’s DarkFighterX Series technology was developed from insight into the way human eyes see. Infrared sensors in the camera capture reflected Infrared light that is invisible to the human eye but very “bright” to the sensors – similar to the rods in our eyes. While these IR sensors only transmit in black and white, visible-light sensors in the camera are simultaneously detecting and decoding colours – like the cones mentioned above. Both sensors sit behind a single lens, just as the rods and cones in our eyes. Hikvision is equipping video surveillance hardware to shatter that statistic and take night time video surveillance deeper into the darkness The camera combines the two spectrums of light to create video and images – the brightness of the IR sensors imbued with the low-light colour. Hikvision refers to this as bi-spectral technology. The result? DarkFighterX renders higher brightness, better colour fidelity, sharper edges, and less noise and blur. Extension, expansion, and application Video surveillance systems must extend and enhance surveillance capabilities into the darkness in order to reduce the overwhelming amount of night time crime. This has been the pursuit of Hikvision’s R&D teams for many years now, and many amazing technologies have resulted. Applications for this camera and its advanced technology range widely. Systems integrators will likely find adaptations for the DarkFighterX that even go beyond what Hikvision foresees. At first glance, applications include crime-prone areas of cities after dark: sidewalks and streets, alleyways and retail centres, for example. Tourist areas and scenic destinations can be monitored by the DarkFighterX, such as rivers, lakes and beaches, forests, public squares, historical monuments, and more. Critical infrastructure locations are often prime targets for criminals. Ports, electrical and other power plants, railways, airports, and other transport hubs, and international borders are just a few of the examples for this area of application. Wherever there is a security vulnerability at night, that is where the DarkFighterX Series shines. Mimicking human sight The DarkFighterX Series cameras expand upon the human sense of sight by first mimicking the human eye – two distinct sensors capturing and combining brightness and colours – then extending that ability in extremely low-light environments. The technology results in colourful, bright, and accurate imaging on security monitors, making night time surveillance video appear nearly as clear as daytime video. With the DarkFighterX Series, Hikvision can – almost literally – place hundreds of eyes over a wide expanse of space, giving security personnel “sight” that’s quite beyond anything they have seen before – even in the dark. You just might not believe it … until you see it.

Clarion Defence and Security Ltd. has announced that it has joined forces with GSE Media to run the world’s first major trade event in the rapidly expanding people analytics field. The People Movement and Management Show (PMMS) will take place at London’s Olympia from 6-7 March 2018 during UK Security Week, alongside the successful Security and Counter Terror Expo (SCTX). The move will help establish PMMS as the key pan-European trade show for the people analytics industry and will showcase a range of technologies alongside SCTX’s 200-plus exhibitors, which cater for all areas of the security industry. Technological innovation in people analytics field At the event in March, visitors will be able to discover a plethora of technological innovation in this field which will provide insights into the future of operations from mass transit, retail, passenger terminals and universities to sports stadiums, shopping centres and urban events. The solutions will ultimately aid with the modelling and design of urban spaces from a people movement perspective. The technologies on show will range from real time data acquisition to maximise space utilisation, to wayfinding, circulation efficiency, retail revenues, operational effectiveness, resilience and the securing of crowded places and ultimately visitor experience. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to hear and meet world-leading experts in this field, in a range of high-level presentations delivered across a varied two-day agenda. Event partnership benefits Tim Porter, Managing Director of Clarion Defence and Security commented, “We are pleased to welcome the PMMS event to run alongside SCTX under the UK Security Week umbrella. The challenges inherent in securing crowded spaces and major events are already high on the agenda of our visitors at SCTX, so the emerging new technologies and solutions on show at PMMS will only add to the high-quality experience that both visitors and exhibitors already enjoy. With five events now under one roof – SCTX, Ambition, Forensics Expo Europe, The World Counter Terror Congress and now PMMS – UK Security Week 2018 is shaping up to be a compelling proposition for the communities all five events serve.” Ken Davies, Managing Director of GSE Media, said, “The emergence of technologies around how people interact with their surroundings, and the use of this data to optimise the design, operational logistics and customer experience in public buildings and urban spaces, continues to provide fascinating new opportunities. Following the great success of the launch event in 2017, we are delighted to transfer the event to Olympia. SCTX provides the perfect partner event given its high-quality footfall of professionals involved with the management of urban spaces.”

Hanwha Techwin America, a provider of global security solutions, is building on its commitment to deliver the industry’s highest-performance video solutions with the introduction of its new Wisenet P series multi-sensor/multi-directional cameras. Available in 8 and 20 megapixel, these cameras offer unmatched performance. They are ideal for applications such as parking lots, shopping mall entrances, lobbies, station concourses and airports. "Our multi-sensor cameras have the ability to provide a wide area coverage in extreme detail with just one camera," said Ramy Ayad, Senior Product Manager, Hanwha Techwin America. "We exceeded the benchmark for multi-sensor camera technology by incorporating features such as 60fps, 150dB wide dynamic range, low light performance (0.0015 Lux B/W, 0.015 Lux color) and built-in video analytics.” Built-in video analytics Hanwha’s new Wisenet P series includes the PNM-9080VQ with four individual 2 megapixel sensors for a total of 8 megapixel resolution capable of 150dB WDR and 60fps (per sensor). The series also includes the PNM-9081VQ with four individual 5 megapixel sensors that deliver 20 megapixel resolution capable of 120dB WDR and 30 fps (per sensor). Both Wisenet P models include built-in license free advanced video analytics, backlight compensation, True Day/Night and digital image stabilization with a gyro sensor. The combination of H.265 compression and WiseStream II result in data reduction of up to 99% The combination of H.265 compression and WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology that dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image, result in data reduction of up to 99%. This translates into significant savings on bandwidth, storage and cost. Additional features of the Wisenet P cameras: 4 SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots (one for each channel), offering total storage of up to 1TB PoE+ (8 megapixel) or HPoE (20 megapixel) and 12VDC Triple codec H.265/H.264/MJPEG Hallway View Motorised varifocal lens (2.8~12mm per sensor @ 8 megapixel; 3.6~9.4mm per sensor @20 megapixel) for widest range available in the industry in a multi-sensor camera IP66/K10 rated housing

With the changing “lone wolf” style of terrorism, there will be a trend toward many more installations of vehicle access control systems and smaller numbers of units. Where a university, military base or airport might have 20-plus systems scattered among its grounds, there will be a growing number of smaller applications needing one, two or three systems. These will include customers such as primary and secondary education facilities; pedestrian locations such as shopping centres, concert grounds and fairs; hospitals and other venues where pedestrians come together both daily or temporarily. Defending against vehicle attack The Middle East is a particular hotbed for increased security measures for explosive-laden vehicles. Many soft targets in the Middle East have also been adding anti-terrorist, crash-resistant barriers, barricades and bollards. This has been also true in Europe while Southeast Asia is coming on strong. With so many more such systems being ordered, buyers will need to become more aware of their supplier's customer service and technical support. The market could be faced with an upcoming slew of cut-throat, unscrupulous operators providing shoddy equipment and dangerous installations that take advantage of buyers who don't understand what is truly needed to defend against vehicle attack. Importance of certified vehicle barriers This time last year, we projected that the use of vehicles as weapons to mow down pedestrians, such as occurred in Nice (France), would probably impact greater sales of Delta portable crash-rated barricades. Although it was announced by ISIS that their followers should undertake more of these attacks, we don't think anyone anticipated the numbers of such atrocities we would see, the latest (as of this writing) the assault on the bike path in New York City. The largest customers around the world have been law enforcement agencies and municipalities. Security specialists needto be aware of vehicle threats wherever people are gathered Last year, we also warned that many organisations, in order to save money, were purchasing non-certified (non-rated) vehicles access control systems with less structural safety than those provided by certified manufacturers. The reality is that somebody is going to have to be hurt or killed before some buyers understand that a barrier, barricade or bollard is not a commodity type of product. Security specialists must be aware With the economy being better, there has been a resulting increase in sales of products for general parking and similar applications. But, as terrorist attacks have gone from large planned scenarios to smaller lone-wolf assaults, such as the bike path incident in New York, there is an increasing need for more protection from vehicle harm in more places. Basically, security specialists need to be aware of vehicle threats wherever people are gathered, from a parade route to a fair, sporting event, shopping centre – anywhere scores of people are clustered. One of the interesting statistics we ran across this year was that, in the United States, six of the top 10 rated college football teams use Delta temporary barricades to protect fans at their stadiums on game days. During 2017, Delta has been developing new products to take on the increased protection of vehicle checkpoints between the United States and Mexico. Over the years, Delta has implemented vehicle crossing protection at many of the most secure sites including El Paso, San Ysidro, Calexico, Otay Mesa and Tornhill-Guadalupe.

The term “smart city” gets thrown around a lot nowadays, but as different technologies that strive to be defined in this way are adopted by different countries globally, the meaning of this phrase gets lost in translation. The simplest way to define a “smart city” is that it is an urban area that uses different types of data collecting sensors to manage assets and resources efficiently. One of the most obvious types of “data collecting sensor” is the video camera, whether that camera is part of a city’s existing CCTV infrastructure, a camera in a shopping centre or even a police car’s dash camera. The information gathered by video cameras can be used with two purposes in mind, firstly: making people’s lives more efficient, for example by managing traffic, and secondly (and arguably more importantly): making people’s lives safer. Live streaming video all the time, everywhere In the smart and safe city, traditional record-only video cameras are of limited use. Yes, they can be used to collect video which can be used for evidence after a crime has taken place, but there is no way that this technology could help divert cars away from an accident to avoid traffic building up, or prevent a crime from taking place in the first place. However, streaming live video from a camera that isn’t connected to an infrastructure via costly fibre optic cabling has proven challenging for security professionals, law enforcement and city planners alike. This is because it isn’t viable to transmit video reliably over cellular networks, in contrast to simply receiving it. Video transmission challenges Transmitting video normally results in freezing and buffering issues which can hinder efforts to fight crime and enable flow within a city, as these services require real-time, zero latency video without delays. Therefore, special technology is required that copes with poor and varying bandwidths to allow a real-time view of any scene where cameras are present to support immediate decision making and smart city processes. The information gatheredby video cameras can beused to make people’s lives more efficient, and to make people’s lives safer There are many approaches to transmitting video over cellular. We’ve developed a specialist codec (encoding and decoding algorithm) that can provide secure and reliable video over ultra-low bandwidths and can therefore cope when networks become constrained. Another technique, which is particularly useful if streaming video from police body worn cameras or dash cams that move around, is to create a local wireless “bubble” at the scene, using Wi-Fi or mesh radio systems to provide local high-bandwidth communications that can communicate with a central location via cellular or even satellite communications. Enhanced city surveillance Live video streaming within the smart and safe city’s infrastructure means that video’s capabilities can go beyond simple evidence recording and evolve into a tool that allows operations teams to monitor and remediate against incidents as they are happening. This can be taken one step further with the deployment of facial recognition via live streaming video. Facial recognition technology can be added on to any video surveillance camera that is recording at a high enough quality to identify faces. The technology works by capturing video, streaming the live video back to a control centre and matching faces against any watch lists that the control centre owns. Importantly, the data of people who aren’t on watch lists is not stored by the technology. Identifying known criminals This technology can work to make the city safer in a number of ways. For example, facial recognition could spot a known drug dealer in a city centre where they weren’t supposed to be, or facial recognition could identify if a group of known terror suspects were visiting the same location at the same time, and this would send an alert to the police. Facial recognition technology captures and streams live back to a control centre, matching faces against any watch lists that the control centre owns In an ideal world where the police had an automated, electronic workflow, the police officer nearest to the location of the incident would be identified by GPS and would be told by the control room where to go and what to do. Most police forces aren’t quite at this technological level yet, and would probably rely on communicating via radio in order to send the nearest response team to the scene. As well as this, shopping centres could create a database from analogue records of known shoplifters to identify criminals as soon as they entered the building. This would be even more effective if run co-operatively between all shopping centres and local businesses in an area, and would not only catch any known shoplifters acting suspiciously, but would act as a deterrent from shoplifting in the first place. Live streaming for police As mentioned above, live streaming video from CCTV cameras can help the police fight crime more proactively rather than reactively. This can be enhanced even further if combined with live streaming video from police car dash cams and police body worn cameras. If video was streamed from all of these sources to a central HQ, such as a police operations centre, the force would be able to have full situational awareness throughout an incident. This would mean that, if need be, officers could be advised on the best course of action, and additional police or other emergency services could be deployed instantly if needed. Incorporated with facial recognition, this would also mean that police could instantly identify if they were dealing with known criminals or terrorists. Whilst they would still have to confirm the identity of the person with questioning or by checking their identification, this is still more streamlined than describing what a person looks like over a radio and then ops trying to manually identify if the person is on a watch list. The smart, safe city is possible today – for one, if live video streaming capabilities are deployed they can enable new levels of flow in the city. With the addition of facial recognition, cities will be safer than ever before and law enforcement and security teams will be able to proactively stop crime before it happens by deterring criminal activity from taking place at all.

As a grocery store or supermarket owner, it is very hard to fight theft. Shoplifting and retail theft may not seem like a major deal, but to the small business fighting for survival, it has a big impact on the bottom line.   A disadvantage of traditional tools for fighting shoplifting is that they are most effective when the shoplifter is caught red-handed. Once the shoplifter has concealed the stolen product in his or her clothing or bag, it is very hard to see whether something has been stolen. This paper explores how thermal imaging technology from FLIR and Nexo Group can detect stolen goods that are hidden under clothing, reducing losses up to 60%. Find out more about: Disadvantages of traditional security methods How heat catches thieves Reducing losses up to 60% Radiometric camera technology

The Middle East security market provides a healthy opportunity for manufacturers who can capitalise on the region’s key verticals. Intersec’s 20th edition show focused more on solutions than on products, including solutions for the growing retail sector and an infrastructure market requiring ruggedised equipment to stand up to harsh environments. Intersec hosted security, safety and fire protection exhibitors from over fifty countries at Dubai’s spacious International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21st - 23rd January. For the security market, the show was an opportunity to demonstrate how the industry’s latest technologies can benefit end-users in the UAE and globally. While the show hosted many impressively-sized stands from key security players, these tended to reflect the ongoing shift from a product-centric market to a focus on customer problems and solutions. Rather than filling the floorspace with an abundance of products, many brands chose to showcase how their flagship solutions could function in real-world applications. Retail surveillance delivers ROI Numerous companies opted to highlight their retail solutions – a key vertical for Dubai, which is known for its elaborate city shopping hubs. The Axis Communications stand allowed visitors to experience its network video offerings for the retail sector, including integrations with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and Point of Sale (POS) technologies. Solutions on show reflected how security systems are increasingly expected to provide a tangible return on investment: With options for queue management and people counting, Axis video technology can be used to provide business intelligence and improve the customer experience, as well as enhancing safety. IP video manufacturer Vivotek also showcased its latest retail offering, including fisheye cameras with built-in crowd detection and heatmap technology, which can help retail managers analyse customer traffic patterns and highly frequented areas. The panoramic nature of Vivotek’s IP cameras makes them ideal for collecting comprehensive data from retail stores.    MOBOTIX CEO Thomas Lausten demonstrates how the company’s dual modular camera delivers high-quality images in extreme weather conditions IP video in extreme conditions The MOBOTIX stand was also less product-driven than at past shows. Instead, the focus was on how the manufacturer combines intelligent IoT technology and robust materials to address real end-user needs. CEO Thomas Lausten, who joined the company in June 2017, was on-hand to demonstrate how the company’s dual modular camera continues to deliver high-quality images in extreme weather conditions including ice, rain and sand. Rugged solutions were a big theme across the show floor. This is unsurprising given Intersec’s location in Dubai – the Middle East provides ample opportunity for the security market to capitalise on large outdoor projects, including the oil and gas industry. Video surveillance manufacturer Videotec showcased its latest HD PTZ cameras built to withstand harsh outdoor environments. The stand hosted an immersive ‘Experience Centre’, where the company’s flagship PTZ cameras moved in sync to a rolling video, demonstrating their use in vertical markets including oil and gas, marine surveillance, and critical infrastructure. Video surveillance manufacturer Videotec showcased its latest HD PTZ cameras built to withstand harsh outdoor environments MENA security market requirements Storage provider Promise Technology showcased its latest portfolio of surveillance solutions, including a cloud-based infrastructure optimised for growing IP video requirements. The manufacturer also introduced its new Vess A700 network video recorder series. This latest NVR offering specifically targets medium- to large-scale applications such as banking and industry. Such a solution is ideal for the growing Dubai market, where strict legislation requires a video retention time of 180 days. Intersec is set to return to Dubai from 20th - 22nd January 2019. Organisers expect over 1,300 exhibitors from across to globe to come together for a bigger, wider ranging and more innovative show.

Millennials are an important market, and in one sense, they represent future possibility. The changing tastes and trends of this tech-savvy “Generation Y,” who came of age around the turn of the millennium (circa 2000), are an important consideration in the marketing of security technologies, among many other things. Fortunately, according to a recent survey from ADT, millennials will likely be dependable consumers of security technology products and services for years to come. Smart phones essential for personal protection Millennials’ dependence on smart phones and smart watches is legendary, and ADT’s survey points to a not-so-obvious benefit this demographic derives from their smart devices: Peace of mind. According to the survey, 90% of millennials say smart phones and related technologies provide them peace of mind when they are alone. In effect, millennials see smart phones as essential devices for their personal protection (in addition to serving almost every other human need). Further, fearless millennials also admit their sense of adventure has limits: some 74% say they have been worried about their physical safety at some point in the last 12 months. Some 75% say they are interested in purchasing a personal security device (such as ADT’s Panic Response app and monitoring service available on Samsung smart watches). Security concerns of millenials 76% of millennials - men and women - have avoided specific experiences due to concerns about personal safety. in the past 12 months, 34% of millennials have avoided crowded spaces such as sporting events or malls. 30% percent of respondents have avoided public transport, 26% have opted out of solo travel, and 25% have not exercised alone due to personal security 90% of millennials take a different route home, switch up the time and place of their exercise, and/or carry pepper spray. 91% of millennials living in urban areas (versus 82% of rural dwellers) think of technology as a safety net. How millennials perceive danger It goes without saying that we live in a dangerous world, and it behooves us (of all ages) to take precautions and be attentive to security. How people perceive danger, and how willing they are to take precautions, is another variable that can ensure a lucrative future in the consumer market for security products and services. That perception and that willingness can be observed in Generation Y. The ability to fully perceive risk comes as a function of age. Young people, for example, may engage in risky behaviour because they feel immortal or they do not fully grasp the dangers involved. It is encouraging to know that the tech-savvy millennial generation has developed a healthy awareness of the dangers of the world – and they will likely be good customers for the security marketplace for years to come. Further, the next wave of consumers, “Generation Z,” is growing up in an even more sophisticated media and computer environment – they are also likely to see technology products as a useful safety and security tool.

Global positioning systems (GPS) have a role to play to combat shoplifting, especially in the fight against the growing trend of large-scale organised retail crime (ORC). Todd Morris, founder and CEO of BrickHouse Security, recently explained to me how GPS fits into the fight against retail crime. A variety of GPS devices – from small “micro” sensors to plug-in devices for cars to wired devices – can all be tracked using the same cloud-based service, which manages the devices. GPS devices provided by BrickHouse and others can be inserted in retail goods by a drug retailer, department store or even by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. The devices are often inserted into expensive luxury goods. In each case, the industry pays BrickHouse or another supplier for the GPS devices, which allow the goods to be tracked by police. Many law enforcement organisations have access to the cloud service, which they use for ORC investigations. “They’re not just trying to thwart the individual shoplifter, but organized crime,” says Morris. “It’s fencing that creates the demand. We help law enforcement officers shut down the fence.” The platform is designed to promote collaboration between retailers and the police. In each jurisdiction, each GPS tracker is linked to a police investigator who gets an alert of its location. It’s a good example of the benefits of approaching a problem from multiple angles. While out shopping, we see a lot of investment by retailers in preventing shoplifting – video cameras, inventory sensors, parking lot barriers to prevent smash-and-grabs. If all these measures fail, it’s good to know there’s a chance of solving the crime by following the stolen goods.

The retail industry is constantly looking to find new ways to be relevant in the ever-increasing shadow of online shopping. Researchers have predicted a 17.5 percent growth in the ecommerce share of global retail sales in 2021, rising from 13.7% in 2019. When designer brand Miniso opened new shops in Poland, they used Hikvision technology to give them the edge. The management team at Miniso had a number of specific questions they needed answers to in order to make the stores successful in the cut-throat high street environment. Best-selling products They resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise How do we know if our marketing strategy is working? What is the conversion rate of purchases? What are the ‘hot areas’ of the store, and do these actually represent best-selling products? Originally, with no access to significant information, they relied on experience and conversation with staff. But there was no way to verify these findings. They also needed to be able to get this information remotely – i.e. management in their HQ in Warsaw wanted to be able to see the situation in the other four stores without having to visit them separately. Sometimes, they resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise. Tailor-made solution Miniso turned to Hikvision AI products, with a solution built by Polish reseller Volta, including people counting cameras, fisheye cameras and NVRs. These were all coordinated using the HikCentral software platform. A people counting camera in each store counts people passing by, while another counts people entering and leaving. With this tailor-made solution management could calculate how many people were passing by to see a purchasing conversion rate. This also helps them to know whether marketing strategy is working. They can analyse the information further to see whether the rate of people entering the store is dropping, and whether that relates to the number of those passing outside. Miniso’s management can then look into the causes of these numbers, along with sales figures, to form a picture. For example, whether there is an external factor affecting shoppers either to pass by, or to enter. Video management platform The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere Because Miniso have the same technology set up in all the stores in Poland, they can compare different locations. This also comes in useful when it’s time to negotiate rent with shopping malls. Using ceiling installation of several fisheye cameras, the system can generate heat maps. This helps managers to see where ‘hot areas’ are, helping them to allocate products in the optimal place for promotion. Hot areas can also be compared with sales figures to provide further insights into shopping patterns. All the information provided by the system is coordinated, and business information on both layout and original image can be overlaid in Miniso’s HQ in Warsaw. The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere. This makes life a lot easier for the operations team as they need to check the situation in all stores. Fiercely competitive environment It also means that everything can be viewed simultaneously, so they can identify trends throughout the network of stores. Byron Zeng, Vice President of Miniso Poland, says: “The high accuracy of conversion rate the solutions provides really solves a number of our management issues. We can now easily see what’s going on in the other stores, including heat mapping, which makes management of the whole networks so much more efficient.” This is a great example of how AI surveillance products can change the landscape of business decision-making. In a fiercely competitive environment, like a shopping mall or high street, shopping trend data can help a retailer to survive. In fact, this worked so well for Miniso, they decided to use the solution in their stores across the whole of Europe – potentially about 200 stores in the next year.

Globally-renowned Pay on Foot parking systems manufacturer, DESIGNA, has worked with the White Rose shopping centre in Rhyl, North Wales, to update its car parking system to the company’s advanced ABACUS software and equipment. Contactless card payment The installation included new state-of-the-art entrance and exit terminals accepting tap in/tap out contactless card payment technology After many successful installations abroad, the shopping centre is the first DESIGNA site in the UK to have installed its new tap in/tap out contactless credit card technology. The installation included new state-of-the-art entrance and exit terminals accepting tap in/tap out contactless card payment technology. There are also three full pay stations, a DBS server, manual pay station and intercom. All of this helps improve the efficiency and security of the car park, which is popular with shoppers due to its seafront location. As the first part of the shopping experience, the convenience and availability of a car park is crucial to the overall service and satisfaction of a customer. DESIGNA recognised this and developed ABACUS, an advanced car park access system that intelligently integrates various elements to create the ultimate system that is highly reliable and requires less maintenance. It can also cope with large volumes of traffic while providing the highest level of monitoring to ensure a secure parking environment. ABACUS car park access system The parking system is barrier controlled and makes use of DESIGNA barcode ticket technology. In addition to the standard ticket technology, the car park offers the facility to tap in/tap out using a contactless credit card. This operates with a unique identifier from the credit/debit card as a substitute for a ticket for the duration of the stay at the car park. When the customer presents a contactless card on entry, it recognises them and by tapping again at the exit it automatically calculates the tariff and allows payment to take place at the exit. The system has three pay on foot machines which accept coins, notes and credit cards. With more than 30 stores, White Rose shopping centre, Rhyl’s number one shopping destination, has a wide range of quality stores. Located in the centre of the town, White Rose is a short walk from Rhyl’s seafront, railway station and sea aquarium, and has direct access car parking for 300 vehicles. The centre previously had a chip coin solution installed on site. Advanced ticket machines The biggest advantage of having the DESIGNA system in place is the easy payment method" Sue Nash, Centre Manager at the White Rose commented, “The biggest advantage of having the DESIGNA system in place is the easy payment method. The advanced ticket machines make it possible to pay using several means, therefore reducing the problem of queuing at the pay machines and having to pay with change. Another payment option we now have is the facility to pay through mobile devices and via contactless cards.” She continued, “The majority of people move around with credit cards rather than cash and having a versatile payment option in the car park makes for a painless process. The maintenance of the system at our local level was extremely important to avoid costly and timely engineer callouts. Simple things like ticket and coin jams, system resets are now extremely easy to resolve as is the exchange of entry tickets when required. I would certainly recommend the DESIGNA system to others and we are extremely pleased with the results.” Car parking ease and convenience Specifier Andrew Bailey, of Parking Ideas, commented, “Parking Ideas is a complete car parking and transportation consultancy that helps institutions, property owners, landlords and managing agents develop and optimise their assets. I have worked with the White Rose shopping centre for a number of years and following a competitive tender found that DESIGNA’s systems best suited the client’s requirements.” He continued, “The ABACUS system is good value, commercially viable and ticked all the right boxes for the White Rose. It is very important to have the facility to pay by card, so the payment terminals having this feature are vital to the centre and have made all the difference to the running of the car park. Parking Ideas has been in the parking industry for more than 15 years, so we have worked with DESIGNA before and are very happy with the end result.”  DESIGNA ticket terminals The car park’s entrance and exit are installed with DESIGNA In+ and Out+ ticket terminals so that using the site is fast and easy The car park’s entrance and exit are installed with DESIGNA In+ and Out+ ticket terminals so that using the site is fast and easy. The advanced terminals operate on the lowest energy consumption of their class with the ability to hold more tickets than before, with the bin adapting itself to the fill quantity. Customers are greeted with excellent user-friendliness due to the simplicity of the equipment and illuminated display with clear instructions. The four-way barcode readers also ensure visitors can insert their ticket any way round into any of the pay stations around the site. DESIGNA Pay on Foot machines For payment, three of DESIGNA’s new Pay on Foot machines are in place in the car park. This allows customers to pay for their visit before returning to their car and exit the car park more quickly. The pay station is deliberately designed to allow disabled customers to pay freely without assistance. Each of the pay stations is installed with an interactive monitor that makes it easy to pay and offers several different languages. Shopping centre management has full control of the ABACUS system through the DBS server, with a manual pay station (MPS) to allow them to create or override payments. The control room also links with the ticket and payment terminals via a DESIGNA VoIP Intercom to assist customers if required. Global implementation DESIGNA has more than 15,000 systems installed globally across a wide range of car park situations DESIGNA’s parking systems are used in a number of impressive shopping centres around the world. These include the Dundrum shopping centre in Dublin, the Mid Valley Megamall in Malaysia and the Mall of Emirates in Dubai. In the UK the Belfry shopping centre in Redhill, the Woolshops shopping centre in Halifax and the Wellgate centre in Dundee have also benefited from the ABACUS system. Recognised worldwide for its high quality and intelligent systems, DESIGNA has more than 15,000 systems installed globally across a wide range of car park situations, including shopping centres, airports and hospitals. ABACUS is one of the company’s innovations and demonstrates the endless possibilities available to car park operators. The future-proof technology allows for expansions of premises or new property acquisitions by allowing additional systems to be added to the network. In its many global applications, ABACUS has proved to be an effortless system for both operators and users and is a great investment for companies looking to the future.

Rasilient Systems, Inc., the pioneer in video surveillance systems purposely architected for IP video recording, has been chosen to provide video surveillance storage solutions for Global Village Dubai, billed as the “world’s largest” tourism, leisure, shopping and entertainment project.  Now entering its 21st season, Global Village Dubai is the Middle East’s first family multicultural festival park. The attraction entertains more than 5.3 million guests each season and has more than $2.2 billion AED in business transactions ($599 million American dollars). From November through April each year, Global Village Dubai visitors enjoy a shopping experience in more than 30 pavilions, 120-plus kiosks and two dozen restaurants and cafes throughout the season’s 159 days of operation.  Video surveillance storage solutions “With more than five million visitors each year, Global Village Dubai required a solution that delivered high quality video recording and reliability,” said Sean Chang, CEO of Rasilient Systems. “At Rasilient, we are honored to have been chosen to provide a very important element of the overall security solution at Global Village Dubai. We designed our purpose-built video surveillance storage solutions for projects just like this.” “Our successful partnership with Rasilient means that we understand individual market demands, ensuring that we exceed expectations,” said Dr Mohammad Alketbi CEO of Forceis. When it comes to security solutions, we believe that quality counts. A 24/7 system availability can only be achieved through a robust and dynamic solution" “When it comes to security solutions, we believe that quality counts. A 24/7 system availability can only be achieved through a robust and dynamic solution.” Physical security integration services Rasilient partnered with Forceis Integrated Security Systems, a system integrator, to provide state-of-art security operation for Global Village Dubai. Forceis is an innovative forward-thinking organisation that provides expertise around physical security integration services in the United Arab Emirates. The video surveillance cameras at Global Village Dubai are managed by Milestone’s XProtect Corporate Video Management Software (VMS). Rasilient is a Milestone Systems Certified Solution Partner and together the companies have partnered in a number of successful video surveillance deployments, particularly in the growing Middle East region. “Global Village is pleased with the products and services Forceis Integrated Security Systems Offers. We have been extremely satisfied with the support provided by the technical staff and the professionalism throughout the company,” said Mansoor Salem, Senior Security Manager of Global Village. “The stability and resiliency of the Rasilient solution is impressive. System uptime is crucial to our business and we’ve had zero outages since we installed Rasilient. We are confident in our ability to rapidly scale our IT infrastructure no matter what size of customer now walks through the door.” ApplianceStor VMS storage servers The video surveillance storage solution used at Global Village Dubai includes six Rasilient ApplianceStor 74 Rack high performance VMS storage servers The video surveillance storage solution used at Global Village Dubai includes six Rasilient ApplianceStor 74 Rack high performance VMS storage servers that provide 100TB of storage. Rasilient’s ApplianceStor 74 Rack mount integrates VMS and storage into a simple-to-use, high performance video surveillance server solution. This eliminates the cost of a separate VMS server, significantly reducing cabling as well as the challenges of integrating VMS, OS, commodity server and storage. Proactive monitoring technology With Rasilient’s video surveillance storage solutions, every single camera frame is processed and recorded – what’s referred to as No Frame Drop – which is essential with the variety of security scenarios at Global Village Dubai that might call for video retrieval, said Chang. The ApplianceStor 74 is engineered to monitor its own “health” and operations to ensure that the system doesn’t fail when it’s most needed. This Proactive technology monitors the health of every disc drive in the system to enable cloning right before an actual drive failure. Global Village Dubai joins the list of the many projects Rasilient has completed in the UAE and surrounding areas over the last few years including the Zero 6 Mall that opened in April in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Rasilient Systems, Inc., the pioneer in video surveillance systems purposely architected for IP video recording, has been chosen to provide video surveillance server and storage solutions for Zero 6 Mall, the impressive new-generation shopping destination that opened in April this year in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Zero 6 is a 16,000 square-metre complex that offers a diverse selection of dining, retail and entertainment attractions. Strategically located in Al Juraina, in close proximity to prominent city landmarks like University City and Sharjah International Airport, Zero 6 celebrates Sharjah’s evolving lifestyle community experience. Security integration software “Security is always the top concern in designing and developing a popular tourist and resident destination like Zero 6 Mall. Rasilient is honored to have been chosen to help secure this impressive and unique facility,” said Sean Chang, CEO of Rasilient Systems. Rasilient worked with UAE-based system integrator Exceed Communications, LLC, on the Zero 6 Mall project. Exceed Communications is a leading provider of IT infrastructure and security system needs including network design, installation and management and video surveillance and IPTV systems. Video surveillance at Zero 6 is managed by SeeTec Video Management Software (VMS). An OnSSI Company, SeeTec is one of the leading solution providers for video surveillance in Europe. Unmatched data integrity “Video surveillance storage is critical for security point of view and we are fortunate to have the services of Rasilient Systems, which is a trusted name for unmatched data integrity and storage reliability,” said Issa Ataya, Managing Director, Alef Group. We are confident that Rasilient Systems will provide the most innovative and state-of-the-art technology for Zero 6 Mall"  “Zero 6 Mall is a one-stop destination in Sharjah that appeals more to a new generation as it’s a premier lifestyle-oriented place. We are confident that Rasilient Systems will provide the most innovative and state-of-the-art technology for Zero 6 Mall,” Ataya said. Video management software Rasilient provided video surveillance storage for Zero 6 that offers unmatched data integrity, storage reliability and scalability to address future growth. Rasilient’s purpose-built technologies lower CAPEX and OPEX by extending product life expectancy and enabling scheduled maintenance instead of reactive maintenance as systems age. The video surveillance system in place at the mall provides petabytes of storage using Rasilient’s fully redundant ApplianceStor AS85R Server and PS5000 Rackmount IP Storage. Rasilient’s ApplianceStor AS85R is a modular server system which packs four high performance server modules in a single 2U rack mount platform providing unmatched performance and density. Each module can be used to integrate VMS, failover, archive, administration and access control servers in a single high density 2U system. The AS85R significantly reduces cost over a separate VMS server, reduces cabling and the ordeal of integrating VMS, OS, commodity server and storage. Because the AS85R is ideally suited for use in conjunction with Rasilient’s PS5000 Rackmount IP storage, the Zero 6 project also utilises the PS5000. Rasilient’s PS5000 Rackmount IP storage provides a simple-to-use, high performance, and large capacity video surveillance solution Large surveillance installations Rasilient’s PS5000 Rackmount IP storage provides a simple-to-use, high performance, and large capacity video surveillance solution. The purpose-built storage array is optimised for high performance megapixel and large video surveillance installations – both key characteristics of the video solution used at the Zero 6 Mall. Rasilient's patented advanced video caching technology – VAN, FlowThrough, StreamAlign – enables no recording gaps and data locking and increases read/write performance. This allows the capability of using both high resolution megapixel cameras and heavy camera loads. With Rasilient’s video surveillance storage solutions, every single camera frame is processed and recorded – which is essential for the variety of mall security scenarios that might call for video retrieval. The Rasilient system is also engineered to monitor its own “health” and operations to ensure that the system doesn’t fail when it’s most needed. This Proactive technology monitors the health of every disc drive in the system to enable cloning right before an actual drive failure. Reliable video surveillance solutions Zero 6 Mall is just one of many projects Rasilient has completed in the UAE and surrounding areas over the last few years, said Chang. “With the successful implementation of quality and reliable video surveillance solutions for projects like Zero 6, Rasilient continues its growth in the very important Middle East market,” he added.

The large crowds that regularly flock to downtown Houston, Texas, known as GreenStreet, call for heightened security measures. However, the 570,000-square-foot mixed-use centre needed to balance a high level of security while maintaining an open and inviting environment that accommodates numerous businesses, delivery drivers, service providers and others who need open access to the property.  With an eye towards improving both security and efficiency, the property’s owners decided it was time for a system upgrade. Choosing Hanwha Techwin Working with Houston-based Today’s Integration Inc., GreenStreet evaluated offerings from a number of vendors before selecting Hanwha Techwin as its video surveillance solutions provider. The decision was based on the quality, functionality, versatility and expandability of Hanwha Techwin’s products. Through SSM, GreenStreet’s security personnel can also enter log notes to maintain detailed activity records Today’s Integration designed an advanced video surveillance solution built on Samsung Security Manager (SSM) video management software. The system allows GreenStreet’s security staff to monitor live and recorded video, control PTZ cameras and communicate via two-way audio from a central command centre. The system employs multiple Samsung 5080R IP dome cameras, SNP-5200H PTZ dome cameras and 6084R fixed cameras. The system’s NVRs are located in a server room and are connected directly to cameras for recording and to SSM for video playback. Video is transmitted across GreenStreet’s network via hybrid fibre, connecting the multi-site buildings to distribution switches, which also provide PoE to the Samsung cameras also implemented by Today’s Integration, Inc. providing a turn-key solution.  Implementing new security measures When vendors, contractors or service providers arrive at the bay doors, they press the intercom’s call button to contact GreenStreet’s security staff at the control centre. Simultaneously, a live video feed pops up on-screen in the security command centre, allowing staff to see and communicate with the individual at the door. Through SSM, GreenStreet’s security personnel can also enter log notes to maintain detailed activity records.  The system has also proven effective in assisting the Houston Police Department, which requests video from time. Best of all, the video surveillance solution is easily scalable, allowing more cameras and NVRs to be added as GreenStreet continues to grow and expand.

With 4 million square feet of space, the Megabangna Shopping Centre is the first shopping centre of its kind in Thailand. Implementing a comprehensive security system was an important part of ensuring the safety and security of customers, and the Centre’s loss prevention strategy. By addressing gaps in coverage throughout the shopping centre, the security team knew that they could more easily track down lost items for distressed visitors, monitor suspicious activity, and in turn prove or disprove claims. To enhance safety, the Centre, in partnership with security systems integrator Entech, deployed a complete Avigilon surveillance solution, including 500 cameras, which were installed throughout the shopping centre and the parking lot to provide full coverage of open areas. Chosen camera models included Avigilon HD Multisensor, H4 Bullet and H4 Dome cameras. H4 Dome and H4 Bullet cameras provide exceptional image quality in a range of different settings H4 dome and H4 bullet cameras H4 Dome and H4 Bullet cameras provide exceptional image quality in a range of different settings, while the HD Multisensor camera has up to four cameras that cover up to 360 degrees of viewing range. These combined camera solutions help minimise blind spots, which allows the Centre’s security team to monitor important activity throughout the premises, both indoors and outside. The cameras are only half the solution for the Centre. The hub of the security solution is the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software. With advanced and fast video search features, the software enables security operators to quickly find and review surveillance footage, helping the Centre security team resolve thefts and similar claims at a higher rate than with the legacy solution. Retail security Southeast Asia’s diverse mall scene offers unique shopping experiences for tourists as well as locals, with high-end boutiques to one-of-a-kind night markets. Megabangna Shopping Centre, located in Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s largest retail complexes. With 4 million square feet of space, over 840 retail shops, and parking for 10,000 vehicles, the Centre is the first shopping mall of its kind in the region—creating a unique security need. The Centre is the first shopping mall of its kind in the region - creating a unique security need With the motto ‘Everything Under One Roof,’ the Centre quickly earned a reputation as the perfect place to spend the weekend with friends and family, or to pick up everyday household needs. As a result, excessive crowds pack the walkways and its 10,000 parking spots are regularly filled. Safety and security of customers Given the complexity of the Centre facility, and the high foot and vehicle traffic acquired onsite, the security solutions in place needed to be reassessed. Commonly reported incidents at the mall included cars being vandalised or broken into while parked in on-site structures, and busy shoppers losing personal items throughout the mall grounds during their visit. The safety and security of customers—along with ensuring a great customer experience for every visit—are top priorities for the Centre. Implementing a comprehensive security system was also an important part of the Centre’s loss prevention strategy to save the company time and money. The installation of Avigilon solutions took half the estimated length of time, making the transition easy for the Centre’s team from the start. Avigilon’s easy-to-use software helps them search footage in under 10 minutes ACC software Once installation was complete, ACC software further simplified things for the security team by allowing them to identify problematic situations with powerful and efficient software. When searching footage of areas with heavy foot traffic, the Centre’s security team was able to identify problems around the busy centre in record-breaking time. Since deploying ACC software, the Centre has shortened a process that at times could take hours or days—Avigilon’s easy-to-use software helps them search footage in under 10 minutes, while saving effort and money during an investigation. Given this measurable success, the Centre recently expanded the use of Avigilon solutions into an additional parking structure. Avigilon solutions implemented help make the security team’s jobs easier and keep patrons safe.