Retail security applications

Edesix, a provider of Body Worn Cameras (BWC), announces that it has teamed up with retailer Asda to enhance in-store security. After a successful trial, which began in 2016, there are now over 900 Edesix VideoBadges being utilized in over 250 sites nationwide, with more growth expected in the near future. Edesix collaborated with CBES, Asda's preferred security installer, to design and install a tailored wearable CCTV deployment system perfectly suited to the retail giant's needs. Edesix and CBES worked closely at Asda's national security center and across four store deployments to provide them with the knowledge and expertise so the cameras could be rolled out in the remaining stores with minimum impact on store efficiency. Improved Colleague Security Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time This system, which is intuitive to use and requires minimum training, has enabled staff to integrate the cameras into their daily working processes with minimal fuss. As a result of this partnering strategy, which relied on both the innovative nature of Edesix's technology and communication between all parties, Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time, thus reducing costs. Since the deployment, Asda has proven the viability of these cameras by securing numerous convictions relating to theft and violence against staff. Confrontation preventer Richie McBride, managing director of Edesix, explains: "Asda, along with CBES, identified the need to re-think its key security policy around challenging aggressive behavior towards staff. In searching for a technology partner, CBES chose Edesix as their BWC provider, to deploy initially to the most affected stores, eventually rolling out to over 250 sites across the UK. The aim was to improve the safety of colleagues in public facing roles and shoppers within the stores, while producing compelling evidence when needed." The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members" McBride adds: "The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members if they know they are being filmed." Winning major contracts Edesix, which was recently acquired by US-based security specialists Vigilant Solutions, has enjoyed a great deal of success lately, ranging from winning some major contracts with the likes of UK prisons, Scotrail and South Australian Police, to being named in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 league table. Edesix currently supplies markets across the globe, through direct sales and international partners, to geographies including the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, the Middle East and Australasia.

Opening up new possibilities for competitive video surveillance deployments in retail, restaurant and small business applications, IDIS has launched a compact range of robust, high performance cameras and recorders. The IDIS Compact Solutions series is designed for rapid installations and both single and multi-site roll outs, allowing for the mixing and matching of analog and IP technologies, making upgrades and system extensions more affordable than ever. IDIS Compact Solutions The new line includes a choice of network and HD-TVI cameras and recorders, all of which are easy to install through one-click network configuration. A highly competitive price point comes without any compromise on IDIS’s signature reliability and performance, while hardened network security protocols provide complete reassurance against hacking risks. The new Compact Solutions line features 4-channel compact recorders that can be conveniently desktop or wall mounted, and for end-users and operators - including branch managers, small business owners and security personnel – the line combines high performance features with simple operation and a choice of client software. The IDIS Compact Solutions range is hard-wearing, making it particularly durable and perfectly suited for busy environments where reliable capture of high definition video images is important. IDIS Dome And Bullet PoE Cameras IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance in live view and playback (including on remote devices such as smartphones) and come with motion detection, tamper alarms, zoned privacy masking, day and night ICR and IR LED up to 20m. A choice of four and eight channel IP or HD-TVI recorders allows fast and trouble-free installation and lets installers take advantage of existing coax cabling. The IP recorders also benefit from H.264 live view which eliminates the need to upgrade hardware peripherals. For highest performance streaming capacity, H.265 and IDIS Intelligent Codec compression deliver bandwidth savings of up to 90 percent, ensuring smoother real-time viewing and full evidence retention. “The new IDIS Compact Solutions line continues our longstanding tradition of market-responsive offerings, designed and developed in house to meet the real-world needs of our industry partners and end-users. This new line of fills an important need in the market, for high value, high performance technology from proven market leaders able to reliably meet highly specific requirements in vertical spaces, such as retail, and smaller business operations,” noted Keith Drummond, Senior Director, IDIS America. IDIS Total Solution As with all IDIS products the Compact Solutions range is backed by industry-lauded technical support and service, including the company’s global technical support operation, co-located with IDIS America’s regional headquarters near Dallas, Texas. The new IDIS Compact Solutions line is the latest offering in the powerful and award-winning IDIS Total Solution—an end-to-end, single sourced offering that delivers unrivaled plug-and-play simplicity (combined with highest-quality performance, compatibility, now featuring the longest recorder warranty in the industry), with a low total cost of ownership.

March Networks, a pioneer in the delivery of video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions to the cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that one of Canada’s largest cannabis producers has selected its complete cannabis video solution to provide security, loss prevention and operational insights for its retail dispensaries. The publicly-traded producer, with multiple brands and a global presence, chose the March Networks solution based on its proven reliability, ability to support thousands of locations, and its Searchlight business intelligence software. March Networks Searchlight provides organizations with valuable information on customer service, risk mitigation, corporate compliance and other operations through the integration of surveillance video, point-of-sale (POS) transaction data and customer data analytics. The solution delivers an enhanced level of tracking and compliance by correlating video with the RFID data in the Searchlight softwareEnhanced Level Of Tracking “Early on, we recognized the security and operational requirements of the tightly-regulated cannabis market and evolved our offering to uniquely address those needs,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. “Today, we are proud to be the solution of choice for cannabis operators, including this leading Canadian-based producer in advance of the legalisation of the country’s recreational marijuana market in October.” Just last week, the government of Ontario – Canada’s largest province by population – opened up the sale of marijuana to private retailers, reversing a previous decision that would have seen sales limited to government-run outlets only. Across the United States, March Networks currently works with multiple cannabis operators, providing intelligent video solutions for dispensaries and cultivation facilities. In states like Colorado, where radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging from seed to sale is mandated by law, the solution delivers an enhanced level of tracking and compliance by correlating video with the RFID data in the Searchlight software. The producer will be able to centrally manage the entire system and easily schedule software updates using March Networks Command Enterprise Server software Deploying NVRs And 3D Analytics Sensors In addition to March Networks Searchlight, the Canadian cannabis producer will deploy the company’s hybrid network video recorders (NVRs) in each retail store, as well as integrated 3D analytics sensors to gather valuable metrics on customer traffic and wait times. The producer will be able to centrally manage the entire system and easily schedule software updates using March Networks Command Enterprise Server software. The powerful video management software is an ideal solution for organizations with multiple distributed locations, providing capabilities such as mass device management and LDAP integration to enable secure multi-level user access and authentication. It also delivers remote system health monitoring to ensure video is always there when needed – a critical feature to help ensure cannabis operators remain compliant with video surveillance requirements at all times.

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-meter 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 utilizes 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 optimized 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.

Genetec Inc., global technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced that its unified platform, Security Center has been integrated with Secure Store, a profit protection and exception reporting solution developed by Appriss Retail. With this integration, retailers can now immediately disprove or validate suspicious transactions by accessing the security video evidence associated with suspected fraudulent activity. Security Center And Store Integration Secure Store enables retailers to significantly mitigate losses related to fraud, theft, and operational/systemic breakdowns. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Secure Store performs advanced exception modeling from multiple data sources and enables immediate corrective action. US-based retailer, DICK’s Sporting Goods, is using the Security Center platform to monitor over 18,000 cameras across 720 stores and manage 230 cameras and 130 doors at its headquarters. The organization is now using the joint Genetec/Appriss Retail solution to provide immediate insight, reduce shrink, improve profitability and achieve rapid ROI, as Jacob Gillette, Director of Loss Prevention and Operations, DICK’s Sporting Goods explains: Genetec/Appriss Retail Solution The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations" “The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations, which has been hugely beneficial to our organization. Our investigation team can now easily retrieve video from Security Center to validate suspicious transactions that are flagged by the Appriss Retail exception reporting system.” Thanks to the integration of Security Center and Secure Store, retailers can now simply click on the video icon within the Secure Store interface to immediately identify and review the security video related to individual transactions. This allows them to evaluate detailed evidence related to all refunds, transaction items, discrepancies between what is being scanned and what is on the bill, and quickly determine if there was indeed a problem. Importance Of Video Evidence In Fraud Cases The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users" “When you investigate fraud, you need to be able to validate questionable behavior. This is why video evidence is so critical. Thanks to our partnership with Genetec, we are now able to provide our customers with immediate insights that allow them to make informed decisions and build defensible cases based on hard evidence,” said Corey Adams Vice President of Global Client Services for Appriss Retail. “We’re pleased to be able to assist retailers with integrations that help make their teams more productive and significantly reduce loss. The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users,” said Scott Thomas, Director of Retail Market Development at Genetec.

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorization bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response From The Manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centers on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact On Contractor Business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company Statement On The NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision Comments On GSX Presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

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 organized 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 organized retail crime Entrance – exit – POS - aisle – stock room – cafeteria/break room – loading dock monitoring Parking area surveillance License plate recognition Customer/staff behavior 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 centers and malls, luxury goods suppliers, car dealerships and gas/petrol stations.

Customer Among the many tenants at “Las Américas,” the second largest shopping mall in Morelia, Michoacán, México, a jewelery retailer experiences the mall’s foot traffic, the highest in the area. Mallor Joyeria is a popular jewelery store in the upscale venue. Challenge The Mallor Joyeria had been robbed several times; however, with the low-quality resolution of the store's previous surveillance system none of the suspects were ever clearly identified or caught. The basic system included eight security cameras, installed to deter shoplifting and theft. The store was in need of a higher-quality system to help protect its customers and valuable inventory from future criminal threats. Specifically, they were looking for wider views and higher-resolution coverage. Megapixel Solution Searching for a higher-quality surveillance system, Mallor Joyeria contacted Sermex, a well-known nationwide security company specializing in video surveillance since 1988; committed to developing high-technology video solutions and works hard to keep its service competitive according to Sermex Products Engineering Manager, Mr. Rodrigo Cervantes. Seeking the best option for higher-resolution IP megapixel cameras to use at the jewelery store, Sermex turned to Arecont Vision. In addition to additional security benefits and the ability to identify suspects, Arecont Vision cameras provide efficiency benefits such as wider views and higher-resolution coverage. Sermex engineering department lists high recommendations and performance as the two biggest factors in choosing Arecont Vision cameras. They also cite price as a factor and adding that the cameras are “very cost-effective.” A Sermex integrator installed eight of Arecont Vision’s MegaDome cameras at the jewelery store, including six in the store area covering the jewelery showcases. Two more IP dome cameras were installed in “very confidential and restricted areas” according to Sermex engineers. Arecont Vision MegaDome cameras enable jewelery store to gather, analyze and interpret any evidence of theft “After evaluating various manufactures for this type of application, the customer chose Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras,” said Mr. Cervantes. The system is monitored locally by the jewelery store management and can also be monitored remotely via Internet. Megapixel Benefits The greater resolution of Arecont Vision’s MegaDome cameras enabled the Mallor Joyeria to gather better, more detailed information to help them track, verify and stop the operations of those attacking the store. The result is a lower rate of violent attacks and an increase in security for the store's customers. Greater image clarity translates into better information to be used as evidence. A significant benefit of the new system is a greater comfort level for the store's customers. Previously, customers did not feel comfortable in the jewelery store because of perceived security threats, which kept them from shopping there. Now they feel safer, more at ease and more likely to visit the store, which will help contribute to return on investment (ROI) of the new system, according to the jewelery store management. They have stated their confidence that this whole new Arecont Vision security system will increase the retailer's ROI because customers and employees will feel secure. Not only will it will stop burglars, it may also decrease our insurance costs. Arecont Vision MegaDome cameras enable the jewelery store to gather, analyze and interpret any evidence of theft, which will help them achieve their primary goal of greater security. The system has performed “perfectly” to date says the jewelery store management, and Arecont Vision's response to the needs of the user and systems integrator has been “excellent.” Mallor Joyeria management has seen that the improved video quality of megapixel imaging can provide a range of benefits in retail applications. For example, better video quality makes it easier to view the way clients and clerks handle the jewels, watches and other products mainly while these are being showcased. The picture quality and digital zoom capabilities of Arecont Vision cameras far exceed analog technology and enable retailers to retrieve highly usable video. Megapixel imaging represents a significant upgrade in system functionality compared to standard-resolution cameras. The use of fewer megapixel cameras to cover larger areas can dramatically decrease costs related to other elements of a system. This advantage plays especially well in the retail environment, where costs are always a consideration. The successful application of megapixel cameras to provide unparalleled image quality and resolution in a small retail environment such as the jewelery store in Mexico illustrates the flexibility of megapixel solutions and their cost-effectiveness for a wide range of uses.

Dahua Technology, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance products headquartered in Hangzhou, China up secured ultra modern shopping mall in Mwanza . The construction of ultra modern shopping mall complex has taken off in Mwanza city. Mwanza is Tanzania's second largest town and the economic heart of the Lake Region. With the continuous development of the economy, the city needs a better business environment to meet the needs of its residents. Therefore, the Mwanza Municipal Council commissioned K&M Archplans (T) Ltd to undertake the design and supervision of the proposed ultra-modern Mwanza shopping mall that covers about 50,000 m2 of shopping space. Mwanza is Tanzania's second largest town and the economic heart of the Lake Region Challenge Of Shopping Mall Security Shopping mall has unique challenges that must be taken into consideration when designing an effective security program. Dahua provides the security system for the ultra modern shopping mall considering all factors at the beginning of the construction, including plenty of network dome cameras, PTZ dome cameras and zoom cameras, bits of NVRs and LCD monitors as well. The cameras cover the whole shopping mall, especially the entrances and exits, halls, corridors and the parking lots. The mall will have a four story market structure developed; Dahua puts the network dome cameras and PTZ dome cameras mainly inside the mall and installs the zoom cameras on the outside to security the whole building. Dome Camera Specification  Dahua's 2-megapixel full HD water-proof & vandal-proof network dome camera (HDBW5200), was used. This camera, with a dedicated-design, a 2.7-12mm fixed lens and a 1/2.8" 2-Megapixel progressive scan Sony Exmor CMOS was the best fit for the interior of the mall. Its IK10-rated vandal-proof can effectively prevent violent destruction. HDBW5200 is able to help to deter theft and respond to active criminal incidents.Dahua's security systems ensure every person in the centre feels secure and welcome Outside, the SD6A230-HN 2Megapixel full HD 30x ultra-smart network IR PTZ dome camera protects the mall's exterior and parking 24/7 with recording high resolution images. Other than its high image quality, the PTZ camera provides a wide pan and tilt range, 0°~360°horizontally and -10 ° ~90 ° vertically, delivering broad images of each scene and a complete picture of ongoing events. Moreover, the domes support 255 presets setup and the go-to speed of pan is 240°/s and tilt 200°/s. With an IR range of up to 150 meters, it can features great day/night performance in any lighting conditions. It is able to monitor every corner of the shopping mall. Protection Of Shoppers And Employees Dahua's security systems ensure every person in the mall feels secure and welcome no matter if it's shoppers or employees. With Dahua's security systems, the mall can respond and control appropriately when certain events happened. The ultra modern shopping mall has a modern and alluring design. Dahua is very much looking forward to the results of its products in the ultra modern shopping mall.

Customer Lauren Bright is a leading wholesale and retail enterprise that specialises in importing European apparel and operates more than 40 outlets in major Chinese cities. Lauren Bright's Pinko store in Harbour City, Hong Kong features the Pinko clothing line, an Italian fashion brand designed specifically for young women. Challenge When opening a new shop for the Pinko brand, Lauren Bright was looking for a video surveillance system to monitor internal staff and to provide anti-theft protection. They were looking for high-resolution imaging to do the job more effectively. As always in the retail environment, overall system cost was a consideration. Megapixel solution Arecont Vision megapixel cameras were chosen for installation in the store based on their clearer, high quality images and the ability to increase operating efficiency, according to Jerry So, sales manager, ADT Hong Kong Ltd. ADT Hong Kong designed the video surveillance system and performed the installation. The integrator is the Hong Kong branch of ADT, the leader in electronic security solutions, specialising in design, sales, installation and monitoring services for more than 7.2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers worldwide. With $7 billion in annual sales, 60,000 employees globally and operations in more than 40 countries, ADT protects 90 percent of the world's Fortune 500 companies and more than 80 percent of the world's top retailers. The integrator and end-user evaluated analog cameras for the installation but decided instead to go for the superior image quality and expanded functionality of a system based on megapixel video. Cameras installed at Lauren Bright's Pinko store were four Arecont Vision 1.3 megapixel cameras and Arecont Vision's AV2155DN, a 2 megapixel day/night camera. Arecont Vision's 1.3 megapixel camera provides 1,280 x 1,024 pixel images at 32 frames per second using a ½ inch CMOS sensor. Capabilities of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming). Arecont Vision AV2155DN is a 2 megapixel MegaDome®camera that provides 1600 x 1200-pixel images at 24 fps, with low-light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. The MegaDome® all-in-one integrated camera, lens and IP66-rated environmental dome housing use a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and Arecont Vision's MegaVideo® image processing at 80 billion operations per second. The camera employs H.264 (MPEG 4, Part 10) compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining real-time image resolution. The day/night model used at the Pinko store features a motorized IR cut filter. The dome features a camera gimbal with 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt adjustments. Capabilities of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming) The network video recorder is supplied by Genius Vision Digital, Inc. (GVD) and is fully interoperable with Arecont Vision megapixel cameras. The Pinko system is monitored centrally from a main control room. A hard disk drive (HDD) provides 1 terabyte of storage. Arecont Vision works closely with industry leaders such as GVD to ensure integration of Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras with their NVR platforms. Megapixel benefits The system has performed well to date, and Arecont Vision has been responsive to the needs of the user and integrator. The improved video quality of megapixel imaging is especially important in retail applications. For example, better video quality makes it more likely an operator could clearly see the denominations of paper bills changing hands in a questionable point-of-sale transaction. The picture quality and digital zoom capabilities of Arecont Vision cameras far exceed analog technology and allow retailers to retrieve usable video that can be used as prosecutable evidence. Megapixel imaging represents a significant upgrade in system functionality compared to standard-resolution cameras. In addition to lower bandwidth and storage requirements, megapixel cameras can dramatically decrease costs related to other elements of a system, such as fewer software licenses, fewer lenses and a decrease in man-hours needed to bring it all together. These advantages play especially well in the retail environment, where costs are always a consideration. This application of megapixel cameras to provide unparalleled image quality and resolution in a small retail environment illustrates the flexibility of megapixel solutions and their cost-effectiveness for a wide range of uses.

The integrator F & N Enterprises of Tucson, AZ is a low voltage systems integrator specializing in commercial/residential installation of burglar, fire and surveillance security systems. They are experts in the deployment of structured cabling, voice and data infrastructures, using UTP and Fiber Optics. Project background A leading grocery chain’s corporate security and loss prevention departments had requested an overall upgrade to the region’s facility surveillance systems. These facilities included grocery stores with gas stations, and regional distribution centers. They had a directive to integrate the most cost effective progressive technology, increase the camera count, and be able to easily relocate existing cameras. Each project location varied slightly in camera count. Stores required from 24 to 64 cameras. The distribution centers would need over 100 cameras added at each location. Multiple racks and recording equipment were located within management’s office space in each facility. The technology The system upgrade required the best technology, ease of use, superior video imaging, day or night, and full location coverage. There was also a requirement for public view monitoring (PVM), remote information/image retrieval and a more advanced system of image management. The transmission methods to be considered were; IP cameras powered by PoE via Cat5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) to an NVR, analog cameras via standard video coax (already in use) to a hybrid DVR, or analog cameras powered by a Hybrid Video Power Supply via Cat5E UTP to a hybrid DVR. All store locations were already cabled for voice and data using Cat5 UTP cabling. The corporate mandate also included a strict adherence to the EIA/TIA 568B termination pin-outs and UTP structured cabling standards for voice and data transmission. It was sensible to use the same cabling infrastructure platform for surveillance applications as if and where possible. Other system considerations IP cameras via UTP and analog cameras via UTP both allowed cameras to be powered remotely using UTP cables thereby maintaining that 568B standard. This was a big plus. Many of the stores had fuel stations located on site, but often times located at the front of the property. Each fuel stations needed an enhancement to surveillance coverage too. If they chose to use coax cable, there would be a need to install over 15,000 feet of cable. This further confirmed the commitment by corporate management that the decision to go with standards based UTP was the correct one. The use of UTP reduced material and labor costs by 50%. IP cameras via UTP or analog cameras via UTP hybrid video? The choice was made to use, analog cameras via an NVT UTP Hybrid Video network. The NVT system was scalable, manageable, standards based and affordable. Another selling point of using the NVT was it allowed for a possible infrastructure stepping-stone in the future. By installing the Cat5 cabling, it provided a system with better performance standards today, as well as having the cabling in place for mix of IP cameras should the need arise in the future. That made the overall systems more flexible. In the future, certain areas of the store may be targeted for IP enhanced video, some may not, but all areas are ready. The NVT system was scalable, manageable, standards based and affordable The install details Headend: F&N Enterprises installed a Cat5 patch panel in the rack housing with the DVRs, and monitors. Standard patch cords were used to patch across the RJ45 connectors to the NVT DigitalEQ™ Active Hub. The output of each hub was directly connected to the DVR via standard NVT supplied coaxial jumpers. Wire management was used to create an extremely clean and professional looking installation. A single-channel NVT device was used at each camera location. The Fuel Stations: The solution provided for the fuel stations was a rack mounted NVT passive hub in the fuel station and NVT active hub in the headend rack. While the powered hub was not required by NVT specs, it did allow the video signal to be equalized to match those signals provided by in-store cameras. Power and Video To The Cameras: Analog, high resolution mini-dome cameras were used throughout the project. Most of the UTP runs were around 150 feet. Run length to the fuel stations were typically 1200 feet. All cameras on the project were powered by the NVT PVD™ power supply cable integrator hubs. These PVD power hubs supplied video, control and camera power using a 568B standards based UTP cabling network, which was very organized, easy to understand and able to be used in the future for IP retrofits as needed. These hubs, once installed in a central position, powered a co-located (star topology) group of cameras. The cameras were connected to the system via power-video transceivers which are small in size, easy to hide and protect from tampering. The cabling infrastructure All of the Cat5E UTP cabling that was installed replaced coax. The entire network was converted to structured cabling via UTP. The Cat5E was very cost effective, easy to pull and terminate. Cat5E transmission performance is well within that required for the video transmission application. Fred Francis of F&N said, “The NVT product is really a quality piece of equipment. It’s well suited, designed for its use. We did have a problem with one hub where we didn’t get any AC for ports 1-8. The return-swap was immediately handled by our distributor and NVT, we had a replacement the following day. No problem getting it resolved. The NVT tech support department is well trained, knowledgeable, and treated us respectfully. The equipment installs easily. I’ve seen 5,000ft of Cat5 cable running video with great results: superior picture quality! Installing it in the fuel station scenario above, saving money, saving time, and with great results brought it all into crystal clarity.” There are choices regarding the media used for your cabling infrastructure that allow the end-user more flexibility in their future systems needs and choices. The most common media for IP transmission is UTP. Whether you are deploying an analog, a hybrid, or a purely IP based system, Hybrid Video via UTP is worthy of consideration.

Restaurant Brands, the parent company in New Zealand of KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr and Starbucks has installed Milestone  XProtect® video management software throughout their chain of restaurants. Thanks to Milestone video the number of thefts has reduced and day-to-day operations have become more efficient leading to significant improvement on the bottom-line. “Although there was no target set for loss prevention, there was a remarkable increase to the net profit after the installation of the Milestone XProtect video management software. The main benefits of the software included user responsiveness and the open platform that will enable us to integrate with other systems in the future.” - Geoff Holton, Commercial IT Manager at Restaurant Brands Limited (RBL). The Challenge RBL’s objective was to improve loss prevention by monitoring the different food preparation processes at the restaurants, managing waste levels to lower theft amongst dishonest customers and staff. The Advantages The Milestone XProtect® solution provides RBL with increased staff safety and more efficient day-to-day operations. Improved loss prevention, leading to a significant improvement to the bottom-line. RBL can easily expand their solution to other uses with the Milestone open platform. The Solution Installing Milestone Partner Lexel designed and implemented an efficient solution with Milestone XProtect® Corporate to manage more than 1,300 AXIS network cameras throughout RBL’s stores in New Zealand. Lexel set up the users with the XProtect® Smart Client interface and Milestone Mobile, which significantly improves the efficiency in day-to-day operations at the many restaurants. Effective Daily Operations With Milestone Video The Milestone solution has been implemented into around 180 restaurants throughout New Zealand. Cameras are installed in all KFC and Carl’s Jr. restaurants and selective locations for Starbucks and Pizza Hut. The goal was to improve efficiency in operations at the restaurants: “The Milestone solution has made day-to-day operations much easier. Prior to this all managers were only able visit one or two stores at a time, but now they look remotely at the foyer area of their stores by using the XProtect Smart Client interface,” said Geoff Holton. With the XProtect® software, managers can remotely see how many customers each branch has, how many cash registers are open and how many employees are operating the counters. The software also helps them keep track of peak hours and check the restaurants’ performance during these hours. According to Geoff Holton, the XProtect software is also being used to ensure the high quality of food at the different stores and to manage waste: "We are also using the Milestone solution to ensure the quality of the food that is made. Now we can go and have a look at how the pizzas are made at Pizza Hut or see if standards are followed when breading chicken at KFC stores. This is all about securing the quality of our products, making sure our staff are safe while working with the hot deep fryers, and managing waste and staffing levels,” said Geoff Holton. Catching Thieves The Milestone video management software is also being used to avoid theft at the restaurants: “Although there was "The Milestone open platform allows us to integrate with other analytics which is a big advantage for us" no target for loss prevention, there was a remarkable increase in net profit after the install of the Milestone video management system. We have just over 5,000 staff, and in the first 20 weeks of the financial year we actually detected 16 people that were stealing. The majority of our employees are honest and hardworking but unfortunately all businesses have theft issues,” said Geoff Holton. “We did not have a previous surveillance system, which made it difficult to catch thieves and provide evidence of their misdeeds. Now we can monitor the stores and provide video footage of the incident to the police if necessary,” said Geoff Holton. RBL’s Additional Benefits Using Open Platform Software The Milestone solution is being used for a broad number of things including general safety and property damage: “We also use the solution to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. Now we can react quickly if a member of the staff is assaulted, for example. Both IT management and supervisors can remotely check on the stores with Milestone Mobile 24 hours a day,” states Geoff Holton. Holton explains that the uses of the Milestone software might expand even more: “We are thinking about integrating with a point-of-sale (POS) system in the future. The Milestone open platform allows us to integrate with other analytics which is a big advantage for us. It is one of the main reasons we chose the Milestone open platform,” explains Geoff Holton. It was the system integrator Lexel who recommended RBL to go with the Milestone solution, and Lexel Systems thoroughly trained each of the users in how to use the solution. “Lexel is a trusted partner that was able to provide good support during the purchasing, installation and support process. I can highly recommend Lexel,” concludes Geoff Holton. KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr. and Starbucks Coffee are all trademarks of Restaurant Brands Limited. These food brands are some of the world's most famous, distinguished not only for their product but also for the look, style and ambience of their outlets, for the service they provide, and the total experience they deliver to their customers in New Zealand and around the world. Restaurant Brands Limited is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.