With aging technology in the existing discrete CCTV surveillance solutions in each of the branches involved in the project, the time was certainly ripe to investigate the advantages an upgrade to a centrally monitored digital IP system could provide. “However, it would not be without its challenges, especially the need for our team of engineers to decommission the old CCTV system and install its replacement during peak business hours,” says Asim Arshad, managing director at 1080 Solutions. “The upgrade also called for the replacement of all the existing cabling with BT grade Cat-6 infrastructure to allow on-site NVRs to relay signals directly to Ramzan’s main office.
“The new system was required to function as both a replacement to the previous solution and a future-proof upgrade, capable of assimilating further upgrades in the form of additional cameras or NVRs if desired. Not only that, but wherever possible the new Hikvision solution should take full advantage of the existing wall and ceiling mounts used by the previous CCTV cameras to minimize disruption and the need for redecoration. This meant careful consideration of which cameras to place in order to maximise coverage and efficiency.”
According to Arshad, the site survey had identified the key areas for surveillance and highlighted camera technology that would be especially useful. “The areas behind and in front of the serving counters, especially the area surrounding any cash register, were mandated to receive the highest level of surveillance to detect theft and/or mishandling of food or beverages by both staff and customers, and vandalism,” he says. “Even during the site survey, we had in mind that the Smart Hikvision network dome cameras, with their IR sensors, Smart Line Detection, Region of Interest selection, and Entering and Loitering Detection technologies, would play an important role in allowing the security team to anticipate such activities and providing maximum security for both customers and staff.
“Finally, with the installation of 50 cameras and five NVRs across the four stores, we were challenged to design and implement a solution that maximized cost-effectiveness while allowing easy future expansion should the circumstances dictate,” says Arshad.