SHOPPING AROUND
From camera systems to the latest fire and security monitoring systems, Security Middle East asks some specialist suppliers about the choices that the region’s retailers are currently making
Retail has understandably been one of the sectors hardest hit by the global economic slowdown, but in terms of retail security how are security managers in the region responding? According to Axis Communications’ Middle East country manager, Baraa Al Akaad, despite global economic turmoil IP surveillance will not be affected. “Many retailers in the region have already bought into IP-surveillance
technology and this trend is set to continue. According to IMS Research, the Middle East has the highest penetration rate of IP based video surveillance products. Recent surveys forecast that the penetration rate of IP based surveillance will exceed 50% in 2009. ” He adds that there are some really interesting retail projects taking place in the GCC countries and in places like Egypt. “Our partners are quoting for these, and are working to provide total solutions.”
'IP-alarm transmission is being adopted by major retailers, banks and commercial users in a growing number of countries. It is also starting to be used on a bigger scale by government departments and law-enforcement agencies '
With new developments in particular, the preference now is to plan in IP CCTV solutions from the outset, Akaad adds. “Retailers are realising the benefits of IP, such as the reduced total cost of ownership and flexibility.”
It’s not just retailers with multiple branches that can benefit from easier remote monitoring, he says – owners of individual stores can have greater control over their businesses by simply logging-in from a remote PC to keep an eye on what is happening. “Nowadays we have a wide product range, so even for small shop owners our IP cameras give useful cost-savings.
He says two cameras in particular are worth retailers checking out: the Axis Q1755 high definition unit and the M3011 dome. “The M3011 is particularly suitable for retailers because of its shape and size and the way you install it. It’s very small and because it is POE (Power-Over- Ethernet) you only need one cable to connect it. In fact, it can be set up in one minute and 20 seconds," he claims. This model is designed to be discrete, and is available in a range of different colours to suit different store settings.
Meanwhile the Axis Q1755 is a high definition camera (SNPTE compliant for colour, resolution and full frame rate) “This was introduced at Intersec in Dubai in January and it got a lot of attention. It’s great for retail – it has a 10x optical zoom, day/night function and audio.” The latest high-definition cameras, he adds, allow managers to get a clearer view of activity at the cashier points.
IP not always the answer
But by no means are all projects are following the IP model, points out Tariq Anwer, Middle East regional sales manager for Optelecom. His company has just completed the fibre-optic system for a new shopping centre surveillance system – one of the largest in the region. Plenty of other users he says are still more comfortable with hybrid systems. “There’s a lot of talk about IP but not everybody is implementing it,” he says.
He argues that two factors in particular remain significant: a continuing preference among security installers for working with analogue and reluctance among end-users to put video-data onto IT networks. “This means that you have to create a separate network for the CCTV, and if you compare two quotes the analogue solution is still usually cheaper.”
With the monitoring and control requirements for shopping centres in particular being very demanding – not only for security but also safety – dedicated fibre-based solutions are still very popular, he says.
Prior to its most recent installation (which we aim to report on in a forthcoming edition) Optelecom also recently provided the fibre-optic system for the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, UAE. Here the surveillance and alarm system was installed by Al-Futtaim Engineering Security & LV Systems. At 861,000 square feet, the two-level shopping mall is the largest in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi. The fibre-based system will incorporate 203 cameras. A further 16 cameras will be installed in the district cooling plant with 11 outdoor high-end PTZ perimeter cameras.
Popular choices
CBC’s cameras, DVRs and monitors have been used in a number of retail applications recently – installations include a development for Carrefour in Saudi Arabia. In addition a growing number of banks are installing systems, says Hassan Ahmed, CBC’s head of sales for the region, including HSBC in Egypt, Standard Chartered and Société Générale – activity in this sector has been particularly strong over the last quarter.
“One of our most popular camera ranges for retailers is the ZCD4000 dome series, which includes a wide choice of units for different situations, including low light and vandal resistance,” he tells us.
For example, the new ZC-D4039PHA is a super high-resolution (540 TVL) colour dome camera, which provides impressive scene reproduction and low light performance. A day/night model, it features advanced pixel control for better detail capture in shadows and improved light management. These cameras are supplied with a 3.0-9.0mm direct drive varifocal lens that provides clear, sharp images in all situations.
Among DVRs the Ganz DigiMaster range is proving popular for retail settings, with features, which include simultaneous live view, playback, network view, and record all at the same time.
A smart search feature allows users to search for a specific incident quickly and the DVR can be operated using mouse, front panel and IR remote control. Back-up of an incident can be via integral DVD/CD, USB or via network. For installers, on board dome protocols make connection easier (these include the Ganz PT range, Ganz OCP, Pelco P & Pelco D). The DigiMaster provides full alarm notification including email.
Finally Hassan mentions two ranges of monitors – the ZML-H, which is preferred by banks, and the more economical ZML-E, which is most often the choice for smaller retailers (even though this unit is cheaper it still gives a very good quality picture, he adds).
Videcon supplies a range of DVRS and cameras, which are also popular among retailers, from small independent stores to supermarket chains. “Our CCTV equipment is ideal for retail applications and is used by some of the world’s most successful stores,” explains export sales executive David White, who has recently returned from a visit to Bahrain. DVR models worth looking at include the VXM4 range, which offers a wide range of features ideal for retail users, both stand-alone or individual stores or networkable for supermarkets and chains.
Intruder and fire alarm transmission
In the retail intruder and fire alarms sector one of the technically advanced and fastest growing solutions is the IRIS Touch IP-alarms transmission system from Chiron Security Communications.
Over the last five years it has become the most widely adopted IP-alarms system in Europe and now, in the Middle East, it has been trialled by a major security providers confirms sales & marketing director Lodewijk van Ommeren. In particular he tells us that the certified IRIS Touch System is currently being tested in the Middle East with a view to delivering IP benefits to retailers, banks and other users with multiple-branches who stand to benefit most from the technology.
“IP-alarm transmission is being adopted by major retailers, banks and commercial users in a growing number of countries. It is also starting to be used on a bigger scale by government departments and law-enforcement agencies.”
The big advantages for retailers are greatly reduced alarm transmission and telecoms costs and easier maintenance and control (with report generation features etc.). This is a fast developing technology and the IRIS system took a big step forward last year with the launch of the second generation products and the independent confirmation from the German VdS testing house that it complies with EN 50131, 50136 and, more importantly, EN 54-21 for fire systems. It is certified to the highest level of ATS 6 for both IP and GPRS routings – the first IP system to achieve these certifications.
|