Like larger retailers, convenience stores have to combat the daily threat of crime from a multitude of sources, writes Pauline Norstrom, Head of Marketing, Dedicated Micros.
From the November retail supplement.
Those crime sources include burglary, vandalism, and theft by customers and even from those employed on the premises. All this necessitates vigilance on behalf of owners and managers, a practical and demanding reality that is reflected in the application of ever more sophisticated and, crucially for smaller retailers, affordable CCTV. Even the smallest retailers are now looking to install the very latest digital technology to maintain CCTVโs edge in this on-going battle, doing away with tape management issues, and delivering databases and search facilities to support the effective identification of suspect activity. The Eco9 entry level digital system from Dedicated Micros is a nine-channel variant of our Eco family of DVRs. Interest since its launch has been extremely high. Already Gardiner Security has signed an exclusive agreement to promote and distribute the product across the UK and mainland Europe.
Priced to compete
From the start we have priced it to compete with traditional VCR-multiplexer combinations. This means that it is possible to offer an affordable introduction to the benefits of digital recording for small, often independent, convenience store owners, helping them to do away with the tape management issues associated with traditional analogue CCTV solutions. As with the Eco4, which we introduced last year, the new โplug and playโ Eco9 has been designed with ease of use in mind. It has been configured to time-lapse record straight out of the box by automatically detecting connected cameras on power-up. We have also incorporated covert camera support to ensure that staff pilferage can be minimised in a fast moving retail environment, and a spot monitor acts as a visible deterrent to potential shoplifters.
CD writer
The Eco9 can record a single camera in real-time (25/30 pps) while playing back recorded images locally via GOTO functions, or remotely through a PC using free network viewing software. We also offer a version with an integral CD writer for image export for evidential purposes, or if necessary images can be downloaded remotely over a retailerโs IT network, or internet. We believe that the introduction of the product gives convenience stores an enhanced choice, providing a robust, high specification, entry level system, demonstrating that affordable does not have to mean cheap and ineffective. The productโs extra channels also mean that more cameras can be supported from the same unit offering potential for expansion; this gives smaller retailers peace of mind that they have chosen a reliable long term CCTV solution. Ultimately, it is not a question of technology for technologyโs sake but rather about applying it in a user-friendly manner to deliver practical bottom-line benefits for the user.
