Like any retailer, Meny and Ultra grocery superstores were fighting against shoplifting, vandalism and violence, report Premier Electronics Ltd.
They needed an efficient surveillance system to reduce crime and lost profits without detracting from the shopping ambience. To create a safer environment for the newest Ultra store, AS Skan-kontroll, a reseller in the ADI-Alarmsystem AS Norway network, implemented a solution consisting of a Mirasys V 3032 DVR and a mix of megapixel and analogue cameras.
In superstores, security must be effective, but it must never be intimidating or detract from the shopping ambience that is so essential. It is not easy when merchandise is deliberately made as inviting and as accessible for the customer as possible, thereby increasing the risk of theft. "However, Mirasys surveillance solution has made it easy for us," smiles Kurt Thomassen, Security Manager for Meny-Ultra. "We have been able to increase profits and reduce retail risks such as vandalism, shoplifting and assault without disturbing the shopping ambience. We therefore provide a safe shopping environment for our customers and staff."
Meny and Ultra are a chain of high-end grocery superstores in Norway. The concept of Meny-Ultra grocery superstores is to give the customers a unique food-shopping experience offering a wide selection of high-quality products, fresh produce, meat and dairy products, a high standard of service, and knowledgeable, well-trained staff. "Our newest Ultra grocery superstore opened in Lørenskog Storsenter in Oslo," says Thomassen.
To protect the business, the Meny-Ultra grocery superstores needed a surveillance system to cover all critical areas such as the entrance, receiving docks, storage, and shelves with theft prone merchandise. The surveillance system had to be easy to operate and able to provide easy access to high quality images which could be used as court evidence if needed. The system also had to be robust, handling long and continuous recording and have large storage capacity. In a trial period involving several surveillance solutions, Mirasys V series digital video recorder (DVR) proved to be the only surveillance solution to meet the requirements. Key features promoting the Mirasys V series include resolution and compression independence, scalability, easy integration and the most sophisticated motion detection tools.
AS Skan-kontroll, a Norwegian loss prevention company and a reseller in the ADI-Alarmsystem AS Norway network, acted as the implementation partner for the grocery chains’ newest store, Ultra Lørenskog. For this grocery store, AS Skan-kontroll developed a solution consisting of a Mirasys V 3032 DVR and a mix of megapixel and analog cameras. "We received first-rate products and excellent service," says Thomassen. The main benefit of the V series is its wide support of both analog and digital surveillance cameras, enabling cost-saving integration with existing cameras and monitors. Already in the construction phase of Meny and Ultra grocery superstores, the layout of the store was designed to help deter and detect crime. "In addition to implementing video surveillance, we take measures such as employing appropriate lighting and careful shelf design. We improved customer convenience and reduce opportunities for concealment by considerate positioning and arrangement of displays. For example, long and wide aisles provide clear views for the cameras," adds Thomassen. "The security of the storage and staff areas is taken into consideration in the design."
"We have been very happy with the map tool," says Thomassen. "I import blueprints of the store layouts and add the cameras on them. The map tool provides an excellent overview of camera positions in the stores for quick access." Mirasys V series also allows independent video formats and capture configuration for each camera while controlling all cameras through one easy to use interface. Different calendar masks can be created to control the recording and alarm management system of the Mirasys system
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In the future
The Meny and Ultra grocery superstores will be monitored remotely through AS Skan-kontroll, meaning they will be able to verify alarms remotely and take action. "We are looking forward to this arrangement, as it will release our resources," comments Thomassen. "Centralized administration and needing fewer monitoring personnel reduces costs and makes the whole investment worthwhile."
Video recording requires reliable hard disks. Mirasys uses only industrial standard hard disks that are built for 24/7 usage, and Mirasys recorders have their own patented file system. The stored data does not fragment the hard disk whilst storing camera images, meaning that the hard disk is utilized at maximum. Kato Lystad from ADI-Alarmsystem explains: "Not only does this prolong the life of the hard disk and prevent the system from getting slower over time; it puts a stop to disk failures, which are common in other digital video recording systems. Mirasys surveillance systems are extremely reliable and robust."
Every security arrangement helps fight crime and make stores less attractive for theft, break-ins and robberies. "We are also using Mirasys video surveillance in other superstores in the Meny-Ultra division and we are extremely satisfied," attests Thomassen. "The system has reduced the amount of attempted thefts and led to the arrest of individuals who have persistently committed crime on the premises," reports Thomassen. "The biggest influence has been where we have used the recorded data in successful prosecutions. The word gets around very quickly and even though these people are not aware of the full functionality of the DVRs, they know there is a surveillance system in our store that is likely to lead to their arrest, and they will not bother us any longer," explains Thomassen. "With the one-click media clip export to CD/DVD it is easy to report incidences and provide real forensic detail to the authorities". The data is watermarked and the media clips are authenticated.
Video surveillance is economically feasible for businesses of all types and sizes. It helps address an array of concerns, including slip-and fall accidents, vandalism, shoplifting and assault. Video surveillance also provides a safer environment for customers and staff. The benefits of video surveillance can quickly justify the system’s cost due to reduced loss and increased long-term net profit.
The implementation of Mirasys surveillance system has reduced the amount of attempted thefts, violent behaviour and led to arrests of the people concerned. Meny-Ultra can now provides a comfortable food shopping experience for their customers in a safe environment.
