The high street chain WHSmith has upgraded its CCTV. The installer was Orion Security Solutions and distributor Norbain, and the products used were Xeno digital recorders and Vista cameras and accessories. WHSmith has around 600 stores on the high street and 750 more at airports, train stations.
The retailer was looking to combat theft across the estate. The aim was to achieve this through deterrence and more effective detection. The retailer sought to standardise its equipment and so ensuring reliability and video quality.
Colin Peters, Head of Stores Trading Losses for WHSmith, says: “Theft is getting more complex, with organised gangs, fraud and various cons playing out in stores. This creates more challenges to ensure members of staff are knowledgeable, educated and able to feel confident to respond to risks.” As well as tackling theft, the stores wanted to be able to monitor the movement of customers across trading floors so that staff were aware of activity and available to offer assistance, if required. WHSmith turned to Orion Security Solutions, their preferred installer.
With staff often moving between stores, WHSmith required a completely standardised system that would operate in the same way, across the whole estate. Mindful of the cost of such a large upgrade, Orion recommended the Xeno XDVR960 DVR which has all the features WHSmith required while still being a simple and cost-effective option. Steve Taylor, MD of Orion Security Solutions, says: “The units themselves are great value and have proved themselves to be very reliable. They also come with a fantastic warranty, which was absolutely crucial in the decision making process as this reduces the cost of ongoing maintenance and saves on capital used for upgrades.”
Alongside the Xeno DVRs, around 1000 Vista cameras have been installed in over 500 stores across the UK. VFD domes have been used internally, while VFD WDR domes cover areas of high light contrast, such as doorways. Vista power supplies, cables and BNCs were also used throughout. “We wanted to use a single brand of cameras and ancillaries to ensure that we didn’t have any issues around compatibility or continuity and it’s a strategy that’s certainly paid off,” says Steve.
As for logistics, although placed as one order, Norbain sent products to sites according to Orion’s work schedule. As well as timed deliveries, the distributor provided full asset tracking to simplify and streamline the warranty process. Steve says: “It’s because of the extra services and support that we use Norbain again and again for large projects like this. Their technical expertise is excellent and we often work together to determine the best course of action for a given client.”
Orion has completed installations in over 500 WHSmith stores in the last two years, and the upgraded systems have done what was expected. Colin says: “We required a basic CCTV system that captured with clarity images and situations. It’s been used numerous times across all the stores to aid the apprehension of suspects and has proved its worth many times over.” Colin says of Orion: “One of the biggest challenges end users face is finding the right equipment at the right price that fulfils all the requirements of the job – not easy with such a plethora of information and options out there. Fortunately, Orion Security Solutions are extremely knowledgeable about the market, technology and product options and their sound advice has been invaluable. Furthermore, I could completely trust them to just get on with the task at hand and they’ve done a great job throughout.”
Orion Security Solutions and WHSmith are also now working with Norbain to integrate the DVRs with tablet devices so that all stores can be viewed, monitored and investigated remotely.
About the installer
Orion Security Solutions design, install and maintain integrated security and fire systems across the UK. Visit www.orionss.co.uk.
