Johan van Zyl is the owner of Shell Sentra Motors (a gas station / convenience store) in the town of Bellville, in the Western Cape of South Africa. He considers security an intriguing pastime; security is a priority, and a hobby: “I love playing around with computers and understanding what is happening in the tech world … so when I began switching from analogue to IP, I was really excited to see what Hikvision IP technology offers.”
For van Zyl, it’s already offered:
•live viewing from his home
•coverage indoors and outdoors
•more employee productivity
•other business benefits.
Mr van Zyl lives near his Shell Sentra Motors station. As such, he often chooses to work from home, and was set upon this with his new CCTV: “I really wanted a solution that gave me much better resolution, but I also wanted the ability to access every camera from my home. This was a must for me.” Hikvision’s IVMS-4200 client software was installed for him to control the CCTV on his PC.
Inside the station, Hikvision’s DS-2CD2112-I 1.3MP IP66 Network Mini Dome Camera, DS-2CD2712F-I(S) 1.3MP IP66 Network IR Dome, and DS-2CD2412F-I (W) 1.3MP IR Cube Network Camera were all installed.
Each model filled a logistical need. For example, the DS-2CD2112-I 1.3MP IP66 network dome was chosen for its 1.3MP (1280 x 960) high resolution to better view the store’s corner spaces. Previously, analogue cameras did not provide enough resolution quality in these areas, leaving blind spots.
For the cash register, van Zyl had a different goal: “I wanted great resolution, but also the ability to zoom onto details. Obviously, where money is handled, I wanted to verify what is going on in great detail, so I love being able to zoom onto a small item … or zoom back to a larger overview.”
To do so, the vandal-proof DS-2CD2712F-I(S) 1.3MP IP66 network IR dome was selected. This model features identical 1.3MP high resolution, but adds a 2.8-12mm vari-focal lens for zooming.
Also inside, Hikvision’s DS-2CD2412F-I(W) 1.3MP IR cube camera was placed in rooms next to the main shopping area. It wasn’t only improved resolution that was key; it was also the camera’s ability to hear. Since many business transactions take place in these rooms, the DS-2CD2412F-I(W)’s audio microphone allows the camera to provide a visual and audio record of any agreed upon terms. While this isn’t always necessary, “It’s a good form of protection, nonetheless,” van Zyl said.
Safer outer
Outdoors, differing Hikvision cameras were again combined. For the perimeter, the DS-2CC11A2P-IRA Weather-proof IR bullet camera was placed on poles and onto building corners.
Newly added on the top of petrol pumps is the DS-2CC1197P(N)-A(-C) High Definition WDR box camera. Due to the ever-changing outdoor lighting, this pump area represented a chronic security problem. For example, if the sun was in a particular spot, glare and backlighting would render most video images useless. However the DS-2CC1197P(N)-A(-C)’s Digital Wide Dynamic range overcomes this backlighting regardless of time of day.
Lastly, near the station’s carwash, as well as selected indoor areas (such as the employee rest room) is the DS-2CE5582P(N) DIS dome; a camera model that provides a good overall picture of these areas.
Because of this improved IP resolution, Mr. van Zyl has already seen improvement indoors and out. Now, gas pumps are just as secure as the cash register, and vice-versa. And the use extends beyond traditional security. “Obviously, I want better resolution in my cameras to stop crime-related loss, but I also want to improve overall employee productivity. For me to be able to work from home, and accurately see what is happening in my station, has made all the difference in the world … for both me, and the betterment of my business,” he summed up.
Visit www.hikvision.com.
