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Future-proofed intrusion detection for retail

The Texecom intruder detection system from Elvey (a company within the Hudaco Group of Companies) has the feature set to meet the security needs of the retail sector. Multi-partitioning is easily configured within various sections of a store, with restrictive authorisations applied for high-risk versus low-risk areas. The Texecom solution is modular and future-proofed, with generations of product developed off the base of the same core technology and easily adapted to the size and requirements of individual premises.

One of the ongoing challenges that has faced retailers during their adoption of security technology is the issues caused by non-standardisation of technology. For many, the ongoing learning curve as staff trained on the use of the technology move onto other positions or leave the company, is frustrating and counterproductive.

“Feedback from our clients in the retail sector is that, not only is regular training required to ensure the competence of successive responsible security system operators, but furthermore, because there is very little standardisation on either vendors or brands, there is a need for constant product training as obsolete brands and technology are replaced by other products. The lack of standardisation is often driven by either internal regional misalignment or by service providers themselves,” says Dave Waywell, key accounts lead at Elvey.

One of the exceptions to the rule is the long-standing technology adoption of Texecom solutions. Waywell points out that, unlike many of the other products developed over the years, those from Texecom have retained their core technology, making adoption easy and knowledge transfer between staff members seamless. “The adoption of Texecom intruder detection systems in the retail sector goes all the way back to 2003. This is an indication that not only do retailers trust the technology, it was also way ahead of other technology and setting the trend for the future.”

Several major retailers took a decision to standardise on Texecom after experiencing its benefits during a POC (proof of concept). Using IP-based technology, Texecom penetrated the market with both the Elite and the Premier range of alarm systems, making use of the Texecom proprietary COM IP module for advanced communication of the alarm and activity signals.

“The range is extremely versatile and allows the problems experienced by both small corner shops and enterprise-level chain stores to be solved. Interestingly, there are very few changes required with regard to installation knowledge and user needs – once the installer is familiarised with the range, they can undertake any size of installation. Furthermore, adopting one common range means that staff only require training once, and when staff are relocated to another store, they do not need to be retrained in terms of operation of systems. This is true from small, eight-zone up to large, 640-zone installations,” says Waywell.

The Texecom range was first proposed by then Texecom distributor, TPA Security. When Elvey acquired the TPA business, it was essential that the groundwork started by the TPA team was continued and, wherever possible, enhanced.

“The move to the Texecom solutions, in most cases, has been driven by a combination of direct engagement with the distributor/manufacturer and as a response to requests for help from the approved service providers,” adds Waywell.

He points out that, in the main, the outcome was to provide a solution that could be installed across all the business units within each retail operation as a standard. “With the movement of staff and managers between the retailers’ branches and regions, it was important that the use of and response to intruder alarms was common. Moreover, quick and easy communication portals and programming/remote access to the systems from a central point of view was essential.”

The solution was based on having an intruder alarm system that had all the functionality required in a retail setting, while also being easy to understand and operate by store personnel. It was also important that it had the correct communication protocols and the ability to be controlled remotely. The use of Texecom’s proprietary Wintex suite allows a centralised control point to manage and control all systems nationally.

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