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Cloud for security and operational optimisation

There are numerous solutions available for retailers to improve their security and optimise operations at the same time, and even more companies offering these solutions and services. One of the areas of interest for retailers that prefer not to have too much technology onsite is cloud services.

SMART Security Solutions asked Andre Vermeulen, GM at Secutel Technologies about what the company’s SecuVue cloud services can do for retailers.

SMART Security: Are retailers opting for cloud solutions today instead of onsite surveillance and analytics? What benefits do cloud services offer retailers?

Vermeulen: Yes, retailers are opting for cloud-based systems instead of edge or onsite analytics. With the advent of SecuVue, businesses can significantly improve their return on investment and optimise their security resources to achieve better results. The drawback of edge-based systems is the additional costs involved in re-installation. Cloud-based systems allow for remote configuration as well as the ability to change unintelligent cameras DVRs, NVRs and XVRs into intelligent ones without additional costs for installation.

SMART Security: What types of analytics/AI are available from Secutel that could be useful for retailers?

Vermeulen: Secutel offers a comprehensive range of analytics and AI capabilities that can be tailored to the specific needs of retailers. These include event-driven surveillance, facial collection and recognition, intrusion detection, and various video content analysis features such as scene analysis and activity heat maps. Heat or activity mapping is of specific interest to retailers as it offers insight into which product shelves are the busiest. Additional metadata is available for the busiest times for retailers as well as the emotional data from facial recognition. The scalability of the system allows for suspects to be flagged in a database and additional messages per schedule are sent.

SMART Security: What about bandwidth concerns in terms of sending video to the cloud?

Vermeulen: SecuVue has been designed to address bandwidth concerns effectively. It utilises a low bandwidth snapshot capability, resulting in lower deployment costs for sites. The CCTV analytics is performed on a frame-by-frame basis, eliminating the need for cumbersome onsite servers and additional fees associated with traditional video analytics. By slicing videos into frames, bandwidth limitations are minimised to negligible levels. Additionally, Secutel Technologies offers redundancy methods for communication to the server, ensuring reliable transmission if required.

SMART Security: Can Secutel’s solutions integrate with existing surveillance equipment (cameras/storage/VMS/etc.)?

Vermeulen: Secutel’s solutions seamlessly integrate with existing surveillance equipment, including cameras, storage devices, and video management systems (VMS). By leveraging the SecuVue Cloud Video Recorder (CVR) and Cloud Video Bridge, the product bridges the gap between the existing CCTV architecture and the cloud. The SecuVue CVR can either replace legacy NVRs or establish links with existing NVRs, XVRs, or DVRs, allowing for easy integration with the SecuVue cloud-based video management and video analytics platform. A single SecuVue unit can support over 100 cameras, providing a cost effective gateway to managing CCTV footage in the cloud. Additional APIs are available for system integrators upon request for additional integration.

SMART Security: Apart from security concerns, how do your services assist in improving operational issues for retailers?

Vermeulen: SecuVue offers a range of features that go beyond security concerns and assist in enhancing operational efficiency for retailers. With SecuVue CVR, businesses can remotely monitor their warehouses or stores from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. The integration of SecuVue CVR with SecuVue.net, a cloud-based system, acts as a central hub for storing and managing security data. Real-time maintenance reporting events seamlessly push through to SecuVue.net, enabling users to access status updates from anywhere, at any time. This connectivity ensures that users remain connected and informed, whether they are at home, in the office, or on the go. Furthermore, SecuVue CVR allows users to export maintenance reporting and event data in a CSV format, facilitating data analysis and decision-making for operational improvements, resource optimisation, and security enhancement.

SMART Security: If not already mentioned, what are some of the latest services you offer retailers?

Vermeulen: In addition to the features and benefits mentioned above, Secutel offers a range of services specifically tailored to meet the needs of the retail market. These services include:

• Facial collection and recognition: Our advanced facial collection and recognition capabilities allow retailers to capture and analyse data related to customer behaviour, demographics, and preferences. By leveraging facial recognition technology at entrances and exits, retailers can identify persons of interest, track previous sightings, and enhance overall security.

• Business intelligence and analytics: With our intrusion detection and alarms at high-risk areas, people counting, queue monitoring, heat mapping, posture detection, and emotion detection features, retailers gain valuable insights into customer behaviour, store layout optimisation, and customer satisfaction. These analytics help retailers make data-driven decisions for operational improvements, resource optimisation, and enhanced security.

• Operational management and reporting: SecuVue CVR provides comprehensive operational management features, including health status monitoring, maintenance schedules, and operational reporting. These tools enable retailers to proactively manage their security infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and minimising downtime.

• Licence plate recognition: Our license plate collection and recognition capabilities allow retailers to monitor and track vehicles in and around their premises. This feature is particularly useful for cash centres and street surveillance. Retailers can also connect to existing license plate databases, such as SAVOI, for enhanced security measures.

By offering these latest services, Secutel empowers retailers to stay ahead of the competition, improve operational efficiency, and create a safer and more personalised shopping experience for their customers.

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