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Opening on time

Impro’s access control solutions ensure Carrefour is able to effectively manage its operations in Dubai.

The Carrefour Group is one of the world’s largest distribution groups in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) category. It has grown into the second-largest retailer in the world and is the largest in Europe. The group currently operates four main grocery store formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets, hard discount and convenience stores and has over 15 000 stores in operation, either company-operated or franchised.

Impro Technologies was selected to control the access control into the stores, cash offices (located offsite) as well as the security rooms for Carrefour’s operations in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

Using the Impro IXP400i Ethernet advanced controller with two ECII controllers, the company is able to manage a total of 12 doors armed with keypad readers. The system was designed to integrate with the company’s building management systems to allow for almost endless expandability options.

All the roller shutter doors (in the shop front and receiving sections) are monitored by ImproX I16input terminal devices (ImproX inputs/outputs) which are set to time patterns according to store opening and delivery times. This facility ensured that human error was eliminated and Carrefour’s operations always occurred on time.

The company’s cash cages are controlled by supervisor unlock, as well as verification from the security service (a pushbutton release on one of the two locks). The cash offices also have 'door-open' timers and 'door-open-too-long' alarms that alert supervisors if a routinely operated door is taking longer than usual to close.

The GUI (graphic user interface) used to control the devices is located in the security room and incorporates Cathexis CCTV systems via ImproX O16 output devices. There is also fire monitoring for emergency unlock and evacuation, as well as a PA system.

If any alarms are triggered, the GUI alarms are activated and the relative cameras focus to the area that triggered the alarm. The alarm site automatically pops up on security personnels’ screens. The system is linked to the Dubai Police, fire and emergency services and when a panic alarm is activated, sends out the relevant emergency notification without requiring any human intervention.

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