When Republiek Voedsel, a holding company of the popular Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise decided to upgrade its existing security system in all of its 42 stores, it decided to go digital.
From a security perspective, the company's objectives were to ensure that the 'problem areas' viz front counter, exit doors and drive-through areas were properly secured. Enhancing the general security of the outlets for both staff and the public was another priority.
In addition to ensuring that better security options were available, the group was also looking for a system that could be used as a management tool in order to improve customer service. It was envisaged that the system would be used to determine whether staff have received sufficient training as well as to determine a staff member's general service to customers.
Going digital
Traditionally, a normal CCTV system with cameras and a VCR recorder would have been sufficient. However, Gideon Malan, Managing Director, highlighted certain shortfalls regarding using the more traditional system ie the tapes need to be changed on a regular basis and due to the 'I am only human' factor this proved not to be a reliable method. Malan wanted a system that could allow his area managers to control the assigned stores in a more productive and cost-effective way.
Malan's main reasons in selecting the digital system were:
* Remote view - an area manager can log-in to site at any time.
* Record specific incidents - while logged in a recording can be made of specific incidents.
* Print specific incidents - while logged in a snapshot of a specific incident can be printed.
* Set for specific times - various cameras can be set for recording different times.
* Playback of recordings - recordings on remote PC can be utilised from managers laptop at any location.
After research and consultation Rothtech International was given the task of installing the new digital surveillance system. Upon the decision to go digital, Rothtech offered a presentation to decision makers suggesting the equipment to be used.
A maximum of 6x cameras were required per store. It was decided that cameras from Sanyo be installed as they had proven themselves in the market and ensured trouble-free operation. Sanyo had also recently released a top of the range digital camera with 520 lines ensuring crisp and clear images at all times.
Installation
In order to gauge what results such a system would yield, it was decided that a demonstration site would be selected namely Weltevreden Park. This branch is normally used for Republiek Voedsel KFC Training purposes. Rothtech approached Sanyo to assist them with the design of the surveillance system as well as making the products available on a loan basis for the test site, to which Sanyo agreed. Sanyo initially suggested its high resolution camera and video transmission system, however, after a thorough evaluation of the site, it was decided to install the VCC-5974P digital camera due to the varying light conditions.
The VCC-5974P has a more flexible backlight compensation thanks to a digital signal processor which is not possible with conventional backlight compensation. In addition, the image can be divided into five different frames, and the backlight compensation can be set according to the light measuring for each of these frames. In addition, as part of its after-sales service, Sanyo also threw in the offer of on-site technical assistance if required. An added advantage of choosing the Sanyo camera was the fact that the company has a loan policy should any of its products go faulty.
After intense research Rothtech recommended that a video transmitter unit from ControlWare be used for the system as this unit can accommodate up to six cameras. Once the video transmission unit was installed Area Manager, Braam Pelser, began monitoring the site.
During this period various meetings were held between the two companies to iron out any problems in order to pave the way for the initial 40 plus installations identified.It was also during this period that Telkom also played an integral part in installing ISDN lines in the various branches.
While waiting for the head-end equipment to arrive from the suppliers, Rothtech reacted by sending in teams to the various branches to start with cabling. Once the head-end equipment arrived the process was repeated and the teams were again sent in to mount and focus cameras etc. The last step, which is presently in progress is to configure the hardware and install the transmission software.
System integration
For full time monitoring within the various branches a TV monitor combined VCR has been connected to the transmission unit allowing shop managers to keep a constant check on happenings in the branch. As a further addition to the system, Rothtech is consulting with the security company presently used by Republiek Voedsel to integrate the alarm system with the transmission unit. Upon sounding of an alarm the transmission unit will then start recording the alarm and simultaneously send an SMS message to the identified people.
One aspect that is a priority for Rothtech is after-sales service. It is with this in mind that the company has offered first line support to Republiek Voedsel as required. Rothtech is also holding a percentage stock of new equipment to allow a fast 'swop-out' service of equipment that may go faulty on site for any reason.
Positive results
Despite the fact that it is still in the early stages, the digital surveillance system has already achieved some positive results. Pelser comments, "We saw an improvement in stock control, service speed and staff control. We do believe that there is still room for improvement. This is a case of making the best technology work for us to make ourselves as competitive as possible in our market and even put us one step ahead of our competitors."
The real results of such a system, Pelser admits, will only be seen over a long term period. Currently, the system has yet to be fully implemented in all 42 locations, however, Pelser is confident that going digital was the right thing to do.
For further details regarding Rothtech, contact Louise Stevens on tel: (011) 955 5256.
For further details regarding Sanyo, contact (011) 448 2929.
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