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DNA Sensormatic talks about its urban surveillance expertise

[Q] How does urban surveillance fit into the DNA model?

[A] DNA companies add value to their clients' businesses by reducing wastage and improving efficiencies within their supply chains. DNA Sensormatic's focus is the securing, tracking and tracing of assets within the supply chain. In the case of the Cape Town and Johannesburg urban surveillance projects, we are securing central business districts.

[Q] In what way does this lead to improvements in efficiency and reduction of wastage?

[A] It improves confidence; boosts tourism; enhances business confidence nationally and internationally through improved perceptions; improves profitability of inner city businesses; oosts property values; more optimal deployment of police and traffic personnel; improved traffic management and traffic control; reduced costs in courts, prisons etc; and stronger social fabric with more cohesive communities as crime falls.

With surveillance systems in place, police now expect to be at the scene of a crime within an impressive 60 s. All of the above result in dramatic improvements in efficiency.

[Q] To date, why have so many South Africa urban surveillance projects failed?

[A] There have been many attempts to run urban surveillance projects, but sadly, few have succeeded, and in many instances, expensive equipment is gathering dust. More often than not, good equipment is installed, but not based on a well-considered plan and without sufficient cognisance taken of the needs to run and maintain it. The system will not work effectively unless the right expertise is brought to bear from the initial design right through to the ongoing operation and maintenance.

The DNA model is to take total ownership of the solution to a problem, and through the application of high intellectual capital, create new opportunities to improve efficiency and enhance productivity. DNA Sensormatic's approach to urban surveillance is no different. From developing models on the optimum positioning of cameras; the planning of the infrastructure links to municipal services; the design of the optimal mix of equipment to meet the requirements of the task; installation that takes account of people, place and purse strings; the provision, training and management of personnel to operate the system; to the setting up and resourcing of achievable maintenance and support programs.

DNA Sensormatic takes ownership of the whole project and manages it holistically, ensuring that the most optimal results are delivered within the right period and within budget. Importantly, the company's responsibility does not stop at the system installation. The planning and management of the ongoing operation is equally important, as is ensuring that technology is maintained and updated as new technology develops.

[Q] Where does DNA Sensormatic's expertise lie?

[A] First off, from the extensive experience gained in building up the Cape Town CBD urban surveillance project, carried out in conjunction with Business Against Crime. This project has been running now for a number years and its successes are quantifiable. Within the area of urban surveillance, DNA Sensormatic is today the acknowledged expert, consulting with a number of municipalities both on new installations, as well as on how to get better results from and improve existing infrastructure where it exists.

DNA Sensormatic has experience and skills in designing, managing, implementing, and operating large security installations in many areas, including retail, manufacturing, mining, property development, educational institutions, transportation, medical institutions and industrial.

Internationally, Sensormatic Electronics Corporation (SEC) is involved in many similar projects, the lessons from which have provided a great deal of expertise. SEC was responsible for all electronic security at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In addition, electronic security equipment has been applied to urban surveillance and traffic control in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, USA and mainland Europe, Canada and the United States.

[Q] What is the future of urban surveillance in South Africa?

[A] DNA Sensormatic is in contact with the majority of the 600+ municipalities within South Africa. The needs to rejuvenate central business districts, improve efficiencies, and enhance confidence in business and tourism are common throughout. The technology to keep a beady eye on city centres has long been available. What has been missing is the expertise to make it work. DNA Sensormatic's combination of skills, and access to the world's leading electronic security technology is likely to result in many more city centres once again becoming places where people work, shop and play with confidence.

For details contact Richard Pople

MD of DNA Sensormatic

tel: (021) 559 4425/6/7/8

fax: (021) 559 4431

e-mail: [email protected]

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