Opinion Piece: Retail video

surveillance over cellular

and low bandwidth networks

By

Mark

Chertkow, MD of Graphic Image Technologies

January 2013 New technology and smart approaches drive security advances. Specifically in the retail industry, visual monitoring is a core component of almost every integrated security solution implemented for in-store operational surveillance. But video typically requires a high capacity wired broadband connection, not something generally available in branch or remote locations in South Africa. The entry of new technology using advanced video compression technologies that enable video streaming over cellular and other low bandwidth networks can assist to resolve this challenge. Despite the massive infrastructure build-out South Africa is experiencing, bandwidth constraints are still very much a reality, especially in remote areas. With visual monitoring and surveillance possibly the most vital element of any security or productivity system, having ongoing access to footage is critical. This is generally the main means to identify the nature of security threats, monitor the productivity of in-store staff, retrospectively investigate incidents and enable personnel to monitor and manage any issues in real time. For example, remote surveillance will allow the owner of a small retail outlet to keep an eye on the store manager or assistant, ensuring they assist customers as soon as they walk in or prevent them from taking long breaks. Store owners are also able to keep an eye on staff and their productivity during the day. The benefits are similar for a larger retail chain. In this case, an area manager can monitor staff and their productivity via remote video surveillance reducing the requirement for travel and providing more time for the essential job requirements. These are but a few examples of how productivity in the store can be increased and managed accordingly. While equipment vendors and service providers alike recognise the problem and numerous products claim to be able to compress video sufficiently, it has remained a challenge – until recently. Professional video recording and transmission systems that include video gateways – DVRs with live video streaming capabilities over cabled, wireless and cellular networks — are enabled by compression technology which makes possible transmission of video at four frames per second (4fps), at data rates as low as 1Kilobyte per second (KB/s). With local (on board) recording as well as streaming capabilities, trans-coding allows recording at high resolution and the ability to view at higher or lower resolutions on demand. Live and recorded video can be viewed on-site, with a closed-circuit TV screen or remotely via cell phone, tablet or PC. The capabilities of these devices are impressive. Event detection is done via built-in video motion detection (VMD), input sensors or internal video-loss sensors. Event notifications are sent via e-mail, SMS, or pop-up alarm and users have remote Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) control, even from smart phones and PDAs. For example, a camera can be enabled to detect motion in the room where the safe is held. This allows the owner or manager to be alerted as soon as anyone enters the room and take the required action. The units have either removable SD cards or hard drives for local recording. This means that recordings can be stored onsite as well as sent offsite, for quick analysis in the event of an incident. Integrated sensors, including VMD, are built into the units, enabling intruders to be detected immediately. Adjustable threshold allows for the sensitivity of VMD sensors to be adjusted to exclude small movements. Regions of interest can also be highlighted so that areas of retail environments such as locked cabinets, ATMs and high value goods can be kept easily within view. Adding to the functionality of these devices, the platform also supports the integration of external sensors such as smoke detectors, light sensors and window or door sensors. In the event of a fire or a security breach alerts can be sent out, alarms activated, and prompt action taken to minimise the damage to any retail environment. Further enhancing the functionality of these low-bandwidth remote surveillance solutions is the ability to couple them with third-party software applications. For example, some of these applications, such as BriefCam VS Forensics, allow users to browse and review hours of footage in only a few minutes. These applications allow store owners or managers to promptly identify and investigate any incidents that may occur without having to meticulously watch hours of footage. The software applications create a snapshot of events that summarises hours of footage, allowing the identification of suspicious behaviour and perpetrators of incidents. These devices are available in different models that are tailored to varied environments such as devices with multiple feeds that would specifically suit monitoring of a single store to an entire retail complex and its perimeter. All devices make it possible to remotely centralise monitoring of any site, from any location, at any time via their PC, smart phone or laptop. In a nutshell, the retail sector is poised to benefit significantly from compression technology that makes remote surveillance a reality and overcomes the barrier of limited and costly bandwidth in the South African market. About Graphic Image Technologies Graphic Image Technology (GIT) was formed in 1991 and specialises in remote CCTV and control room technologies as well as broadcast technologies including video playout, compression and transmission. The company targets organisations that require CCTV technology as well as broadcasting companies with its solutions, delivering technology that has been specifically chosen due to its quality and best of breed status. The company features a level 2 BBEEE status. Editorial contacts: Graphic Image Technologies Mark Chertkow Managing Director Tel: 011-4830333 Email: markc@git.co.za Evolution PR Lesley Rencontre Tel: 011-4620628 Email: Lesley@evolutionpr.co.za