Opportunities to update security systems abound for installers in the hospitality industry, as Chris Mellor-Dolman, Head of Marketing at Webro Cables, explains.
In the throng of today’s digitally driven, fast-paced life, we’ve come to accept that CCTV cameras are there to protect us. In the hospitality environment, where people gather in greater numbers, it’s fair to assume that CCTV in pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants is a good thing for the general safety of everyone.
The technology itself has developed considerably, delivering many more uses such as facial recognition, people counting and analysis, all with a wealth of detailed information.
In terms of purpose, CCTV covers four main criteria, which are addressed in the ‘DORI’ standard system that defines various levels of detail for:
Detection – allows for reliable and easy determination of whether a person or vehicle is present.
Observation – gives characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing, while allowing a view of activity surrounding an incident.
Recognition – determines with a high degree of certainty whether an individual shown is the same as someone who has been seen before.
Identify – enables the identity of an individual beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s important to note that both Detection and Observation are inadmissible in court.
Let’s now explore some of the latest advances in CCTV technology and why these matter to you as an installer.
Usable imaging
Not surprisingly, modern-day CCTV systems display and record with much higher detail than ever before, driven by cameras that offer superb quality imaging.
Cameras with resolutions of up to 4K are now installed as standard, with as much as twenty times more detail than what was available just ten years ago. Of course, the more detail you have, the more useful the information that’s presented. In simple terms, it’s the contrast between being able to identify a person or not.
Time to upgrade?
In some regions of the UK, it’s part of the licencing approval process to ensure that licenced premises have an effective, fit-for-purpose CCTV system.
Primarily, a robust CCTV system helps proprietors to carry out comprehensive health & safety procedures – protecting employees, spotting irregularities, and ensuring the welfare of customers. Considering this, it’s important to note that commercial CCTV systems are also superior to domestic systems, offering a greater degree of detail, reliability, and functionality.
Other key advantages of installing and operating an up-to-date surveillance system include:
● Both staff and customers alike want to work, and to be entertained and relax respectively, in a secure environment where they feel safe.
● As analytics become increasingly important, facial recognition and people counting for capacity regulation are invaluable benefits.
● The flipside of a highly visual surveillance system is that it acts as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
● If there’s an incident, the appropriate staff and security team members can be directed to trouble spots instantly.
● Following incidents, the CCTV system produces tangible evidence that helps to find and identify offenders.
If your customers’ current systems can’t deliver these benefits – especially if their legacy systems may have been inherited – it’s probably time to talk to them about upgrade options.
It’s certainly worth remembering that CCTV systems are included in fixtures & fittings. Therefore, it’s essential for them to understand the worth of their system at exit, and how much they’re being charged for it upon entry. This can run into thousands of pounds, so sound professional advice is vital.
Practical tips
It goes without saying that across networks, all cameras need to point in the right direction. That said, there’s a lot more to consider – such as view angles, lighting conditions at various times of the day, and whether operation is indoors or outdoors.
There’s also the fundamental justification for having each camera. For example, cameras could be sited for ‘general surveillance & situational awareness’. These tend to cover a wide area, and view angles of around 100˚ are typical. These offer good detail throughout the entire area and would provide enough information to recognise a particular person. To get ‘Facebook quality’ detail for identification you would normally mount cameras at ‘pinch points’ and entry/exit points.
The health, safety and wellbeing of staff and patrons in more remote areas is a huge concern these days, and so additional cameras in cellars, on stairs, and in outside areas, can further add to the all-round usefulness of a CCTV system.
Remote monitoring, recording, and playback
Constantly on the go as most of us are these days, being able to see live information remotely is vital. Modern CCTV systems provide instant access via quick login, providing live camera views and footage playback options via laptops, PCs, and other smart devices with an internet connection. Cameras from multiple sites can even be displayed at the same time.
All camera footage is recorded onto a digital recorder, which is normally located in a locked cupboard or cabinet, and saves the information for a designated period – normally 30 days before being overwritten. At any stage, authorised users can review recordings and save footage onto a USB flash drive.
Clearly, data protection is a serious consideration, so any system needs to be managed properly to avoid abuse, ensuring operation in accordance with current legislation around public CCTV systems. Correct registration of the system, along with signage to notify patrons, are legal requirements.
What next?
The first requirement is to ensure that your customers have compliant, fit-for-purpose systems. Engage them by offering a site survey, discussing legal requirements in line with their individual needs to propose an ideal solution.
Subject to approval, you should then ensure that the system is installed with minimum disruption to the owner’s building and operation. Finally, provide step-by-step instructions to make sure that they’re comfortable using the system on a day-to-day basis.
By way of reassurance, the latest CCTV systems (such as Norden’s Eyenor range) are highly intuitive, being very easy to navigate and operate. The bottom line is that with a carefully planned design that has limited black-spots, a comprehensive made-for-the-job system can be designed for any establishment.
Ultimately, you’re looking to install a reliable, cost-effective solution that’s simple to operate and protects your customers and their clients.
Request a copy of the latest Norden product catalogue from Webro here
