A case study of a network-based video security installation at a Hertfordshire garden centre that combines video surveillance, day-night operation, number plate recognition and analytics for site security and management generally.
Vanstone Park Garden Centre is a family run business set in parkland near Hitchin. The 60 acre site with two buildings and a car park that welcomes over 3000 visitors each week.
Having experienced several break-ins over the years which were not properly captured by its ageing analogue CCTV system, owner Giles Groom approached local security firm Switchnet Systems, a MOBOTIX Partner for advice. Giles says: “Our old system was nearly 15 years old, offered poor quality images and was starting to experience more failures. Our aim with the upgrade was to not only improve security for our site, staff and visitors but also potentially improve the way in which we run our business through better visibility. We considered a number of installers but Switchnet not only gave us an innovative solution but the guys had a far greater understanding of our challenges along with unrivaled technical services and ongoing support.”
Switchnet Systems did a site survey and came up with a way to reduce the number of physical cameras, with discreet MOBOTIX hemispheric models to cover larger areas in better resolution, day and night. The system also provides number plate recognition offering the centre features when identifying vehicles entering the site.
In total, Switchnet Systems via their distribution partner NBM Technology, supplied and installed just ten cameras to provide coverage of all public accessible indoor and outdoor areas, with main entrance, car park and key perimeter areas. The system uses the decentralised MOBOTIX architecture to allow all video to be stored on a single Synology NAS server and viewed from any location.
The system includes MxActivitySensor 2.0, a video motion analysis integrated into each camera that detects moving objects and does not the manufacturers say trigger any false alarms in the event of interference such as rain, snowfall or moving trees or poles. The centre also uses the MOBOTIX mobile application which allows senior managers to check any camera remotely via a smartphone or tablet in the event of an issue or alarm.
Giles says: “The new system is perfect for what we need and provides us with great image quality without loads of obtrusive cameras or the need for a dedicated control room. The team from Switchnet Systems were fast and professional and the fact that the MOBOTIX software didn’t require an ongoing licence fee made the solution much better value for us over the longer term.”
Gregg Pike, Managing Director for Switchnet Systems adds: “In phase 1 we have installed and configured the security aspects of the solution and for the next phase, along with deploying additional cameras, the centre is planning on activating the built-in MxAnalytics solution to better analyse footfall and where customers go when they enter the site to help better plan the layout of its retail space.”
