Since the beginning of the decade, retailers have lost – on average – an incredible GB pound 1.51 billion every year, with the greater proportion of this ‘wastage’ due to customer-related theft. As the British Retail Consortium’s Annual Retail Crime Surveys show, store managers have invested an average of GB pound 723 million in security each calendar year in a bid to beat the thieves.
Of course, any security employed – be it guarding, physical barriers or electronic surveillance, for example, must be specified and commissioned to address two key aims – the necessity for securing the premises out of hours and preventing loss during store opening times.
When Newman Scott was appointed main contractor for the highly prestigious and necessarily demanding fit-out contract at Hugo Boss’ flagship outlet in London’s super-trendy Sloane Square, its priority was to engage a team of specialists that would guarantee a successful outcome for the client. A project delivered on time, to budget and that met all end user requirements for security, fire protection and Public Address.
Intruder, access and CCTV combined
The six-figure contract for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the sound, fire, security and communications package at the 1,500 square metre store – itself arranged over two floors – was eventually awarded to PEL Services. PEL has subsequently busied itself in addressing the issues mentioned by installing the most appropriate intruder alarm, access control and CCTV systems for the job.
Access control is provided by an ARAS and RBH proximity-based set-up comprising a control unit linked to readers at key ‘security sensitive’ points, and cards encoded with an individual number. The wall-mounted readers identify the code of valid cards when they’re presented in close proximity to the reader. Once the code is successfully authenticated by the database, either the electronic release mechanism is activated or an electro-magnetic lock thrown open.
PEL has fitted the access control readers adjacent to Stock Room doors, to protect access to and from the shop floors and to guard other sensitive areas. Readers are programmed such that they grant different entry levels. For example, management are granted entry to all areas, while access to specific areas will be restricted for all non-authorised personnel.
Working hand-in-glove with the access installation is a rather special and extensive CCTV system. It’s one that embraces some very nifty new technology. Tiny Eclipse cameras supplied by Vista sit motionless just below the ceiling and offer monitoring staff a 360 degree view of the shop. How is that possible without the camera moving? The cameras are able to capture a single ‘fish eye’ image that generates two completely independent analogue outputs. Each of these can then display any combination of image view, from a full 180 degree panoramic through to four virtual cameras, each with independently controllable electronic PTZ functionality. Impressive, isn’t it?
The benefits of using these cameras on this particular installation are really three-fold. First, there’s a cost saving for the client (something that no end user will baulk at this given the current economic situation). Second, these models are cheaper and easier to install than either conventional or 360 degree alternatives. In addition, the need for several conventional fixed and high speed domes is negated.
Not only that, the Vista cameras are said to offer “superior subject tracking and motion detection” – the latter being of particular importance outside of normal trading hours. For good measure, PEL has installed a combination of fixed position Sony and Vista cameras to monitor all till points, the general shop floor areas and ‘Back of House’ spaces for added protection and safety.
Central equipment specification
The original central equipment specification appeared rather complex, calling as it did for a variety of control and recording devices. PEL Services’ solution was to base the standard front end on tried-and-tested Pelco equipment. All accessible on PC, this renders the system much simpler to operate for in-house staff.
Recording is via hard disk recorders, once again interfaced with a PC. All images are easily downloaded to CD for either archiving or use as evidence in the Courts.
Such clever design making use of the latest technologies in a ‘simple to operate’ format means that Hugo Boss’ management are able to track the every move of each person in the store at any given time, in addition to monitoring the site out of hours.
Standard protection for the premises
While the security systems are there to protect the store and its expensive stock, the fire detection and alarm systems safeguard not only the building fabric but also customers and members of staff alike.
To achieve this state of affairs, PEL Services designed, supplied and installed an analogue-addressable fire detection system featuring Advanced Electronics’ MX-4000 two loop control panels complete with Hochiki devices (including no less than 140 detectors). The combination is used extensively as these two highly reputable names in the fire sector pride themselves on “producing equipment that’s very easy to commission and maintain”.
For their part, the Hochiki devices are supplied with a sub-addressing feature allowing for more devices to be put on each loop. That being the case, fewer panels are needed. The panels themselves boast a rather clever ‘auto learn’ facility, enabling them to automatically recognise the presence or absence of devices at all addresses connected to the loop. This enables a speedy handover, which again is an important consideration for clients.
From the practical to the visual
Lots of end users talk about added value for their security installations these days, and Hugo Boss is no exception. Retailers are always keen on audio visual stimulants for shoppers, so it was no surprise when PEL was asked to come up with an audio visual solution for Hugo Boss’ Sloane Square operation.
Through its Music and Media Division, and with maximum flexibility very much in mind, PEL has created four zones within the store which may be individually controlled, allowing different music to be played in set areas and at differing levels. Sound is diffused through bespoke 4″ diameter ceiling speakers designed to match the store lighting in terms of both style and size.
This equipment is controlled by way of a Crestron system designed to streamline and simplify the technology. Crestron LCD touch screen control panels have been fitted at the tills to afford all employees immediate control.
To top it all off, a large plasma screen has been installed at the in-store Juice Bar. This allows DVD, Freeview, Sky and other audio broadcasts – some of them concerning Health and Safety, fire and security – to assist customers and members of staff during any emergency situation.
