CSS Tactical, the mible security patrol provider, had one main requirement: for wireless video footage to be transmitted from strategically placed CCTV cameras back to a remote central control room. Scalability and bandwidth usage were other important factors in the choice of a CCTV system.
As the new initiative was likely to attract many new customers for CSS, the system had to be easily and quickly expandable, in order that they could maintain their high service levels. Low bandwidth requirement was also important, as this is a limiting factor in South Africa.
CSS partnered with a local IT company, Parallel Technologies, who recommended IndigoVision’s solution (distributed in Africa by Norbain). The installation of the first phase of the project covers the Dunkeld area and CSS will soon be implementing the system in the Hyde Park, Greenside and Emmarentia suburbs.
“The average crime incident per client rate in the areas in which we operate typically fell from 11.7 to only 1.1 within two to three months of the cameras being installed,” commented Croock.
A team of 21 controllers, operating 24/7 from a central control room, use ‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s IP video and alarm management software to view live and recorded video from all of the cameras. This allows the team to provide complete coverage of client areas, and to coordinate response from security guards and armed response teams. ‘Control Center’ software is supplied by IndigoVision as licence-free, which allows CSS to deploy workstations for no more than the cost of an entry-level PC. This was an important factor for the company as containing costs is key to keeping the service affordable for its customers. ‘Control Center’ provides a range of powerful tools for monitoring live video and analysing recorded footage and typical training for CSS operations personnel is around two hours.
