Southgate Shopping Centre was struggling with seven year-old, out-dated CCTV equipment. 30 cameras were faulty and had recording issues on DVR, others were obsolete and the maintenance of the old system became a major expense. The analogue cameras underperformed and the solution was neither upgradeable or scalable. There was an urgent need for new and high quality equipment. The centre needed a state-of-the-art IP solution at a reasonable price and Hikvision fitted the bill. With the work from BWS Standfast, the entire fleet of cameras were installed within one month with minimal disturbance.

It was crucial for the centre to upgrade from analogue to IP cameras, which can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. Hikvision IP cameras ensure up to the minute clear images and updates. They are the fixed dome cameras and varifocal dome cameras used at the site.  These dome cameras help the security team to see clear HD images from various angles, which is perfect for busy open spaces. The powerful infrared LED night vision means the camera can see up to 30 metres in total darkness for clarity of recorded images. There are also PTZ dome cameras in use at the job; a PTZ (pan tilt zoom) camera is essential and ideal for large communal areas. The PTZ cameras enable the security team to see everything from all angles. 

An NVR software programme records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other mass storage device. This means all content recorded in the centre is stored and available to view easily by security staff, which was previously an issue with the old equipment. The video management software provides multiple functionality, including real-time live view, video recording, remote search and playback and file backup to meet the needs of the monitoring team. The convenience and usability of this software helps Southgate keep the centre secure at all times.

A range of Hikvision’s innovative IP cameras were installed including PTZ domes and fixed domes to ensure a crystal clear image from all angles.Because the centre is a large, busy, open space it is necessary to have all areas covered. BWS Standfast also ensured each of the Southgate security team were trained in how to use each of the Hikvision products. Sales surveyor at BWS Standfast, Steve Hopkins, led the installation and believes the innovative cameras’ reliability and price are what ensures he chooses Hikvision every time. He says: “The focus on research and development at Hikvision is proven with so many new products coming out monthly. I feel safe in the knowledge that I install the latest and best products for my customers.”