| Geutebruck technology was chosen for several criteria including good image quality and storage capacity |
Major Australian retailer Harvey Norman is upgrading its video security systems with Geutebruck IP technology. Franchisees at around a third of stores in Australia and New Zealand are now enjoying Geutebruck’s high quality images and ease of use, and as word spreads others are clamouring for their turn!
With 250 stores trading as ‘Domayne’ and ‘Joyce Mayne’ as well as 'Harvey Norman’, this franchise operation sells electrical, computer and entertainment equipment, furniture and bedding. Franchisees handle their own day-to-day security operations but Harvey Norman supports them with security hardware and high level specialist technical expertise.
When aging DVR and analogue systems needed replacement, Geutebruck technology was chosen on a number of criteria. Top of the list was good image quality, but important too was 90-day storage capacity, hybrid operation with existing analogue cameras, and easy-to-use client software. Easy, intuitive operation being particularly significant here because store managers have no specialist skills or knowledge. Last but not least was Geutebruck’s reputation for offering the most cost-effective IP systems.
One year into the five-year renewal programme and Bill Elkass Harvey Norman’s general manager of loss prevention is pleased with the result: “Now we find that when we are looking at an incident of theft, we can see exactly what is going on: what the suspect picks up and where he conceals it. Our new systems provide the clarity which enables the police to take action.”
The new technology is being applied in various ways depending on the size of the site and the existing equipment. Small stores have 40 to 50 cameras, large ones around 110, with the average being 60 to 70. Some stores have pure IP systems using super micro servers with 30 cameras per server. Some solutions are hybrid systems, using Geutebruck reporter hardware with existing analogue cameras and new IP ones sited to monitor critical areas. – For example over cash registers, to give a detailed record of transactions and spot discrepancies.
As far as store managers are concerned there’s no shortage of user-satisfaction so Elkass is fulsome in his praise: “I have to say, they are absolutely loving it. The franchisees talk amongst themselves and they all want Geutebruck technology.”