The role of experienced system integrators in casino surveillance

It used to be that closing a sale simply entailed conducting a site survey and needs analysis to identify security issues, followed by the formulation of a proposal addressing the customer’s security issues with specific products’ features and benefits. In today’s world, the process is considerably more complex with integrated and networked enterprise-wide system solutions replacing the product-centric approach. Nowhere has this change been more evident than in the gaming/casino market.

Establishing the basics

A thorough needs analysis is still an integral element in determining the particular details regarding a casino’s day-to-day security operations and processes. Surveillance requirements in gaming are driven not just by business and operational requirements but also by stringent regulations. Specifications are set on the monitoring of activities and the performance of video surveillance and security systems. Before any in-depth conversations begin, it is critical to know what regulatory requirements govern the casino in that jurisdiction and if the surveillance function will be a separate entity or combined with the security function. Answers to these questions can have a profound impact on the design of the system solution.

Understanding how the casino operates with regard to staff, what other business systems such as point-of-sale or slot data need to be integrated, or any special needs (i.e. additional surveillance for food and drink areas) will assist the integrator in designing a security and surveillance system that meets the casino’s specific needs. And if third party technology such as people counting or valet documentation is needed or already in place, this discovery phase provides the system integrator the information they need to deliver the appropriate solution proposal.

Understanding casino infrastructure

Once the specific requirements have been determined for the casino site, the system integrator can turn to more specific infrastructure questions. Cabling and network requirements will be dependent upon whether the project is a new or retrofit installation. New products and software are more frequently allowing legacy security and related operational systems to be deployed on network infrastructure without having to incur additional control, solutions incorporating systems such as point-of-sale, and other peripheral systems in the casino can be more easily added. Control of these applications can be centralised or shared for added convenience and efficiency.  

Considering options for the right security solution

The integrator’s experience and knowledge in products and system design is one of the most significant value-added resources available to the casino. Advancements in video surveillance technology can deliver significant advantages for the casino market beyond core security operations, and the integrator can guide the selection of the appropriate technologies to accomplish set objectives. These latest developments, including megapixel cameras for greater resolution, more intelligence inside IP cameras, and greater capabilities to integrate multiple IP systems on a centralised network platform, benefit casinos in a variety of ways – but only if they are applied intelligently.

Working with an experienced systems integrator yields better system performance and greater ROI

For instance, 360 degree images provide full situational awareness allowing operators to view greater areas using fewer cameras with panoramic or multi-view modes.  The integrator can offer sound advice on using 360 degree cameras for supplementary surveillance coverage or for installation at choke points. Or they can analyse and determine how many 360 degree cameras would be needed to capture the same view as an existing installation that uses multiple cameras or pan-tilt-zoom cameras. In another example, the system integrator can demonstrate how megapixel cameras installed on a rooftop can lower the number of cameras required compared to if conventional security cameras were used, whilst providing improved quality and image coverage.

Tying it all together

Whilst many casinos may clearly know what objectives they want to achieve with their physical security systems, an established systems integrator can ensure that users get what they need – and more. In addition to designing and implementing systems, integrators also offer expert guidance for decisions regarding repair or replacements assist security and IT staff with budgeting, provide predictable costs for support and maintenance through a single contract and help deliver a future proof investment to the client with scalable systems that can grow as budgets allow. The bottom line is that working with an experienced systems integrator can not only yield greater system performance, it can help maximise a budget’s potential to achieve the highest return on investment with the lowest total cost of ownership.