Case Study 040
Application: Retail
Company:
Country:
Myer
Australia
SONY VIDEO SECURITY SOLUTIONS COMPLETES MAJOR IP CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SOLUTION FOR MYER
Background
As Australia’s largest department store, Myer has to
cope with in-store theft (also referred to as shrinkage)
on a significant scale. Prior to the Sony CCTV project,
Myer had progressively invested in upgraded
technologies, however the investment was limited due
to the substantial capital outlay required. Stores had
varying technology from analog CCTV systems relying
on VHS video cassette recording capability, to digital
format recording capability.
In 2006, the Myer Board announced a vision for a full
CCTV business solution that featured network IP CCTV
capability. The intention was to move CCTV from solely
a loss prevention shrinkage reduction tool, to broader
business applications.
The CCTV project aimed to improve the security, safety,
compliance and cost of doing business in all Myer sites
nationally through the installation of network IP CCTV
systems. This included over 6000 cameras, 3200 hard
drives and 400 network video recorders (NVRs) to be
rolled out to all Myer stores. At the time of project
implementation, it was one of the largest CCTV systems
in local retail.
Challenges
Myer required a CCTV surveillance system that would
integrate into the business and operate as part of the
Myer IT network. Though the primary purpose of the
system was the security of Myer stores, the CCTV system
needed the flexibility to work effectively in other areas
such as safety, risk, and liability.
The system needed the ability to review incidents and
identify risks as they occurred. This included the
physical security of Myer stores overnight, as well as
during trading hours.
The installation of network IP CCTV systems in all Myer
stores was based on a generic design principle which
specified that each store would have camera
coverage of all selling floor areas, public egress and
access points, POS points, and entrances and exits.
Each store’s video data would be stored locally. In
addition the cameras had to work with Myer’s existing
Geutebruck recording software and infrastructure
platforms.
Solution
Sony Video Security Solutions were invited to pilot at
Myer Centro Bankstown, Sydney. As one of two
companies shortlisted, Sony’s surveillance solution was
put through its paces and its network IP cameras
rigorously tested in terms of speed, image quality,
versatility and reliability. Sony’s compatibility with Myer’s
existing Geutebruck software platform was also tested.
Why Sony was selected
The Sony cameras outperformed all other cameras in
the pilot Myer conducted. The pilot was based around
the image quality in Myer’s shop environment under
several different lighting conditions and was judged by
Myer’s security team. The clarity and quality of the
images produced by the Sony cameras was
considered so sharp that the footage could be used to
identify offenders as part of prosecution in the courts.
By integrating seamlessly with the Geutebruck software,
Myer could also select footage by time, date, and event
stamping – further increasing the effectiveness of the
images in prosecutions. The Sony surveillance solution was
also judged as very flexible and responsive, enabling
Myer’s loss prevention team to easily operate the PTZ
cameras and follow offenders through the store before
apprehending them.
The video codec used in the Sony IP cameras was more
efficient for the same perceived picture quality compared to
the other cameras at the pilot, thus reducing the storage
requirements for Myer.
The efficiency and the ease of the installation was another
factor in choosing the Sony IP solution. For example, the Sony
cameras have a video output, so that the installer can use
this to adjust back focus and Field of View (FOV) without
connecting to a network. The cameras have a direct analog
video connection to a local monitor without delay, and an
IRIS open function with focus assist on screen display. This
results in a faster and more precise adjustment of FOV and
focus. This dramatically reduces the time of installation and
the costs associated with the installation when compared to
the cameras at the pilot which required connection over a
network to see images. Finally, the installation of Sony
mini-domes would not require the cameras and lens to be
bought separately, which resulted in less logistical effort
during implementation.
Myer has continued to invest in Sony technology with
cameras using the latest View-DR ultra-wide dynamic range
technology which dramatically enhances image visibility.
This high level of picture quality - now the industry’s highest
- is realised through the combination of Sony’s integrated
signal processing system and the company’s Exmor CMOS
image sensor that has enabled a further acceleration in
signal readout and enhanced noise reduction.
The solution today
Fixed high resolution IP Sony cameras, installed in all store
exits and high-risk areas, enabled Myer to clearly identify
individuals entering and exiting the store. They also deter
shoplifting, robberies, and offences against Myer team
members. Apart from loss prevention, these cameras also
provided images to monitor customer flow and activities
around the cash wrap, POS registers, cash drawers, and
the customers.
Distributed by
MK11035V1OHBS13FEB
The PTZ cameras were used across the trading floor,
enabling 360° coverage of surrounding merchandise areas.
They are also able to zoom in to detect individuals and
activity, recognise known individuals and identify unknown
individuals. These cameras also provide the ability to pan
across a scene and track an individual throughout a store.
Upon spotting offenders moving through the store, PTZ
cameras allowed security guards to visually follow them
before apprehending them.
Results
Within 12 months of the installation Myer’s shrinkage had
been significantly reduced with the retailer making a
substantial saving.
Quotes
One of the key positives was Sony’s ability to provide the
sheer volume of cameras required for this project in the
timeframe required. Sony Video Security also really proved
the effectiveness of their solution in the pilot with their
high-resolution, megapixel, network IP cameras producing
far better facial and image definition than anything we had
ever seen before. We also found that Sony’s network IP
cameras were compatible with many third party vendors,
such as Geutebruck and that the images they produce are
industry standard formats which further increases their level
of compatibility. The biggest and best testimonial of all is the
significant reduction in shrinkage. This major saving is
passed onto our honest customers and shareholders, and is
greater than we imagined. Sony Video Security Solutions
has provided us with the very best surveillance and image
solution possible. We are delighted with the results and their
extremely high levels of service and support.
John Mitsinikos – Myer National Security and Loss Prevention
Manager
Product List
• SNC-DH120
• SNC-DH160
• SNC-ER550
• SNC-RX530
• SNC-RX550
• SNC-RX570
• SNC-DM110
• SNC-DM160
• UNI-INL7C2
• SIR-M7CN
Application Provider
Geutebrück Pacific
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