Toys ‘R’ Us switches to Iris intruder and personal attack alarm monitoring

(22/10/2007)

Toys ‘R’ Us is switching the intruder and personal attack alarm monitoring for its total UK estate to Chiron Technology’s Iris system.

Adoption of the Iris technology means Toys ‘R’ Us will take advantage of Chiron’s secure IP-based dual-path alarm signalling and should reduce its alarm monitoring bill by around 70% compared with its previous use of existing line protection systems and back-up.

The chain has chosen to use the Iris 840 dual-path IP/GPRS signalling system to provide communications between its 73 UK stores and its alarm receiving centre, provided by contract management and monitoring provider SSS Management Services.

SSS' NSI-approved ARC, which is accredited to BS5979 and BSEN ISO 9002, includes secure digital-based TCP/IP communications for monitoring of intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and other management systems.

The Iris system also offers other significant advantages, including the potential for easy upgrading to include an element of visual verification, with pictures from existing cameras being sent direct to the monitoring centre operator’s screen simultaneously with the alarm activation. This can allow the operator to scan pre- and post-event images to help verify the cause of an alert.

For retail chains like Toys ‘R’ Us, Chiron’s ‘future proofing’ technology also makes it possible for managers to remotely dial-in to stores to observe customer flows and to improve efficiency.
Iris is also easier to install than alternative systems and offers enhanced capabilities such as the ability to accept dynamic as well as fixed IP addresses.

Iris is supported by over 60 monitoring centres across Europe and is applicable to all systems from high security to residential. Many alarm panel manufacturers are now offering Iris technology embedded within their panels and the system is independently certified to EN50131 and 50136 approved to Grade 4 ATS-6.

An increasing number of insurers are also backing the system, allowing customers to reap the benefits of Iris’ alarms-over-IP monitoring cost savings, added value functionality and future-proof technical capabilities.

The move by Toys ‘R’ Us follows extensive trials at key outlets during 2006. A growing number of major retail chains are actively looking at switching to the Iris system, following the example of companies such as Halfords, Thomas Cook and Topps Tiles, says Ian Tredinnick, Chiron Technology’s MD. “There is now widespread recognition in the industry that Iris is a secure and sensible alternative to Redcare,” he adds. “Most compelling is the fact that substantial cost savings can be made very soon after the initial capital investment on equipment.”

Related topics:  Building access control system   CCTV system and accessories   Crime and Fraud Prevention   Digital CCTV   Intrusion detection   IP monitoring   Monitoring systems   Physical protection   Safety and protection systems   Sensors and detectors   Tagging vandalism and theft prevention 

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