Access control system ensures potential shoplifting losses are reduced to minimum

(31/10/2007)

According to Access Control & Security Systems, more than 530,000 shoplifters and dishonest employees were apprehended and over $116 million was recovered from those thieves by just 23 major retailers in 2006. More alarming is the fact that on a per case average, dishonest employees steal approximately 6.6 times the amount stolen by shoplifters.

An effective access control system with powerful monitoring and security management features is called for to ensure potential losses or damages reduced to minimum. Along with access controllers and other hardware accessories, GeoVision offers a series of access control software products – the GV-ASServer, the GV-ASWeb, and the GV-ASClient – that provide the flexibility and scalability for both local and remote access control applications.

Taking pharmacy retail chain as an example, the two critical areas that require extra stringent security within a retail store are the management office and the drug storage room. For the hardware application, the door entrances to these areas can be installed with GeoVision’s GV-Reader and intelligent GV-AS200 access controller, which supports up to 10,000 card users and 4 predefined security scenarios, including 1) one-way control for controlling entry only, 2) two-way control for controlling both entry and exit, 3) mixed control of 1 and 2, and 4) one-way traffic control for controlling entry door on one end and exit door on the other end.

For this case scenario, a one-way access control can be set up at the management office entrance for controlling people entering the office only, and a two-way access control at the drug storage room entrance; the latter requires additional security measure to prevent outsiders or dishonest employees from possible stealing of drugs out of the storage room.

For the software application, the GV-ASServer can be installed at local PC in the management office. The GV-ASServer, which is compatible with and support up to 255 GV-AS200 access controllers, is a comprehensive, PC-based local access control software system that integrates digital video monitoring, web-based management tools, and central station reporting function.

With full search, synchronized/remote video event playback, and multiview/live view capability, the store owner is able to view video clips and monitor door status in real time, or view recorded videos that can be retrieved from the viewlog list, based on access time, alarm or event. The store owner can also conveniently view videos through dual monitor display feature, which help improves the monitoring efficiency. If any intrusion or suspicious event occurs (e.g. drug theft, vandalism, etc.) and causes the alarm to sound, the system can instantly alert the store owner through email or SMS.

Other notable features supported by the GV-ASServer include data export in text file, Excel or HTML format for integrating with time and attendance software, and data import from third party cardholder for establishing access authentication and authorization. To build a more advanced and comprehensive security solution, the GV-ASServer allows seamless integration with GeoVision’s DVR series and Video Server, which offer value-added features such as motion detection video recording.

To provide retail chain headquarters the convenience to monitor and control various door entrances at multiple chain store locations, the GV-ASClient can be installed. It is a remote access control software application that can control multiple GV-ASServers installed at various stores locations, and has all the powerful remote monitoring, search, and playback functions offered by the locally installed GV-ASServer.

The GV-ASClient provides basic remote controls such as enabling/disabling alarms and door locks, which is particularly useful when store owner is away from the office or on holiday leave. The headquarters or the central control station can remotely monitors the store, and terminate sounded alarms or force doors to lock or unlock when an event does happen. The GV-ASClient, hence, help elevates the overall central control monitoring efficiency.

If the store owner only wishes to search and view particular videos recorded from a specific chain store location, he or she can simply log onto the GV-ASWeb, which is another remote access control software application with simple and easy-to-use interface that allows store owner to search, view or playback videos through the internet.

Related topics:  Building access control system   CCTV recording, DVR, VCR, Multiplexers   Detection systems   Intrusion detection   Locks and safes   Monitoring systems   Physical protection   Tagging and theft prevention 

Print version | Email to a friend | Related articles

Data breaches: Trends, costs and best practices gives you all the latest information on securing personal and corporate data, key recommendations for immediate action to improve data security, and how to respond to data breaches.

Other Security news and resources