Johannesburg, 02 Jun 2005
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has partnered with local software developer, Global Vision, to customise and implement its security risk management software CHASE. A pilot project was successfully completed in December last year, after which the system went live on 3 January 2005.
An integrated IT system was needed to reduce the man-hours spent in administration and reporting of data. Global Vision has customised the software extensively for the V&A Waterfront, so that it can directly address all the challenges faced. In addition, the Global Vision team will be available on an ongoing basis to maintain the system and offer support.
The V&A Waterfront`s commitment to the safety of all people, be they staff, tenants or visitors has always been a top priority, and one of the conditions of partnering with Global Vision was that they were available 24 hours a day should staff require assistance.
Using CHASE, security personnel at the Waterfront are able to capture incident information in under 10 seconds which ensures rapid and appropriate responses.
A key feature of CHASE is a mapping tool which identifies high-risk areas by providing security staff with a detailed map of the whole Waterfront and highlighting specific regions where there is an unusually high record of incidents. This assists planning in terms of the allocation of resources.
A major benefit of CHASE is the SMS component which allows serious incidents to be prioritised. As soon as a controller types in a code for one of these incidents, an SMS will be sent to the safety and security manager at the V&A Waterfront who can then ensure that all possible precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the people working, visiting and living in the Waterfront.
To ensure the main data capture screen completely meets the needs of the people using the software, security personnel were included in the software design process.
According to Graeme Powell, IT Director of Global Vision: "The team at the V&A Waterfront is proactive. They have weekly meetings to discuss how the system and the security in the area can be improved. We`re constantly making adjustments to the software to improve its effectiveness."
Training has been a key factor in the success of the pilot scheme and the installation. Global Vision personnel have spent a full 12-hour shift with each data capturer to ensure they are completely at ease with the product.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a mixed-use property development located around the historic Victoria and Alfred Basins in Cape Town`s original harbour, is comprised of world-class retail and leisure facilities including shopping, restaurants, coffee-shops and taverns, seven quality hotels, an aquarium, cinemas, art and craft markets, office space and a luxury marina residential component. A team of dedicated security staff is committed to safety at the Waterfront.
"The safety of visitors, tenants and staff has always been a top priority for us," said V&A Waterfront Executive Manager of Safety and Security, Duncan Cloete.
"Visitors to this award-winning attraction can rest assured that this is, more than ever, an environment in which they can feel at ease."
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