Johannesburg, 28 Mar 2006
MFI, the largest household furniture manufacturer, retailer and distributor in the United Kingdom, is using a new IP video surveillance system with Milestone XProtect software and IP video cameras to manage security and business processes at its home delivery centres. The result of replacing the physical guard services at these centres is an annual cost saving of lb110 000 (approximately R1.2 million).
The manufacturer delivers kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. MFI is made up of seven UK factories, eight distribution centres, 220 retail stores, 360 Howden Joinery depots, and 30 Sofa Workshops.
Roy Alves, Managing Director of SCS Distribution, exclusive distributor of Milestone software in South Africa, says: "The flexibility, scalability, low costs of installation and ownership, and high image quality achievable with IP video when combined with Milestone`s XProtect Enterprise software make for significant cost savings and improvements in business processes. At MFI, the system was integrated with entrance access control, allowing the physical guards to be replaced."
Camera recording is triggered to start as soon as there is motion, such as when a vehicle or a person approaches. Authorised persons enter a code and the barrier rises automatically. A visitor with no access code presses the intercom button: inside, their image pops up on a computer that lets an MFI employee see and talk via the intercom to say `come on in` - or not.
The solution at MFI offers both central and local management of security problems such as break-ins and vandalism, internal and external theft, and fraud.
Milestone XProtect Enterprise software is being installed at multiple sites. In addition, they are using Milestone XProtect Central and XProtect Matrix for integrated solutions that provide facial recognition and access control at the entrances. Cameras have been set up at trucking bays, warehouses, administration and computer facilities, reception areas, gates and perimeters.
Managers at MFI have flexible remote access to the system wherever they are. The business is protected from theft while employee accountability is heightened. Loading and receiving activities are monitored for better handling of deliveries with fast resolution of any issues that arise with sub-suppliers or customers. Adherence to best working practices is monitored to improve employee performance in a round-the-clock working environment. This reduces accidents and damages, boosts quality in the delivery process, and creates more value in the MFI product offerings.
Says Nicholas Stephenson, Group Security Manager at MFI: "The Home Delivery Centre managers are very impressed with the system. It is easy for them to use and it gives them the information they want when they need it. It`s a big improvement over physical patrolling of the perimeters. It handles more than just security - it`s a business management tool too."
For more information, visit www.scsd.co.za or contact us at (011) 548 6780 or roy@scsd.co.za
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