Page 12 - Security Today, June 2017

INDUSTRY
VERTICAL
With Larry Chay
Raising the Bar
Security equipment helps limited staff keep watch over entrances, parking and more
By Larry Chay
The Beer Cellar, located in Glen Ellyn Park, Ill., recently transitioned to a new storefront that not only provided expanded business opportunity but also required added safety and security measures in a busy and highly functional space. A retail beer store and added taproom, The Beer Cellar has a small staff in charge of watching over entrances, cash registers and parking lots, all while maintaining a smooth operation.
Covering the Bar
Axis Companion Specialist ATD deployed a selection of Axis Companion cameras both inside and outside of the shop in order to cover heavy traffic areas and where money and products may be exchanging hands. Covering the bar, general storefront, deliv- ery door and parking lot, owner David Hawley keeps his business in check by using the mobile application while he is away from the facility.
If crowds pick up on a busy night, Hawley is a click away from seeing that help may be needed and he can run down to the store and assist his staff. The cameras are a general deterrence for shoplifters and help employees keep peace of mind knowing that they can focus on their tasks at hand while the cameras will back
them up should an incident occur. In one case of a stolen piece of apparel, cameras easily caught the individual in the act and helped Hawley understand the situation with ease.
Thirsty for Security
Following a recent move to a larger retail storefront and tap- room, The Beer Cellar realized a need for a stronger video secu- rity system compared to the previous analog solution in place at its initial location. Spanning about 1,200 square feet and varying crowd sizes, the shop contains a small staff and needed a solution that was easy to use and gave a clear-cut image of key choke- points in and around the store.
The majority of The Beer Cellar’s business is bottles and cans bought to take home, though the facility maintains eight taps in house to allow customers to get a drink or two before departing with their purchases. A space that can hold 40 to 50 people on a busy weekend evening requires added attention to many areas while staff are required to stay focused on providing a positive customer experience.
Total Solution for Small Business
The Beer Cellar uses the full spectrum of Axis Companion cam-
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0617 | SECURITY TODAY