More Security, Reduced Workload
Integrated high-end security system for IKEA mall
The IKEA MAR Shopping mall in Portugal occupies an area totalling more than 8,000 square meters. A high level of building security is guaranteed by the networking of thousands of components – and it all functions extremely efficiently thanks to a fully integrated solution.
IKEA MAR Shopping contains not only products belonging to the Swedish furniture maker – about 220 retail stores and an outlet are also to be found in the enormous shopping mall on the Algarve. The grounds also include a 8,000 square meter leisure area as well as 3,500 parking spaces. The sheer size of the development posed a major challenge for the security technology.
Thousands of visitors and employees frequent the mall every day and they all want to shop and work in an atmosphere of safety. In an emergency, the necessary measures have to be triggered quickly and precisely. To remain within the predetermined budget, the security system has to function as simply and as efficiently as possible. Specifically, this means that the manpower required to operate the system has to be manageable and the number of elements in the control room has to be straightforward to operate.
“We’ve succeeded in connecting thousands of individual components within a fully-integrated network.”
To solve the challenges, Bosch experts have implemented a concept that takes security and cost factors into account: Within their system, all the security relevant information and building management functions are bundled together on a central platform. It includes amongst other things a connected fire and intrusion alert system with 4,000 fire detectors and 520 sensors for both intrusion alert and controlling access to IKEA MAR Shopping. A major advantage lies in the fact that the personnel do not have to be trained on lots of different systems but just one. It has also been designed so that a single operator can keep track of the whole system.
“For a human being, it’s virtually impossible to constantly keep all the cameras in view.”
All the system’s 390 cameras are fitted with Bosch‘s Intelligent Video Analysis software. The integrated function processes image data in real time and recognizes suspicious activities by means of an algorithm. In potentially dangerous situations, it can make all the necessary information available to the personnel so that they can trigger the appropriate measures. Should it be necessary to evacuate the building, a signal is for example sent to the Bosch public address system which then gives people in the mall precise instructions over the approximately 1,100 ceiling loud speakers.
“Bosch’s Intelligent Video Analytics makes it easier for the staff to keep track of everything.”
Within the space of two years, Bosch has therefore managed to create a harmonious overall picture by which everybody spending time in the IKEA MAR Shopping can feel safe. The operating company can additionally deploy security staff more efficiently and reduce their workload. At the same time, it saves costs and more capital can be invested in business processes.
“The technologies result in fewer staff being needed in the control room and they can be otherwise deployed.”
Luís Gomes, PT
International Business Development Manager Retail
Do you want to understand your customers behavior and improve their loyalty? I’m looking forward to discussing solutions with you to support that.
Luís Gomes has a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management and started his career in 2000 working for a multinational company. Whilst there, he developed projects concentrating on Industrial Engineering and Cost Management.
He has invaluable experience and expert knowledge concerning the security and safety market in which he has been working since 2003. He has executed several important projects in different industries as product and marketing manager as well as being the sales director for the Iberian market. These completed projects have now been published as reference cases for the company.
Today, Luís is working as an international business development manager in the retail sector. In this role, he manages vertical retail across regions. He also acts as a key-influencer manager and works closely with key influencers and end-users when discussing their use cases and supporting them with solutions. In addition, he advises regional teams on the best solutions for retail-specific and cross-border projects.
He is currently living in Lisbon, Portugal. His hobbies include enjoying time with his family, sports (soccer, cycling), travelling and going to the cinema.
E-Mail: Luis.Gomes@pt.bosch.com