DDFS Breathes Easy With Surveillance Solutions

What is one of the most obvious things that one associates with airports? It is security, which is considered a given for any airport. And, while an airport is assumed to have enough security to scan and bar the most dangerous of security threats, something comparatively frivolous like shoplifting is a menace that is still prevalent. With Delhi airport’s Terminal 3 (T3) only months away from inauguration, Delhi Duty Free Services (DDFS) had to ensure a robust physical security set-up that was well beyond regular surveillance and also get it rolling in time. Going for a set of tried and tested solutions helped save on time and deliver on the key parameters of scalability and zero downtime. But, more importantly the solution goes well beyond meeting the primary requirement of security to enable DDFS to leverage analytics for improved business transactions and effective marketing strategies.

24/7 Security With Scalability And Reliability

The Delhi Duty Free Services (DDFS) shops operate 24 hours a day, all 7 days a week, and stock large quantities of expensive goods including liquor, cosmetics, confectionery products, etc. Since duty free shops operate nonstop, security is of paramount importance. Also, DDFS needs to ensure a comfortable shopping environment free of any security concerns for its customers. Hence, security was a critical component of the company’s overall blueprint when planning for setting up of its stores at Delhi Airport’s T3.

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DDFS’ requirements spanned beyond a regular surveillance solution. Among the key requirements from the solution were the ability to see every item within the stores and detailed reporting. Equally critical was that the system be highly scalable to support future expansion and ensure zero downtime. The solution also had to work in tandem with the airport network which had numerous legacy systems, requiring seamless integration. Overall, the solution had to provide pervasive video coverage of the five DDFS stores at T3 and enable the staff to monitor, assess, and deliver information reliably and securely across its locations while maximising staff productivity.

Running Against Time

With just two months left into setting up shops at T3, time was at a premium for DDFS. Within this time the solution had to be chosen, implemented and rolled out for use. And, not to forget that T3 being under construction at the time there was limited access to the shop areas making it impossible to conduct a proof of concept. The size of the terminal added to the existing woes by playing haywire in the time schedule.

Paucity of time led DDFS to refine its search to a tried and tested solution which was already well established with proven credentials in the market. With that, the company zeroed in on the physical security and theft control solution from Cisco for its five stores at T3. According to Abhay Pandey - IT Head at DDFS, “Since we did not have too much of time on hand, we had to choose a solution which is already proven and implement before the terminal comes into use.”

Tightly Integrated Systems Connected Over The Network

The solution from Cisco includes an amalgamation of Cisco’s products tightly integrated and connected over the network, which also doubles up as the service delivery platform. The products from Cisco’s stable that go into making this comprehensive physical security and theft control system include Cisco LAN, Cisco Unified Communications, Cisco Unified Wireless, Cisco Video Surveillance, and Cisco Physical Access Management solutions.

Communication between the five stores and command and control centre is enabled through Cisco Unified Communications and Cisco Unified Wireless solutions. Cisco Video Surveillance Manager, on the other hand, manages all the installed cameras and supports the transmission, monitoring, recording, and management of surveillance video. DDFS initially installed 250 Cisco Video Surveillance IP Cameras, including high-definition and standard definition box and dome cameras. The Physical Access Control system and Physical Access Manager provide access control capabilities by connecting door hardware, locks, and readers to the network.

Integration of the different systems to deliver a comprehensive solution is the key to the solution working effectively. The video, access control information, and point-of-sale transaction data are integrated into a centrally managed solution for the DDFS command and control centre to provide complete situational awareness, which is necessary for quick reaction and redressal, informs Pandey. Computer Network Ltd. provided the necessary integration services. Cisco also partnered with ICD Security Solutions for camera installation and optimisation services. All the video and access control information along with data from Point Of Sale transaction terminals is integrated within the Cisco Physical Security system via Computer Network Ltd. Command & Control application.

While the solution had to implemented at the five stores within the same terminal the sheer size and spread of the terminal added to the complexity. The complexity was further accentuated due to the security requirements within the terminal that had to be adhered to. Further, nuances like correct camera angles and ability to focus in small and congested areas had to be addressed to ensure effective and pervasive monitoring coverage, explains Pandey.

Security And Analytics Deliver Well-Rounded Benefits

With this solution DDFS has been able to build a comprehensive physical security system with pervasive video coverage across all its five stores at T3 that enables proactive monitoring and reporting of any possible events of theft and fraud. Being able to detect and respond immediately to instances of security lapse has brought down incidents of theft, preventing revenue loss. The system also provides for alerts in cases where the purchase exceeds the duty free limit. The cameras can capture minute transaction details during a sale and in the event of a dispute records can be validated against the video footage. “With this solution we have been able to prevent thefts to a great extent. It is also helpful in monitoring our employee productivity and reduces manpower cost too,” remarks Pandey.

A key feature of the system is the provision for easier and faster tracking and retrieval of videos. An alert is generated from a door entry or at the billing counter and it automatically tags the video for immediate retrieval.

The security and theft control system’s benefits go beyond pure play security. Not only is the solution used a platform for fraud prevention, it also doubles up as a BI tool to capture data for analysing business transactions. With the ability to source and manage the transaction and video data, the solution allows to capture vital data that can be analysed to understand customer behaviour and buying trends. This, in turn, can help DDFS formulate more effective marketing and sales strategies.

“DDFS’ foresight to adopt effective network-driven solutions will help improve service efficiencies. Having made a detailed assessment of DDFS’ requirements, we were able to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions through Cisco Services’ legacy of proven best practices and networking expertise. The solution meets all the current requirements of DDFS and enables them to scale and integrate newer technologies on expansion in the future,” says Srivalsan Ponnachath, Senior VP, Cisco Services India & SAARC.

In terms of future plans, DDFS plans to implement additional detection and notification intelligence to this solution.