|
|
Athletic clubs pump up security with IP surveillance
Buffalo Athletic Clubs turns to Milestone and Axis for surveillance
Milestone Systems
COPENHAGEN – 3 March 2008. The Buffalo Athletic Clubs (BAC) are using powerful, easy-to-manage Milestone IP video management software with Axis network cameras for improved security and protection of assets, employees and members. The system's scalability supports the company's progressive business model for energetic expansion plans. The BAC (Buffalo Athletic Clubs) is a dynamic chain of seven fitness centers in Buffalo, and the RAC (Rochester Athletic Clubs) is a chain of five locations in Rochester, New York. They have over 47,000 members, with each club counting 3,500-5,200 active members. The 12th club in Buffalo opened in early 2007, ramping up to 3,700 members in just 7 months. New locations and buildings, constant renovations in design and lighting, new training methodologies, and the latest equipment are reasons for their success. This same innovative approach by the management has also been applied to their implementation of a security system - one that can grow and keep up with their progress. Security challenges for the business chain With multiple sites and a central downtown location for the headquarters, late-night hours 7 days a week, and cash in the offices, this chain of fitness clubs in upstate New York had experienced break-ins, theft (both external and internal), and vandalism. Personnel and membership safety issues from possible operational injuries are also in focus. Their solution is Milestone XProtect Enterprise IP video software that manages multiple Axis network cameras at each club, scheduling the recording, archiving the images to the database for easy searching and export of evidence. The software user interface also provides live viewing of any location locally or remotely, including control of the Pan/Tilt/Zoom functionality to zoom in and check out more details. The central administration of the system makes efficient use of BAC's IT infrastructure, and the ability to easily add new network cameras anytime gives the scalability they need as a growing business. "I researched extensively and found the Axis network cameras and Milestone software with the IP approach that is exactly what we wanted: a solution that is future-proof with the expandability that's flexible to fit our progressive business model," says Jason Toy, Information Systems Manager, Fitness First Inc. (the management company of the Buffalo & Rochester Athletic Clubs of New York). |
