On Cruise Control

On Cruise Control

Rydell Automotive Group implements a full tank of network cameras to drive away fraud and keep their engines revving

Standing as the corporate headquarters for the Rydell Automotive Group in Grand Forks, N.D., the Rydell Auto Center is comprised of a multi-site campus with departments varying from sales centers to a body shop and carwash. Rydell has 76 dealerships nationally, but the central location in Grand Forks prides itself on its focus on technology, even incorporating a team of developers to maintain a top notch network and computer system.

While every department has differing needs and concerns, Rydell found itself needing a new system after an old analog deployment lacking scalability continued to drop offline. The first major feature of Axis network cameras that drew Rydell in was their operability within ONVIF standards; with a development team in place, being able to get into the data was a strong deciding factor in settling on the Axis products fed into an Aimetis software solution.

SHIFTING THROUGHOUT THE GEARBOX

With more than 230 cameras in place, Rydell worked with High Point Networks to distinguish the proper camera line that suited each targeted location. The resulting system includes 30 different camera models.

“We buy the camera for the need we have to address,” said Justin Fetsch, vice president of sales with High Point Networks. “Axis has a wide line of solutions to give us a unique and proper fit for every application.”

Rydell has positioned a group of 5-MP fixed Axis network cameras to obtain a wide range of views. The main service area recently added 24 of these to pair with two panoramic view Axis cameras that results in a broad view of the scene along with specific shots in notable spaces.

“Our goal with the cameras is always to have an overview to accompany more specific shots,” Fetsch said.

The force of cameras throughout the five-plus sites on the main campus plus the formal retail storefront all stream back to Aimetis VMS as they primarily record on motion throughout the week. The Aimetis VMS partnered with the Axis cameras give Rydell countless opportunities and flexibility to improve their solution.

They implement a mobile bridge so that staff can access footage on both their both desktop and mobile devices. Rydell also began using a popular analytic, license plate recognition, not necessarily for a security purpose but to potentially identify customers as they arrive to personalize service, which can shorten their wait times immensely.

“Overall, everybody is really happy with the Axis cameras on the Aimetis software,” said Steve Symons, IT Manager with Rydell Auto Center. “Especially coming from the previous system, which was just miserable from an end user standpoint; we can configure it how we like it on each computer and that is why we love the system.”

SPENDING WISELY TO SAVE ENDLESSLY

Though the Axis and Aimetis solution assists Rydell in its security efforts, the footage derived from the system has proven essential to protect the dealership from fraud and keep its employees safe. Five cameras surrounding the entrance to its car wash provide HD recordings as a vehicle is coming through. If a customer complains that Rydell’s equipment or staff caused damage to their vehicle, the company has hard evidence to back up the claim. When a customer exclaimed that the machinery had ripped off their wiper blades, video backed up Rydell by showing that they had their wipers activated at the time.

“In the long run, it is helping with our customer service because there is no arguing with customers when you have evidence,” Symons said.

In furthering their ability to drive higher customer satisfaction, Rydell has a set of four cameras broadcasting to a television in the sales tower of their Honda store. Showing views that cannot be seen from inside, a manager can send a sales consultant over to a potential customer out in the lot that otherwise may not have been noticed.

While the majority of Rydell’s customers and visitors are honest and cause no difficulties, the Axis cameras have given the company a solution that settles any concerns of fraud or deception on the premises.

This article originally appeared in the October 2016 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Karl Radke is a business area director, Midwest, for Axis Communications, Inc.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.