Up to the Next Level
Casinos expand methodology to address risk assessment
- By Cynthia Freschi
- Dec 01, 2008
If one were to take a sample poll for
the definition of convergence, it’s
quite likely there would be as many
variations in the responses as the number
of people polled. Answers might range
from broad characterizations of technology
convergence, such as a common
IT platform system, to more succinct,
application-specific integration solutions,
to vendor partnerships, depending on
one’s perspective.
One Viewpoint
From a system integrator’s perspective,
one definition of convergence is using
available information (data) from a variety
of sources to enhance traditional security
systems and expand methodology to
address risk management and loss prevention.
Casinos have taken the lead in implementing
this type of converged system,
where data from business and facility
operations is merged with input from various
security systems to create a single,
all-inclusive point of control.
For example, traditional security technology,
such as access control, video surveillance,
fire/alarm/event monitoring
and identification systems, is integrated
with business applications, such as point
of sale in food, beverage and retail areas,
slot data, counting devices in cage and
coin-exchange locations, HR data and
player tracking. This convergence of data
provides security management with the
advantage of a complete picture of their
establishment, in real time, and a recorded
history of all events.
Further, more than just interfacing
these operations, convergence allows the
various applications to reside on a single
platform and share programmed commands
so the system operates as a single
entity and makes the management of electronic
data more powerful and uncompromised.
For instance, a centralized and
automated system can be programmed to
link processes within an application. If an
event occurs matching a set of predefined
circumstances, the system will
archive the transaction data along with the
multiple video feeds for each event, as
well as send an alert.
The Speed Factor
Another enhancement provided by convergence
is speed. Access to the relevant
data in a timely manner is as crucial as
security, and a networked system is key to
achieving this speed. Digital video surveillance
systems, network storage,
access control and identification systems
based on open architecture and other IPbased
devices, all found in a networked
system, are supported by sophisticated
data and event-management software,
which allows fast, comprehensive forensic-
type analysis in real time or in a follow-
up investigation.
When compared to stand-alone systems,
calls from the gaming floor to the
surveillance room for review of a discrepancy
with a customer can be
addressed and resolved in moments
rather than hours. Video walls and largescreen
monitors, full cross-point matrix
switchers and user-friendly graphical
user interface with video overlays and/or
mapping also have added to the speed of
access and assessment.
Continuing Innovation
New casinos are being built on a regular
basis. With these new facilities comes the
opportunity for system integrators to take
advantage of state-of-the-art security technologies.
When the Wynn Las Vegas
opened in 2005, it was touted as having the
largest and most sophisticated digital video
surveillance and security system ever. Just
a few years later, that title was passed to a
sister property, the Wynn Macau.
The pioneering efforts of the gaming
industry and the foresight of those whom
embrace digital technology and the concept
and implementation of convergence
has had a beneficial effect on the entire
industry. Manufacturers are designing
intelligence and open architecture into
their products; system integrators and
service providers are partnering to provide
core expertise under a single banner;
and customers are reaping the benefits of
improved efficiencies, return on investment
and most importantly, more effective
security.
About the Author
Cynthia Freschi is president of North American Video, with offices in New Jersey, New York, Washington, Las Vegas and Mississippi.