Genetec Inc. a provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced that the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Canada, has unified its security operations based on Genetec Security Center,  Sipelia, AutoVu,  and Mission Control. With the Genetec platform, the security team at Yorkdale has been able to enhance operational efficiency, better collaborate with local police, and take a more proactive security stance.
With over two-million square feet of retail space and 270 stores the Yorkdale Shopping Centre offers the country’s largest collection of designer labels and luxury brands. Managed by Oxford Properties Group, it goes beyond shopping, offering visitors valet services, a museum-quality art collection, and 24/7 on-site security.
Breaking Out of Proprietary System Limitations
With their proprietary video system and standalone access control solution, searching for information required the security operations team to navigate between the two systems, which slowed investigations and incident response. Additionally, having a closed security solution held them back from exploring new technologies such as cutting-edge cameras or system integrations.
The search for a new video management system (VMS) led them to Genetec Security Center and Omnicast, which not only provided better video management, but unified video, access control, and data from other sensors into one system. The Genetec solutions enhanced the team’s ability to manage security policies, monitor events, and run investigations. Since it is an open platform, Yorkdale can expand the system with new technology as it emerges.
A Comprehensive View of Mall Security
Since implementing Security Center, the Yorkdale team has been able to enhance operational efficiencies. Now, if an incident is underway, operators can see what’s happening and act fast from one unified view.
“With Security Center, we’re saving valuable time from investigations and response,” said Luca Aiello, security manager at Oxford Properties. “Our security operators can identify potential risks, retrieve critical information, and deploy on-foot officers faster within the shopping center. Overall, we’ve become more proactive and efficient in handling anything that comes up. That ensures we keep providing an exceptional guest experience.”
Today, operators manage over 750 cameras, 500 access control readers, and 2,000 cardholders using Security Center. They’ve also deployed the Sipelia intercom module. Sipelia allows them to initiate two-way conversations across 150 intercom stations located in parking garages, entrances, and other areas. The team also added the AutoVu automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system, the Genetec Mission Control decision management system, and other technologies within the platform.
All video, data, and calls come back into a command center, where security operators keep the shopping center running smoothly.
Leveling Up Operational Efficiencies and Enhancing Public Safety Partnerships
Ensuring security operators can quickly respond and resolve the issues is critical to maintaining a five-star shopping experience. To empower their operators and streamline incident response, the Yorkdale team implemented Genetec Mission Control. The collaborative decision management system helps operators better understand unfolding events and guides them through the best course of action according to SOPs.
Genetec AutoVu has been a helpful component to fostering a proactive security approach. With 52 AutoVu automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras deployed, they’ve been able to extend security to their property’s perimeter, enhance vehicle-related investigations, and help serve the community. For example, if local police are searching for a vehicle of interest, Yorkdale can put that vehicle information into their AutoVu system, and if the vehicle comes onto their property, police are notified.
As incidents of vehicle and/or retail theft rise, the AutoVu ALPR system has also become a deterrent.
“Since implementing the AutoVu ALPR system, we’ve become more responsive to theft-related incidents and investigations,” said Bob Vounotripidis, senior operations manager at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. “Word has gotten out—Yorkdale is a property that takes security seriously, and the perpetrators will be caught.”
Planning for Future Expansions
The Yorkdale team is looking ahead to other technologies that can expand their security approach and system, such as deploying body-wearable technology and integrating video from those devices into the unified platform.
Read the full story of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s unified approach to security here.