Mission
The Saxon has been voted the World's Leading Boutique Hotel for the past six consecutive years, it is a sumptuous destination designed to offer luxury and comfort to top echelon guests whilst ensuring that their security and privacy are never compromised. Catering to local and international note-worthy personalities, such as the illustrious Nelson Mandela, the visiting prominent patrons choose the hotel for its exclusivity, serene beauty and unsurpassed attention to detail.
Due to the high profile of the clientele, it is of utmost importance that the security be discreet, non-intrusive, yet absolutely fail-safe. "No intrusions, no interruptions" is the mantra at The Saxon and surveillance needs to ensure that it obeys this dogma. A system revamp was required to integrate the existing CCTV cameras and introduce a high-tech security solution that is as distinct as the premises and people it protects.
Solution
Camsecure, an Axis partner, selected almost 80 Axis network cameras for the surveillance, whilst Axis video encoders were utilized to convert the analog signals from six existing CCTV systems scattered around the property to digital signals, allowing the recordings to be centralized to a single control room. Milestone XProtectR Professional IP video software supports the cameras. The video encoders have also facilitated an easy expansion of the system, as cameras can be added at any time with minimal effort.
Security in critical areas, such as the main gate and reception, has been reinforced by the installation of Axis221 network cameras. The Axis 221 offers exceptional image quality boasting up to 45 frames per second in VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels), it uses a high performance lens and a progressive scan CCD image sensor that enables moving objects to be presented without distortion. These cameras are supported by Axis 231D+ high-speed dome network cameras that provide additional detail, where required, in vital areas.
Axis 209FD network cameras were chosen for their discreet, low-profile appearance. The AXIS 209FD is a fixed dome camera specifically designed for deployment in cases where inconspicuous monitoring is imperative. The tamper resistant casings also enhance the cameras overall appeal.
Result
The Saxon is not only a temporary home to many visiting VIPs, it also houses an extensive collection of original artwork that is protected by this technologicallyadvanced surveillance system.
"The surveillance is also a preventative measure," says George Cohen, MD of the Saxon Boutique and Spa, knowing that the imposing guards at the gates can react faster to any impending matters with alerts from the system. The tranquility and privacy of the important guests inside is not compromised. "On the few occasions where we've had incidents, we were able to prevent them from coming into the hotel property and to give both ourselves and the police a very quick review of what was going on for the best response and resolution."
Senior managers are able to track employees' progress and monitor the effectiveness of staff interactions with guests to further ensure the Saxon Hotel's superlative standard of service.
"The beauty of Axis network cameras is their endless versatility and the vast product range that allows for an installation that meets all of our customer needs," remarks Francois Malan, Technical Director of Camsecure, "The Saxon has taken advantage of the latest technology in order to maintain the exceptionally high standards that they are renowned for."