Located at the heart of the historic district of Regensburg, Germany, the century-old court jeweler, Muhlbacher, recently deployed a modern and discreet surveillance system consisting of 20 Dallmeier electronic HD domes and a hybrid video appliance with integrated storage system to monitor its remodelled and expanded retail shop.
For more than 100 years, the prestigious family-owned jeweller has been a supplier of sophisticated timepieces and top-class jewellery. Its showrooms recently underwent a six month renovation to present customers with a sleek and elegant interior, relaxing lounge area, and separate sitting areas for discreet sales discussions. The jeweller now displays timepieces from renowned manufacturers, such as Bulgari, Breitling, and luxury brand Rolex on a spacious 400 square meter display area. In addition, treasures by Cartier, Chopard and others are offered together with original jewellery creations from its in-house workshop.
Brothers Andreas and Markus Muhlbacher, who are the fourth-generation operators of the family business, demanded a high quality and inconspicuous surveillance system to monitor the shop."The cameras are supposed to blend in discreetly with our showroom concept,” said Andreas Muhlbacher. "At the same time, naturally the video system must be reliable at all times."
Vandal-resistant HD domes were installed throughout the shop and surrounding areas. The cameras covered the entrance, sales areas, lounge, cashier counter, consulting area, packaging station, manager's office, workshop, and also surrounding streets and inner courtyard. The surveillance equipments not only protect the retailer from theft and break-ins, it also helps optimize customer care. This was achieved with the deployment of monitors and computers at strategic points, including the reception area, cashier counter, office or workshop, where surveillance camera images were displayed on screen in a six window format. "Our rooms are very expansive, for which reason it is not possible to keep an eye on the entire shop at once,” explained Andreas Muhlbacher. “But with the video images our employees immediately see where the customers are.” This helps cut down waiting time for customers that require assistance.
The images are stored on a hybrid video appliance with integrated storage system. The recording is controlled by motion detection, for example recordings are only made when there is actual movement. This enables efficient use of the storage capacity of the hard drives. Moreover, the Muhlbachers have remote access to live and recorded image material via an iPhone. "The Dallmeier iPhone app is really very practical and easy to operate,” said Markus Mühlbacher. “This lets me keep an eye on things at all times, even when I am away."