An Expanded Presence

With the Axis equipment, restaurant owners can view live images from their restaurants and bars via the Internet from anywhere. This allows them to keep track of customer service practices and employee safety, or prevent theft and vandalism, without spending as much time in each restaurant.

Before the new equipment, images from analog cameras recorded to VCRs. However, the image quality degraded as the tapes were constantly reused and managers had to spend hours winding through video just to find one particular event.

Now Axis video servers digitize the video feeds from each restaurant’s analog cameras. In addition, various Axis network cameras added to the system to enhance coverage. Software enables the restaurant owners to easily manage and store the video.

More Management

Hard disks now hold digital images, with no loss in image quality. Stored images can also be accessed on-site or remotely via the Internet. In addition, search functions allow restaurant owners to zero in on a particular time or incident almost immediately.The system can configure to store images only when motion is detected.

“Network video also provides clients with a way to guard themselves and their businesses against waste, shrinkage, and frivolous lawsuits,” Pirecki says.

In fact, Maltby Pizza and Pasta, one of Internet Camera Solutions’ first restaurant customers, was able to use the video from the Axis network video equipment to protect the business against a lawsuit. The restaurant’s employees had to remove an intoxicated customer who was disturbing others. Once outside, the man fell, injured himself, and ultimately threatened to sue Maltby Pizza and Pasta. However, the restaurant produced digital video from the incident that proved the man’s claim was false.

In another example, a restaurant and bar in downtown Seattle experienced trouble with liquor theft from its supply room. An infrared-sensitive camera and Axis video server allowed the restaurant’s owner to view and record images of all activity in the storeroom, even in complete darkness. As a result, the bar caught a patron stealing a bottle of high quality scotch. Theft from the supply room has not been a problem since.

The flexible placement options with network cameras are beneficial because the cameras can go anywhere there is a connection to the network. If none is available, then a wireless connection can be used. This helps restaurants install cameras in discreet locations, where the security gear is not easily noticed.

According to Pirecki, it is common for restaurants to see a 3-5 percent decrease in liquor and food costs after they start using network video. In some extreme cases, the cost savings can be as high as 15 percent. The technology also helps restaurant owners and managers keep an eye on safety procedures and minimize the risk of accidents.

“Our clients possess the ability to identify theft, determine if workers are giving away food and drinks to their friends, and reward employees who are doing a great job. Axis’ network video technology is the best overall time saver and cost cutter that we can provide our customers,” Pirecki says.