Latin America. The Hyatt hotel chain, a global powerhouse in the hospitality sector for more than four decades, defined security guidelines to raise video surveillance standards in its more than 675 properties.
Although each of them controls the acquisition of the security infrastructure, Hyatt has defined and continues to develop parameters to be followed by its hotels. In this context, Axis Communications was established as a preferred camera manufacturer, while the software of Milestone, a partner of Axis, was defined as mandatory.
Migrating the analog system to network video allows security personnel to work in a more efficient control room with access to videos via mobile devices. Administrators can, for example, visualize reception to manage wait times and find ways to improve the quality of the customer relationship. Engineers, on the other hand, can view the property from different angles to check for maintenance and circulation issues.
With the ability to add video analytics, the marketing team can use heat maps and analysis of circulation patterns. Management can use tools such as people counting to determine wait times for check-in and check-out and improve the guest experience.
"The safety of customers and staff will always be a primary concern, but we envision the expansion of the use of camera footage to go far beyond security," said Mark Sanna, corporate vice president and global head of Hyatt Network Security. For the executive, "these systems will most likely become a complete Business Intelligence platform."
The manager responsible for the execution, Wade Pinnell, of the company Virtual Software Equipment & Consulting, believes that analytics are the future of these systems. "We will see in the future that analytics will surpass the common functionality of cameras," Pinnell says. "We're already seeing IT teams working on security, and soon other departments will ask for access to the data and analytics provided by the cameras."
The Hyatt network also makes use of other Axis products, including audio and access control. For traditional access, AXIS A1001 door controllers are integrated directly into the Milestone interface. In some cases, the network specifies Hyatt intercom systems using a video intercom, AXIS A8004-VE, for employee entry and main entrances, especially in smaller hotels with fewer staff at night and that can keep doors closed. In audio, the network is also adopting AXIS C3003-E IP speakers to send messages in outdoor environments such as parking lots.
