3 2 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
3 2 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Most large venues have already
deployed digital camera systems,
access control systems, license
plate readers, and other technolo-
gies to monitor guest safety and
secure sensitive areas. Those that
have integrated all these systems
into a unified dashboard are dis-
covering these tools are handy for
more than just security.
Use of data
Joakim Lagerholm says that
the stadium industry is explor-
ing different ways of combining
information from various systems
to benefit the customers. Instead
of checking physical tickets, many
arenas are moving towards con-
tactless electronic "boarding pass-
es". Integrating ticket information
with access to specific areas such as
VIP boxes is an example - so that
customers can access appropriate
zones based on the type of ticket
package they purchased.
"When you have an arena that
holds 50,000 people, managing
flows requires how people walk
more than just pasting a few ar-
rows on the floor. Arena managers
must look after the entire custom-
er experience, from parking the
car, finding their place, to toilet
breaks and kiosk visits, and devel-
oping new routines to streamline
getting from A to B while limiting
queues and crowds," says Joakim
Lagerholm.
Minimize queue times
The needs of the visitors may dif-
fer depending on the type of event
being organised. Audiences at,
for example, football and hockey
matches want to be able to buy
drinks and snacks at half-time and
period breaks. If it is a concert or
something else in the same arena,
the needs may differ.
"Arenas are looking at how
they can combine data from a
variety of systems to improve and
adapt their customers' experience.
For example, instead of hav-
ing people queuing for 20 to 30
minutes waiting to scan tickets
and go through security checks,
others use people-counters in their
video surveillance systems to mini-
mize waiting times," says Joakim
Lagerholm, who emphasises that
the software can be configured to
notify staff if the acceptable num-
ber of people is exceeded.
"Then the staff can open
another gate or redirect the audi-
ence."
Improves security
Video analysis can also identify
in which direction people are
moving. It can be useful to warn
personnel if, for example, people
are moving towards restricted or
closed areas, so that security per-
sonnel can intervene. The cameras
can also be programmed to trigger
a security alert if a person enters a
specific zone.
"With a robust access control
system, electronic tickets and staff
access cards can be scanned as they
enter or leave specific zones. This
is another way of dealing with
crowds and improving security by
restricting access to certain areas.
In the event of a security incident,
this data can also be used to iden-
tify who was present at a certain
place and time," says Joakim
Lagerholm.
Unified security platform
Video surveillance analytics, license
plate reading, access control,
intercom systems, heat mapping,
and other tools are essential tools to
gather data on guest behaviour and
ensure sensitive areas are secured.
What brings it all together is a uni-
fied physical security platform.
"With a unified system, venues
can more easily sort through all
that data to find actionable in-
sights. Look for a unified software
solution that allows your team to
create multiple dashboards that
update in real time, so they can get
a clear view of what is happening
right now, not just what's in the
rear-view mirror. Realtime map-
ping is another handy feature to
make it easy to get a bird's eye view
of events and visitor behaviour in
and around a connected venue,"
states Joakim Lagerholm.
"With this approach, secu-
rity teams can be deployed more
efficiently as well. The person in
the control room becomes like the
maestro of an orchestra. Each team
member on the ground can have
their part to play, with their own
dashboard on a smartphone or
tablet to empower them to monitor
and respond within their zone".
More innovation
to look forward to
Some arenas also use smartphone
apps to help visitors / audiences
find more efficient routes through
the venue. They can suggest
parking spaces that are closer to
the zone where they are located,
to avoid spending time looking
for their place. In some cases, the
apps also allow audiences to order
food from their place to reduce
congestion around kiosks and
restaurants.
Joakim Lagerholm believes
that there will be more innovation
as the systems become more and
more integrated.
"Visitors and audiences are
not the only ones who benefit
from this type of proactive, smart
technology-based methods for
arena safety. Employees, contrac-
tors and suppliers and even the
surrounding community can feel
safer when they know the arenas
are doing everything they can to
keep the building and parking
spaces safe. For example, arenas
can establish emergency call sta-
tions around the perimeter so that
visitors can easily report problems
or call for help if they feel unsafe",
he concludes.
Arenas, stadiums and concert halls are starting to
resume normal operations in many places in the world.
However, delivering an enhanced visitor experience
while ensuring safety and security is a challenging aim.
"They will need a comprehensive security strategy to
effectively manage the flow of people in and around
the premises", says Joakim Lagerholm, Regional Sales
Manager for Genetec.
Technology and data the key for
large venues to get back to business
The stadium industry is exploring different ways of combining information from vari-
ous systems to benefit the customers.
Special Feature: Smart Buildings & Access Control
Joakim Lagerholm, Regional
Sales Manager for Genetec.