By NARELLE COULTER
FORTY electronic eyes continuously scan Car Megamart’s sprawling premises in Pakenham South.
If something untoward happens, evidence of the incident is instantly fed back to a central control room monitored 24 hours a day by Hallam firm, Eclipse Security Systems.
If the controllers can verify there is an intruder on site, police are dispatched immediately.
It’s a far cry from the days of human security guards patrolling a business day and night, putting themselves at risk of physical harm.
Eclipse director Greg Flood believes modern security systems are a valuable business asset, not just for peace of mind but for the data they collect.
“Our systems are not just for security purposes. Businesses can increase productivity, monitor and control access to areas within the business as well as obtain valuable data which can improve profit margins,” Mr Flood said.
“For example CCTV heat mapping cameras measure activity and hot spots. Retailers can record who goes through their doors, which way the customers go, how long they stay in one particular spot.
“Large manufacturers can use security systems to monitor and control machines to avoid OH&S issues and provide evidence for legal purposes.
“It is not just a matter of videoing events. We also have analytics software designed to track events and analyse them which is valuable information for businesses and their future growth.”
Established in 2000, Eclipse Security Systems offers residential and commercial security solutions.
Eclipse specialises in CCTV, access control and intrusion alarm systems backed up by service, maintenance and monitoring.
“Over the years Eclipse has delivered security solutions to a variety of industries across Melbourne including hospitality, manufacturing, medical and schools as well as complete council solutions,” Mr Flood said.
“Our job is to replace security guards with smart and intuitive security. Customers are assured that their premises is protected with 24-hour coverage.”
Mr Flood said high-tech security was being embraced by the education sector with both state and private schools installing sophisticated keyless security systems that tracked and traced student movements.
Eclipse installed an access control system in a state primary school after its master key was stolen in a burglary.
The school faced a $40,000 bill to replace every lock. Instead the old key locks were replaced with cylinders which only allow card access.
“Access cards are one of the biggest drivers in our industry. Keys are obsolete now. Access cards are a lot easier to manage and cost effective.“
Mr Flood recently returned from China where that country’s government is at the forefront of harnessing CCTV and analytics to monitor public behaviour.
Similarly, Eclipse was instrumental in the rollout of a large scale CCTV project in Healesville, Lilydale and Yarra Junction.
Mr Flood said local police had reported that the cameras had reduced criminal activity by 70 per cent.
“This in turn reduced the costs for the council and freed up resources to better service the public in other areas.”
Frightening attacks by the now notorious Apex gang resulted in Eclipse’s phones “lighting up”.
“We sell systems because people want to sleep at night,” Mr Flood said.
“When you are at home you don’t want to worry about the business.”
