Qognify VMS Enhances Security for Iconic Parisian Department Store
Originally published by Hexagon
Ideally located opposite the Pont Neuf in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, La Samaritaine is an architectural landmark in the heart of the French capital.
Founded by Ernest Cognacq in 1870, the department store was purchased by the LVMH Group in 2001. Unfortunately, due to security concerns, the Parisian icon was forced to close its doors in 2005 but reopened with improved physical security thanks to Qognify VMS.
The challenge
After several years of structural investigations, lengthy consultations with various architects and the validation of building permits, reconstruction finally began in 2015, to be completed by 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the reopening of the department store another year. The new mixed-use development opened June 23, 2021. It includes, in addition to the department store, a Cheval Blanc Hotel in the art deco section part on the bank of the river Seine, offices, a daycare center and 96 social housing units. These are sold through Paris Habitat, a social housing project.The solution
Novadis, a longtime partner of Qognify, was in charge of implementing the physical security installations for this building complex in the heart of Paris. Nicolas Jdanoff, project manager at Novadis, recalled how easy it was for them to choose the right video management software, saying, “Our company always strives to offer state-of-the-art security solutions to ensure the smooth running of our clients’ operations. Qognify‘s’ video management solutions already have proven themselves in other projects we manage. Thus, opting for Qognify VMS was almost a no-brainer.”
Jdanoff continued, “Wherever possible, we try to simplify the integration of the various security solutions in a way that not only meets the needs of operators, who want easy-to-use systems, but also of IT departments, who demand solutions that are both flexible and scalable.”
The result
For this prestigious commercial and real estate complex, Novadis chose to integrate Qognify VMS with DDS Amadeus access control software. “Qognify VMS offers many different ways to either incorporate other security solutions or to deliver video footage and alarms to a third-party system,” Project Manager Gilles Munch explained. Today, the site’s video surveillance not only has a preventive and deterrent effect, but also helps the control room staff secure access to all buildings 24/7. About 1,000 cameras are connected to the system. All of them can be displayed on the large monitor wall in the state-of-the-art control center of the La Samaritaine complex.
When the access control system transmits a door alarm, the security system automatically displays the video stream from the corresponding camera(s). If necessary, security personnel can immediately view the video archive to evaluate the situation at the relevant entrance.
To better secure the different sales areas within the department store, alarm buttons were installed throughout the retail space to allow employees to discreetly raise an alarm should they experience any dangerous situation. If activated, the respective video feed is again instantly broadcast to the control room to allow the security staff to immediately take necessary actions.
From the very beginning, La Samaritaine intended to make the most of its investment in this integrated security solution and regularly counts on Novadis to guide it in the right direction. “Qognify VMS has enabled us to effectively protect the various sectors of La Samaritaine,” said Project Manager Gilles Munch. “From a day-to-day operational perspective, the video delivery has been perfect; we couldn’t be happier with the performance.”
Munch concluded, “Qognify VMS has delivered everything we hoped it would. It has been extremely beneficial to not only have a close relationship with Novadis, but also with the Sales and Professional Services Team at Qognify, to set up and operate the modern centralized integrated security management system that we have today.”
From local businesses to international landmarks, Qognify VMS offers advanced security solutions adapted to any size facility. Communication Company is proud to provide Qognify VMS to our customers as part of our comprehensive life safety and security solutions. Contact us today to learn more.
