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EUROPA-PARK RUST
But all groups of visitors arrive with the same expectation – to have an unforgettable day. An important point here is the safety aspect, but other factors such as preventing theft or divergences between visitors also play a major role for the guests’ impression. To be able to meet the different demands appropriately and to ensure smooth process operations, in 2008 the management searched for a video solution that has more to offer than mere security surveillance. “A large compound like the Europa-Park is difficult to manage decently without proper technical support,” explains Reinhard Egner, Consulting Engineering of the company. “Our aim is to give the visitors a day at Europa-Park they will never forget. That’s why we need to be informed about all the incidents occurring on our premises. We offer relaxation and fun, but this is only possible if our numerous rides are always operable, the waiting times are not too long and all visitors treat each other with respect.”
As a basic prerequisite, the project management stated the integration of all applied systems, including a burglary and fire alarm system and also the Qognify software, into a comprehensive building management solution. This allows all cameras and subsections to be accessed and operated centrally from one control station. Additionally, the system should be able to cover the perimeter security from one single source – a demand that posed a hurdle to many manufacturers. The system house vi2vi located in Malsch was not deterred by this challenge and won the contract.
“With the Cayuga VMS software we meet all requirements with one solution and are also set for the future,” says project manager Mathias Bechler from vi2vi. The modular system approach of the Qognify Multi Solution Platform offers a variety of extension options, so that individual customer requests and needs can be taken into account easily. A further advantage is the scalability of the overall concept; thus, future growth is not prevented. Since Qognify systems can be seamlessly integrated into many business processes and workflows and can combine information generated there with the video footage, they also make image data accessible and evaluable in a better way.
As a superordinate management system, WinGuard by Advancis is employed. Operating all programs via one surface means a considerable simplification for everyday use, since there is no necessity of switching back and forth between the different software solutions. The Cayuga VMS is linked to the security and building management software by means of the Multi Solution Platform, so that information is gathered in Cayuga and made available for the user via WinGuard. Hence, a smooth cooperation of both systems is ensured. Video analysis is used as a further component of the Multi Solution Platform. Thus, the surveillance of the park fences is based on virtual tripwires, which guarantee the security of visitors accidentally straying from the preset paths, but also secure the park against trespassing outside the opening hours. As soon as the markings are crossed, the security staff in the control station receives an alarm notification and can react immediately. In order to preserve the visitors’ privacy, the park operators rely on the segmentation of the security staff in several authorization groups. Thus, settings have been applied in the Cayuga configuration, which for instance allow particular users to browse through the recordings but not to edit (e.g. to export) them. With the Mobile Client and the Web Client the security personnel also uses mobile access options to be informed actively about incidents and to be able to react immediately when walking across the grounds.
It’s particularly the customer who is benefitting from the successful cooperation of Qognify, Advancis, vi2vi and the hardware partner Axis: “We are extremely satisfied with the security solution and the entire implementation process. The ability to master such a mammoth task sovereignly requires all the parties’ best,” says Michael Steiert, responsible for the building and video management software of Europa-Park.
Since 2008, the security system has been growing with the Europa-Park and has been expanded steadily. The luggage compartments of the attractions, additional shops and waiting areas of new rides and roller coasters are being integrated into the existing installation. The system has already proved itself several times – more than 90 % of thefts could be solved with the help of the video management solution.