Cooperation Primera

Cooperation Primera consists of a chain of outlet kiosks primarily dealing with tobacco products. The group was formed in 1991, in response to the tobacco industry’s needs.

Primera

Primera is managed as a cooperative organisation in The Netherlands, with approximately 25 new members joining Cooperation Primera every year. Today, there are about 400 kiosks in The Netherlands and growing. Present in almost every city, Primera kiosks are well-known for tobacco products, lotteries, magazines, etc. and are found at strategic locations such as street corners, railway or bus stations, and other similar locations.

Pre-existing situation & UTCFS’s role

Previously, Primera had very basic security systems in place coming from various installers and manufacturers. This range of diverse systems demanded integration and simplification. High communication costs were another big issue for the Primera shops at that time: every shop had about eight phone lines for their basic activities, which included payment, lottery, transportation ticket service, security alarms, etc. In addition to these existing complications, Primera experienced multiple break-ins and was advised by its insurance company to install a more sophisticated security system. In light of the multiple challenges facing Primera, it set three goals for its new security system. The optimal system should: lower communication costs, streamline security systems and offer a safer environment for their customers and employees.

UTCFS’s solution

UTCFS and the installer, Niscayah, offered a single security solution that met Primera’s needs. The challenge of cutting communication costs was solved by replacing eight different telephone lines with one VPN connection, transmitted over a TCP/IP connection. Over 1,600 cameras are installed and connected to a hard disk recorder. Alarm signals are transmitted via UTCFS’s receiver located in Niscayah’s Central Monitoring Station, while the Mastermind software manages the video signals. The combination of the VPN connection with the ATS intrusion control panels ensures a safe environment for all customers and employees. Furthermore, four remote VPN servers allow store owners to monitor the store from home as well as allowing the installer, Niscayah to remotely manage the system. With these new systems in place, it is possible to verify incoming alarm signals as they are combined with video images. In effect, UTCFS provides a total integrated security solution. As Primera continues its expansion, all their new retail kiosks are equipped with UTCFS’s products.