Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

  • Intrepid cover the whole of the UK. We also install and support clients across Europe, either with our own engineer team, or trusted partners in countries we have worked with for many years.

  • Intrepid have a wealth of experience in this field. We can support you all the way through the journey, whether it be a phone consultation, a free on-site store visit and no obligation quotes, to help make sure you get the right solution, for the right purpose and for the right budget.

EAS

  • Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are highly effective for retail environments when installed correctly and are managed by the store colleagues. Our many years of experience provide all the support you need to make the correct decision.

  • No. Our range of systems and technology options allow retailers to have overt or covert systems. We have worked with some of the worlds top store designers and architects to achieve the correct balance between aesthetics and functionality.

  • In most cases we work with your electrician or maintenance team and many tagging systems can be installed outside of trading hours. We provide a 12-month parts and labour guarantee and very attractive post warranty support package. EAS is virtually maintenance free.

  • Historically hard tags are applied to clothing and other soft items. Although not impossible to remove, a hard tag provides a high level of deterrent. A lanyard is available to apply tags to bags etc. They are removed at point of sale. Labels are used on packets, boxes and over hard goods. They can also be applied at source or at a warehouse. The labels are deactivated at the POS and remain on the product. We can advise the best protection for your merchandise.

  • Yes. All of our systems can be connected to a network. We can include footfall counting, remote servicing and alarm data. We also have systems that have built in advertising functions. Engage with your customer as they walk in the store.

  • Some of our customers still have tagging systems installed for over 20 years. EAS has a very high return on investment.

CCTV

  • Modern CCTV is an essential tool for most physical business’s but especially in retail. The shop floor, stockrooms and loading areas can be monitored 24/7 in real time. You can access video footage on site remotely from any location in the world. Images can be shared with police agencies and stakeholders within the business. For example, you can use CCTV to check on merchandising within the retail store, compliance and general store operations.

  • CCTV is relatively inexpensive, and you could even buy cheap systems on line. We only sell and install commercial grade systems that come with a minimum 3-year parts warranty.

    CCTV cameras can be installed on an existing network, however we strongly advise a separate cabled network using CAT 6 and power over ethernet, POE. The NVR, network video recorder can be connected to the stores network. All our NVR’s are compatible with all IT systems and a full specification can be supplied to your IT department.

  • CCTV is very reliable, just think domestic items such as your Smart TV, Internet box etc. Once you have the cabled network installed, upgrading cameras is virtually Plug n Play. You should expect 3-5 years of service from the system because technology is constantly improving.

    However, you should expect 5-10 years operational use without any major problems. These systems do not require servicing, maybe a camera will need repositioning or refocusing, or an upgrade to the storage capacity.

  • In general you are compliant if you display a sign informing customers you are using CCTV and the purpose for it. You should also identify who is responsible for the management of the system, and finally you should not record for more than 30 days before overwriting the images. Please check out the government guidance on GDPR here.

ACCESS CONTROL

  • We are an experienced Paxton Access installer and have been for many years. As a leading UK manufacturer Paxton, offer an exceptional Networked system. All doors are networked together and can be accessed via one or multiple PCs, and a mobile app. Unlimited numbers of users can be added to the system.

  • Yes, we supply all ranges of access control systems, from a small single standalone door, through to large multi door systems. This includes video entry systems allowing visitors to enter premises via a video system accessed by staff indoors or on multi floors.

  • The access control systems can be used with either a fob or a card. We also offer digital keypads instead, so staff just need the code to gain access.

  • Depending on the solution we install, there are options. All doors should have an emergency break glass installed so in the event of a fire or emergency the break glass will open the door.

    If the door is a fire exit it is mandatory to connect to the fire alarm system, so all doors open when the fire alarm is triggered. We work with your fire alarm company to ensure this happens. Even if the door is not a fire exit you may choose to connect to your fire alarm system.

  • In most instances missing cards/fobs can be replaced with duplicated copies held by management. If you have a PC programme version, this can be done by the system administrator.

  • In all instances when fitting access control, there should be an emergency break glass fitted, to allow access from the secure side of the door. In the event of a power failure the doors will automatically unlocked.

PS LOCKS

  • PS Locks is a brand name and consists of a range of smart innovative locking solutions. Hand made in Austria, PS Locks are mostly designed to be an invisible lock, they are operated by battery.

  • Depending on the exact model you use, they can be used in hundreds of applications – retail furniture, cupboards, drawers, doors, lockers, cabinets, secret compartments. You can choose the style of lock to suit the application, and then the way to open it – RFID, Keypad or Bluetooth.

  • PS Locks are distributed worldwide to many countries. They are deployed in retail, hospitality, healthcare, commercial, residential to name a few.

  • PS Locks are designed (for ease) to be battery operated but they can also be mains powered. Battery operated makes fitting them to existing furniture easier as less work and no cables. When the PS Lock opens it checks the battery and will alert when low. Typically, we see batteries lasting at least 2-3 years (subject to use and environment) we have some lasting so much longer.

  • RFID does not work through metal. Subject to the exact design and implementation, we may have accessories we can support to make this work still. Get in touch so we can help you further.

  • We are only a distributor for PS Locks. Most of the time we are supplying customers who either fit themselves or use a shop fitter, furniture maker or handy man to fit them. Please get in touch to discuss further requirements, we may be able to support with a contact.

TRACK CAMERA

  • Track Camera is a smart travelling CCTV system. It consists of a camera within a permanent rail, installed at height. A carriage, with up to two hi resolution PTZ cameras, runs the whole length of the rail, up to 150 metres. This is then enclosed within a mirrored polycarbonate cover. This ensures that no one knows where the cameras are at any one time.

    The system can be manually operated, programmed on preset tours or connected to alarm inputs. Smart Track is compatible with all video management systems and can be viewed from any location around the world.

  • We have installed Smart Track into big box retail and grocers, warehouse distribution and data centres. In fact, anywhere our customers want a covert camera system and reduce the number of static cameras. In some cases, a single Smart Track can replace hundreds of cameras, reducing installation, data storage and maintenance costs.

  • Smart Track is the gift that keeps giving. No other CCTV system provides such longevity and return on investment. Our current record is 24 years! The rail and other hardware will last indefinitely, over the years we can upgrade the carriage and cameras at a relatively low cost.

    All equipment is network compatible, and maintenance is minimal with an annual visit. All software updates are free of charge. Over 80% of installations are still in use. We can provide a list of UK and global users on request. Surveys and quotations are free of charge. Until you see it, you won’t believe it.

PEOPLE COUNTING

  • There are many different people counting solutions that can be deployed. The main consideration is what type of data you require. What level of analysis do you need? What’s your budget? Do you want it to be manual or fully automatic?

  • We can supply a basic, cost-effective battery operated Infra-Red device, through many other options, right up to overhead thermal solutions that are online with live data.

    All systems have their advantages and disadvantages, once again the main decision is, level of data analysis versus cost. Sometimes due to shop layouts etc, only battery devices can be used.

  • Subject to the type of device deployed, it can tell you footfall by down to 15 minute intervals, which entrance is busier if you have more than one. We also track the weather – allowing retailers to compare footfall and weather patterns.

    Retailers often want to balance footfall and staffing; our Power Hours feature easily shows which hours of the week are the busiest/quietest allowing staff rotas to be optimised.

  • In all instances the retail footfall counters can be removed and re-used in another location. This can be by yourself, or via Intrepid’s trained engineers.

  • Yes, our team have a wealth of experience, so not only do we install the technology, we are able to offer support and advice on how to read, interpret and make decisions based on the data.

FREEDOM CASE

  • All retailers know that by locking up stock from customers, while it normally reduces loss, it drastically affects sales negatively. By using a ‘Freedom Case’ it allows stock to be secured, but allows genuine customers the freedom to access the products.

  • There are a few different solutions; but principally, stock is presented in a lockable display cabinet (different shapes and sizes) and customers access the locked cabinet in different ways. This could be via a mobile phone code, a retailers loyalty app, or by the retailer unlocking the cabinet live via their security or call centre.

  • The cabinets have their own CCTV cameras built in, along with some AI technology. Again, retailers have the choice as to what level of security they deploy.

  • This very much depends on the type of deterrence deployed by the retailer. If the Retailer uses their loyalty app to open the cabinet, then it will know who has opened the cabinet, but not what was selected. If a mobile phone number is used, they will ONLY know the phone number. If they use their own live call centre to open it, then whilst they will not know the actual identity of the person, there will however be an image from the built in camera.

  • A number of retailers are deploying or trialling electronic lockable display cabinets. Contact us and we can let you know where locally a cabinet is in use. Alternatively, our team would be happy to meet with you onsite to do a live demonstration of Freedom Case.

SMART DOME

  • A Smart Dome is an active deterrence, battery operated device. While looking like a CCTV Camera, it works as a dwell device. Working in real time, after detecting people dwelling in an area in a shop, a complicated algorithm kicks in and will play out LIVE messaging deterring thieves.

  • The devices are designed to be battery operated, making installation and, maintenance very simple. Messages are included in the smart dome, bespoke to individual retailers if desired. While they can be very simple, they also have the function to integrate into a number of other security systems to alert staff e.g. radios, headsets and CCTV stations.

  • YES. However, whilst they are designed to be installed by the end user, Intrepid can also carry out the surveys and installations if required. They can also be moved around the shop very easily when required, or when merchandise moves in a shop.

LIBRARY SECURITY

  • We install and service a number of products into public, university and school libraries. Full RFID book systems and stock control. EM and RF book detection and all accessories, including verifiers, EM strips, RF book pockets, customized with the school or college logo. Standalone people counters and network versions. We also provide CCTV, Access Control and Wireless headsets.

  • Absolutely. We also operate an open protocol policy so if we do not measure up you are free to go elsewhere.

FACEWATCH

  • Yes, as long as Retailers using the technology install an approved system (Facewatch is the ONLY shared national facial recognition database, UK Law compliant), and retailers display all the correct signage, then yes, it is.

  • Retailers install a dedicated CCTV camera (subject to entrance design) which is connected to the FaceWatch proprietary cloud-based Database. Images are taken of all people entering the premises and compared to subjects of interest logged within the system

    Retailers are notified if someone matches an image (over 99% match), and choose their actions from there on in.

  • A number of major retailers are deploying FaceWatch technology such as Flannels, Spar, Co-op, Sports Direct, Budgens, Cost Cutter, Home Bargains to name a few, along with many smaller and independent retailers.