EXCLUSIVE: Lowe’s upgrades to digital security camera network

Lowe’s Companies Inc. has shifted more than 80,000 analog in-store analog security cameras to a streamlined digital system.

In an exclusive with Chain Store Age, Lowe's and its partner Axis Communications explained how they collaborated over a four-year period to convert the home improvement giant's legacy analog in-store security system, which utilized more than 400 different camera models, to a digital network system built with Axis cameras and the Genetec video management system (VMS) with dedicated on-site servers in each store and uninterruptable power supply (UPS) power backup. 

Lowe's began the process by standardizing on significantly fewer camera models to make the new system easier for its technology team to support, limiting the project to six main Axis camera models.

Integrators preconfigured each camera with parameters provided by Lowe’s store support center in its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. When a store plugs a camera into the network, it is automatically recognized by the controller, enabling Lowe’s to immediately check camera views throughout the project and import as many as 2,000 cameras onto the network every Friday.

Although Lowe’s initially deployed the digital cameras for use by asset protection employees, today more than 35,000 associates across a wide variety of functions have access. 

For example, the facilities department may log in to see that plow drivers are arriving on time to remove snow from the parking lot, or store managers might log on to see whether they need to open another checkout lane. 

In addition, the merchandising department may also use the camera system to gauge foot traffic around seasonal displays, and the cameras provide regional executives a way to observe and direct the operations of stores across a large geographic area.

Because a number of Lowe’s stores are located in hurricane zones, the company also uses the Axis digital cameras to monitor a storm’s approach and assess the damage it causes the property. 

The company also uses the Axis VAPIX application programming interface (API) to write scripts to perform tasks such as pulling up a camera view from one store and then automatically compiling a folder of images of that same camera location in all other stores across the company. This enables Lowe’s to quickly determine if a problem like new signage placement blocking a camera view is systemic or limited to one location.

"One of the features we especially appreciate is Axis’ forethought to build cameras with multiple streams," said Don James, senior manager of technology operations, Lowe’s. "This allows us to record video to our Genetec VMS and send a second stream to a server that’s hosting analytics. We use that secondary server to run third-party or internally developed analytics to model business opportunities, isolate problem areas, and gain new insights into how we can improve our operations."

Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores across the U.S. and employs approximately 300,000 associates.