When owners of the Crowne Plaza® Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio wanted to upgrade the security infrastructure of their property following a major renovation, they searched for a partner that would not only provide the solutions they needed, but one that would have the expertise to recommend additional improvements.
After a bidding process involving multiple security companies, Vector Security was chosen. “Vector Security was the most thorough provider in the bidding process,” said Juan Laginia, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Columbus – Downtown. “Their sales rep, Jim Evans, walked our property multiple times and worked with our facilities team to make sure he got it right. His detailed approach gave us the confidence that this was a company that could deliver.”
Juan added that brand recognition was also a factor in the selection process, as both this Crowne Plaza hotel and Vector Security are official sponsors of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Columbus Blue Jackets®. “This added further credibility to Vector Security, as it demonstrated the strength of the company and its commitment to our community,” he said.
Working in tandem with Juan and the hotel’s facilities team, Vector Security replaced existing cameras and suggested additional cameras throughout the property to enhance the safety of hotel guests and staff.
“As we developed our security plan, Jim would offer a solution for every need we had, and backed it up with solid rationale,” Juan explained.
For example, the hotel team faced a challenge in the valet parking area; they needed video in a darker overhang as well as in a brighter daylight area. Vector Security answered the call with different camera types for those specifications – one for underneath the overhang and another for the more brightly-lit area.
Vector Security wired and installed approximately 60 cameras throughout the hotel in locations such as lobbies, walkways, stairwells, elevators and other common areas.
The cameras have proven to be quite effective. In a couple incidents where car damage was alleged, video footage was used to review each car’s prior condition, saving the hotel thousands of dollars in insurance claims.
Another benefit of Vector Security’s video solution is the mobile capabilities provided. Previously, video footage was viewable only within a central control room. Now, footage can be viewed from cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices. “We’re able to view footage in real time, even when we’re not in the hotel or the office,” Juan said. “The real-time access gives us the ability to take appropriate action quickly.”