Hospitality

Enhancing Safety and Security through Remote Surveillance

Organization: Basic-Fit

Location: Europe, Netherlands

Customer need: Remote monitoring, Incident detection, Customer experience, Operational efficiency

Europe, Netherlands, 2024

Ensuring a secure workout environment round-the-clock has been a constant challenge for fitness centers adapting to members’ varied schedules. Basic-Fit, Europe’s biggest fitness chain, therefore initiated the Remote Surveillance project, a way to empower remote gym operations 24/7. What started five years ago, is now a revolutionary solution that aims to enhance safety and security while optimizing efficiency across more than 1.000 fitness clubs.

Understanding Remote Surveillance

Being able to remotely surveillance such a large number of fitness locations throughout Europe is possible by utilizing advanced technology. Smart cameras that are used for their sensory-like functions and remote control mechanisms are deployed in each gym. The various Axis products work together with a specifically designed AI algorithm to quickly detect and address issues on site, while also enabling gyms to operate 24 hours a day. Gym members can therefore feel safe, even when there is no staff around. In case of need or an emergency, a specially designed remote control room can be contacted from the Basic-Fit location. From there health concerns, aggression, fraud, and even foot traffic is monitored.

Would you like to see how each party participated in this project? Check out the video here.

Our primary concern is the well-being of our members, and this system provides the safety and security we strive for in every gym.

Boy Takken

Operations Manager Remote Control at Basic-Fit

The Remote Surveillance (RS) system’s deployment scale has been impressive, covering both new and existing clubs, with plans for implementation in 200 to 250 new clubs, annually. This extensive rollout spans across the five different countries where Basic-Fit operates, covering approximately 1.000 clubs (out of 1.400), and ensuring a widespread safety net for their members. Basis-Fit is founded and well represented in the Netherlands, but can also be found in Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Spain, and Germany.

Implementing the RS system wasn’t without challenges. Basic-Fit faced difficulties surrounding privacy laws across different countries demanding meticulous compliance measures. Additionally, logistical and stocking challenges emerged due to the big scale of implementation, while managing the entire system chain, from design to procurement, installation, and ongoing overall management.
A clear example of challenges faced during implementation began to arise on a security level, leading to a loss of income. Multiple people were accessing the gym on the same membership card, or simply skipping the turnstile altogether. This fraudulent behavior led to a custom-made solution for Basic-Fit using Axis cameras, which allowed Basic-Fit to take immediate action.

Fortifying security through key partnerships

As the preferred supplier, Axis Communications significantly influenced the efficiency of Basic-Fit’s security infrastructure. Beyond delivering cameras and security devices, Axis became a key contributor to the success of the RS project. The solutions played a pivotal role in upgrading Basic-Fit's surveillance capabilities, offering not only high-quality cameras but also integrating cutting-edge AI-driven functionalities. Axis worked closely with Basic-Fit and its partners to devise and refine tailored solutions, ensuring that the cameras evolved into intelligent sensors capable of detecting potential trends and threats. This collaborative effort allowed Basic-Fit to analyze and enhance business efficiency for each gym individually. Axis's commitment to innovation and reliability ensured a robust system, amplifying the impact of the RS project and enabling Basic-Fit to maintain a leading position in fitness club security.

This system is constantly developing backed by years of experience and close collaboration with partners.

Hugo Roukens

CCO of DIT is Beveiligen

DIT is Beveiligen cabinet for Basic-Fit zoomed

Integral to the RS project, the integrator DIT is Beveiligen played a crucial role in crafting the core infrastructure that underpins Basic-Fit's security setup. At the core of each newly built gym is DIT's carefully designed cabinet—an advanced assembly housing the seamless integration of software and hardware components. This centralized system, evolving from its initial version to its current state, owes its capability to effortlessly incorporate Axis's video, audio, access control, and switches. DIT's engagement from the project's beginning enabled them to collaborate seamlessly with Axis, refining and optimizing the cabinet's functions to meet Basic-Fit's changing needs. Their partnership with Axis facilitated the development of a systematic approach emphasizing not only innovation but also persistent standards of quality and adaptability. Over the past five years, DIT, together with Axis, has driven the creation of five custom solutions tailored precisely to meet Basic-Fit's nuanced security requirements, ensuring an agile and personalized approach to safeguarding the fitness club chain.

Control Room B-Securité for Basic-Fit solution

Completing the team of essential partners, B-Securité serves as the central control room overseeing safety and security triggers within Basic-Fit's fitness clubs. Their monitoring and real-time response capabilities, along with the management of safety protocols, ensure the RS system's seamless operation. With a dedication to promptly addressing security concerns and providing continuous surveillance. For example, being open 24/7 comes with challenges. What happens if a gym member suffers an injury at 23:00 when the staff just ended their shift? The control room will receive an unwell detection trigger, which allows the moderator to call for help/ assistance if needed. B-Securité played a critical role in maintaining a secure environment, aligning with the contributions of Axis Communications and DIT is Beveiligen.

Realizing impact with Remote Surveillance

Basic-Fit has upgraded its security system with the help of Axis' advanced technologies. This new setup brings several advantages. It acts like a strong shield, making sure that both club members and staff are safe. Thanks to Axis' smart cameras, sensors, and remote control features, the system does not just improve security measures but also sets up a better way to monitor day-to-day activities. This complete approach changes how the club is supervised and controlled, making sure it's a safer place. Also, Axis' high-tech cameras help Basic-Fit manage club operations from a distance, making processes smoother and security responses quicker. This upgrade isn't just about technology; it shows Basic-Fit's commitment to its core values and goal of creating a safe and welcoming fitness environment. It marks a positive change in the overall experience for both staff and members.

Pioneering safer environments through collaborative innovations

The successful implementation of the remote surveillance system at Basic-Fit stands as a testament to collaborative innovation and dedication. It has realized a remarkable transformation in safety measures across fitness clubs while retrieving valuable data to improve operational efficiency. The success of this initiative lies in its seamless execution, proving that enabling Axis to actively pioneer from an early stage onwards, can reap tremendous benefits – not only for fitness but for every industry.

As the collaboration continues, the dedication to constant enhancement remains steadfast, underscoring the continuous pursuit of safer fitness spaces. Ultimately, this partnership serves as a model, illustrating how innovation-powered teamwork uplifts safety norms and establishes fresh standards in the fitness sector.

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