Case Studies - Overseas Contracts

HSS - RentX

The President of the HSS group has a saying: "Whatever you want to hire, wherever in the world, we can help".

Since HSS purchased the RentX chain of stores – you can.

Now that HSS, the UK's largest equipment hire company has spread its wings from Europe into North America.

Secure Vision designed a system that has now given HSS RentX the ability to see their stores, at any time - anywhere in the world.

HSS RentX not only had a requirement to upgrade their existing standard intruder alarm systems, but to create a "hands on security solution with added benefits".

Secure Vision, who have installed numerous CCTV systems across the UK and Ireland for HSS were given the opportunity to design and install the very latest in digital CCTV technology in their new store in Denver, Colorado.

RentX had a remit that they wanted to have not only a system that had visual security but which could also be used by the senior management team for remote hands-on-management.

We designed the CCTV system around the RemoteWatch digital video transmission product; this gave HSS RentX exactly what they wanted.

Since the system's installation it has been used for many things by different departments.

The Health & Safety Manager, Matt Main, has used the system to assess how much of the safety audit could be completed by using the system remotely.

During the first audit it was agreed that "90% of the audit could be completed successfully as the system stands today" and "with a roaming camera we would even be able to see the condition of the inside of our trucks, to see if the driver is operating the vehicle in a clean and safe way".

During the discussions it became apparent that as the company has a policy of carrying out two safety audits per annum, one could be completed by using the system therefore saving the costs of having to send auditors across the country once a year.

The system has also been used to identify the condition of the showrooms. For example: Are the displays at their best (which is of the highest importance to RentX); Are new products being promoted and sales materials in their correct positions; Is the showroom clean, tidy and making the customer feel comfortable whilst they are there?

The system comprises 3 high speed dome cameras and 3 fixed cameras.

Full external infra-red beams give coverage to the yard areas and the system is fully integrated with both the intruder alarm system and the electronic gate.

Therefore not only can they view their cameras, they can open the gates to accept late deliveries whenever they want - from wherever they want.

HSS RentX CEO Carlo Cavecchi describes the rollout and why it is starting in Denver.

"The California Street store is a flagship location for us, and a great example of our ability to combine top-of-the-line tools and equipment with added values like convenience and guaranteed availability.

It made sense to launch the look at our home base, where we have a long history of service to the community. From here, we'll roll it out nationwide."

RentX parent company and international rental leader HSS has been steadily enhancing the product range and services offered by its network of rental stores across the US.

Since purchasing the RentX chain in July 2001, tool and equipment rental has been a growing trend in the United States for the past decade, as businesses, contractors and homeowners have grown to appreciate the cost and labour saving advantages of renting everything from forklifts to temporary heaters.

As part of a nationwide store 'make-over' Secure Vision was asked to install an integrated digital CCTV surveillance system as a standard for all branches. The product used was RemoteWatch Plus™ a multi-featured digital recording system offering local and remote site management solutions.

The opportunity to expand into America for Secure Vision has been generated by our long standing relationships with HSS in the UK and the American manufacturers of the RemoteWatch products.

RentX know that we are a company that will deliver. As a result of this a new company has been incorporated in Colorado which is called Secure Vision US, Inc.

Substantial investment has been made, new offices have been opened in Denver and engineers have been employed.

New opportunities have arisen and introductions have been effected with potential clients, so that all of the experience of Secure Vision in the UK can benefit new clients at all levels.

At a time when security is at an unprecedented level and new technologies are becoming available, Secure Vision US will go forward with the attitude that it has always had:

"The customer always comes first, whatever time, whatever happens".