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GRANDMETRIC Sp. z o.o.
ul. Metalowa 5, 60-118 Poznań, Poland
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+48 61 271 04 43
info@grandmetric.com
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+46 762 041 514
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UK
Grandmetric LTD
Office 584b
182-184 High Street North
London
E6 2JA
+44 20 3321 5276
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Grandmetric LLC
Lewes DE 19958
16192 Coastal Hwy USA
EIN: 98-1615498
+1 302 691 94 10
info@grandmetric.com
How can network security be ensured in the retail industry? What should be looked for to ensure even signal coverage? How can a properly designed network help achieve ESG goals? What about connection stability? Who is supposed to implement and operate all this? We will try to answer these questions in the following text on selecting IT solutions in the retail sector.
There are more obstacles and their greater diversity than in a warehouse. It is a much more complicated space than in production halls. Thousands of unauthorized people walk the corridors every day. Hundreds of devices from other manufacturers require access to the network. On top of all this, tenants and employees expect a secure and stable connection to the Internet. For people designing and securing networks, environments like shopping malls are a huge challenge.
For demanding and niche spaces, it is difficult to find solutions that work in all sensitive areas. However, there are some that will do very well, because their versatility allows it. Cisco Meraki products fall into this category.
When Meraki was incorporated into Cisco, two worlds met – a start-up focused on the cloud and a leader in network technology selling excellent hardware. The process resulted in a centrally managed offer of devices that fit into every element of the infrastructure of retail chains or e-commerce stores. Cisco Meraki solutions work perfectly in large-scale environments such as warehouses, factories or retail chain facilities, but also in office spaces or for remote work.
Universality and flexibility are the greatest advantages that allow them to be used in networks and server rooms in retail spaces.
They are particularly important in large facilities where there are many network devices or IoT elements. They exchange information between them and are responsible for the stability of the connection. Using switches, you can divide the network into segments, which has a positive effect on performance and makes management easier. One of the greatest advantages of Cisco Meraki switches is their scalability. Not only are they very easy to connect, but when they detect already installed switches from the same manufacturer, they will configure themselves automatically, without any administrator intervention. Further use is also simple.
Challenge
Ensuring network security in a public place
Solution
Automatic detection of anomalies and unwanted traffic in the network allows for quick identification and elimination of threats. High visibility, in turn, gives administrators a real-time view of all devices, allows for division into segments and application of different levels of security.
Available in the cloud or on-premise, it connects remote locations with the headquarters. A particular advantage of Cisco Meraki will be the cloud environment, which provides access to applications running there, allowing for the full use of their potential, e.g. in data analysis and increasing the comfort and speed of work performed.
Remote connection can also mean remote network management. This reduces the maintenance costs because the administrator will not be necessary in every location. SD-WAN switches from Cisco Meraki provide high visibility, thus increasing security. They also have a built-in firewall and encryption.
Challenge
Managing multiple retail facilities at the same time with a very complex infrastructure
Solution
High performance, built-in security modules and the connection of all objects mean that the infrastructure team will be able to focus on planning the development of the organization instead of solving current problems, thus reducing maintenance costs.
It is one of the basic and essential elements of any network infrastructure. Without firewall protection, it is almost defenseless. It acts as a guard that blocks unauthorized users from accessing the infrastructure, detects unwanted or malicious software. Cisco Meraki components can operate stand-alone or as part of the entire security ecosystem offered by Cisco.
Challenge
Significant increase in cyber threats
Solution
Cisco Meraki’s next-generation firewalls are equipped with, among other things, a multi-layer filtering system, SSL, data loss protection, granular application control, and Advanced Malware Protection. While protecting the facility’s infrastructure, they also protect tenants or customers indirectly connected to the network, thus protecting us from potential claims from them.
These are all access points through which end users, such as tenants, employees, and customers, access the network. In the case of Cisco Meraki, they are also the first line of sight for detecting unwanted events and automatically sending information to other access points and administrators.
In the case of access points, especially in such a large area as shopping malls, the key role is played by the appropriate signal coverage and fast switching between devices. Otherwise, we may have rooms where the WiFi coverage will be very weak, or the connection will not be possible at all. This may cause some devices not to work properly, and people employed in the mall will not be able to do their job.
Challenge
Ensuring a signal and stable connection in retail chains
Solution
At Grandmetric, we know from experience that this is a critical factor, so we pay close attention to it. We create simulations and specialized maps that account for obstacles, the needs of individual devices, and the height of rooms, and then select devices so that the signal coverage is equal.
IoT devices can transform almost any space into a smart environment. Sensors and cameras can be configured to provide the necessary data on the functioning of the shopping center. They provide information in real time or send alerts when anomalies are detected. Detailed data presented in a simple, graphical way will help make better decisions and indicate directions of development supported by real needs.
Challenge
Entry into force of requirements regarding ESG and thermal modernization of buildings
Solution
Heatmaps with detailed temperature measurements, individual information on electricity, gas or water consumption, the flow of people and vehicles, identification of the most frequently used spaces or intelligent lighting are just some of the functions that can be implemented using Cisco Meraki sensors.
Huge server rooms needed to store camera recordings are a thing of the past. Cisco monitoring stores them directly in the devices, which helps save not only space but also the electricity needed to operate them. The connection with alerts will also help to easily locate and play the necessary recording. They can be used for counting vehicles and people, detecting movement, classic monitoring or be part of a larger security chain, e.g. fire protection.
Challenge
Physical security and vulnerability to theft
Solution
Cisco Meraki cameras can function alone or in conjunction with IoT sensors to detect theft or physical threats to the facility and then send alerts to designated people.
All infrastructure elements are combined into a graphical, modern interface that provides excellent visibility of each of its elements. These features also make it intuitive and easy to use, and because it operates in the cloud – it does not require the presence of an administrator on site or dedicated equipment. The basic rule is that the more infrastructure comes from the same manufacturer, the smoother it works and the easier its configuration is. The merger of companies means that existing or new Cisco equipment will work equally well with the Meraki environment, thus providing a wider range of choices and greater scalability.
We are with our clients at every stage of the process, from needs analysis, plan execution, equipment selection and pricing, security, installation, and configuration to launch. Thanks to this, they can focus on what is really important, i.e. pursuing the success of their company.
At Grandmetric, we have dealt with networks for almost 10 years, but our experts have much greater experience. Thanks to strict specialization, each implementation phase is carried out by people who know their job, and their skills are confirmed by internationally recognized certificates.
Although we have a business partnership with Cisco, it is not our only supplier with this status. Therefore, we do not close ourselves to other possibilities and vendors so our clients can choose what best suits their needs.
