Enhancing Emergency Response and Operational Efficiency

A Comprehensive Approach to Security Management for a Leading Convenience Store Chain

When you’re a leading convenience store chain like Sheetz, managing security for over 725 locations across seven states requires a robust and reliable solution. For Jamie Ashurst, Security Operations Manager with nearly 20 years at Sheetz, the challenge was clear: implement a comprehensive security system capable of handling 24/7 operations, managing thousands of alarms every day, and addressing security incidents from loitering to serious crimes.

Sheetz needed a solution that could integrate various types of surveillance equipment, provide seamless emergency response protocols, and ensure all systems were operational around the clock. They turned to their integrator, Staunch Security, to recommend an enterprise-wide security solution that would fit the bill. “We rely on Staunch’s expertise and knowledge because they know our business. They recommended a March Networks® solution, and we’ve been partners ever since,” said Jamie.

Sheetz implemented March Networks’ solutions for their exceptional performance, reliability, and the array of future-proof features that March Networks offers, ensuring that Sheetz’s extensive and growing network of locations can maintain top-notch security and operational efficiency.

At the start of the partnership in 2003, March Networks developed a customized 24/7 security solution for Sheetz where sites have a “safety button” to press in emergencies. These buttons are more than just alarms; they provide instant live video and audio feeds directly to Sheetz’ Security Operations Center (SOC). The integrated alarm management system offered by March Networks allows Sheetz to respond quickly and effectively to incidents — dispatching fire, police, and other emergency services as needed, and responding swiftly to any alarms.

This system displays store numbers along with alarms, live video and audio feeds, all in one cohesive interface. This allows the SOC to pull up additional camera views and engage in two-way audio communication, ensuring a comprehensive response to any alarm triggered. This capability is particularly vital in the varied environments where Sheetz operates, from rural areas to busy urban centers.

Sheetz also benefits from March Networks’ robust health monitoring system. This critical component continuously monitors and optimizes Sheetz devices, ensuring that all systems are operational, allowing the SOC to focus on keeping customers and staff safe by dispatching emergency services promptly. “We are constantly using health monitoring, making sure everything is working properly,” says Jamie.

Every Sheetz location is equipped with multiple Network Video Recorders (NVRs), all meticulously reporting back to the SOC. This centralized approach is crucial for maintaining system health and responding to alarms across Sheetz’s extensive and diverse network of stores and facilities.

March Networks Evidence Vault also plays a pivotal role in Sheetz’s security operations. This hybrid storage solution speeds up the processing and sharing of video footage with law enforcement agencies. Given the wide range of incidents Sheetz encounters, from minor disturbances to serious crimes, the ability to quickly and efficiently manage and share video evidence is invaluable.

By integrating all surveillance systems into one centralized interface, Sheetz has significantly streamlined its security operations, simplified management, and improved response times. “Having everything in one software suite is fantastic,” says Jamie. “We manage over 40,000 alarms annually, and March Networks’ solutions have helped us significantly streamline our security operations.”

Moreover, Jamie notes that Sheetz benefits from March Networks’ exceptional support and service, with direct access to tech support and close relationships with March Networks Sales Engineers, and integration partner, Staunch Security. “The biggest thing for me is service after the sell. My goal is to ensure we have minimal disruptions to operations with fast responses. I know that when I have a problem, I can go to my service provider and I can go direct to March Networks.”

In choosing March Networks, Sheetz not only invests in a reliable and advanced security solution but also ensures its operations can continue to run smoothly and securely, no matter what challenges arise.

Looking ahead, Sheetz is focused on future-proofing their systems by expanding its technology suite to include March Networks AI-enabled recorders, cloud-based surveillance solutions, and Searchlight™ Cloud — March Networks advanced loss prevention platform that integrates video with POS transactions. Ongoing testing and pilot programs are already showing promise for immediate improvements in loss prevention and operational efficiency.

This forward-thinking approach highlights Sheetz’s commitment to staying ahead in the security landscape.

The Challenge

Managing security for over 725 Sheetz locations across seven states required a comprehensive solution capable of handling 24/7 operations and a high volume of alarms.

The Solution

Sheetz implemented March Networks’ solutions for their exceptional performance, reliability, and future-proof features. The custom-built Safety Button solution and the ability to integrate various surveillance hardware and software helps the C-Store chain solve real-world problems through seamless emergency response protocols.

The Result

By integrating all surveillance systems into one centralized interface, Sheetz significantly streamlined its security operations, simplified management, improved response times, and enhanced loss prevention and operational efficiency.

Staunch Security

Staunch Security is a security and IT company that works with businesses to deliver superior commercial security solutions across the US. Specializing in convenience stores, Staunch Security has been a partner to Sheetz since 2003.

Technology Suite

• 8000 Series recorders
• X-Series hybrid NVRs
• Insight health monitoring
• Searchlight Cloud
• Evidence Vault
• Custom “safety button”