Family Dollar overhauls store network with Interface Security Systems

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Family Dollar is overhauling its store network. The retailer has selected Interface Security Systems Holdings Inc. as its IP managed service provider across its entire retail platform.



Family Dollar recently completed a major initiative to modernize and refresh critical technology in each of its stores. The technology makeover, or Flat Rate Managed Service Project, was launched in collaboration with Interface in July 2014 and is scheduled for completion by May 2015.



Interface will provide each Family Dollar store with a bundle of IP-based managed services, including secure Internet connections, cellular network backup, Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") phone services, in-store wireless ("WiFi"), PCI security services, physical alarm systems with failover and video verification integrated with existing video surveillance systems.



Interface is actively installing a prefabricated and pretested cabinet that houses key hardware components at each Family Dollar store, simplifying deployment and ongoing maintenance. All IP-based managed services will be continuously monitored from Interface's secure operations centers to achieve optimum performance and ensure service level commitments.



"Ultimately, every store will be equipped with a security system enhanced with video verification where there is a DVR system,” said Josh Jewett, CIO of Family Dollar. “On the data side, we've quintupled the guaranteed network download speed. For redundancy, each of our stores will now have a 4G cellular backup (Internet connection), and we will also have WiFi to support iPhones and iPads, which is a boon to our store and district managers."



Jewett also said using VoIP will save money by eliminating the need to pay for voice and data separately.