User's Manual Part 1a

Pre-Installation Tasks
G
ATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC.
2007
CART CONTAINMENT MANUAL
Page 7
3 Pre-Installation Tasks
The Site Survey
The site survey is perhaps the single most important step in the entire installation process. The purpose of the
survey is to collect detailed information about the area where the GS2 System will be installed. This information
includes exact measurements of the site, photographs from numerous angles, notes on possible obstacles,
location of existing exits, walkways and landscaping, and a host of other data.
A meticulously executed site survey can save hours or even days of work later on during the installation process.
Pre-Planning
Prior to visiting the store, it is important to gather as much store-specific information as possible. If you are
provided a site plan prior to your store visit, it is helpful to review the site plan in an effort to identify potential
installation obstacles. Even for the most difficult of store layouts, with careful planning and execution, the correct
antenna path will be achieved.
Some important questions to consider beforehand include:
• What is the basic store location and layout?
• What are the store’s expectations as far as where they want their customers to be able to take carts?
• Is the store a freestanding structure or it is attached to other businesses? Does the store wish to allow
their customers to take carts to adjacent retailers?
• Is the store located in a multi-level structure? Is there a multi-level car park attached to the store?
• Are there any issues regarding construction, such as local noise ordinances that will prohibit saw cutting
during certain hours?
• Is the store currently under construction or is any construction planned for the near future?
Tools and Materials Needed for the Site Survey:
• Digital Camera,
• Distance Measuring Wheel (available at most hardware stores),
• Measuring Tape,
• 1/4" grid notepad and clipboard,
• Gatekeeper Site Survey Checklist (attached).
Arriving at the Site
Upon arrival at the site, make certain to enter the store and introduce yourself to the store manager on duty. Tell
them why you are there and what you will be doing. Ask permission to enter areas of the store not normally
accessible to the public. Also, notify them that you will be taking pictures of some of the store areas for purposes
of planning the implementation. If you are visiting a store that is not yet open to the public, attempt to identify and
notify the general contractor of your presence and purpose.
Assessing Store Operational Patterns
If possible, discuss the particulars of store operation with the store manager or other store personnel. It is also
helpful to take time to observe the general customer traffic patterns (it helps to do this at a time when the store is
operating at or near capacity.) Where do the customers typically take their carts? This will ensure that your
antenna path is designed in a manner not to interrupt typical customer traffic patterns. Some things to note
include:
• To which areas of the car park should customers be able to take carts?