Integrated security solution helps global logistics firm work safer and smarter
Security integrator Acctive Systems satisfies requirements for perimeter protection, loss prevention, and health & safety with design and specification of cutting-edge solution from Axis.
Acctive Systems is one of the UK’s leading privately-owned integrators of electronic security systems with extensive experience within the logistics sector. When a global logistics and distribution specialist contacted Acctive Systems to help protect one of its largest and most important distribution centres, based in the Midlands UK, the security company turned to its trusted technology partner, Axis Communications. Supported by Axis’ innovative technology, Acctive Systems would be able to develop a solution which would offer the highest levels of protection, deliver health and safety improvements, and result in ongoing cost savings, as part of a comprehensive security package.
At the customer’s leading UK distribution centre, existing security provision consisted of a number of guards patrolling the site backed by a network of analogue CCTV cameras. Yet, as rapid business growth saw an increase in the number of high-value items passing through the site, the decision was taken to replace the existing system with a cutting-edge solution that would keep pace with modern demand. The solution needed to protect against both internal and external threat whilst also improving the safety of the work environment.
Advanced levels of perimeter protection deployed
The solution has seen the installation of 180 Axis network cameras across a large 300 x 200 metre site, with onboard analytics used to differentiate between people and vehicles. At the perimeter, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras serve to further enhance vehicle identification, helping to initiate smoother passage for authorised delivery trucks. IP audio speakers, triggered by cameras at the site perimeter, are primed to issue alarms or pre-determined and real-time alerts to deter criminal activity or trespassing.
Andy Moseley, Technical Sales and Technical Designer at Acctive Systems, explains: “We’ve installed an incredibly powerful security solution at the site. An individual cannot simply walk up to the building and attempt to gain access. The system is very sophisticated with cameras, analytics, IP audio and access control all interconnected to guard against any unexpected visitor. Our customer runs an incredibly slick operation and this now extends to the security provision employed inside and out.”
Guarding against loss and preventing insider threat
Inside the warehouse, cameras are positioned above giant roller-shutters for an ideal perspective of the main floor while also monitoring passage through the main access points. Axis’ open-platform approach facilitates third-party access-control mechanisms and intruder alarms that seamlessly link to Axis’ network cameras, IP audio solutions and centralised video management system (VMS). With internal theft being of great concern, mini-dome cameras, positioned to cover the many packing benches, serve as a tool for profit protection that also doubles as quality control. High-definition video of the packing of all goods can be retrieved as required to solve any query or dispute.
Andy continues: “Imagine a situation where a truck goes to leave the premises but is short of an order. Distribution managers can now check an Axis recorder for video evidence from the packing area relating to that specific order, compare this with footage from the loading area, and quickly establish what has happened. This serves to help differentiate between a security-related situation or a genuine mistake, ultimately saving the business time and money.”
Monitoring for health & safety
With trucks arriving and departing in quick succession, it is imperative that the fast-paced environment of the delivery and collection area is made as safe as possible. It is a place where staff need to remain alert at all times, which is where technology can help. The combination of surveillance cameras and IP audio technology helps to drastically reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring, and in the unfortunate event that one does occur, can provide vital evidence.
On-camera analytics can be configured to detect anomalies in a scene and promptly address them, with IP audio speakers configured to warn of approaching vehicles or any situation that might prove hazardous. This serves to remind operatives of correct protocols and further improves health and safety standards across the site.
For health and safety, as well as security purposes, audio can be targeted towards relevant zones to ensure that the right person receives the message. When a fire drill is conducted, for example, an alarm sounds which can be accompanied by an audio announcement, reminding the workforce in a certain area of the number and location of their muster point. Pre-determined doors can then be selected to open through the VMS software. At the designated assembly area, operatives swipe their ID cards against a third-party proximity reader to engage the automated roll-call system which logs their attendance. In this way, the entire workforce can be accounted for swiftly and accurately in an automated way.
Harnessing the power of AXIS Site Designer
The ability to design and demonstrate the wide array of technologies required for the project saw Acctive Systems utilise the capabilities of AXIS Site Designer, the innovative web-based tool that can simplify and streamline the design of security and surveillance systems, assist quotation workflows and make projects easier to specify, revise and implement. The application removes any guesswork and allows cameras to be virtually positioned and their coverage visually demonstrated. This helps to identify potential issues such as blind spots affecting the field of view, and is also essential to ensure that onboard analytics function correctly.
Andy explains: “AXIS Site Designer is a powerful tool that has transformed how we operate. We can take an image or plan of a site, add measurements and then begin to piece together the solution, including cameras, lenses, audio devices and other technologies until we have a virtual version of the entire installation. It’s incredible that we’re able to demonstrate the full capabilities of a solution to the customer before we even set foot at their site. And with a large-scale project like this where there are many considerations, from storage requirements to the number of PoE switches and lengths of fibre-optic cabling, it feels incredibly professional to have detailed schematics in front of you when faced with customer questions.”
The project has been a major success, helping to transform logistics operations at the Midlands site. The customer is extremely satisfied with the capabilities of Axis’ security and surveillance solutions, the attention to detail and overall service it has received from the Acctive Systems and Axis partnership. Acctive Systems is now quoting for additional sites to replicate the same high-quality security provision to improve health and safety and to protect and enhance the business’ wider operations.
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