A port logistics triumph for Bandeirantes Deicmar
Bandeirantes Deicmar, a leading example of port logistics, has achieved COANA compliance at their three cargo terminals by deploying Axis technology which delivers sharper video images and saves storage space while preserving recordings longer.
Expansion and adjustment
Bandeirantes Deicmar was formed by the merger of two cargo handling companies and has gone on to become a leader in the logistics sector. The company operates three terminals in the Port of Santos, the largest in Brazil for handling cargo and containers. To make their operation more effective, Bandeirantes Deicmar decided it was time to replace their legacy video surveillance cameras and become COANA No. 80 compliant.
COANA Ordinance No. 80 requires terminals to have 24/7 video surveillance, with front and rear license plate reading. Describing operating conditions and minimum technical requirements for video surveillance systems, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets the image quality at 4MP for container areas and extends storage time to 180 days.
To meet these regulations, it was necessary to combine maximum performance with the best infrastructure optimization available on the market, so as not to overload the network or add unnecessary costs. For this reason, Fernando Protazio Alves, IT Coordinator at Bandeirantes Deicmar, points out that the main focus for the project was to balance very high-resolution images without overloading the network.
During the RFP process, we verified that AXIS has 'Zipstream' technology, which has higher quality and image compression, generating less traffic/investment in network infrastructure, in addition to meeting all Brazilian Federal Revenue regulations.
Images and Zipstream
The project involved 550 cameras from Axis Communications which were divided among the three logistics terminals and installed by Consuldata, an Axis partner. While installing several different types of camera models, the project leaned heavily on the technology of AXIS Q17 Bullet Camera Series that offers 4MP and a powerful 32x zoom for long-distance monitoring. Enhanced with Zipstream technology, these cameras can provide compression capacity that preserves all important forensic details while reducing bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more. This benefit exceeded the requirements of the IRS to make real-time images and recordings available.
"The IRS has full 24-hour access to all operational cameras, except administrative ones. According to the rules, we would need to make the images available for 90 days online and another 90 days offline, but we managed to make the recordings available for 180 days online. This way, the authorities can monitor the entire access control area, stuffing, and spawning areas," says Fernando Protazio Alves.
To create a comprehensive monitoring environment, Bandeirantes Deicmar opted for pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) IP cameras, specifically selected for their ability to track every stage of container loading and unloading in detail. This strategic choice aims to provide thorough surveillance, guaranteeing precise monitoring of logistics operations in real time. “We did a cost-benefit analysis comparing storage, equipment cost and the necessary network infrastructure. For comparative purposes, 16% more was invested compared to the competitor and a gain of 48% less in storage consumption, generating savings of US $140,000,” commented Fernando Protazio Alves.
While other terminals have adopted Axis solutions primarily to enhance port terminal security, Bandeirantes Deicmar went further by integrating them into the container inspection process. Particularly noteworthy is the innovative use of the AXIS Q17 Bullet Camera Series devices, which allowed Bandeirantes Deicmar to automate the container loading and unloading inspection process, in compliance with Brazilian regulations such as COANA 132.
In addition, the warehouse area and its perimeter have been integrated into the monitoring zone, incorporating advanced Axis features to ensure visibility even in challenging conditions. Axis technology, such as AXIS Lighfinder, plays a crucial role in enabling the capture of color images, even in completely dark environments or complex lighting situations. This feature ensures the clarity and fidelity of images, even in near-total darkness, minimizing motion blur and providing effective monitoring in any scenario.
Reliability that makes a difference
Fernando Protazio Alves says that the decision to use Axis technology in the smart port logistics project was based on a few important factors. These include excellent image quality and effective Zipstream compression that streamlined the project and optimized the infrastructure, preventing overloads and ensuring uninterrupted operation. Additionally, the Axis reputation for reliability also played a major role in the decision-making process.
In emphasizing the strategic choice, he highlights not only the technical capacity of the cameras, but also the comprehensive support provided by Axis during the design and installation of the project. "We totaled 1.3 petabytes of storage, and in addition to the impressive compression capacity, the crucial attraction was the five-year warranty provided by Axis. This solidified our confidence in the choice made for this project, given not only the current performance but also Axis' ongoing commitment to after-sales, providing a long-lasting and reliable partnership."