Upgrading to a smart surveillance solution to meet growing needs.

Founded in 1961 by the Currie family, Hustler Equipment has grown from a small, family-owned business just down the road from the family farm in Hastings into a global enterprise. The company thrives on innovation and prides itself on using technology to find better ways to do things, building efficiencies into farm management and producing some of the best livestock feeding solutions on the market. 

After 59 years of constant success, Hustler Equipment realised its HQ was dated. Although CCTV and associated technologies were extensive and functional, the organisation recognised that technologies had moved on. Still owned and run by the Currie family, Hustler Equipment insisted that the same qualities of innovation and cutting-edge technology were built into the DNA of the company’s new global headquarters in Hastings. 

Physical space was also much larger than the previous site and would now encompass administration offices, manufacturing works including welding areas, paint booths and assembly, plus sizeable covered loading areas for logistics. 

Hustler Equipment needed a relatively future-resistant technology platform, with CCTV and access control integration where possible, to improve health and safety, operational efficiency, and enhance user-friendliness. 

“To ensure our new global headquarters was future-proofed for tomorrow’s innovations, we needed a solution that provided us a full-featured, top-of-the-range surveillance and security system, which seamlessly integrated the alarm, door-locking, and gate features,” says Arne Currie Research & Development Manager at Hustler Equipment.

Unsure of its exact data cabling requirements, Hustler Equipment engaged Napier-based Systems Integrators, Shadow Solutions, to not only install the network infrastructure but also design and deploy an integrated security solution, including Axis network cameras and AXIS A1001 Network Door Controllers. 

Shadow Solutions worked with Hustler Equipment’s managed IT service partner (HB Technologies) to provide consultation on the network, including Fibre backbone and UTP infrastructure. Its consultation services would cover administration data, the WiFi network, automation and security/CCTV solutions. 

Shadow Solutions deployed the range of Axis cameras for Hustler Equipment as a response to their initial brief, which required cameras to have a high level of functionality. Axis camera models deployed at the Hustler Equipment facility include a mixture of AXIS P3707, AXIS P3717-LE, AXIS P3225-LVE and AXIS M3105-LVE Network Cameras.

With extensive experience in using Axis integrated solutions, Shadow Solutions also opted to deploy an Axis software platform (AXIS Camera Station) to accommodate the cameras and door control, which would also integrate with an Inner Range Integriti alarm panel for monitored burglar protection. 

Camera viewing and door control were to be run via AXIS Camera Station, which allows the security team to monitor all of the networked Axis cameras and provide door control to the staff car parking facilities as well as truck entry and exit points. The server provides both local and remote monitoring access for extra convenience and peace of mind.

“We designed an FX and Cat6A UTP solution that would enable the site to be wired for their immediate needs, with the benefit of remote demarcations and cabling support for any future technology growth. Hustler Equipment particularly liked the Axis cameras due to the exceptional internal coverage in the manufacturing and assembly areas provided by the multi-sensor units,” explains Matt Hacking, Managing Director at Shadow Solutions.

Hustler Equipment now has a new, large, modern facility that is widely covered by high-level security cameras, has secure and functional access, and integrated systems that communicate logically with one another to provide enhanced services. 

Aside from the security advances, the ecosystem also provides benefits for health and safety compliance. Shadow Solutions designed and deployed a comprehensive foundation for the new building and found that flexibility was required to accommodate the job's scope as it evolved.

Three AXIS A1001 door controllers were installed, including an Autodoor for reception, another for staff access and a third for truck entries. HID Bluetooth readers were included in this part of the ecosystem, and the system is integrated with the facility’s monitored security and fire alarm systems and scheduling platform. 

Door controllers, alarms and monitoring via cameras help maintain safety, particularly in the loading areas and on the factory floor, with scope for crossline detection and digital auto-tracking. Analytics and machine learning, for example, could minimise the risk of people walking in front of a forklift on the factory floor or entering a room where large equipment is being painted without appropriate protection. 

“This health and safety aspect was another big selling point for us using Axis cameras on the Hustler Equipment site as the ARTPEC-7 chip can actually perform these functions effortlessly, whereas many other cameras cannot,” adds Matt Hacking.