Hikvision state-of-the-art IP CCTV system protects Bespoke Vehicle Company

GRW is one of South Africa's providers of sophisticated road transport trailers; designing, manufacturing, and servicing a wide range of bespoke vehicles, each configured to provide a solution to the unique transportation needs of an individual client.

GRW has invested in a state-of-the-art IP CCTV system to protect its premises against unauthorised access and to monitor the large, modern production facilities, and is already reaping the benefits from the integration of analytics with the IP cameras.

GRW operations

Founded in South Africa in 1996, GRW’s operations have always revolved around the transport of commercial goods.

Whether it’s to carry petroleum, chemicals, temperature-controlled perishables, FMCG, pallets, or bulk general cargo, the trailers manufactured by GRW are specifically designed to meet the individual transportation requirements of customers throughout Southern Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and the UK.

After-sales contract services

All the company’s products emerge from its large, ultra-modern manufacturing complex in Worcester, in South Africa’s Western Cape.

As well as housing the extensive production facilities and spare parts department, the facility is also home to GRW Services and GRW Financial Services, which are responsible for worldwide customer care and after-sales contract servicing and the supply of rental units.

Challenge:

Perimeter surveillance, remote monitoring

GRW recognised that an intelligent camera infrastructure might enable remote monitoring of the production process

Surveilling the perimeter of this large facility and protecting the plant from unauthorised access was a key security concern for the company. However, manned patrols of the perimeter proved ineffective and Sensor Security was tasked with designing a solution that would automate the process of securing the boundary and eliminate the possibility of human error.

At the same time, GRW recognised that an intelligent camera infrastructure might enable remote monitoring of the production process and Sensor Security was asked to investigate.

Solution: A bespoke solution for bespoke vehicles

“From the outset we knew that the proposed CCTV system should successfully serve a dual purpose, helping supervisors and managers monitor the workshop operations during opening hours and securing the perimeter 24 hours a day,” says Edmund Casaleggio, Sensor Security’s Sales Executive.

“There was also a need to make the combined system as simple and easy to operate as possible, ensuring that operations staff had unrestricted access to the workshop video feeds while not being distracted by the security cameras and vice versa for the security officers, who are best served by complete concentration on securing the premises.”

Dual-purpose system

The final design of the dual-purpose system involved 18 Hikvision cameras all feeding into a 32-channel NVR

Following extensive consultations with GRW staff, the final design of the dual-purpose system involved a total of 18 Hikvision cameras, eleven on the perimeter and seven in the workshop area, all feeding into a 32-channel Hikvision NVR at GRW, and to Security Sensor’s control room.

“GRW was actively involved in the whole consultation and design process, right from day one, with suggestions on key sites needing monitoring and protection and information and advice on the flow of work and personnel around the workshop area” continues Edmund Casaleggio.

“This was hugely beneficial and one of the main contributory factors in the successful installation. In my experience it is always more challenging, risky even, to install any security-related system without sufficient input and collaboration from the end-user client.”

A smart perimeter

Perimeter patrolling with guards having proved ineffective, GRW was also keen that the introduction of cameras did not mean that an individual would have to be assigned to constantly manage the CCTV system around the clock.

Therefore, the Hikvision DS-2CD4012F-A Smart 1.3MP low-light box camera was selected to monitor the perimeter of the plant, with active use of the cameras Smart Analytics intrusion flags ensuring that GRW’s security officers and Sensor Security’s control room are pro-actively notified of any unauthorised movement around the premises. 

Results:

Reduced installation and maintenance

The integration of analytics with the Smart IP CCTV cameras is an advantage, flagging alarms only when intrusion"

According to Edmund Casaleggio, “The integration of analytics with the Smart IP CCTV cameras is a significant added advantage, flagging alarms only when an intrusion occurs within the specified range.”

“We do not have to use alarm inputs and outputs to connect passives and actives on the DVR/NVR, which saves significantly on maintenance of the system. It also reduced installation time significantly.”

Accuracy

“What’s more, the accuracy of these Smart cameras with analytics is far better than beams, as long as the cameras are correctly calibrated when installed. In this regard, the Auto Back Focus on these Smart cameras greatly assists the installation technicians to achieve the best possible viewing quality.”

As well as Smart Intrusion Detection, the Hikvision DS-2CD4012F-A also features Smart Codec, Smart Focus, Smart VQD, Smart Face Detection, and Smart Audio Detection. They also benefit from 3D DNR and Digital WDR, and the Day & Night IR cut filter allows successful video operation down to 0.001 Lux.

A watchful eye on the workshop

7 DS-2CD2132-I 3MP Mini Dome Cameras keep watch of overall operations to remotely monitor processes

Seven Hikvision DS-2CD2132-I 3MP Mini Dome Cameras keep watch of overall operations in the workshop area, assisting the supervisors and managers in remotely monitoring processes on the floor.

This process is made much easier and more efficient for these staff due to the integration of the Hikvision DS-9632NI-ST 32-channel NVR with a PC, ensuring that operational staff is only presented with images relevant to the production area.

Day/night surveillance

“The full HD, 1080p real-time video is a huge asset for the supervisory staff and the camera itself, protected within its IP66 vandal-proof housing, has withstood the rigours of a harsh industrial environment well,” continues Edmund Casaleggio.

“True day/night operation thanks to its 30m IR range and Digital WDR and 3D DNR also contribute to the high-quality video at all times.”

Process automation

The IP CCTV system automates the process of protecting GRW’s premises against unauthorised access"

“This newly-installed state-of-the-art IP CCTV system automates the process of protecting GRW’s premises against unauthorised access and monitoring the production facilities while eliminating the possibility of human error,” says Edmund Casaleggio.

“GRW is already reaping the benefits from the integration of analytics with the IP cameras and is set to continue for many years.”

Minimal training

“At the same time, they are benefitting from the user-friendly nature of Hikvision’s technology. This deceptively “simple” platform helps GRW staff to operate the software easily with minimal training while Smart features, such as ABF, aid our technicians to achieve the best possible video quality.”

“However, the quality of Hikvision’s hardware and the software does not come with an unaffordable price tag.”

Easier to provide post-sales service

“Since Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 software allows for the integration of analogue and IP cameras free-of-charge, this serves to increase the affordability of their products. What’s more, the free Hikvision software allows the feeds from analogue and IP cameras to be integrated on one screen.”

“In conclusion, Hikvision’s huge range of cameras, NVRs, DVRs, and software allows us to propose unitary solutions to their security needs and to more successfully back up and service the installation over many years. Quite simply, it is easier to provide post-sales service and support with a single, reliable brand.”