Video analytics from ioimage protect over a billion DHL shipments a year

ioimage's solution proved to have the highest overall level of effectiveness and reliability

With thousands of packages moving through its European hubs every hour, security hasalways been a top priority for DHL Express, the leading global provider of international road, air and rail-based courier and express services. In order to better protect its valuable cargo against the growing threats of theft, vandalism and terrorism - and to comply with increasingly stricter EU regulations - DHL has upgraded its security systems at several key sites. To date, these include sorting hubs at Heathrow Airport in the UK and Leipzig Airport in Germany, as well as ground hubs, terminals and other facilities in Bonn, Germany; Genk, Belgium; and Budapest, Hungary.

Myriad requirements

A Deutsche Post World Net company, DHL has some 300,000 employees and an international network linking more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Thousands of packages move through its European ground operation and airport sorting hubs, every hour.

DHL needed a highly reliable security solution that was able to detect intruders and perimeter breaches, deter theft and vandalism and identify suspicious activity around the aircraft and various facilities. It also had to be easy to use and minimise false alarms. In addition, EU security regulations stipulate that cargo that has already been screened must be constantly monitored until take-off.

DHL realised that a top-notch system would have to include intelligent video, and subsequently conducted rigorous head to head testing of several analytics products. ioimage's solution proved to have the highest overall level of effectiveness and reliability. It was also the most efficient at overcoming environmental challenges and the problem of multiple false alarms, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of human guards required to perform security tasks.

Another prerequisite for the new solution was its capability to seamlessly integrate with the different security solutions already in place at the various DHL sites.

DHL needed a highly reliable security solution that was able to detect intruders, and deter theft and vandalism and identify suspicious activity

Complex challenges

Each site presented particular security challenges with regards to structure, size and complexity. For example, DHL's newest and largest aviation hub in Europe, at Leipzig/Halle Airport, measures 48,000 sqm and entails surveillance of up to 1,500 tons of freight and up to 60 aircraft daily.

Different DHL sites required different applications. Aviation sites such as aprons needed highly effective perimeter protection, while ground operations hubs - such as sorting facilities where high value packages are delivered to be sorted before being loaded on the planes - required additional applications such as trip wire and fence trespassing.

Practical, effective surveillance

Out of thousands of activities monitored by a vast array of CCTV cameras, ioimage intelligent video pinpoints only relevant incidents. The system tracks suspicious people, vehicles and objects - such as stray freight and luggage - while ignoring extraneous activities, thus radically reducing the incidence of false alarms. When an alarm does go off, security staff can quickly check the monitors to decide on the next course of action, such as sounding a warning; dispatching security guards; or summoning the authorities.

Video footage captured by the ioimage devices is also often reviewed by DHL officials for investigate purposes, to resolve reported incidents or to confirm a suspect's identity.

Out of thousands of activities monitored by CCTV cameras, ioimage intelligent video pinpoints only relevant incidents

Tangible results

Once the cargo is screened - by x-ray, dogs or physical checking - and loaded on the plane, it needs to be guarded at all times until it leaves the airport. ioimage video analytics replaces the need for a human guard to monitor the cargo while it is awaiting take-off.

Since installing the new systems, DHL has also benefited from a dramatic decrease in false alarms. ioimage continues to work closely with DHL security management in deciding how best to monitor its critical European sites, providing efficient and cost effective solutions in demanding field conditions. DHL locations in Spain and Italy are currently being equipped with ioimage technology while similar projects are in the pipeline in other European countries.