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Why Warehouses & Logistics Companies Need IP Camera Video Surveillance Systems


Identifying the Challenges of Warehouses & Logistics Facilities

These common issues include:

  • Accidental damages to goods and property
  • Theft & shrinkage
  • Workplace safety incidents
  • Misplaced Boxes and Pallets
  • Unlawful access to loading docks and storage areas

Having the right camera system can help you avoid some of these issues, or even document them so you can track what happened and avoid further issues in the future.


What are the Benefits of IP Camera Video Surveillance Systems?

If you have traditional analog cameras installed in your warehouse or facility, you may want to consider upgrading to a more advanced system. IP video surveillance offers quite a bit more in terms of clarity, functionality, and even storage.

Here are some of the added benefits of IP video surveillance systems:

  • High-Definition Clarity: clear visibility in high-definition allows you to see more, allowing you to easily identify faces, labels, and even license plates.
  • Remote Monitoring Capabilities: due to the cloud-based storage and remote functionality, you can easily review the footage while off-site on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Easy Integration: Our IP Video Systems can be integrated with Access control systems giving you a larger spectrum of security on one pane of glass.
  • Advanced Features & Data: these systems offer motion detection and video analytics which allow you to be proactive instead of reactive and the ability to stay on top of what’s happening, alerting you of abnormal activity and potentially critical events; all of this gives you a leg up in your security measures.
  • Easily Scalable: if you plan on expanding your facility, you can easily add additional cameras on your network, giving you a fuller view of the goings on in your facility.
  • Improved Productivity and Efficiency: See what’s happening to help improve productivity in real-time and the mere presence of these cameras is enough to improve team efficiency as well as curb any nefarious ideas of internal theft.


Get Started on Taking Your Facility’s Security Measures to the Next Step with IP Camera Video Surveillance

If you’re looking to reduce risks, theft, breakage, and ensure total efficiency with your facility’s operations, installing IP video surveillance systems can make a measurable difference. When you’re ready to take the next step at improving efficiency and reducing loss and theft, you can look to us at Alen Security.

We can do a walkthrough of your warehouse or facility and determine the best placements for these cameras. We’ll also offer training for anyone needing to access the footage, as well as provide ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure that your IP video cameras are always working and providing you with the details that you need.

Schedule a consultation with Alen Security today.


Frequently Asked Questions

What security challenges do warehouses and logistics facilities commonly face?

Warehouses must manage theft, inventory shrinkage, accidental property damage, workplace safety incidents, misplaced boxes and pallets, and unauthorized access to loading docks or storage areas. Camera footage helps document these events and determine what happened.

How are IP cameras better than traditional analog cameras?

IP cameras provide clearer video, more storage options, remote monitoring, video analytics, and easier system expansion. Their high-definition footage can make faces, shipping labels, and license plates easier to identify.

Can warehouse managers view IP camera footage remotely?

Yes. Cloud storage and remote access allow authorized users to review footage from a smartphone or tablet while away from the facility.

Can IP cameras work with a warehouse’s access control system?

IP video surveillance can be integrated with access control systems. This allows managers to monitor camera footage and access activity together, providing a more complete view of the facility’s security.

Can an IP camera system expand with a growing warehouse?

Yes. Additional cameras can be added to the network as the facility expands. This makes it easier to cover new storage areas, loading docks, workspaces, and other parts of the property.

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The Top Security Threats to Your Facility (And How to Prevent Them)


Break-Ins & Theft

Theft is the biggest threat facing any business. It could be theft of inventory, equipment, documents, and even the personal belongings of your staff. Locks and security alarms are vital for your facility. They can help prevent unwanted entries, but should your locks be bypassed, the alarms are there to notify your team and emergency responders of an unlawful entry and video surveillance systems can work as both a preventative and forensic tool.


Employee Theft

Not all theft occurs from outsiders. According to Ernst & Young, U.S. companies lose about 20% of every dollar to workplace fraud and theft. It’s hard to spot theft from within, aside from missing or unaccounted for inventory. Access Control Systems can help you keep certain areas closed off to top personnel, which will record entries into these areas.

Having a reliable monitoring system in place, like IP Video Surveillance, can help you spot employee theft so you can have a record for termination and consulting law enforcement. Not only can you monitor your facility remotely and use cloud storage to keep more footage, but the mere presence of these cameras can help employees think twice about theft and even promote productivity.


Vandalism

There are various degrees of vandalism, all of which can harm your business. Whether it’s broken windows, graffiti, or trash strewn about, you’ll want to try and prevent these juvenile practices. A strong preventative is having both monitoring and alarm systems, to give a chance for the would-be perpetrators to reconsider and leave your facility unaffected.


Accidents & Disputes

Depending on your business, accidents aren’t always avoidable, and they can be a detrimental occurrence to your facility. Having monitoring systems in place can help you capture video footage of the incident so you can get a clear determination of how and why it occurred. The footage can be used to establish a record to be used in any legal situations resulting from the incident. Access Control systems with audit trails can also let you know who was onsite at the time of an incident.


Fires

Fires can be a destructive threat to your facility and staff. It’s important to have a reliable fire alarm system in place that can detect the onset of smoke so you can evacuate the building. Our Commercial Fire Alarm systems can provide an ample warning while detecting where the smoke was first detected so incoming first responders can be notified of where the alarms were triggered to help mitigate the spread of the fire.


Stay Ahead of These Threats by Partnering with a Commercial Security Company

All of these potential threats can pose considerable risks to your facility but having these systems in place can help you reduce the severity of these risks. Let our team at Alen Security help you manage the security needs of your facility so you can avoid the common threats.

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a facility protect itself against break-ins and theft?

Secure locks help prevent unwanted entry, while alarm systems notify employees and emergency responders if those locks are bypassed. Video surveillance can also discourage intruders and provide evidence after an incident.

How can security systems help prevent employee theft?

Access control can restrict inventory and other sensitive areas to approved personnel while recording each entry. IP video surveillance provides a visual record and may discourage employees from attempting theft.

What can businesses do to discourage vandalism?

Visible surveillance cameras and alarm systems can make potential vandals reconsider targeting the property. Recorded footage can also help document broken windows, graffiti, property damage, or other vandalism.

How can security footage help after an accident or workplace dispute?

Video footage provides a record of how and why an incident occurred. Access control audit trails can also show who was present at the facility when the incident happened.

How do commercial fire alarms protect a facility?

Commercial fire alarms detect smoke and provide time to evacuate the building. They can also identify where the alarm was triggered, helping incoming responders locate the affected area and limit the fire’s spread.


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A Complete Guide to Addressing Your Facility’s Commercial Security Needs

No matter your industry, the need for commercial security systems and processes is important. Whether you have inventory to protect, sensitive areas to keep closed off, or alarm systems to notify your team of a break-in, having these systems and protocols in place can make a huge difference in your overall security measures.

At Alen Security, we’re here to give you your complete guide to addressing your facility’s commercial security needs.


Have a Security Audit & Walkthrough

The first step towards establishing a security plan is to conduct a thorough audit and walkthrough of your facility. You’ll want to look for any weak areas of your facility that could pose a risk for intruders or a blind spot for internal/external theft with your current security measures.

Entryways are crucial for monitoring, so you’ll want to find the best positions for monitoring systems that give you a full view of what’s going on. At this point, you’ll also want to consider clearance levels for your teams to the sensitive areas of your facility.


Review the Necessary Equipment

After conducting a thorough walkthrough of your facility, and establishing the weak points and entryways, you’ll want to review your options for security cameras. IP Video Surveillance systems feature remote video monitoring capabilities, meaning that you don’t even have to be on-site to review the footage.

These systems can store footage locally, or you can use a cloud-based system, which would allow you to store footage off-site and not have to maintain the equipment on-site allowing for a lower total cost of ownership.


Installing the Security Systems

Having a professional security company install your systems is the best way to ensure that the process is done correctly and that the systems are effective. While monitoring systems are crucial, so are locks and alarms, to be there to prevent intrusions, or to alert in the event of a bypassed door.

You’ll also want to install an Access Control System for the sensitive areas within your facility. These systems can be remotely unlocked through a mobile app, and access can easily be granted or revoked for any of your team members while proving you with thorough audit reporting.

Lastly, you’ll want to have a reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System in place to help you keep your staff safe and your facility protected. These systems can detail where smoke was detected for incoming first responders so they can fight the fire at its source.


Partnering with a Commercial Security Company

Finding a commercial security company to partner with is the best way to enhance your security measures for your facility. Alen Security has years of experience with handling the security needs of commercial and industrial businesses. We can conduct a walkthrough to develop a plant for implementation of security systems and a protocol to follow to ensure that your facility remains safe and guarded.

When you’re ready to take the next step to elevate your facility’s security needs, Alen Security is here to help you. Contact us to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in creating a commercial security plan?

Begin with a security audit and walkthrough. This process identifies vulnerable areas, poorly monitored entryways, surveillance blind spots, and sensitive spaces that require restricted access.

Should surveillance footage be stored locally or in the cloud?

IP surveillance systems can use either option. Local storage keeps footage at the facility, while cloud storage keeps it off-site, supports remote viewing, and removes the need to maintain onsite storage equipment.

Why should a professional install commercial security systems?

Professional installation helps ensure that cameras, locks, alarms, and other equipment are positioned and configured correctly. Proper placement is necessary for effective monitoring and intrusion detection.

What can an access control system do?

Access control systems protect sensitive areas by allowing managers to grant or revoke employee access. The article also explains that doors can be unlocked remotely through a mobile application and that the system provides detailed audit reports.

How does a commercial fire alarm help emergency responders?

The fire alarm can identify where smoke was detected. Responders can use that location information to find the source of the fire and focus their efforts when they arrive.


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Wave Hello to “Contactless” Door Technology

The Challenge:  As companies transition back to the in-office environment, employees and customers should feel safe, healthy, and protected.


The Solution:  Alen Security’s Health-Based Safety & Security solutions offer best-in-class innovative technologies for the new, “clean” office, including “contactless” automatic door openers that can be activated with just a wave of the hand or arm.

When employees do return to work, their first stop will be the front door to the office. A new contactless door system will help to reassure them that they are about to enter a clean, safe and secure environment. The technology also works well for restrooms and certain doors that must be kept closed for compliance with the fire code.

Alen Security’s contactless doors are very easy to use with motion-activated microwave sensors that use the wave of a hand, phone-based Bluetooth technology® or with the option of integrating into a card access system. There is no need to ever touch a doorknob or keypad again.

Our electromechanical automatic door openers are relatively quick to install, so we can get you up and running within a short timeframe. We will then follow up with annual visits for recommended calibration and maintenance.

An investment in health-based safety and security is truly an investment in your employees, your customers and the peace of mind it provides. We can work together to ensure they feel confident entering the businesses they love without having to worry.


The Result:  An environment that feels safe, healthy and adaptable to the ever-changing world so your employees and business can continue to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a contactless automatic door opener work?

The door opener can use a motion-activated microwave sensor that responds to the wave of a hand or arm, allowing someone to open the door without touching a handle or keypad.

What other methods can activate a contactless door?

In addition to wave sensors, the system can use phone-based Bluetooth technology or integrate with an existing card access system.

Where can contactless door technology be installed?

Contactless systems can be used at office entrances, restrooms, and certain doors that must remain closed to comply with fire-code requirements.

How long does it take to install an automatic door opener?

The article explains that electromechanical automatic door openers are relatively quick to install, allowing businesses to begin using them within a short timeframe.

Do contactless door openers require maintenance?

Yes. Annual visits are recommended to calibrate the equipment and perform maintenance so the automatic door system continues operating properly.

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Remote Video Monitoring Never Sleeps on the Job

The Challenge: On-site Guards Were Failing to Secure a Commercial Rental Property


The Solution: Remote Video Monitoring protects 24/7/365

A commercial rental property owner became increasingly frustrated to learn their security guards were sleeping on the job. This was unacceptable and could lead to the possibility of a security breech. Consequently, something had to be done.  In response, Alen Security was hired to install an IP video surveillance system. The system he chose would provide remote video monitoring and protect his entire facility of high-tech computer components. We installed twenty (20) Avigilon 2-Megapixel (MP) Indoor Dome cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics. These analytic cameras ‘learn’ and ‘remember’ the daily sequence of activities while alerting the owner of any trespassing. This is accomplished with alarms that trigger notifications to their smartphones and tablets and the central station video monitoring center. Viewing and recording is done in 1080p video while the Integrated IR allows the cameras to function in total darkness.

The event-based remote video monitoring center, staffed by security professionals, schedules virtual guard tours and responds immediately to any alarms, notifying both law enforcement and the property owner, so there is always someone watching over their equipment, personnel and data.


The Result: The best news of all was that this new multi-faceted security system, including the video monitoring, cost almost one third of the amount they were paying per year for a single guard over three shifts, a savings of $75,000 per year per guard!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the property owner replace on-site security guards?

The owner discovered that the guards responsible for protecting the commercial rental property were sleeping while on duty, leaving valuable computer equipment vulnerable.

What equipment was included in the remote monitoring system?

The system included 20 Avigilon 2-megapixel indoor dome cameras with integrated infrared technology and self-learning video analytics.

Can the surveillance cameras operate in complete darkness?

Yes. Integrated infrared technology allows the cameras to record and monitor activity even when the facility is completely dark.

What happens when the system detects possible trespassing?

Triggered alarms send notifications to the owner’s smartphone or tablet and the central monitoring station. Security professionals can respond immediately and notify law enforcement and the property owner.

How did remote video monitoring affect the property’s security costs?

According to the case study, the complete system cost almost one-third of what the property had been paying annually for one guard across three shifts, producing savings of approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

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Remote Video Monitoring of All Your Security Cameras’ Across All Platforms Made Easy

The Challenge: Video Monitoring for all of your Video surveillance feeds without being tethered to a single desk or location.


The Solution: Avigilon Control Center (ACC6) Video Management Software with Remote Access capabilities.

Imagine a scenario with the same high-quality Video surveillance coverage you want and seeing it from wherever you are. ACC6 does that for you. So, whether you are in your boss’s office, at a wedding or just at home, ACC6 puts video monitoring at your fingertips.

The feature-rich Avigilon ACC6 Video Management software makes it easy to access your video anywhere or anytime on any device. You can be on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. As a result, you can decipher between serious incidents or a false alarm from anywhere. You can also check in on employees to see if productivity is where it needs to be.

The ACC Mobile app, for both iOS & Android, offers superior preventative protection from the convenience of your mobile device. This combined with Avigilon’s HD adaptive video analytics technology gives you all that you need. Consequently, the latest version of ACC Mobile offers intelligent, accurate and effective real-time video monitoring of your people, property and assets. All this from the convenience and flexibility of your mobile devices.

You can quickly view and respond to alarms, effectively stopping security incidents before they escalate.

So, gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen in a single location for video monitoring. Our state-of-the-art systems allow you to monitor security video feeds across all platforms including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.


The Result: Avigilon ACC6 and ACC Mobile Video Management Software is the answer to your video remote access needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does remote video monitoring solve?

Remote monitoring allows users to view security-camera feeds without being tied to a particular desk, screen, or physical location.

What devices can be used to monitor security cameras remotely?

Avigilon ACC6 supports remote viewing from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Is remote video monitoring available on both iOS and Android?

Yes. The ACC Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Can users respond to security alarms while away from the facility?

Yes. Users can view camera footage and respond to alarms remotely, helping them distinguish between false alarms and serious incidents before a situation escalates.

Can remote video monitoring help evaluate employee productivity?

Yes. Authorized users can review camera feeds from another location to monitor workplace activity and determine whether productivity is meeting expectations.

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Video Analytics and Access Control Restricts Access to YOUR Company’s Data and Servers

Challenge: Protecting valuable and sensitive data


The Solution: Video Analytics and Access Control to monitor and restrict access combined with remote video monitoring 24/7/365

A prominent financial institution contacted us to protect a floor full of equipment and infrastructure vital to the organizations functioning. This included their Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, servers, network connections, transfer switches and generator. The client wanted to restrict access with an access control system while still allowing entry for approved personnel.

Alen Security designed a solution that provided them with continuous video analytics for video review and two-factor authentication access control to restrict access. We installed access card readers with keypads requiring both an access card and a special code for entry. Remote video monitoring is also used, so people could also be granted access, remotely, as required. Security professionals approve Personnel access in real time or in advance, as needed.

The video feed from the cameras with video analytics is pushed to monitors either in another part of the building or off-premises. Trained security professionals then view the live or recorded video footage either looking for anomalies or responding to alarms. Authorized users are also able to view the video remotely via their smartphones and/or tablets.


The Result: A more secure area of their facility allowing access to only those on an approved list.

Contact us today at 877-215-2536 (ALEN) or via email at [email protected] to learn more about the state-of- the-art systems that we can customize to YOUR Company’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment was the financial institution trying to protect?

The institution needed to secure a floor containing critical equipment, including servers, network connections, UPS systems, transfer switches, and a generator.

How does two-factor authentication control access to the secured area?

Personnel must present an approved access card and enter a special code. Requiring both credentials provides stronger protection than using an access card alone.

Can personnel be granted access remotely?

Yes. Security professionals can approve access remotely in real time or authorize personnel in advance when needed.

How are video analytics used to monitor the protected area?

Camera feeds are sent to monitors elsewhere in the building or at an off-site location. Trained security professionals can review live or recorded footage for unusual activity and respond to alarms.

Can authorized users view the cameras from mobile devices?

Yes. Authorized users can remotely view the video through smartphones or tablets, providing visibility into the secured area while away from the facility.

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Security Case Study: New Video Surveillance System Reduces Guard Costs

Video Surveillance System Upgrade

The Challenge: The customer had an old analog video surveillance system and on-site guards which were ineffective and expensive to maintain.


The Solution: An Avigillon IP Video Surveillance System Solution with IP Cameras and a Network Video Recorder.  Therefore, providing them with improved security at a lower cost.

A multi-location trucking supply company was using an outdated analog video surveillance system to protect their site and equipment. They were also employing on-site guards to watch their premises.

Hence, they contacted us to upgrade their overall system. So, we installed an IP Video Surveillance System from Avigilon. The system included twelve (12) 3 Megapixel IP H3A Bullet HD cameras for the exterior and eight (8) 3-Megapixel H3A IP Day/Night HD Indoor Dome cameras for the interior. We also installed a 21TB Network Video Recorder (NVR) to record all of the action.

The new video surveillance system provided improved image quality, better monitoring of employee activity and better secured their grounds. This also gave them the ability to remotely access the data. So, to augment the new security system, we were able to add Video Analytics and Video Monitoring. With this ability, we instituted ‘rules’ and ‘triggers’ related to access and certain timeframes. This now allowed them to create alarms to alert them of any incidents. Interestingly, the first thing that they discovered with this new monitoring system was that their guards were not as actively engaged as they needed to be. Therefore, with the new system being monitored at a remote central location, they were able to eliminate their on-site guards. This allowed them to greatly reduce their costs.


The Result: A much MORE secure site and at a LOWER cost, saving the customer $75,000 per year per guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the trucking supply company replace its surveillance system?

The company’s outdated analog cameras and on-site guards were expensive to maintain and did not provide the level of security needed to protect its locations and equipment.

What equipment was included in the new surveillance system?

The company received 12 exterior bullet cameras, eight interior day-and-night dome cameras, and a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

What improvements did the IP cameras provide?

The new cameras delivered clearer images, better coverage of the property, improved monitoring of employee activity, and remote access to surveillance footage.

How did video analytics improve the company’s security?

Video analytics allowed the company to establish rules and triggers for specific access events and timeframes. The system could then generate alarms when potentially suspicious activity occurred.

How much did the company save by using remote video monitoring?

Remote monitoring allowed the company to eliminate its on-site guards while improving security. According to the case study, this saved approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

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Security Case Study: IP Video Protects Your Property and Equipment

IP Video Equipment

Challenge: Construction Company wanted security and remote monitoring of expensive equipment around the clock


Solution: Installation of Avigilon IP Video Bullet HD cameras with Video Analytics and Remote Video Monitoring Solution

We were recently contacted by a large construction firm who does bridge repairs along a major US highway. They have tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of trucks, tools and equipment on their property as well as Conex storage containers and fuel tanks. They know that theft of, or tampering with, any of this equipment would seriously impair their ability to keep their teams working, costing them time and money.

Knowing that any delay would cost them thousands of dollars per hour, they didn’t take any chances. So, they called Alen Security to install eight (8) state of the art Avigilon 3 Megapixel (MP) H3A IP Video Bullet HD cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics along with talk-down speakers.

The video analytics built into to the IP Video security cameras use Avigilon’s “Teach by Example” technology, learning on their own by observation and also from the operators who actively use it. They automatically adjust to changing scene conditions, helping reduce false alarms, and provide superior protection for both assets and personnel.

Along with the IP Video cameras, we also employed an 8 channel, 4TB Video Appliance running the feature-rich ACC5 video management software. This allows them to store the video data and quickly review and search for the video they want.

The event-based remote video monitoring center is staffed by security professionals and schedules thrice-daily guard tours. They also respond to video “alarm triggers” and can talk-down to would-be intruders. Talk-down capability allows them to alert intruders that law enforcement has been notified and to leave the premises immediately. Hence, combining these features protects their facility around the clock.


Result: The IP Video security cameras and event-based remote video monitoring keep their property and equipment secure 24/7/365.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the construction company need around-the-clock surveillance?

The company stored valuable trucks, tools, equipment, fuel tanks, and storage containers on its property. Theft or tampering could stop its bridge-repair crews from working and cause costly delays.

What surveillance equipment was installed?

The company received eight 3-megapixel HD bullet cameras with infrared capability, self-learning video analytics, and talk-down speakers.

How do self-learning video analytics reduce false alarms?

The analytics learn through observation and feedback from system operators. They adjust to changing conditions within a scene, helping the cameras distinguish potential threats from normal activity.

How is the company’s surveillance footage stored and reviewed?

An eight-channel video appliance with four terabytes of storage records the footage. Video-management software allows authorized users to search for and review specific events quickly.

What happens when the system detects a possible intruder?

Security professionals at the remote monitoring center respond to video alarm triggers. They can use the speakers to warn intruders that law enforcement has been notified and direct them to leave the property.