Scrap Metal Facility Deploys Cameras To Curb Theft, Streamline Management

MOBOTIX, a provider of high-resolution, network-based security solutions, recently announced that United Scrap, a metal buying and recycling facility, has deployed a complete MOBOTIX surveillance solution at its 35-acre facility near Chicago.

United Scrap is utilizing the MOBOTIX cameras to stay ahead of government regulations, protect its own assets and enhance productivity.

United Scrap has installed 25 MOBOTIX cameras consisting of M12 and M24 models that are managed by MxControlCenter. The system is used to take snapshots of every load of metal sold to the facility to help ensure United Scrap doesn’t deal with hazardous or stolen material, and has a record of what is bought and sold on-site.

The high price of metal, particularly copper, has tempted many individuals across the nation to attempt to sell stolen materials to recycling facilities. Local, state and federal regulations require the company to maintain a concise record of sales. The MOBOTIX high-resolution cameras -- one MOBOTIX camera with 3.1 megapixels records 30 times more detail than traditional CCTV cameras -- also enable the facility to easily record vehicle license plate numbers and keep a database of individuals who sell material.

“The ability to have high resolution images with the MOBOTIX system is a significant advantage,” said Brad Serlin, president, United Scrap. “The high level of image clarity provides us with additional situational awareness. Traditional video security cameras could not provide us with the detail needed to identify pieces of metal and license plate numbers that we need to be in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.”

“About 90 percent of the installs we do are MOBOTIX solutions because the image quality is unmatched,” said Paul Grefenstette, president, Griffon Systems, the integrator who installed United Scrap’s system.

The MOBOTIX system also incorporates a decentralized approach to surveillance that keep the system cost-effective. Unlike other systems, the decentralized MOBOTIX concept incorporates a high-speed computer into every camera to reduce network bandwidth because video is processed on the cameras themselves and images do not have to be transferred continuously.

The system is also used to optimize business efficiencies. It provides managers the ability to quickly access the cameras to make sure time-sensitive materials are made a priority and workers are distributed appropriately. The MOBOTIX cameras monitor the drop-off line and enables managers to see if a line is beginning to form and deploy more workers from other areas.

“It is exciting to see MOBOTIX solutions battling a type of theft that has plagued business across the nation as thieves cash-in on stolen metals,” said Steve Gorski, general manager, Americas, MOBOTIX. “United Scrap is taking remarkable measures to ensure the ethical practice of their business, and the ROI from increased productivity is a nice bonus.”

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.