Scrap Metal Facility Deploys Cameras To Curb Theft, Streamline Management

  • Apr 11, 2012

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

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.