Real-time Intelligence, Real-world Results
Video analytics helps protect headquarters of logistics provider from theft, vandalism
- By Ed Wassall
- Jul 01, 2013
Marine Container Services
Inc. (MCS) is
a logistics and transportation
company
based in Newark,
N.J., that provides import and export
services to multi-national retailers, manufacturers
and distributors throughout the
United States. The company operates its
business in 48 states and prides itself on its
world-class digital communication system
to keep dispatchers in touch with drivers
at all times. Not only does this allow MCS
to provide real-time updates to its customers
but it also keeps deliveries on track.
Businesses rely on MCS to transport
shipments swiftly, safely and securely to
their final points of destinations. And its
loyal customers have faith in the company’s
approach and services. MCS has
provided this comprehensive portfolio
of services for more than 29 years and
has built a strong customer base through
dedication, hard work and an employeeshared
commitment to client satisfaction.
A Secure Warehouse
In addition to its transport business, the
company also provides warehousing services
that include transloading, export
consolidation, import distribution, flat
rack storage and cargo banding. On a
daily basis, nearly $5 million worth of
goods are transported into and out of
the MCS New Jersey warehouse.
Though the constant flow of goods
and services means great things for Marine
Container’s overall business, it also
introduces vulnerability to theft and loss.
Over time, senior management became
aware that goods were being stolen or
tampered with, and needed to find a
quick solution to mitigate the
problem as well as prevent
further issues.
Seeking Security
As a forward-thinking
business, MCS
decided to explore
new technologies to help control security
issues and enhance safety within their infrastructure.
The company proactively
initiated their own search for a solution to
provide a high level of safety and security
on site. At the same time, the company required
a user-friendly solution that would
allow for multiple users at varying levels
of expertise. Because the company does
not have a full-time security staff, usability
was just as important as far-reaching surveillance
camera coverage.
To reduce the emerging problems
with vandalism and theft, Marine Container’s
management team knew they
needed to monitor access to its facilities
and property. With a 130,000-squarefoot
warehouse and six acres to monitor,
this was no small feat. Also, the company
didn’t have the manpower to operate and
monitor a traditional surveillance system.
Therefore, it required an intelligent
video security system to monitor and
manage its infrastructure and perimeter
in a cost-effective way.
“In the past, we’ve experienced issues
with theft,” said Joe Noonan, owner of
Marine Container Services. “Therefore,
we wanted an IP video surveillance solution
that could capture video that would
enable us to investigate incidents and even
prevent them from occurring in the first
place. We are a company not familiar with
the ins-and-outs of security technologies,
and it was important that we choose a
partner that was able to explain how new
equipment and services would help us accomplish
our objectives.”
Unique Security Needs
The MCS executive management team
was tasked with finding a new security
solution that would mitigate existing issues
and help prevent future vulnerabilities
at its main headquarters. Noonan
quickly realized the potential and benefits
that video surveillance technology
offered, but he desired something more
than the traditional camera systems presented
to the company.
“I truly wanted our security system to
be a step above the expected,” he said. “We
needed an automated monitoring solution
that would allow us to prevent theft, gather
evidence and react in real-time while
still focusing on our core business.”
Additionally, a remotely monitored
system would allow the company to refrain
from hiring security staff to manage
it. Noonan was also looking for a dependable
and responsive solution, one that
would be able to accommodate the large
volume of cargo traveling to and from the
company’s warehouse on a daily basis.
Last on their list of criteria was the
need for a reliable supplier.
“Security is not our core business, so
we required a partner that could help
us get the most of our technology and
guide us in making the correct decisions
for our business,” Noonan said.
After researching products on the
market, Noonan was introduced to
Visentry, a monitored video surveillance
service provider. Visentry Virtual Sentry
Solution provides effective and affordable
centrally monitored video security
and loss-prevention services for businesses,
facilities and localities. The unique
approach combines intelligent video
event detection and analysis capability
with advanced security hardware and
software to provide 24/7 remote monitoring
based on real-time detection and
response. Visentry’s intelligent remote
monitoring technology helps its customers
reduce theft and vandalism, eliminate
the cost of on-site security staff and lower
their insurance premiums.
Deter Potential Threats
Virtual Sentry leverages high-definition
video surveillance cameras and intelligent
analytics from ioimage by DVTEL
to detect and deter potential threats.
Users are able to define customized detection
parameters and, once a threat is
detected within a predefined area, Visentry’s
central station is notified. A Visentry
operator then manages a real-time
response, using PTZ camera capabilities
to verify the event and acquire more information
on the potential risk factors.
For example, if an intruder is identified, operators can communicate with the
individual via built-in audio at the site
to inform them that they are under surveillance.
If the alarm is high priority,
the operator can dispatch local police.
“Virtual Sentry provides our customers
with the ultimate crime-deterring
weapon while enabling them to save
money on security in the long term,”
said Juda Slamovich, COO of Visentry.
“Our customers know their sites are
safe because, with the advanced ioimage
analytic technology, we have our
eyes on their critical investments and
infrastructure around the clock.”
The system is further strengthened
by the real-time incident reaction made
possible by DVTEL’s ioimage analytics,
which provide intelligent video and
automatically alert operators of any
incidents. This technology helps MCS
to be proactive with security measures,
rather than solely responding to events.
Not only has this helped reduce theft,
it has also minimized the company’s investment
in staff, reduced false alarms
and delivered peace of mind to employees
and managers alike.
The Ideal Solution
Today, the Virtual Sentry solution is
deployed at Marine Container Services’
headquarters and is credited with reducing
opportunity for theft and vandalism
within its facilities and across
its perimeter. The remote monitoring
nature of the service delivers quick response
time if an incident occurs, which
has further reduced chances for loss.
“This system enables us to pinpoint
quickly the information that we are
looking for and prevent any potential
incidents of theft or tampering,”
Noonan said. “In an investigation, we
now have the data we need at the tip of
our fingers when we need it.
“Everyone we have worked with has
been extremely cooperative and helpful.
They entire team has worked diligently
to help us build a solution that meets
our specific business needs. Our partners
took the time to work with us to make
sure we were getting a customized solution
that would help us meet our goals.”
Peace of Mind
With the Virtual Security system in
place, Marine Container Services has
achieved its main objective: securing
its cargo and reducing theft. It has also
helped the company reduce the chance
for false alarms, a significant issue that
accounts for up to 97 percent of all
alarm incidents. This wastes local police
resources and costs taxpayers more
than $2 billion nationwide every year.
“We have reduced the amount of false
alarms at our facility and, therefore, are
now a stronger partner with local law enforcement,”
Noonan said. “Furthermore,
the system and ongoing service is incredibly
cost effective. We recouped our initial
investment in just two months.”
As a leader in the logistics industry,
MCS continues to look for new ways
to leverage technology to protect assets,
ensure safety and optimize operations.
Visentry and ioimage by DVTEL
have helped the logistics company meet
their challenging security requirements
while helping streamline staffing and
overall operations. The company now
has one of the most sophisticated video
monitoring services available on today’s
market and is reaping numerous benefits.
Their choice will help deliver peace
of mind to company management for
years to come.
This article originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of Security Today.