10 minute read
HIGHWAYS CHALLENGE
Innovative solution to document highways project using sustainable systems. Camera Control UK utilises Axis surveillance cameras as part of a renewable solution to track the progress of a major highways infrastructure project.
Amajor highways infrastructure project is currently underway to upgrade 80 miles of single carriageway between Perth and Inverness in Scotland. Production company, MBP, won a tender to produce a solution that could document the work in progress. MBP, in turn, contacted Camera Control UK to create the surveillance infrastructure and install the technologies to bring the project to life.
The brief was to document a 10 mile stretch that was to undergo widening, taking it from a single to dual carriageway, thereby increasing the efficiency of the route and allowing for smoother traffic flow. Initial discussions around how to power the cameras along the route involved the use of many miles of cable, combined with a diesel generator, which, as Martin Naylor, Director of Camera Control UK explains, was not a viable option:
“The initial recommendation was to install a diesel generator at a halfway point along this particular stretch of highway, with electrical cables running for 5 miles in either direction. Unlike a straight section of motorway, this route twists and turns, with junctions and even housing in the way. It wasn’t going to be feasible. We had to find a better solution.”
Harnessing renewable energy
From a logistics point of view this would prove challenging, while from an environmental perspective, the use of a diesel generator would cause unnecessary pollutants, making it unsuitable for a long-term project. Yet, Martin relished the challenge. After some initial consideration of different options, we realised it had to be an off-grid solution to avoid using local power; a solution that could incorporate wireless communications and utilise renewable energy sources to be environmentally friendly and sustainable over the longer term.”
After initial surveys and proposals were agreed, a solution was decided upon which comprised
“ Axis really values innovation and is therefore an ideal partner, not only because the team takes the time to understand the challenges when trying to push the boundaries of what’s possible in surveillance, but also because their drive towards sustainable and ethical practices is admirable and in inspiration to other technology companies.” Martin Naylor, Director, Camera Control UK
Axis network cameras, a power box with rechargeable batteries, a wind turbine and a PV solar panel.
With both wind and solar energy being harnessed, and batteries to act as an emergency backup, the team was able to develop an entirely selfsufficient system requiring no local power, guaranteeing 100% uptime.
To bring the design to life, the enquired cameras needed to be capable of producing high definition imagery, even in low light conditions. MB Productions wanted to use 4K images to create a full cinematographic experience. Axis’ 4K short bullet camera was the obvious choice due to its high definition image capabilities and durability in all weathers and extremes of temperature.
Martin elaborates: “The final system uses eight power packs, and eight towers, at various key touchpoints along the route, with one to two cameras employed per tower. The AXIS P1448-LE cameras offer incredible picture resolution, with remote zoom and focus, enabling fine tuning of the captured images. With no Wi-Fi coverage in the area we even had to create our own, installing masts to enable the all-important cloud connectivity that makes Axis’ network cameras such a great solution for delivering incredible quality imagery using simple IoT connectivity.”
A high-quality solution
In addition to producing the required imagery, the system was also designed to be intuitive to operate. Surveillance data is sent to a central monitoring station for viewing, and also stored in the cloud for later retrieval. The system can be remotely monitored and controlled, with charge and consumption parameters for each power box being displayed to allow quick analysis of system status.
Close monitoring of the system allows for easy identification of issues which might affect power and therefore image generation, such
as the changing position of the sun at different times of the year, or growing tree lines in the vicinity. Martin Naylor commented on the relationship with Axis that has made
this solution possible: “Axis really values innovation and is therefore an ideal partner, not only because the team takes the time to understand the challenges when trying to push
the boundaries of what’s possible in surveillance, but also because their drive towards sustainable and ethical practices is admirable and an inspiration to other technology companies.”
The completed time-lapse video will provide evidence of working practices, accurate visual documentation of progress, and can be used for auditing purposes. In addition, it will serve as example material for future infrastructure projects. The solution serves to illustrate how, in the modern world, it’s possible to utilise the natural elements for incredible, innovative projects with virtually zero carbon footprint.
Matt Brown, Director, MB Productions, commented, “We are now able to capture fantastic 4K imagery of the ongoing work on the A9. Camera Control UK has produced an entirely green solution which provides power and wireless connectivity in an area that was devoid of both; an incredible feat of engineering. The Axis cameras are highly robust and in a completely different league, in terms of quality, to others we’ve seen. This project has been a great success.”
For further information please visit
www.axis.com/products/axisp1448-le http://cameracontroluk.com http://mbpltd.com
Q&A with Paxton In Security interviews Adam Stroud, Group Chief Executive at Paxton on the affects of the pandemic to the security industry
How has the pandemic affected Paxton?
We have seen significant effects both as an employer of people, and a manufacturer of products. In terms of people, along with most other companies, we had to rapidly adapt our working practices in order to respect the government guidelines and keep our people safe. Being a technology company means we were thankfully well placed to do this quickly. Those that could, worked from home, while others have continued work at our factory, shipping products under carefully managed COVID-safe conditions. As a manufacturer we saw a significant reduction in the demand for our products during April. Since then have seen sustained recovery to pre-lockdown levels of business. Of course, this crisis has been felt by everyone and so we have been working closely with our suppliers and distribution partners to ensure we can continue to provide products and support to all our customers during this difficult period.
How do you think the pandemic affected the market, more specifically your customers?
Due to the nature of the pandemic, we saw that the initial appetite for security installations was vastly reduced. We witnessed the majority of our installers taking advantage of the UK government furlough
scheme which proved a lifeline for many businesses. As the initial shock receded however, it became clear the major role that the security industry had to play in helping businesses to keep their staff safe.
How did Paxton flex its services to support security installers?
I am very proud that, throughout the entire pandemic emergency, Paxton have continued to manufacture and dispatch products as well as providing high quality support to all of our customers. Early on in the recovery we understood that cashflow was a vital consideration for many installation companies and so, in conjunction with our distributors, we provided extended payment terms for all Paxton products during May. We have rapidly developed and launched new access control features that can help businesses comply with the government’s COVID-secure guidelines. Net2 Occupancy Management for example, allows businesses to control and monitor the density of people in any given area. These updates have featured in our COVID-secure webinars that have been running throughout the summer. We have now made these on-demand, offering a practical interpretation of the extensive government guidelines that installers can view anywhere, anytime. So far these webinars have attracted over 1,400 attendees.
Has Paxton had to halt new product introduction and other projects?
Despite the difficult circumstances, we decided to proceed with the planned product launches. We understood it was important to make our presence felt, reassuring customers and demonstrating that we continue to push forward even when times get tough. Over the last 4 months we have released a brand new door entry monitor, two new versions of Net2 software, thermal camera integrations as
well as launching our fantastic Paxton10 system (access & video on one platform) into 5 international markets.
What would you say you have learnt from the pandemic?
The scale of change that can be achieved in a short space of time is a big take-away for me. In the space of a few weeks, we completely changed the way we work as a company and remained operational and effective throughout. When you have decisiveness, focus and the right motivation you can accomplish the extra-ordinary.
There are certain things, such as this pandemic, that happen outside of our direct control and where possible, I think it’s important to try to see the opportunity to do something fresh and different and not lose too much sleep over them. All of our energy needs directing towards the choices we do have and how we conduct ourselves during these testing times. I have been so proud with the way that the Paxton team has dealt with these difficult circumstances. Without exception Paxton employees have been understanding and flexible, willing to do whatever it takes to keep up our high standards.
What does the rest of the year look like for Paxton?
We continue to look for even more ways in which our products and systems can be helpful to businesses in the current circumstances. As I speak, there are additional solutions being developed for this purpose. We are, of course, seeking to use this period as productively and
usefully as possible, and we have some exciting announcements to make later in the year about what we have been up to.
You have ranked 3 times in the ST Best Places to Work – how important has Paxton’s company culture been during these testing times?
I am very proud that Paxton regularly appear in the ‘Best Places to Work’ list. As far as I’m concerned this is at the heart of what we do, with any success we achieve being based on the efforts of our people. During this period, having a team that cares about where they work and what they do has meant that we have been able to positively deal with the stress and challenges together, and provide consistency for our customers.
What’s the plan for 2021?
Honestly, there are too many unknowns right now for me to have any concrete plans to share, but we are planning ahead for success, working off the back of the many lessons we have learnt from 2020. We have a clear idea about what we want to do, but I am well aware that many events are outside of our control.
At Paxton our core-aim is to use the best technology to make security systems as simple and straight-forward as they should be. We have a product range encompassing access control, video entry systems and, with Paxton10, video surveillance too. Each year we improve our product offerings and bring our solutions and support to more customers worldwide. If the pandemic allows it, 2021 will be a milestone year for Paxton and I can’t wait to share more information with you down the line.
For further information please visit
www.paxton-access.com
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