Expand Your Portfolio With Thermal Imaging on the Edge
Today’s more cost-effective intelligent thermal cameras are opening up new opportunities for integrators to provide IP-based perimeter security systems. Find out how end users are achieving multiple benefits from these solutions.
Intelligent thermal cameras are now cost competitive with alternative perimeter solutions. The economic advantages of outdoor thermal imaging become clear if you examine per-foot costs of securing a perimeter.
When properly deployed, automated cameras help overcome these hurdles by leveraging the inherent strengths of automated systems and people to provide real-time, reliable information. Automated sensors never tire, can cover large distances and “see” what the human eye would miss, even in poor or zero light conditions. People can then make the right response decisions to create a comprehensive security solution.
In effect, video analytics serves as a guard multiplier to accurately detect, locate and assess threats in real-time. This is particularly important for protecting outdoor assets where there is a large area under security management.
The net result is higher levels of security with reduced manpower expense. In some cases, early detection affords the possibility of notifying local law enforcement to respond eliminating the costs associated with roving patrols.
Multiple Emerging Opportunities
The newest perimeter security technologies can be installed by technicians with camera experience provided they have experience with IP networked systems. Even setting up the video analytics is now easier than ever.
Longer camera ranges help to minimize the number of poles and other infrastructure needed. These higher-tech systems are also not plagued by nuisance alarms that have been the bane of some perimeter security systems in the past. The systems can improve security efficiency and provide a higher level of oversight to places that are not currently manned, such as remote substations. For these reasons, they represent an untapped opportunity for dealers and integrators to expand their technology portfolio in this emerging market area.
Now that automated perimeter systems have achieved new levels of capability, they can provide reliable “eyes on until hands on” awareness. When an alarm’s validity can be trusted, intelligent video solutions offer a unique benefit over other sensing technologies because the source of an alert can be very quickly validated in the video itself.
For example, automated systems are being used to protect electrical switchyards that are often located over multiple areas and remote sites. In this application, alerts and video are remotely monitored and managed for security response. Combining stable, early detection with accurate details about the nature and location of an intrusion enables remote monitoring services that can work with local
law enforcement as one potential mode of response.
Monitoring remote locations opens monthly recurring revenue streams not only for securing remote assets but also for monitoring the integrity of the security system itself. In this scenario everyone wins because the end user gains a reliable, early detection security system at remote sites for the first time, where costs for manned surveillance were previously prohibitive. The result is “eyes on until hands on” security coordinated with local law enforcement for 24/7 security.
John Romanowich is President/CEO and founder of SightLogix, a provider of intelligent video surveillance systems.
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