Securitec Systems partnered with the professional security division of Samsung Techwin to provide a multipurpose Video Over IP solution for APC Overnight’s new parcel delivery hub in Cannock, West Midlands. In addition to tackling the threat of theft and intruders, the system assists operational personnel with tracking the movement of 1.5 million parcels every month.
THE TASK
APC Overnight is the UK’s largest next day delivery network with more than 115 local depots, collecting, routing and delivering millions of parcels every month. In order to maintain year-on-year growth by providing exceptional service levels underpinned by state-of-the-art technology, the company invested £16.5 million in a new 138,000 sq.ft hub in Cannock.
Part of the company’s growth strategy was to boost efficiency by reducing the time taken to find lost or misplaced parcels. A security system was needed, therefore, that would not only protect the huge facility and its continually-moving contents, but also become an integral part of the parcel tracking process.
THE SOLUTION
With a long, successful history of working with APC, it was no surprise that Securitec Systems was approached to take on the challenge.
Securitec understood that the introduction of affordable high definition megapixel cameras and the ability to control them over an IP network provided distribution centres with an opportunity to achieve considerably more from their investment than straightforward video surveillance.
“We spent time looking at possible solutions,” said Colin Edey from Securitec Systems. “We had to take into account what the objective was at each specified camera location, as well as the likely environmental and lighting conditions, as some of the cameras would be deployed to monitor external areas.”
After careful consideration of the options available, Securitec installed a Galaxy intruder alarm and a Samsung CCTV network of cameras and digital recorders using a Video Over IP infrastructure.
The superb images captured by the high definition megapixel cameras mean they can be deployed in locations where evidence grade images might be required or where there was a need to zoom in and observe activity in close-up.
APC Overnight Security Manager, Colin Dicken, describes how the solution has improved performance: “Our on-site security personnel are no longer restricted to watching live images or reviewing recorded video from a central control room. They can control and monitor cameras from anywhere on the network. They can access the system from their PCs or laptops and, if they are off site, monitor activity from their tablets or smartphones.”
Colin is also impressed with how the system helps them track individual packages: “We take great care to ensure that our customers’ property arrives on time and in good condition. The high definition Samsung cameras recognise the tracking bar code of each parcel as it passes though the sortation centre, so any complaints of lost or damaged parcels can be properly investigated.”
APC now have over 160 cameras backed up with advanced motion detection capabilities that detect changes in temperature and light. An extensive system of sophisticated detectors, door contacts, beam throwing sensors and roller shutter sensors protect the security of all the parcels.
THE OUTCOME
APC now have over 160 cameras backed up with advanced motion detection capabilities that detect changes in temperature and light. An extensive system of sophisticated detectors, door contacts, beam throwing sensors and roller shutter sensors protect the security of all the parcels.
This system:
- Provides comprehensive protection against intruders and theft
- Tracks the movement of 1.5 million parcels every month
- Ensures strict compliance with the company’s Health & Safety procedures.
