Warehouses are increasingly becoming automated, raising several safety and security concerns that network cameras can address.
The logistics sector has seen strong growth in recent years, beginning with the spike in online shopping during the peak COVID-19 season to now as businesses vigorously try to get back on track. According to Grand View Research, the global retail logistics market was valued at USD 227.61 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3 percent from 2022 to 2030.
One of the biggest game changers for this industry has been developments in automation technology in warehouses, which has enabled companies to reduce the number of staff and improve efficiency. However, this has also increased the security risks as fewer people oversee the work.
This is where surveillance cameras are beginning to play a more significant role. In a recent blog post, Louise Hobroh of Axis Communications pointed out that logistics companies can effectively use a variety of network cameras for both internal security and the safety of personnel.
“Multisensor cameras provide up to 180° of panoramic view, reducing the total hardware cost in the number of cameras required, whereas for views to obstructed areas, such as aisles of racking, pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras might be preferable,” Hobroh says.
Analytics to the rescue
While network cameras are an excellent solution to this problem, it is the analytics that can actually make a real difference. Analytics-enabled cameras can detect problems or risks even before things go out of hand and alert the people concerned.
“For example, if a camera detects staff or visitors not wearing personal protective equipment, this can generate a warning via a connected audio speaker,” Hobroh explains. “Keeping a check on lone workers in transport, wearable cameras can also increase safety with man-down alarms and against assaults.”
Cameras are not the only tools that can assist this vertical. To control vehicle over-speeding, security teams can use strobe sirens that can warn drivers. Other technologies like radar and license plate recognition systems can also come in handy, identifying vehicles breaking the rules and causing potential safety issues.
Access control solutions
Analytics like license plate recognition is also essential to control the entry and exit of vehicles to warehouses. Verifying vehicles is a vital security measure for this vertical because of the nature of their business. To this end, remote access control systems are an excellent choice.
“Intercom systems, which can also include video communication, enable remote access control to site entrances and unmanned gates, and efficiency and security can be added with automated license plate recognition,” Hobroh writes. “This technology increases the ease and speed of vehicle access without the need for staff resources while preventing unauthorized access.”
Other technologies like RFID cards are also helpful. More robust biometric solutions may also be valuable to manage staff, ensuring better security and safety.
Operational efficiency with security
Analytic solutions can also assist warehouses in ensuring improved operations at warehouses, mainly by tracking packing and shipment. Over time, the data collected can also help detect freight flow patterns, inventory management, and staff activity that would help streamline operations better. For instance, you may be able to figure out areas that cause the most delays and assign processes to minimize the issue.
“Loading customer orders onto delivery transport, from checking packages onto pallets or boxes into vans, cameras can speed up the process by creating a visual, data-stamped record, without the need for operatives to manually take a photo,” Hobroh pointed out. “This technology can include wearable cameras that are also useful for last mile delivery validation, an efficient way of confirming delivery in the expected condition.”
Package handling during unloading can also be monitored with network onboard cameras. Meanwhile, inside the vehicle, analytics can be used to alert the driver if a vehicle door or the trunk is opened.
Conclusion
Network cameras and AI-enabled analytics are all set to become an integral part of warehouse management in the future. This can be termed a natural progression as technology evolves, improving operations and offering better safety to staff.