Burglaries at Northpower site drop to zero thanks to Bosch Video Analytics
Northpower operates and maintains the electricity and fibre networks in the Whangarei and Kaipara region in New Zealand. Additionally, the company provides services to other network owners and operators. This means owning a substantial stable of expensive capital and service equipment generally kept at a large, fenced site with an office, workshop, and storage facilities.
Averaging one burglary a month, Northpower’s sprawling East Tamaki site in Auckland required a security upgrade. The main challenges identified in collaboration by Connect Security Products (security distributor) and Armstrong Intelligent Security (security installer) included: Gaps in video security coverage around the perimeter and areas of interest; Programming and use of video analytics to protect expensive equipment; Managing multiple sites across the North Island from one operator control station; OHS compliance e.g. proof of high visibility vest use in certain areas; Managing staff flow after hours and, Integrating new equipment with the legacy system.
After listening to Northpower’s requirements and conducting an onsite security assessment, CSP and Armstrong outlined a security surveillance system based on coverage, functionality, lighting, and legacy system integration. It was proposed that Bosch AUTODOME cameras with Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) are used to monitor and deter intrusion incidences, and also, help manage some operational aspects. The AUTODOME family includes starlight cameras that provide quality colour images even at very low light levels. Additional advantages include intelligent bitrate management and H.265 compression to reduce bandwidth by up to 80% without loss of image quality. Lastly, IVA and Camera Trainer provide powerful video analytics and machine learning capabilities.
To help with the entire process and to fully understand the power of the proposed system, Northpower’s decision-makers visited CSP’s Product Experience Centre, where Bosch Video Systems with IVA were put through their paces to illustrate what they can achieve.
CSP supported Armstrong Security throughout the implementation, ensuring the camera placement, lens selection, camera settings, video management functionality, and video analytics were perfectly set up for the required tasks. Northpower facility management and security staff were also expertly trained in the operation of the new video security system.
The Result
The results of the new security infrastructure at the Northpower site speak for themselves. The site went from experiencing one to two burglaries a month to zero. Additional benefits in occupational health and safety, as well as after-hours staff security, were also visible.
Further Northpower sites will be assessed to introduce similar security solutions. A thorough roadmap has been developed to integrate remote sites. Northpower has the peace of mind with one of the world’s premium brands, and the people that have supported Bosch Security products in New Zealand for almost two decades.