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Network Camera Video Surveillance for Factories

Topic: Factories

A factory of manufacturing facility is a place that can greatly benefit from a video surveillance system. As the price of commodities continue to increase on an almost daily basis, raw materials are becoming more and more of a target for thieves and criminals. Network cameras used for video surveillance can help protect you from the threat of crime.

Benefits of Video Surveillance in a Factory

The primary benefit of video surveillance in any location is of course to increase security. Even if you have security personnel in place on the ground, the fact of the matter is that they cannot be everywhere at once: sometimes they will miss things. Network cameras, on the other hand, can be everywhere at once, and can keep you abreast of any pertinent information on the ground so this information can be disseminated to those security personnel.

Besides security, video surveillance also has uses on the job. For example, video of the manufacturing of goods can be used to speed up quality control. It can also be used to monitor the workplace for any potential hazards and increase the safety of workers who often labor under conditions requiring caution and awareness.

Network Cameras for Video Surveillance

One of the greatest growing fields of the video surveillance industry is network cameras. Unlike traditional CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) security cameras, network cameras (also called IP or Internet Protocol cameras) take digital video and transmit images over a TCP/IP network rather than through coaxial cable. This gives an IP camera a number of advantages over more traditional cameras.

For one thing, digital video allows for a much higher resolution and picture quality than is capable with analog cameras, if higher quality is needed. These high resolution images can also be combined with network camera software such as video analytics to keep a better hold on everything happening in the factory. While such software can be used with CCTV cameras, it requires much more equipment for converting signals and the like and is not as efficient at its job.

One further great advantage of network cameras for video surveillance is their remote monitoring capabilities. Because their signal is sent out over a computer network, video feeds can be picked up by authorized personnel from anywhere with a network connection. If you want to view feeds while at home or even on the go with a cell phone or PDA, these options are open to you.

Set-up of Network Camera Video Surveillance for Factories

For security cameras, begin by identifying areas which are high risk. Storage areas holding a lot of valuable raw materials, garages and areas housing expensive vehicles and or equipment, etc are areas you will want to look at. Other primary places of interest would include entrances to the factory, entrances to the factory floor and the offices, etc.

When placing cameras in large open spaces such as work floors and storage areas, ensure that full coverage is provided by cameras. This can be a problem in large open spaces as it can be difficult to judge if you have achieved full coverage. Some ways to get around this is to place a camera in each corner, or to utilize dome cameras throughout the ceiling area to make sure you get a full view of the premises.

Although security and monitoring of workplace activity and safety is a concern, you should also respect your employees� privacy. Areas such as bathrooms and break rooms should be avoided out of respect for your employees. No network cameras should be placed in these locations.