The challenge
SCT Transport is a privately owned logistics business formed in 1974. It is now one of the leading privately owned logistic companies in Australia.
They were the first company to break the century old Government monopoly of the interstate rail network in Australia. Their success is attributable to their willingness to embrace technology and innovation, in addition to their commitment to quality and service standards.
SCT Transport facilities are spread over vast areas and as such are prone to theft, both internal and external. They had a major problem with preloaded pallets, determining what was on them or what should have been on them. There were times when pallets were found to be missing or damaged, causing disputes and unhappy customers.
Management knew they had a problem but were unsure how to address it as stock can potentially travel through three of their depots before arriving at its final destination. The issue was a complex one.
The solution
With the expertise of Australian Security Rentals, a CCTV installation company based in Melbourne, Australia, they developed a solution that serves as an effective management tool for monitoring of all sites and assets from a central location.
Australian Security Rentals installed several of Xtralis's ADPRO range of security products. This included a FastTrace video security system, Pro PIR (passive infrared) Detectors and Video Central monitoring software. These were completely integrated with PTZ and fixed cameras, electric fencing, alarm and an access control system.
The interactive maps available in the ADPRO Video Central software enable a simple and informative review of remote sites when required, without necessitating an intricate knowledge of each site across Australia.
The results
| On-site management uses the Video Central Software with interactive map technology |
Using the ADPRO security system, SCT can now trace freight from start to finish of its journey across Australia. The SCT security system takes snapshots of all trucks entering and exiting the premises via a Pro PIR detector triggering a PTZ camera, which is normally on a guard tour of the car parks and general facility. All licence number plates and containers are recorded should the need arise to review the shipment.
Disputes over a missing pallet or claims of supposed pallet pilfering or damage have been eliminated, as there is evidential-quality video to provide proof of what happened to the freight whilst it was with SCT. Being able to review incoming loads from other transport companies allows SCT to be fully aware of what the load looked like on arrival and before it left from its depot to the next depot. "Not only does the increased security measures provide us with increased security and management capabilities it also enables our customers a visibility of their freight" says General Manager, Richard Maxwell.
During office hours SCT conduct their own internal monitoring of the day-to-day events, operations and the general management of distribution and warehousing facilities. After hours, monitoring of the sites automatically swings over to Australian Security Rentals' ‘Video Control Room'. This state of the art monitoring centre in Melbourne monitors all SCT facilities across Australia each night.
The ‘Video Control Room' has total control of each site. They conduct regular electronic guard tours, open gates and turn off light switches as required. The operators in Melbourne can use the integrated 2-way audio system to warn off potential intruders or loiterers; ask for ID to be shown or for issuing general instructions to the site as required. This can be done even on sites on the other side of Australia, thousands of kilometres away.
Not only has the ADPRO solution increased the security of each premises after hours, it has improved OH&S adherence and has reduced damage to stock, fixtures and fittings. Managers can now investigate ‘slip & fall' accidents that happen on their sites. Staff visiting remote or dangerous areas of a site can also be monitored by video from the ‘Video Control Room'. This all makes for a safer work place.