| MicroPower’s wireless surveillance camera is now equipped with an IR illuminator to ensure complete day/night functionality |
As the economy continues to improve, signs point to a robust business environment for new construction and property renovations. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau, total construction activity for July 2013 accounted for $900.8 billion.
These projects include complex planning and often engage multiple public and private agencies, scientific experts, local residents and environmental organisations. Considering the significant investment in developing new properties, property developers and general contractors strive to ensure the protection of their sites and related infrastructure during critical construction phases.
The Challenge
“When we started servicing this market, thieves were stealing copper. Then, it was metal rebar,” said Scott Davis, Owner, DDA Systems. “On top of theft, another concern is restricting access to these sites, often open environments with no solidified perimeter.”
"We want our customers to be able to re-use the system for other projects," says Scott Davis, Owner, DDA Systems |
Davis recommends property developers identify a solution that can provide 24-hour surveillance coverage. Key to developing a strong safety posture is considering technology that addresses the unique geographic make-up of the location and the construction zones. Often, these sites present challenges arising from low-light conditions, rendering 24-hour surveillance coverage a significant challenge. Davis suggests technology should easy to disassemble upon the project’s completion, while offering the option to redeploy at another site in the future.
“We want our customers to be able to re-use the system for other projects and we want to be a trusted partner in the re-deployment process,” he said. “For us, it’s about either servicing the customer’s equipment over the long-term or leasing them the equipment as needed. Either option helps us build recurring service revenue, and helps our customers secure assets and enhance safety.”
Whichever option a construction manager looks at, the risks of not installing a security or surveillance system are exponential. The cost of any construction project could become more expensive if just one incident of theft occurs and there is no solution in place to provide evidentiary support.
The Solution
Before selecting a surveillance platform, DDA moved through an evaluation process in which it tested a variety of wireless technologies including mobile trailers and wireless security packages. Trailers were deemed to be too cumbersome to re-deploy quickly while the wireless systems he evaluated weren’t truly ‘wireless’ because the cameras still required cables for power. During his search, Davis was introduced to a new technology that eliminated wires and incorporated solar panels: the MicroPower surveillance system.
The MicroPower surveillance platform includes an IP-based video surveillance camera and wireless transmission hub, and does not require cabling for power or data transmission. This unique approach removes the restrictions found with traditional cameras and aids systems integrators who can place cameras at the point of highest risk without the added complexity of trenching, or pulling data or power cables.
MicroPower’s wireless surveillance camera is now equipped with an IR illuminator to ensure complete day/night functionality and 24/7 video recording in outdoor, low-light environments. By incorporating an IR illuminator designed specifically for outdoor operation, the IR camera consumes less that 1/10th the power of an industry
"More importantly, it has helped reduce loss and crime" |
standard IP camera. Powered by solar energy and an internal, long-life lithium battery, the MicroPower solution yields continuous operation for up to five days on a single charge. Furthermore, it is designed with a smaller footprint in mind — reducing the solar panel size to 1.2 feet and providing a more aesthetic installation.
DDA has deployed the MicroPower solution at a construction site in Greater Boston to serve as a deterrent against theft and provide evidentiary support in the event of a crime or accident. “Overall, we’ve been extremely pleased with the solution and the ability to move it easily from place to place,” said Davis. “More importantly, it has helped reduce loss and crime. Video captured from the cameras has resulted in the positive identification of thieves.” Furthermore, the platform has been extremely cost effective while helping DDA tap into new opportunities in a growing market segment.
“To protect a construction site, we estimated it would cost upwards of $50,000 with a traditional surveillance package to gain the functionality we have with the MicroPower system,” he said. “Not only do we have the opportunity to introduce new surveillance option to our customers, but we are doing so at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions. At the same time, we are enabling new areas of growth for our business.”
Also, because of the system’s flexibility, performance and reliability, it will allow for installation in a variety of diverse environments and settings. Davis noted that overall, the MicroPower platform ”is a solid investment, and will come in handy for future projects and activities in the near future.”