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| Hertz Corporation deploys ioimage IP-based video surveillance system |
With million-dollar inventories located in outdoor lots, rental car companies are lucrative targets for vandals and thieves looking for low-mileage vehicles and a wide choice of auto parts. The financial losses caused by the theft or destruction of even a single vehicle can be tremendous for these businesses - whether they are small, local operations or world leaders like Hertz Corporation.
As a result of criminal activities, Hertz was losing up to $1 million a year at its Lod operations center near Ben-Gurion International Airport. The 20,000 sqm site houses Hertz' garage, sales centre and offices and also serves as the company's regional service centre and distribution hub for second-hand cars.
Confronting a Host of Threats
Theft and vandalism were not the only problems. The company also had to find a way to stop unauthorized people from accessing restricted areas and curtail damage to property and vehicles caused by careless driving and parking. Hertz needed a reliable, cost effective security system that could positively identify the culprit in each case for damage control and to settle claims and receive appropriate compensation.
Hertz installed a security system comprised of infrared detectors, an inductive fence, DVR and several CCTV cameras. However, the sheer size of the site - as well as its partitioned layout and the numerous buildings it encompassed - created several dead zones, making it impossible to detect each and every security breach. In addition, the quality of live and recorded video was not up to par while frequent false alarms presented a constant headache.
Comprehensive Network Video Solution
To surmount these problems and to further enhance security, Hertz decided to upgrade to an IP-based video surveillance system. The company subsequently incorporated a series of ioimage intelligent video cameras with built-in self-sustained video analytics, multi-channel intelligent encoders using autonomous PTZ tracking and command center software featuring an ioiware NVR for 24/7 recording.
The new solution is monitoring the entire 20,000 sqm perimeter around the clock as well as sensitive indoor areas such as the entrance to the main building, after hours. Two Command Centre stations provide centralised management and system-wide command and control.
The backbone of the new system is a network of six switches located in cluster cabinets, which overcomes the 100 meter distance limitation between IP device and switch. The cameras' power supplies are also located in the cluster cabinet, eliminating the need of placing a transformer next to each camera. In addition, two sirens and a flashing projector were set up in different areas of the site. These are activated by the cameras using dry contacts programmed to alarm when a camera detects a security breach. In the event of detection after-hours, the flashing projector is turned on and the siren goes off for 20 seconds.
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| Intelligent Video Solution saves car rental giant, Hertz Corporation's $1 million a year |
Automated Surveillance Saves Money
Since installing the ioimage system, numerous security violations - including several unorthodox activities by employees - have been detected and captured on video,drastically reducing incidents of theft, vandalism and unauthorized access.
According to Nir Tamim, Security Officer at Hertz Israel, the new system has surpassed the company's expectations. "It has already proven and paid for itself by detecting several security incidents, enabling us to cut down on the number of night guards and significantly reducing false alarms," said Nir. "We are also impressed with the high quality of the video and how easy the system is to use."
Capitalizing on the success at its Lod operations center, Hertz is planning to roll out the ioimage system to four other logistic sites throughout the country.
