Hikvision’s off-grid video surveillance system secures Ontario Car Dealership

A security system provided by Hikvision USA Inc., global provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, and supplier of video surveillance products and solutions, was installed by Hikvision integrator OGSP (Off Grid Surveillance Platforms) to secure a building during the remodeling process for Ajax Hyundai in Ontario, Canada.

Hikvision video security solution

Ajax Hyundai in Ontario, part of the Drive Auto Group in Canada, had plans to renovate a building down the street from its original location and rebrand the dealership. In the process of reconstruction, walls were opened, and wires were cut, and the building lost electricity.

While under construction, the building housed new, unsold vehicles and expensive construction equipment. The renovation process left the interior contents of the dealership vulnerable to theft during the construction process. As a result, Ajax Hyundai needed a surveillance solution that could function independently from the electric grid.

Off-grid Video surveillance system We have a long working relationship with OGSP, so when we required surveillance during construction, we knew exactly who to call"

“We have a long working relationship with OGSP, so when we required surveillance during construction, we knew exactly who to call,” said Sean Harris, general manager for Ajax Hyundai. “I have four Hikvision dome cameras installed at my home [that are] paired with Hikvision DVRs, so I’m familiar with the video quality of Hikvision surveillance systems. It’s the unique installation from OGSP that left many of our employees astounded by the engineering feat,” he added.

This type of installation is OGSP’s expertise – surveillance systems that operate off the electrical grid using the sun to power video surveillance and live monitoring equipment.

“There is a big issue in Canada with people trying to steal cable at construction sites and hydro installations, and people will harm themselves because there are live wires. To counter this problem, preventing injuries and even death, and reducing construction site theft, I devised a more diverse system providing greater power with reliable, real-time monitoring, via third parties and superior area coverage,” said Jeff Mcilveen, owner of OGSP.

Mobile surveillance system with panoramic coverage

The building was open for business during the interior renovation, so Ajax Hyundai needed a surveillance system to function as a theft deterrent as well as monitor employee safety and protect equipment and vehicles.

“It was important for us to have a panoramic view of the entire building and surrounding areas,” said Harris. “The off-grid surveillance platform placed the Hikvision PTZ security cameras more than 24 feet in the air, so it can capture details from many blocks away.” Harris adds that the platform looks very “official,” and therefore serves as an effective theft deterrent.

Hikvision PTZ cameras and iVMS-4200 app

Hikvision’s high resolution and PTZ features provided the dealership with live viewing and recorded video in case of an incident“The surveillance system had to generate enough solar power to operate around the clock, using stored battery power for overnight use, with a generator as a backup power source,” said Mcilveen. Hikvision’s high resolution and PTZ features provided the dealership with live viewing and recorded video in case of an incident.

The assistant service manager checks the cameras every morning when he gets in and uses Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 app to check in remotely. Staff can review recorded footage and using motion-activated lights, can determine if an event warrants further investigation.

Solar-powered video surveillance system

Off Grid Surveillance Platforms recommended and installed four Hikvision DS-2DE4A220IW-AE 2MP Network PTZ Dome Camera with 20 times optical zoom, IR Range 150 meters (~490 feet), IP66 rating and IK10 vandal protection.

The PTZ cameras were installed at the top of a 24-foot base, with one camera facing each of the four corners. “I installed the Hikvision PTZ cameras to ensure they were located in the center of a circle, to provide 360-degree coverage and full visibility,” said Mcilveen.

“The compact size of Hikvision cameras helps, and I installed the cameras to be stationary and stable even with wind resistance, offering as much coverage as possible while being able to capture details such as license plates,” he added. Hikvision cameras offer performance with compact size and weight, to balance the design.

Hikvision Plug & Play NVR Hikvision camera resolution is phenomenal, and it is easy to check in on our cameras using Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 app"

OGSP also installed a Hikvision Embedded Plug & Play NVR (model no. DS-7604NI-E1) inside of the trailers with a capacity of 3 TB to store up to one month of video recordings. “Hikvision camera resolution is phenomenal, and it is easy to check in on our cameras using Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 app,” said Harris. “Our staff was pretty impressed with the unique OGSP configuration and kept saying ‘wow, you’ve got to see this thing.”

Mcilveen added that weather posed a big challenge, with the Ontario area receiving lots of snowfall and temperatures routinely dropping as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Off-grid surveillance platform with 360-degree viewing

“I had to determine how much power the system would need, estimating downtime for winter weather, and snow on solar panels. I visited the site every few days to remove snow from the panels,” said Mcilveen. “The Hikvision PTZ cameras are weatherproof and functioned perfectly in temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius.”

Hikvision PTZ cameras offer the best details to get results, because they can be adjusted and zoom in with astonishing detail, he added. The OGSP installation provided 360-degree, panoramic surveillance that doubled as a theft deterrent, while giving the dealership the flexibility to zoom in for further detail, scan recorded video for footage, and check in remotely from Hikvision’s iVMS app via a smartphone or tablet. The system can also be live monitored by central stations 24/7 if required, trespassers can be requested to leave via active bullhorns, and police dispatch can be immediate.