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Mission

KDL Trans is a family-owned company, founded in 1991 by Marc De Laet, which specializes in the transportation of IT equipment. The company is located in Vilvoorde, Belgium, and has 113 employees, 100 vehicles and a warehouse of 11,000 m2. KDL Trans handles the distribution
and/or warehousing and installation of computer equipment ranging from mini computers up to servers.

The company’s clients range from large computer manufacturers to consumers and government agencies. Due to the storage and distribution of expensive equipment from this site, the company has often been the victim of burglaries and theft. This not only resulted in losses from stolen equipment and a feeling of insecurity, it also had a direct, adverse effect on their customers’ trust in them.

In response to the situation, in 2004 the company hired a security company and installed a number of analog indoor cameras. The permanent surveillance in the parking area resulted in a high monthly cost. When KDL Trans moved to its current location in 2010, the company wanted to completely overhaul its security system. The new system had to be able to detect potential burglars before a security breach took place.

Solution

To secure the company’s building of 100x75m2, KDL Trans chose 8 thermal Axis network cameras, recommended by integrator ESSC. Two types of cameras were to be installed: 6 AXIS Q1910-E and 2 AXIS Q1921-E Thermal Network Cameras. Both are outdoor models that are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Since KDL Trans was looking for a permanent, 24/7 surveillance solution, thermal cameras proved to be the most efficient solution. These cameras can discern people and objects even if it is completely dark. Furthermore, it was the most cost-efficient solution for KDL Trans because all they needed was 8 thermal cameras to cover the full perimeter of the building. Also, Axis partner Agent VI
intelligently enabled video analysis to prevent false alarms. Milestone, also an Axis partner, provided video management software for simpler image management.

“The Axis thermal cameras are the ideal solution for permanent surveillance of our company’s building under all lighting conditions. By installing each camera in a strategic location, we were also able to cover the entire perimeter of the building with only 8 cameras. Now, we feel much safer and more secure and so do all our customers.” Jurgen De Laet, Operations Manager with KDL Trans N.V..

Result

No incidents have occurred since the Axis cameras were installed. The thermal cameras provide management the most effective solution for securing the entire company building. Early and quick detection is possible thanks to the perimeter that the thermal cameras create around the company’s building. Potential burglars do not stand a chance to cause any damage to the building itself.
Furthermore, KDL Trans no longer requires the services of a security company; therefore, the associated high security costs are no longer necessary. And, probably the most important result of all: Customers have much more faith in the company now.

Increased sense of security

Servers and computers are expensive. KDL Trans was often the victim of burglaries. In 2002, burglars broke in and caused a huge amount of damage to the company’s building. Even worse, customers realized at that time that KDL Trans was vulnerable. Customers send auditors to the company each month to report back on the company’s security status. A contract relies heavily on this audit report. Toon Eeckelaert with ESSC said, “Increasing customers’ sense of security was a top priority for KDL Trans
from the very beginning. The thermal cameras are the perfect answer to this. Potential burglars are detected by the thermal cameras as soon as they try to pass through the perimeter surrounding the building. An alert is then transmitted to the alarm center where personnel evaluate the images and contact the police right away if necessary. Previously, action could only be taken once burglars were inside, whereby valuable time was lost.”

Cost-efficient solution

KDL Trans asked ESSC to come up with a solution that not only provided effective security, but that was cost-efficient, too. The company wanted to get rid of its existing security service and it also wanted to integrate its existing analog indoor cameras into a security system. Toon Eeckelaert said, “We have successfully come up with the optimum solution for about the same amount of money, only our solution offers much more added value.”

With 8 thermal cameras, the whole building is covered under all lighting conditions. The AXIS Q1910-E and AXIS Q1921-E Network Cameras are easy to install with a minimum of cables using power over Ethernet. That made a big difference in excavation work.”

Advantages of IP

KDL Trans consciously chose IP-based Axis cameras. These cameras have better image quality and the images can be stored on the network for up to 30 days. Furthermore, the network and the server set up for this purpose can also be used for business purposes, with KDL Trans’ PCs and telephones connected to them. Due to video compression technology, which both thermal cameras support, less bandwidth is needed and storage requirements are reduced to 80%. Therefore, there is no fear of overloading the network.

Video analysis and administration

A big advantage of the thermal cameras installed at KDL Trans is their capability to detect a breach to the perimeter right away. Close collaboration with the alarm center is crucial to ensure no time is lost. Agent VI video analysis software has been integrated in the thermal cameras to prevent false alarms. This software allows the alarm center to determine whether it is a real burglary or a false alarm. The cameras are also equipped with access control so that there is no alarm when employees enter the perimeter. Milestone, an Axis partner specialized in management software, was called in to make the whole system easy to manage.