Last year, according to a U. S. government report, physical attacks on U. S. critical infrastructure increased by 71 percent. Whether it’s manufacturing, processing or energy production, business continuity is paramount. However, the alarming accumulation of physical attacks targeting those facilities, which may simply be theft or damage to expensive appliances, jeopardizes availability.
When it comes to protecting those facilities against attacks, a variety of features are implemented, from video surveillance systems to 24-hour security guards. However, CCTV security installations generally concentrate on “within the perimeter” coverage and lack the necessary elements to act as a deterrent. This is being converted into new mobile security trailers, which feature complex artificial intelligence (AI) tracking functions that can especially enhance the success of on-site security. In addition, those intelligent systems also result in improved operational efficiency.
In addition to the accumulation of criminal activities aimed at commercial operations, there is a lack of law enforcement at the national level. This can potentially increase reaction times and put further pressure on safety practices.
Related to this issue, the arrival of mobile safety trailers presents a timely opportunity to proactively detect potential safety threats before they become more serious situations.
Mobile safety trailers, which in recent years have not been uncommon in advertising car parks, are increasingly used in the field of advertisements. These systems, which consist of a trailer armed with high-definition cameras connected to an extendable mast and powered via solar panels, can be deployed and temporarily configured in minutes. They can also be repositioned as risk profiles change.
Mobile protective trailers are new, but complex data analytics are changing the way those smart systems work and enabling a more effective technique to protect a facility.
The trend in the commercial sector is reminiscent of the supervisory practices of the retail sector. While it was once standard to install many cameras inside stores, now corporations also need to monitor the activities of Americans within the perimeter of the parking lot or on access issues before even entering the premises.
The latest AI-based generation gives companies the ability to continuously track their projects, other people, assets and the environment in real time. This can include identifying whether someone is brandishing a weapon or not, which is now imaginable thanks to complex AI systems. These systems can also alert vehicles, other people and motorcycles, as well as detect smoke and fire, which are always a fear in a commercial facility.
For business operations, preventing a potential attack, theft or damage to assets is a genuine concern; However, it is the potential loss of availability or business continuity that leads operators to deploy more safety trailers to their properties.
For example, there is a recent incident with a commercial appliance operator who owned a remote facility with some of his assets located. When the thieves arrived in an attempt to steal electronic loads worth thousands of dollars, complex analyses detected the intruder before he entered the property, and then the virtual surveillance team took over, coordinating with the visitor team on site to proactively stop the bad actor, preventing crimes and possible losses.
It’s not a small sum, but after discussing the effect of the potential theft, the operator estimated that the six-figure loss would have been minimal compared to the production loss of the rig that was due to start painting the following week.
Electronic devices have been reordered, manufactured and then shipped from overseas. This represents a turnaround time of approximately 4 to five months. If those electronic devices had been stolen, the entire platform would have been out of service and the operator would not have been able to fulfill its contract.
The way in which security surveillance caravans are deployed contrasts sharply with that of classic video surveillance systems that were built and designed to be constant installations that integrate with the environment.
Deterrence is the number one defense against potential security threats. Traditional CCTV cameras serve as passive observers, but with the advent of cellular protection trailers, the scenario is different.
These trailers are highly visible and send a transparent message that they are actively tracking the area. The goal is to raise awareness of their presence, making sure that potential criminals do not engage in illicit activities.
Popular deterrent features come with motion-activated strobe lighting fixtures and speakers that can announce that police or security have been alerted to someone’s presence. At the same time, those features integrated into the trailer kick in and an alert is sent to a central tracking center. where professionals take control of AI. They can then temporarily review the incident and viable next steps in real time.
These next steps are custom designed for each facility and would possibly involve contact with security guards, local police or visitor representatives.
Beyond the undeniable safety, AI systems in complex surveillance trailers can also deliver operational efficiency. For example, it can be as undeniable as reducing congestion due to simultaneous deliveries. It can also be a thermal mapping of activities to replace operational workflows.
Some job sites only need an extra pair of eyes to detect environmental exposures, spills, or appliance failures. These complex systems are not limited to fighting theft or vandalism. In fact, they are a second pair of eyes and ears. PPE compliance can also be monitored by protective tracking trailers.
In addition, cellular tracking trailers offer another notable advantage: the ability to temporarily change them in case of a maintenance problem. For corporations with operating facilities strategically located throughout the country, the immediate replacement of trailers with high-end, commercial-grade cameras. Software infrastructure is possible. To ensure maximum availability, some protection tracking trailer operators now also conduct a daily virtual “pulse check” on each and every formula of their extensive fleet across the country to ensure uninterrupted operation.
This could involve determining whether a unit is charging properly, whether the batteries are working optimally, and whether the cameras and formula are working and free of visual obstructions. If a formula does not work correctly, it is a possible point of failure that will need to be proactively controlled.
Another common point of failure is attachment. Trailers deserve to be able to connect to more than just cellular service. This is a clever explanation for why locate a surveillance and protection trailer provider that can use multiple operators, as well as low-Earth orbit satellites and point-to-point connections for redundancies. It also allows users to log in from anywhere and log into the facility through a secure portal.
There is a constant demand for protective equipment, whether in times of prosperity or in times of adversity. During peak periods, corporations look to have tracking systems ready to manage projects and reduce the workload of their staff.
However, in difficult times, incidents of theft and loss of appliances tend to increase, making security measures even more essential. The safety factor is a persistent fear that cannot be overlooked, regardless of market conditions.
About the author: Cameron Simon, senior vice president of industrial products, technology and services, Stallion Infrastructure Services, a leader in cellular security, video surveillance and communications services. Senior Vice President, Industry, Technology and Services Previously, Cameron served as Senior Vice President of Industry and Technology from 2022 to 2023. In this role, he was instrumental in launching product and service offerings and driving them from entry-level to profitability, each delivering double-digit year-over-year earnings growth.
From 2019 to 2022, Cameron served as Vice President of Product and Technology, driving product innovation across Stallion’s business operations. During this time, he effectively introduced and incorporated many additional products and services, while building the leadership groups that supported marketing, operation, and expansion. of those lines of business.