Guest Editorial by Cameron Simon, Senior Vice President of Industrials, Technology & Services for Stallion Infrastructure Services

Last year, there was a 71% increase in physical attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure, according to a U.S. government report. Whether manufacturing, processing, or energy production, operational continuity is paramount.

Yet, the alarming increase in the number of physical attacks that target these facilities – which could include theft or damage to expensive equipment – is putting uptime in jeopardy.

When protecting these facilities from an attack, a range of options, from CCTV systems to 24-hour security guards, are often deployed. However, CCTV security installations have typically focused on “inside the perimeter” protection and often lack the teeth needed to be a deterrent.

That is changing with new mobile security trailers, loaded with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring capabilities, which can greatly expand the scope of on-site security. Plus, these smart systems are also proving to add operational efficiencies.

(For example, the Mobile Vehicle Surveillance System (MVSS) platform from 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Champion PureTech Systems – utilizes the company’s Award-Winning PureActiv software as its central command and control, providing AI-enhanced video detection and classification, user interface display, and sensor collaboration logic for the surveillance suite. The suite comprises visible and thermal cameras, laser illuminators, and range finders mounted on telescoping masts in commercial pickup trucks. PureActiv software enables detecting and classifying intruders up to 6 miles away. It can also automatically track them and quickly provide the end user with accurate intruder locations on a GIS map. Courtesy of PureTech Systems and YouTube.)

On top of the surge in criminal activities targeting industrial operations is the nationwide shortage of law enforcement. This can increase response times and pressure facilities to fortify their security practices.

As a solution to this issue, the introduction of mobile security trailers presents a timely opportunity to proactively detect potential security threats before they escalate into more severe situations.

Smart Security

Mobile security trailers, which have become common in retail parking lots in recent years, are now increasingly the go-to equipment for industrial operations.

Made up of a trailer armed with high-definition cameras attached to an extendable mast and powered by solar panels, these systems can be quickly deployed and set up in minutes.

They can also be repositioned as threat profiles change.

Mobile security trailers are not new, but sophisticated data analytics is changing how these intelligent systems operate and is enabling a more efficient approach to securing a facility.

The current trend in the industrial sector is reminiscent of the retail industry’s surveillance and monitoring practices.

While it has been customary to install numerous cameras inside stores, businesses are now equally keen on monitoring the activities of individuals in the parking lot perimeter or access points before they even enter the premises.

The latest AI-enabled technology allows businesses to have real-time, continuous monitoring of their projects, people, assets, and environment. This may include identifying whether or not someone is brandishing a weapon, which is now possible with advanced AI systems.

These systems can also alert on vehicles, people, and motorcycles as well as spot smoke and fire – which are always a concern at an industrial facility.

Uptime

Stopping a potential attack, theft, or property damage is a real concern for industrial operations. Yet, the potential loss of uptime or business continuity keeps operators pushing out more security trailers onto their properties.

For example, there was a recent incident involving an industrial equipment operator with a remote facility with some of their assets staged.

When thieves came in attempting to steal some electronics valued at several hundred thousand dollars, advanced analytics detected the intruder before he entered the property.

The virtual guard monitoring team took over, coordinating with the on-site customer team to proactively apprehend the bad actor, preventing crime and potential losses.

No small amount, but after discussing the impact of the potential theft, the operator estimated that the 6-figure loss would have paled compared to the lost production of the rig set to begin work the following week.

The electronics would have had to be re-ordered, manufactured, and shipped from overseas. That’s about a four-to-five-month turnaround. If those electronics had been stolen, the entire rig would have been out of work, and the operator would not be able to fulfill his contract.

Deterrence

How security monitoring trailers are rolled out is in stark contrast to traditional CCTV built and designed to be fixed installations that often blend into the surroundings.

Deterrence is the primary defense against potential security threats. Traditional CCTV cameras often act as passive observers, but the situation is different with the introduction of mobile security trailers.

These highly visible trailers convey that they are actively monitoring the area. The aim is to make people aware of their presence, ensuring that potential wrongdoers are discouraged from committing illicit activities.

Popular deterrent features include motion-activated strobe lights and talk-down speakers that announce that police or security has been alerted to someone’s presence.

At the same time, those on-trailer features take action, and an alert gets sent to a central monitoring center where trained professionals take over for AI. They can then quickly review the incident and determine actionable next steps in real time.

Those next steps are typically customized for each facility and may include contacting security guards, local police, or customer representatives.

Operations

Beyond just security, the AI systems on the advanced monitoring trailers can also provide operational efficiencies. For example, it could be as simple as alleviating congestion from multiple deliveries that occur at the same time.

It can also be heat mapping of activities to change operational workflows.

Some job sites need an extra set of eyes out there looking out for environmental exposures, spills, or failures on a piece of equipment. These advanced systems are not limited to just anti-theft or anti-vandalism. They are truly a second set of eyes and ears out there.

PPE compliance can also be managed by security monitoring trailers.

In addition, mobile monitoring trailers offer another notable advantage: the ability to exchange them in case of maintenance issues swiftly. For companies with strategically positioned nationwide operational facilities, quick replacement of trailers with high-end commercial-grade cameras and software infrastructure is possible.

To ensure maximum uptime, some security monitoring trailer operators are now conducting a daily virtual “pulse check” on each system within its extensive nationwide fleet to guarantee uninterrupted operation.

This can include determining whether a unit is charging adequately if the batteries are working optimally, and if the cameras and the system are working and free of visual obstructions. If a system is not working properly, that’s a potential failure point that needs to be proactively managed.

Another common failure point is connectivity. Trailers should be able to connect with more than just a single cellular service. This is a good reason to find a security monitoring trailer provider that can use multiple carriers, low-earth orbiting satellites, and point-to-point connections for redundancies.

This also allows users to log in from anywhere and check in on the facility through a secured portal.

There is a consistent demand for security equipment during times of prosperity and adversity. During busy times, companies seek to acquire surveillance systems to manage multiple projects and alleviate the burden on their staff.

However, during tough times, theft and equipment loss incidents tend to increase, making security measures all the more essential. Hence, the issue of security is a persistent concern that cannot be overlooked, regardless of market conditions.

For more information, visit StallionIS.com, call (713) 258-5544 or email Sales@stallionis.com.

About the Author

A veracious learner with a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Cameron Simon, SVP for Stallion Infrastructure Services, aims to continually grow Stallion’s offering by providing new, innovative technology solutions that are designed to benefit our customers, communities, and the environment.

As the Vice President of Products and Technology for Stallion and StallionRents and Director of STARCOMM, SIMETRY, and Kubco, he approaches technology from a business perspective by collaborating with his team, working alongside them internally and in the field to develop the most productive, technology efficient solutions.

Simon leads from the front line, visiting sites and developing customer relationships to identify new growth opportunities associated with emerging technology. 

His prior experience has allowed him to see first-hand the existing pain points. It has driven Simon to strategize, improve, and create new solutions in each of Stallion’s subsidiary brands, allowing clients to gain greater productivity, increase operational effectiveness, and generate savings.

Related Technologies…

PureTech Systems Wins Big in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

 

PureTech Systems (First of Six)

Best Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Solution (Tie)

• PureActiv

• PureTech Systems product solutions deliver a fully integrated, automated outdoor wide-area and perimeter protection system that delivers among the highest probability of detection at the lowest nuisance alarm rates.

• PureTech was recently issued a patent for nuisance alarm reduction in central monitoring operations. 

• PureActiv’s Auto-verify feature ensures only detections that are AI verified as targets of interest are alarmed upon, eliminating up to 95% of nuisance alarms. Additionally, PureActiv integrates with GPS for blue force (friend/foe) classification and tracking to aid interdictions.

• This extensible solution enables organizations to start small and expand the system capabilities as time and budgets permit, making PureTech a trusted leader in securing the most critical perimeters and borders.

(PureActiv Auto-Verify only alarms on AI-verified targets of interest, eliminating up to 95% of nuisance alarms from motion analytics, fence sensors, radars, and other perimeter sensors, providing a superior level of security for your facility, infrastructure, and border. Courtesy of Puretech Systems and YouTube.)

 

PureTech Systems (Second of Six)

Best Long Range Surveillance Solution Protection Solution

• PureActiv

  • Controlling national borders is an important part of a nation’s security, and the ability to effectively monitor vast areas in varied weather conditions and terrain, while accurately identifying potential threats at great distances is a complicated scenario.

• The solution calls for knowledgeable personnel and accurate sensors that work together to quickly assess a situation and enable border agents to effectively intervene.

• Ideal for Border Security, the PureActiv Automated Perimeter Intrusion Detection System enables detection, and classification of intruders up to 6 miles away.

• Once PureActiv automatically identifies an intruder, the system has the ability to automatically track them and quickly provide accurate intruder location on a GIS map to the end-user.

(The MVSS platform utilizes PureTech Systems’ PureActiv software as its central command and control, providing AI enhanced video detection and classification, user interface display, and sensor collaboration logic for the surveillance suite. The suite consists of visible and thermal cameras, laser illuminators and range finders mounted on telescoping masts located in the back of commercial pickup trucks. Courtesy of Fox 5, PureTech Systems, and YouTube.)

 

PureTech Systems (Third of Six)

Best Maritime Perimeter Protection Solution

• PureActiv

• Our nation and the world depend on the safe and efficient shipment of goods around the globe.

• Threats to seaports and the resultant potential loss of lives and economic losses due to service interruptions make it imperative that seaports worldwide are properly protected from terrorist and safety-related events.

• PureTech’s PureActiv wide area and perimeter protection solutions help Port Authorities improve the safety and security of seaports with a tangible return on investment, and automates the protection of land and water-side perimeters to help ensure the safety and security of personnel and critical assets.

• By detecting intrusion events at the perimeter before they result in more catastrophic events, loss of life, and operational downtime, port authorities, and law enforcement can intervene to deescalate situations and quickly return to normal operations. 

• The PureActiv system provides detection, alerting, and proactive deterring of potential safety and security events, which helps protect lives, cargo, and critical assets.

 

PureTech Systems (Fourth of Six)

Best Video Analytics Solution

• PureActiv

• With almost 20  years of progressively sophisticated successful deployments, and continuous innovation, including 16 issued patents, PureTech Systems‘ patented geospatial AI video analytics provide users with the best-in-class probability of detection with the lowest false alarm rates for autonomously securing perimeters around facilities, infrastructures, and borders. 

• Key benefits of PureActiv AI Deep Learning Geospatial Video Analytics include:

• Automatically detects, classifies, geolocates, tracks and alarms only on Objects of Interest.

  

• Lower total cost of ownership when considering infrastructure cost and maintenance,

• Effective in the most challenging of outdoor conditions.

• Uses Convolutional, Neural Network Deep Learning, and Geo-spatial data for high-fidelity classification.

• Longest detection ranges in the industry (over 5 miles), requiring fewer cameras.

• Higher accuracy – Industry-leading Probability of Detection and low Nuisance Alarm Rate.

• Simplified configurations support rapid deployment.

• Image Stabilization, and Autonomous PTZ camera lock-on-target tracking enhances situational awareness.

• Object geo-location on map enhances situational awareness.

• Combines with other detection sensors (radar, fence, ground, etc.) for most demanding applications such as nuclear power plants.

• Seamless integration with market-leading VMS systems including Genetec,  Milestone, PureActiv AlertView, and others.

• Easily scales to fit your needs today and tomorrow.

• Camera agnostic- deploys on edge devices and/or servers.

 

PureTech Systems (Fifth of Six)

Best Mobile Surveillance ISR Solution

• PureActiv Rapid-Deploy Autonomous Perimeter Surveillance System

• Scalable to small and large perimeters, the Rapid-Deploy Autonomous Perimeter Surveillance System (R-DAPSS) provides a temporary or permanent virtual perimeter protection system that requires very little deployment time. The smart and effective protection system uses a wireless connection to transmit alarms and video to a co-located or remote command and control center.
  

• The R-DAPSS is equipped with PureTech’s patented AI and geospatially boosted video analytics, PureActiv, which provides among the highest probability of detection while maintaining near-zero nuisance alarms.

(PureTech’s PureActiv Rapid-Deploy Autonomous Perimeter Surveillance System enables airports, borders, military bases, seaports, transit agencies, and utilities to quickly deploy a temporary or permanent high-fidelity virtual perimeter system at substantially less cost and time than a hard-wired solution. The PureActiv R-DAPSS provides the same best-in-class level of perimeter intrusion detection, auto-verification, and automated deterrence as a hard wired-solution. Security and facility managers can now secure their perimeters quickly without planning and executing a large construction project. Courtesy of Puretech Systems and YouTube.)

• The R-DAPSS is solar-powered, needing little to no backup fuel, thus providing an environmentally friendly protection system that does not require ground penetration and has little to no impact on local wildlife.

 

PureTech Systems (Sixth of Six)

Best Perimeter Protection System

• PureActiv

• PureTech Systems product solutions deliver a fully integrated automated outdoor wide-area and perimeter protection system with the highest probability of detection and lowest nuisance alarm rates for securing facilities, infrastructure, and borders. 

PureActiv integrates with a vast array of short- and long-range perimeter sensors such as radar, buried or on-fence fiber detection systems, and ground sensors either singularly or combining them to provide just the right level of protection to cost-effectively meet the most secure perimeter requirements.

(PureActiv’s deep-learning trained automated perimeter protection system includes intrusion detection, auto-verification, PTZ Auto-follow, and invoking non-lethal acoustic deterrents. Our enhanced capabilities detect, geolocate, classify and track intrusions, alerting only on verified threats ensuring near-zero nuisance alarms with market-leading detection rates. Courtesy of Puretech Systems and YouTube.)

• PureActiv is also successfully integrated with short and long-range Counter-UAS capabilities and simultaneously detects, tracks, and identifies land and aerial targets. In addition, the system offers automatic drone dispatch and flight to alarm locations. The system provides a bird’s eye view of the intruder and intrusion situation.
  

• PureActiv boasts of some of the longest detection ranges in the industry (over 5 miles), which reduces system infrastructure; thereby lowering the total cost of ownership.

• Combining of tracks from multiple radars and PureActiv AI Video Analytics, eliminates duplicate tracks on the GIS map and alarms from the same intrusion events; reducing clutter and improving situational awareness. Similarly, PureActiv Auto-verify feature ensures only detections that are AI verified as targets of interest are alarmed upon, eliminating up to 95% of nuisance alarms.

• Additionally, PureActiv integrates with GPS for blue force (friend/foe) classification and tracking to aid interdictions and Team Awareness Kit for Android (ATAK) – providing enhanced situational awareness to security personnel by enabling the exchange of actionable information with central command and law enforcement personnel on the ground. This extensible solution enables organizations to start small and expand the system capabilities as time and budgets permit, making PureTech a trusted leader in securing the most critical perimeters and borders.

• PureTech was also recognized as a Multi-‘ASTORS’ Awards Champion in the 2021, and 2018 Homeland Security Awards Programs.