(BLOG: ) London, UK — Mobile network-based CCTV is often used where there is a lack of reliable internet connectivity, or an isolated camera. But now M2M security is said to be forming part of the construction design process as well.
Construction sites and fleets have been among the main users of M2M-based closed circuit television (CCTV). Construction sites have high value mobile assets during the dynamic construction stage, and are therefore exposed to changing personnel and expensive material in the same location. Fleets have customer delivery as well as the vehicle and human resource to manage. So mobile connectivity has brought M2M video surveillance to these areas of business.
In emerging economies the quickest route to connectivity has been the deployment of mobile masts and with that the capability to speed up processes and general business. This progression and growth has contributed to a construction boom in these regions as well, but as that slows does it mean the technology or application has run out of value?
One user, Bikal IP CCTV Ltd has reportedly found that the camera positioning of certain areas can change the spatial environment and to some degree the atmosphere. CCTV cameras can be deemed intimidating, ineffective, intrusive and implying mistrust.
Crime prevention design advisors are now working with construction developers to create environments that prevent crime. But this, of course, is based on historical information. “Once that decision is made the site development goes ahead. Cabling for CCTV and security is all laid out. This should be mean limited crime, right?” says a Bikal spokesperson.
Intelligence gathering
With mobile solutions in all fields it gives the opportunity to gather intelligence when an environment is perhaps new, has a change or evolves. The constant monitoring will act as a preventative measure which is more cost-efficient. Nor does the monitoring have to be human based. In fact, Bikal insists on it not being so, there needs to be an active data gathering procedure.
M2M CCTV can gather video data before having to lay a secure cable or fix a type of camera. Remembering that a certain type of housing can affect the behaviour or attitude of the people around it, why then have a fixed location pre-determined in a design?
This is where the M2M CCTV technology should be used by developers, says Bikal. Developments will have extra cabling put in generally and with IP networks there is now an easier way to add devices to a network. Whereas with analogue there would be a fresh and sometimes unsightly new cable deployed.
As usage of the cloud and smart mobile devices have grown, the need for applications to grow with them needs to be thought of in the design stages. A building solution by a developer needs to have ‘moving parts’ as such and with local and wide area connectivity this is possible. If it can improve the same space to by adapting to the time and space to prevent deficits then it will divert resources into more positive causes.
Bikal offers IP CCTV equipment for homes and small business to enterprise class solutions. Bikal provides distribution and system integration services globally, working directly with partners, engineers and system integrators to deliver reliable network CCTV systems.
