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Remote rail security

SCT Transport is a privately owned ­logistics business formed in 1974 and was the first company to break the century-old government monopoly of the interstate rail network in Australia.

Its success is attributable to a willingness to embrace technology and innovation, in addition to its commitment to quality and service standards.

SCT Transport facilities are spread over vast areas and as such are prone to theft, both internal and external. The company had a major problem with preloaded pallets, determining what was on them or what should have been on them. There were times when pallets were found to be missing or damaged, causing disputes and unhappy customers.

Management knew there was a problem but was unsure how to address it as stock can potentially travel through three depots before arriving at its final destination. The issue was a complex one.

With the expertise of Australian Security Rentals, a CCTV installation company based in Melbourne, Australia, it developed a solution that serves as an effective management tool for monitoring of all sites and assets from a central location.

The company installed several of Vision Systems' Adpro range of security products. This included a FastTrace video security system, Pro PIR (passive infrared) detectors and video central monitoring software. These were completely integrated with PTZ and fixed cameras, electric fencing, alarm and an access control system.

The interactive maps available in the Adpro Video Central software enable a simple and informative review of remote sites when required, without necessitating an intricate knowledge of each site across Australia.

Using the Adpro security system, SCT can now trace freight from start to finish of its journey across Australia. The SCT security system takes snapshots of all trucks entering and exiting the premises via a Pro PIR detector triggering a PTZ camera, which is normally on a guard tour of the car parks and general facility. All licence number plates and containers are recorded should the need arise to review the shipment. Disputes over a missing pallet or claims of supposed pallet pilfering or damage have been eliminated as there is evidential-quality video to provide proof of what happened to the freight whilst it was with SCT. Being able to review incoming loads from other transport companies allows SCT to be fully aware of what the load looked like on arrival and before it left from its depot to the next depot.

During office hours SCT conducts its own internal monitoring of the day-to-day events, operations and the general management of distribution and warehousing facilities. After hours, monitoring of the sites automatically swings over to Australian Security Rentals' 'VideoControlRoom'. This state-of-the-art monitoring centre in Melbourne monitors all SCT facilities across Australia each night.

The 'Video Control Room' has total control of each site. Operators conduct regular electronic guard tours, open gates and turn off light switches as required.

Adpro products are available locally from CMT Trading.

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