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Becker monitors mines with Axis

Already an industry leader in the field of providing communications infrastructures for mines in places where other companies consider networking an impossibility, Becker Electronics is making full use of its technical leadership by adding IP-based cameras from Axis Communications to its infrastructural services.

For personnel safety as well as asset security reasons, most mines in South Africa and the world are implementing remote monitoring solutions. At the same time, most are moving past outdated CCTV cameras in favour of more versatile IP (Internet Protocol) cameras that offer more functionality and utilise existing networks, all at a lower cost.

"Becker Electronics has noted this trend and is supplementing its communications technologies, which provides for a seamless IP wireless network in the most inhospitable underground mines as well as above ground, by partnering with Axis, the global leader in IP camera technology," says Donavon Roberts, sales consultant for Becker. "We have already installed the network, now we are providing clients with the additional service of adding IP cameras and transporting video and images across the system."

Becker Electronics SA is the second largest subsidiary of Becker Mining in South Africa. Six years ago the company started designing and producing its own products and has developed globally innovative communications technologies for mines. For example, it leads the field in underground VHF and UHF communications, as well as tagging and tracking solutions.

Mines such as South Witbank Colliery and Phoenix Colliery, to name only two, have had Axis cameras installed. Due to the reliability of the Axis products, which are made in Sweden, the cameras can be installed in hard-to-get places without worrying about how technicians are going to repair them.

Roberts says one of the reasons he chose Axis cameras was because of their reliability and price. "We have perhaps had to take one in every 200 back for repairs since we started using Axis products."

Additionally, Roy Alves, Axis Communications SA's country manager adds that Axis IP cameras include functionality and technology that is far ahead of competitors. "Axis was developing IP camera technology five years before anyone else and therefore has an enormous head start on the field."

Some of the functionality includes the ability to capture 45 or more frames per second in VGA resolution as well as day/night functionality via an infrared lens. The cameras can also be set to activate only when they detect some form of movement, allowing security personnel to ignore a camera until a condition exists that needs attention.

Alves says that new technology providing for even sharper images in poor light or at night will soon be available, as will cameras with more built-in intelligence. These cameras will have the ability to better discern what is happening in their surroundings and make intelligent decisions on what action to take.

New technology will be released in the near future that reduces the bandwidth required for video streaming and still images, offering a higher quality picture while consuming fewer network resources. The camera will also be able to notify administrators via e-mail or SMS if they have been tampered with or even if they have been pointed in a different direction.

Roberts says he is additionally impressed by the web interface which allows administrators to manage every camera's settings remotely from a central control room. This feature makes configuring the cameras simple, even for those devices in remote branches or mines - as long as they are connected via TCP/IP. The software accompanying each camera is also beneficial, according to Roberts. Video or images can automatically be recorded for a set time before being erased or backed up.

Both Becker and the various mines at which it installed the devices from Axis are happy with the resulting IP camera infrastructure. The cameras provide value for money in that they are easy to use and administer, even from remote locations; and they are also reliable, enabling technicians to be used for value-adding work instead of having to waste time dealing with camera problems.

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