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CCTV and control in the workplace

Businesses, ranging from large retail developments to labour intensive SMMEs can benefit from the use of CCTV. MS International, a local distributor of electronic security equipment in South Africa, has realised this need and made this technology available to the market.

According to the company, the most advanced CCTV systems use super motion image compression technology (SMICT) as an image compression engine, the proprietary digital image technology can be used in video storage or video communication. The use of SMICT means that data can be saved for a long period of time where storage space is at a premium without compromising the integrity of the image captured.

Furthermore, the use of intelligent image motion detection (IIMD) allows the system to detect image changes/movement in areas that are being monitored. When motion occurs the CCTV will trigger to record the image, if the area remains static, the system will not process any recording. This means a saving on storage space on a hard disk and facilitates an expanded recording time when limited hard disk space is available.

Masking

Using the mask specific surveillance areas function enables the user to mask up to three specific areas such as a door, window or safe box on the screen. In conjunction with the IIMD the sensitivity of the system can be adjusted and if there are no changes then the image will not be recorded although this is up to each individual user.

In the multimasked areas during motion, CCTV technology will detect movement and, if required, trigger the alarm functions. Once triggered, the system can then emit a warning sound or inform the remote sites by telephone or pager through PSTN. The system will register disturbances and events into a log table for review and retrieval at a later stage.

Remote monitoring is possible from one or more locations or using bi-direction monitors, this allows users to view, record and 'snap-shot' the site through the use of PSTN. LAN or the Internet. This can be further extended to multiple remote sites and multiple cameras via LAN or the Internet.

Benefits

Overall, the CCTV system is capable of recording images off 16 cameras, playing back multiple files, remote monitoring, recording multiple sites, capturing images and be monitored by other remote sites.

Benefits to companies include the prevention of property crime, employee theft (ranked the number one commercial security concern in 1998 as reported by Security magazine) and the prevention of violence in the workplace. Management also becomes much easier as the presence of CCTV maintains employees' work efficiency without supervisor's presence and business activity can be monitored remotely.

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