In this case study, we take a look at how PGP Operating LLC turned to Vulcan Security Systems for a better−and more cost effective−solution to secure its business premises and property. A video edition is available below.
The Key Takeaway
The installation will more than pay for itself within a year in cost savings, compared to what we were paying for security before.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
PGP Operating LLC is an oil-and-gas producer with wells and related production operations sites located across Tuscaloosa and Walker Counties in West Alabama.
The Challenge: Security Guards Could Not Prevent Equipment Theft
General Superintendent Mike Bretzke began looking for an alternative to human security guards after a theft incident that occurred despite the presence of the on-duty security personnel.
“We had been paying security officers for night and weekend surveillance,” Bretzke explained in an October 2019 interview.
Something was stolen while the guards were on duty and that led Bretzke to consider switching to a video-first security approach.
We thought we would get better coverage of the area to be secured, and better security protection, using a camera-based system.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
Online research led Bretzke to Vulcan Security Systems and this website. Here you can find customer case studies (like this one) and explainer articles about a range of IP video security applications and technology.
I discovered they’d done remote applications similar to what we needed, so I called Jason, and he came out for a site visit. Jason knew the products well and understood the appropriate applications for PGP’s security needs.
Mike Bretzke, PGP Operating
Site Visit and Needs Assessment
It’s the standard practice of Vulcan Security System to do an on-site visit as part of the security needs assessment. The on-site visit and needs assessment provide the foundation for a system design proposal and quote. We have a comprehensive guide to the needs assessment process in a separate article and video presentation on conducting a video security needs assessment.
The PGP Proposal
Vulcan Security Systems recommended that PGP install a number of Mobotix M16 thermal cameras with dual sensor optical and thermal lenses.
PGP accepted this recommendation and the Mobotix system was installed in line with the system design proposal. PGP also purchased an event-based monitoring package using VSS’s off-premises monitoring station.
I’ve been impressed with the thermal technology and how the cameras can operate in no and low light situations. I had no prior experience with thermal cameras. I wasn’t specifically looking for thermals when we called Jason, but he knew what would work for our application needs.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
About the Mobotix M16 Thermal Cameras
Mobotix dual sensor M16 cameras enable both thermal and traditional visual monitoring by a single camera.
The 6 megapixel optical lenses produce high-definition visual images that can be monitored remotely, as a separate image or configured as an overlay on the thermal image generated simultaneously by the thermal lens.
Cameras like the Mobotix M16 are equipped with thermal sensors that read temperature distributions to detect the presence of people, animals, or inantimate objects that emit thermal radiation.
Thermal cameras are programmed to alert the monitoring station when the thermal sensor detects a defined heat signal, even in low and no-light situations where an optical lens might not detect the presence of a possible intruder.
As noted above, since the Mobotix M16 cameras also have optical lenses, the monitoring station can simultaneously view both the heat signal area and the optical image for the same field of vision covered by a particular camera.
The dual system can also be configured to allow for an overlay of the thermal onto the visual to make it easier to pinpoint exactly where the heat signal is being detected. The thermal sensor can be configured to only display thermal signatures above a certain temperature threshold to make it easier to detect only the “hotspots” in the field of view.
Thermal cameras can help to reduce the number of false alarms that can occur when passing shadows from cloud cover, moonlight and blowing leaves might trigger the motion sensors used by purely optical cameras to generate alerts.
The Mobotix dual-lens thermal cameras also allow for separate programming of the thermal vs. optical lenses to trigger alerts in different contexts.
Event-Based Monitoring
The PGP Operating set-up incudes an event-based monitoring package.
Each camera is programmed to generate alerts based on defined parameters relevant to the location and security objectives.
Alert notifications are automatically sent by the camera to the monitoring station and designated company personnel (if any), as programmed. The level of response is governed by the response protocols established by PGP Operating.
The System Is Working As Designed
So far, PGP Operating is very pleased with their investment in the Mobotix security camera system designed and installed by Vulcan Security Systems−in terms of both performance AND price-to-value.
System Performance
We’ve had no incidents since installation. [The cameras] have done what we wanted them to do. No issues at all.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
Price-to-Value
The cost savings have been significant. It really moved the needle and it wasn’t a small installation. The installation will more than pay for itself within a year in cost savings, compared to what we were paying for security before.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
Post Installation Service
In addition to the event-based monitoring services, PGP opted to take advantage of the optional post-installation service package offered by Vulcan Security Systems. Under this program, VSS checks the cameras on the system periodically to make sure they are online and operational and updates firmware.
We’ve had no need for any service calls after the system was installed and tested. They know we have a problem before we do.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
What Distinguished VSS from the Competitors?
When asked what factor prompted PGP Operating to choose Vulcan Security System over other prospective vendors, Bretzke cited the combination of knowledge and understanding of business needs.
Jason knew the products well and understood the appropriate applications for PGP’s security needs.
Mike Bretzke, General Superintendent, PGP Operating LLC
Vulcan Security Systems aims to be a value-added business partner and to grow with its customers.
We are a value-added business partner delivering business security solutions. Our entire business philosophy and operational approach is built on the foundation of service to our clients. We’re not just looking to sell you a security camera system−we want a business relationship and we want to help our customers continue to succeed and grow.
Jason Maddox, President, Vulcan Security Systems
About Vulcan Security Systems LLC
Based in Birmingham, Vulcan Security Systems provides IP video security solutions for businesses, industrial operations, and commercial properties. VSS has clients across the state of Alabama and is now expanding its service areas.
If your business is looking to add or redesign a video security system, contact VSS today for a free initial consultation.
Phone: 205.290.9404
