Video security cameras offer much more than physical surveillance capabilities.
In this article we guide you through the many applications for IP video security cameras from Mobotix—our preferred camera technology provider.
Article Focus: Security Camera Applications Across Multiple Industry Sectors
We will categorize these applications into specific industry sectors to further demonstrate the value of taking a broader perspective of camera uses for business operations.
- Small Airports, Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), Corporate Landing Strips & Helipads, Other Aircraft Facilities
We’ll start with a quick overview of how today’s camera technology differs from what was standard just a few years ago. Then we will take a look at specific applications for IP security cameras across many business and industrial contexts – from healthcare to manufacturing and environmental compliance to retail, food services, warehouses, and other commercial uses.
Overview of Today’s Security Camera Technology
High-definition optics produce high-resolution visual images. That’s a given. Thermal sensors expand the functionality of cameras to “read” temperature signatures of animate and inanimate objects in the field of view. Smart software makes it possible to program the cameras to enhance operations and, in some instances, actually control equipment and processes.
Mobotix offers a range of programmable features that are standard on all models, with further programmable features built-in on other models. Mobotix cameras support H.264 and ONVIF standards to make it easier to integrate the cameras with third party software solutions in industry-specific contexts.
Even the most basic Mobotix cameras are highly programmable to trigger alerts upon the detection of more than just motion. Mobotix security cameras can be programmed to count objects and people and detect stationary objects–like abandoned bags and boxes in corridors and waiting rooms where they might be a security risk.
All Mobotix cameras are equipped with sensors that can monitor ambient temperature and trigger alerts when readings go above or below a defined threshold—such as when an equipment or server room is getting too hot or a plant greenhouse is getting too cold (such as in plant nursery settings).
More sophisticated thermal sensors are available when it’s necessary to monitor temperature at more finely-tuned levels, such as in tracking equipment heating in manufacturing operations, refrigeration of food products, or the detection of hotspots in materials storage.
The cameras can be programmed to do more than send alerts. In fact, when the IP-networked cameras are integrated with the appropriate software applications, the sensors on-board Mobotix cameras can be incorporated into manufacturing software to shut down a production line or turn off equipment that may be overheating or for process optimization. Software solutions exist to use cameras in many industrial applications and commercial/logistical settings and the details are beyond the scope of this article.
Mobotix cameras are German-engineered and German-manufactured.
For more on MOBOTIX cameras, check these articles on our website:
How Thermal Sensors Work in Video Security Cameras
Now, let’s move onto the applications for industry sectors.
Industry-Specific Applications for MOBOTIX Security Cameras
Healthcare Facilities
These applications are suitable for hospitals, medical practice groups, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, nursing homes and other elder care facilities like assisted-living, in-patient rehab centers, and more.
Healthcare Providers Can Use Thermal Cameras for Body Temperature Screening
Monitoring Staff Entrances
The ability to monitor staff entrances for efficient check in and compliance with pandemic-specific requirements is enhanced with the use of Mobotix thermal cameras. Temperature checks can be administered discretely, automatically, quickly, and at a distance.
Thermal cameras can also be used for discrete and automated temperature checks at designated points to monitor visitors to the hospital or other healthcare campus.
Two Examples:
Vanderbilt Hospital installs thermal cameras for staff screening.
UCLA Medical Center uses thermal cameras to quickly scan for fever to improve safety.
Patient Care Monitoring
With staff shortages, having the ability to use mobile cameras in patient care areas, one medical staff person could monitor multiple patients simultaneously for temperature, movement (or lack of), etc.
In nursing homes and rehab facilities, the cameras could monitor patient movement to more quickly detect falls or patients struggling to stand or walk and send automated alerts to nursing staff.
In sleep labs, the cameras can be used in conjunction with sleep analytics sensors for monitoring sleep movement patterns.
Thermal cameras can be configured to read thermal heat signature only (to protect patient privacy) and software applications make it possible to define the optical view to hide (or otherwise restrict the view of ) laptop screens, keyboard strokes, etc. that might reveal PPI or other confidential information.
Medical Care Operations & Indoor Premises Security
Exterior cameras can collect and store data on the arrival of emergency vehicles, including patient transport helicopters, to provide additional documentation of hospital operations.
Corridor monitoring is a common use for video security cameras, but the programmable and alert features make it possible to notify relevant personnel if a restricted access area is entered, a corridor or limited access area is crossed from a restricted direction. The presence of unattended bags or boxes can be detected, and alerts as needed.
If ad hoc staging areas are set up to meet increased patient care demand, cameras can be programmed to count the number of people in the area, monitor patient movement (or lack of), patience distancing, use of required PPE, and other operational needs.
All Mobotix cameras have sensors that can monitor ambient temperature, which can help with maintaining appropriate heat/cooling levels in crowded areas.
Healthcare Facilities Management
Cameras can also be used to log access to medicine depots, supply closets, and manage inventory of stretchers, wheelchairs, and other DME.
In healthcare facilities with special art displays, cameras can be programmed to detect the movement of a painting or other item and send alerts to security staff or designated facilities managers.
As noted above, ambient temperature monitoring is possible with standard Mobotix cameras in areas that require minimum/maximum temperatures. Cameras can also be incorporated into the facilities management lighting and HVAC control software system, if desired.
Cameras can be programmed to detect leaks and/or the presence of water in the boiler or other equipment rooms and alert maintenance staff.
Parking deck and parking lot security is a traditional use of security cameras. Today, the advanced software on board Mobotix cameras makes it possible to send automated alerts to security personnel when loitering is detected or in the event a camera “sees” abandoned backpacks, bags, or boxes, or a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone.
Fabricating, Metalworking, & Machining Operations
In addition to workplace safety and general premises security, modern machine and fabrication shops are using security cameras and camera analytics software as part of the production process to control machines, production lines, analyze process systems to improve up-times and maximize process efficiencies.
Workplace safety monitoring and compliance is the first area where security cameras are a big value-add. The cost of injuries due to workplace injuries is huge. The direct costs due to payment of deductibles and increased premiums are further inflated when a skilled worker is off work. Production will suffer, leading to delays in finishing an order or bottlenecks in productions, or the need to pay overtime or hire temporary, skilled replacement machinists. Preventable injuries due to OSHA violations may also come with fines.
Camera software applications can be used to detect whether safety glasses, helmets, gloves, belts, harnesses, etc. are worn by workers as required by company policies. Cameras can also detect if safety mechanisms—like machine guards—are in place.
Mobotix cameras can be integrated with machine control system software and production software and programmed to shut down a machine or process if a defined event is detected by the visual lens or thermal signature. Thermal sensors, in particular, make it possible to identify when equipment is overheating or when there is variability in the temperature of a process that could affect quality measures.
Read More: Thermal Cameras for Predictive Maintenance
Equipment Sales & Rental (With Outside Inventory Storage and Display)
Equipment and vehicle dealers face the daunting task of storing and displaying much of the inventory in an outside yard, where it’s both accessible for customer viewing and enticing to thieves. Fencing helps, but a determined and experienced thief (or group) will not be fully deterred by fences.
Security cameras can provide some level of deterrent and, when coupled with thermal sensors and monitoring, quickly detect potential acts of theft as they are unfolding. Voice-down technology and immediate alerts to law enforcement and company security can help to stop the theft before it’s complete and/or identify and capture the culprits.
MOBOTIX security cameras can be useful for inventory counting and monitoring the direction of foot traffic and apparent interest of site visitors for better inventory placement and marketing.
Data analytics software can count the number of vehicles or persons who enter through a designated “access” gate or point, in settings where it’s possible to limit initial premises access to a single gate or entrance point. Smart software can also be used to analzye video data can help to identify suspicious vehicles and/or “customers” that appear to be scoping out the equipment yard rather than truly browsing or shopping for a particular item.
Food Processing & Food Distribution
For workplace safety AND food safety reasons, it’s imperative that workers use all required personal protective gear when working in and around food processing facilities. Security cameras can monitor compliance with safety equipment rules and be integrated to shutdown a machine or line if an incident is detected that has caused or may have caused an injury.
As with many of the other industry specific applications discussed in this article, Mobotix software is available to count discrete items and cameras can be integrated with food processing logistics software to visually track and document inventory.
Both processing and distribution stages, temperature control is imperative for the safe handling and storage of most categories of processed food. Mobotix cameras can be equipped with highly-sensitive thermal sensors to read temperatures before, during and after production and document the process for compliance reporting. Cameras can also monitor food storage temperatures. We have a more in-depth article on the sensitivity of Mobotix thermal sensors in this article. [insert link]
As with all production machinery and equipment, regular maintenance is a given. The Mobotix dual cameras, with both optical and thermal lenses, can be installed for production line and used for monitoring safety compliance AND machine temperature. Cameras can be programmed to send alerts based on an event detected by the optical lens or thermal sensor based on infrared temperature readings of separately programmed areas. Thermal images can be overlayed onto the optical view and analyzed for process improvement planning or equipment maintenance troubleshooting.
Rodent control is a necessary part of all food storage and distribution plans, whether for human-grade food or animal-grade. Thermal cameras can be deployed to read heat signatures of even small rodents to detect and manage rodent populations in and around food storage facilities.
Oil & Gas Operations, Including Pipelines
Oil and gas production wells and distribution pipelines pose special needs—and challenges—for equipment and operational security.
We are currently supporting several customers in the energy sector who are using both the high-end dual/optical thermal cameras from Mobotix and the more standard, industrial level outdoor optical security cameras from Mobotix to provide 24/7 surveillance of their facilities.
The cameras can be programmed to monitor for premises security—such as equipment theft, vandalism and personnel safety—in low light conditions in remote areas.
Read our Case Study: How PGP Operating LLC Uses Thermal Cameras for Premises Security
Mobotix cameras can also be used to detect and report flares, materials spills (small or large), and the presence of wildlife in areas where wildlife should not have access.
The camera data can be used to document environmental compliance and be analyzed to detect suspicious activity that might be the precursor to a pending risk.
Warehouses & Logistics
Premises security, theft and vandalism deterrence, and evidence for investigation and loss claims are the most common uses for security cameras in warehouses and transportation/logistics facilities.
Warehouse and storage facilities can be monitored for suspicious activity—the same vehicle driving by repeatedly without obvious justification—and the camera can be programmed to send alerts to security personnel for further investigation. Intelligent analytics software is available to identify patterns that might not be obvious through human monitoring when shifts change and different personnel may be reviewing footage of suspicious vehicles at different times and across several days or weeks.
Mobotix camera capabilities go beyond visual monitoring, however. Integration with inventory control system software makes it possible to use cameras and video data as part of the larger inventory management planning and documentation.
Cameras can assist with tracking inventory within a facility, to document the quality and condition of inventory that is being shipped out or received on site, to confirm that a particular shipment was actually loaded onto a truck for delivery, and identifying who accessed a particular area of a warehouse at a given point in time.
Vulcan Security Systems Case Study: Video Security for Distribution Center Inventory Control
Basic Mobotix cameras can monitor ambient temperature for workplace comfort and safe or proper storage or inventory that is temperature-sensitive.
The more sophisticated Mobotix dual lens optical/thermal camera can be used to read minute temperature variations to identify potential hotspots in stored materials, send alerts to designated personnel, and automatically deploy sprinklers, as desired.
Materials Storage / Recycling Facilities
Materials storage is related to the previous discussion of warehouses and logistics facilities, but we wanted to call out this application separately because most industrial enterprises have some need for securing and managing the materials storage areas of the operation.
Materials recycling is a separate endeavor, but the ways cameras can be used are quite similar to materials storage and warehouse facilities.
Early detection of hot spots is a key way that cameras with advanced thermal sensor capabilities can enhance operations. As noted above, the Mobotix dual optical/thermal camera allows monitoring and alerts using thermal signatures AND visual overlays for precise location detection and personnel safety.
Cameras can also be used to monitor for the presence of obstacles or misplaced materials that could cause a worker to trip-and-fall. Camera data can be invaluable in verifying claims of injuries that are reported.
The remote viewing capabilities make it easy for management of recycling facilities to evaluate and respond to questions about incoming loads without needing to be physically present on-site.
We have two previously-published articles on the use of security cameras by recycling facilities:
Remote Viewing Case Study & Metals Recycling
Thermal Camera Applications for Recycling & Waste Management Facilities
Environmental Compliance Monitoring for Industrial Operations
Mobotix thermal cameras are in use around the world as part of environmental compliance monitoring. The data captured can be used in filing environmental compliance reports, documenting environmental compliance in general, and improving processes and risk management to mitigate against potential violations or environmental regulations.
Cameras can be used to detect water flow and discharge, or even contaminant leaks and discharges, and send alerts to designated company personnel. Cameras equipped with thermal sensors can read the temperature of water or steam (and other liquids or gases) at discharge points.
Read More: Using Thermal Cameras to Monitor Water Flow, Water Seepage & Water Quality
Cameras can also detect gas flares. If integrated with operations software control system, the cameras can be used to signal the shutdown of machinery or process flows when a programmed event or temperature is detected. Cameras can detect the presence of injured wildlife that might necessitate a call to veterinarian or other wildlife expert for humane reasons. Where operations pose apparent or known ongoing threats to wildlife, camera data can be analyzed to look for ways to adjust processes or relocate mobile equipment to reduce incidents.
Sports & Entertainment Facilities (Stadiums, Arenas, Nightclubs) & Events
Security cameras can be useful in counting the number of persons admitted to a venue for a general admission event and stopping further admission once capacity levels have been reached.
Cameras can be used to assist with flow of event ticketholders through corridors and ramps for safer admission and safer/faster evacuation in the event of a weather event or other incident that necessitates evacuation of the facility.
Depending on the nature of the event or venue, loitering outside of restrooms, around stairwells, ATMs, and similar areas may be of concern. Cameras can be programmed to alert for suspicious behavior depending on the context and intelligent analytics software can also be used for major events where risks may be greater.
With staffing at a premium due to the “Great Resignation,” cameras can be a key asset to assist with monitoring access to limited access areas and alerting appropriate security personnel if a breach is detected.
Even clear bag policies do not eliminate the risk that a bad actor might get through with a weapon or IED. Security cameras can detect the presence of unattended bags and boxes around the venue and alert safety officers who can investigate further.
For events and facilities where facemasks are required or social distancing is needed for pandemic / health reasons, cameras can be programmed to monitoring compliance and alert personnel for follow-up if noncompliance is detected.
Security cameras can be deployed on drones to help with crowd management and monitoring, especially at an event where a crowd might be anticipated to rush the stage or field, like the Houston Astroworld concert tragedy last November.
The camera and drone setup can also be helpful when the area to be secured is huge and outdoors, such as at festivals, parades, large running / bicycle races, and rallies.
Mobotix Cameras Security Stadiums Around the World
Hospitality Industry (Hotels & Restaurants)
In addition to providing deterrence and detection of usual personal safety hazards in and around a facility, security cameras can be used in hotel and restaurant settings to assist with parking and traffic management in valet parking and check-in areas. Cameras can be programmed to send alerts to hotel security if loitering is detected at guest-only entrances and around gym facilities, outside restrooms, stairwells, and ATMs.
Cameras can detect the movement of furniture, art, sculpture or other display items in hotel lobbies and conference room settings.
As noted elsewhere in this article, all Mobotix cameras can monitor ambient temperature variations. In the context of a conference hotel or busy restaurant, temperature alerts can be helpful for maintaining guest comfort. Larger facilities may choose to integrate the camera temperature monitoring into the facilities management system.
In conference settings where room capacities are limited due to fire code requirements, cameras can be deployed to count the number of people entering and leaving a room. This counting capability might also be useful to the catering division for documenting the number of meals or snacks served to event guests.
At times when face masks and social distancing may be a required part of pandemic guidelines, cameras can be used with smart software to monitor mask and distancing requirements.
General Perimeter Security
Perimeter security is one of the standard applications for security cameras. Beyond the standard visual monitoring of who is coming/going from a particular facility location, cameras can be equipped with thermal sensors to reduce false alarms caused by passing clouds or blowing debris.
Software to identify and log license plate numbers, along with colors, makes, and models of vehicles is available through the Mobotix suite of in-house and certified third-party software applications.
General Business Operations
Workplace injuries are a risk any type of business operations. Claims by customers and vendors of slip-and-fall events, harassment, or other events that might lead to insurance claims and/or litigation are a risk in many, if not most, as well. When high quality security cameras are appropriately positioned to cover the entire business premises and properly functioning, the business should have visual evidence that would make it fairly easy to evaluate whether or not an incident truly occurred as reported or claimed.
Security cameras are also valuable tools to monitor worker and management compliance with safety rules, safety guidelines and government regulations for workplace safety. If compliance is missing, then processes and training can be adjusted to bring about better compliance and risk management. Parking and traffic flow on a large business campus can be managed through the use of monitored cameras or programmed alerts. These same cameras can be used for personal safety monitoring and theft reduction, as well.
General Retail Operations
The obvious (and historical) justification for security cameras in retail context is to discourage theft, reduce the likelihood of false claims for slip-and-fall accidents, and identify suspects when theft occurs or suspicious claims are made. Cameras are also commonly used at entrances, cash registers and stock rooms to protect staff and identify culprits in the event of robbery, assault, or even fraudulent credit card use.
More sophisticated uses of security cameras focus on increasing sales and improving operational efficiency. Camera software can be programmed to notify front-area managers when check-out lines are too long or a customer has been standing at a check-out kiosk for longer than x minutes.
A common use of cameras in 2022 is to track customer movement patterns and customer flow and then analyze this data to identify the best locations for product display, promotional signage, lighting and more.
Cameras can be used on the retail floor and in stock room to count objects for better inventory management. With today’s staffing shortages, the manager of a busy retail operation might not realize a popular product is sold out on the shelf, while several cases remain in the stock room. Security cameras can be programmed to send alerts when the shelves are empty and help store managers to get products out of the storeroom and onto the shelves and displays for customer sales. More sophisticated systems can send inventory data to ordering software for better automation of inventory management.
Larger retail operations might benefit from incorporating security cameras with logistics management system to help with managing product delivery times, bay management for unloading delivery trucks, and tracking the condition of pallets and boxes at the time of delivery. Cameras can detect damage to the product packaging at the time of delivery (and count the number of cases, crates, bins or boxes that were delivered) to document quantity and quality if there is a question about the condition of a shipment at time of delivery.
Cameras can also be programmed to detect and send alerts of potential hazards that might cause a trip-and-fall or that are blocking fire exits. If a person enters a restricted area, the camera can be programmed to send an alert for follow-up.
Small Airports, Corporate Helipads, Fixed Base Operations, and Other Private Aircraft Facilities
Did you know that apps are available for use with MOBOTIX cameras that can identify ID numbers for planes and other light aircraft, including those that do not have transponders.
These apps can make security cameras especially valuable and cost-effective for managing small airports, FBOs, corporate helicopter landing pads, and private facilities where experimental aircraft are launched and housed (like gliding and air sports facilities).
The apps can identify the aircraft registration number, as well as aircraft type, country of registration and more. Cameras can be positioned and programmed to send alerts if an aircraft is moved from one area to another or if a person enters a defined area during a time when the facility is closed to unauthorized access. Security cameras and aircraft detection/management apps make it possible to reduce or eliminate 24/7 staffing requirements while continuing to support operations efficiency, insurance requirements, logistics management, and law enforcement.
Church, Workplace & Non-Profit Daycare Operations
The obvious applications are monitoring check-in and pick-up times, including license plate readers at vehicle points of ingress and egress. Child play and learning areas can be monitored throughout the day to watch out for injury, seizures, and more. Security cameras can also be used to count children to make sure all are present and accounted for throughout the day.
Learn More:
8 Tips to Secure Your Church Daycare Facility
Video Surveillance: Protection for Children in Daycare
Video Data Analytics Software Apps for Use With MOBOTIX Cameras
MOBOTIX offers analytics software solutions for use with the Mobotix cameras and video management system (VMS). The Mobotix cameras support H.264 and ONVIF standards for integration into third party software solutions.
MOBOTIX also offers a platform where third-party providers can create custom software apps for sale to Mobotix equipment users. These apps are vetted first and certified, by Mobotix, before they can be sold or distributed through the MOBOTIX app platform to maintain Mobotix standards for cybersecurity, compatability, etc.
The Wrap-Up
We’ve probably missed a few industry-specific uses for video security cameras—particularly in conjunction with AI and advanced software applications—but this article should provide a nice review of the most beneficial and affordable options for the mid-sized industrial enterprise.
If your business is in need of advanced IP video security solutions, Vulcan Security Systems offers free initial consultations to businesses across Alabama. Contact us today for more information:
Phone: 205.290.9404
Email: info@vulcansecuritysystems.com
We’re located in Birmingham and serve industrial, businesses, commercial properties, and energy-industry clients throughout the state of Alabama.
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What To Expect When You Call Vulcan Security Systems for a Quote
