Remote construction site monitoring uses high-tech video surveillance technology for proactive detection and response to security incidents like theft and vandalism.
It involves trained professionals managing camera systems from a distant CCTV monitoring station, enabling them to swiftly address and control arising situations. This approach ensures vigilant and effective site protection.
It uses intelligent technologies to generate alarms, giving you better control over access controls, equipment and material management, and construction worker safety and productivity.
This blog is a complete guide for those seeking to real-time secure construction sites from theft, vandalism, and arson, ultimately safeguarding their investment.
Whether you’re a project manager, contractor, or simply looking for guidance on construction site remote CCTV monitoring, this blog addresses all your questions, providing insights into the what, how, and benefits of construction site monitoring.
Let’s start with what is remote CCTV monitoring.
What is remote construction site monitoring?
Remote construction site monitoring is about keeping an eye on the construction site by setting up cameras to cover the entire construction site, allowing remote operators to effectively deal with triggered alarms from a remote monitoring facility.
Remote monitoring is made possible through the use of various security devices, such as CCTV security cameras, sensors, and alarms. These devices are connected to a remote monitoring center for centralized control.
When these cameras have AI capabilities they can even detect smoke, fire, and intrusion and trigger an alarm at the remote monitoring center.
When an alarm is triggered at the remote monitoring center, the connected devices can provide a detailed overview of the entire situation.
The remote operators access the live video feeds and act by the SOPs pre-established by the client or the monitoring center.
Remote video monitoring offers a comprehensive security solution through connectivity, swift response, AI integration, and specialized detection creating a secure environment for employees and safeguarding the entire site.
Why do you need construction site real-time video monitoring?
Monitored valuable equipment and ongoing activities at construction sites day and night can be a daunting task for you. Especially with construction site theft statistics on the rise!
A report by Aviva confirms that 46 million dollars worth of construction equipment goes missing in Canada annually.
The fatal four accidents on construction sites also cause construction site owners a financial setback. The rising prices of lumber and copper are turning construction sites into treasure boxes for thieves.
So now let’s find out the major components of real-time CCTV monitoring and how we can use them for optimal monitoring of the construction sites.
Major components of live camera monitoring
The major components of a remote video monitoring system are strategically placed cameras connected to a live camera monitoring center.
The primary purpose of CCTV camera monitoring is the use of technology to swiftly detect and deter theft and other unwanted activities, as studies show that the presence of security cameras can discourage criminals.
Construction site monitoring uses advanced object detection AI integrated with camera feeds to identify intrusions, including both vehicles and people.
Automated alert systems notify project managers and relevant personnel of any unusual activities or deviations from the norm. This allows for immediate responses to potential risks or safety concerns.
Integrating remote construction site monitoring is a pivotal aspect of a comprehensive security strategy. This approach not only enhances site security but also boosts the management and productivity of resources, personnel, and equipment.
Emphasizing the critical role of remote video monitoring in construction site security planning cannot be overstated, as it significantly fortifies overall site safety and operational efficiency.
How does remote construction site monitoring work?
The primary aim of remote video monitoring is to detect, deter, and deal promptly with any security incidents.
Here is a summary of how it works:
1. Remote construction site monitoring works by detecting security breaches using advanced technologies:
These monitoring cameras combined with powerful AI solutions can detect intrusions, trespassing, and loitering.
The CCTV cameras can also be used to keep an eye on worker activities, the fatal four accidents (falls, struck-by, caught-In/between, and electrocutions), the usage and operation of construction machinery and equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.
This detection is done by using different types of CCTV cameras such as dome, bullet, PTZ, and IP cameras placed at strategic points at construction sites.Â
Construction site monitoring is implemented by integrating cameras with video analytics, microphones, glass break detection, fence detection, PIR/IR motion detector, microwave sensors, door contacts, and more.
As soon as the camera AI detects anything out of the ordinary or a security breach, an alarm is triggered at the remote central hub.
Additionally, remote gate access controls enhance security by allowing operators to verify credentials remotely, using two-way audio and one-way video, effectively preventing unauthorized access.
2. Deter using audio interventions:
When an alarm activates at the central hub, alert operators immediately tap into live video streams from various cameras, such as PTZ, thermal, and wireless/cellular types.
These cameras are strategically positioned around the perimeter, in parking areas, and at entry and exit points for comprehensive coverage.
These cameras provide high-resolution video with excellent picture clarity and inform the operators of the exact situation and the number of people involved by displaying high-quality video feeds, either day or night.
Remote operators look at the video feeds by accessing different cameras simultaneously to confirm the security breach.
Upon confirmation, the remote operators perform a voice intervention through horn loudspeakers placed in different places around the construction site to deter the trespasser or prompt them to identify themselves by calling the command center. Usually one intervention is enough to deter the individual.
3. Remote operators swiftly deal with the triggered alarms:
When voice interventions do not deter the trespasser, the operators follow the client’s established standard operating procedures.
This could mean contacting the owner of the construction site, calling the police, or notifying the appropriate authorities.
It’s not just about catching thieves and vandals; continuous monitoring helps to collect essential data for construction site managers and subcontractors.
This data can be tracked using an extensive app which helps with time management, resource allocation, and decision-making for both managers and stakeholders.
Advantages of construction site monitoring
Offers you full control over unauthorized access:
The primary element that controls unauthorized access is strong perimeter protection. You can have the strongest gate, even barbed wire, but the main issue is that you want to control unauthorized access to your construction site.
So construction site monitoring quickly detects loiterers on your construction site. Remote monitoring provides loitering detection by integrating advanced analytics on your security cameras.
Next, you can also prevent unauthorized access with remote gate control, which allows remote operators to remotely open gates after thorough credential verifications via bidirectional audio and unidirectional video.
Reducing theft and vandalism:
Object detection and remote gate control are key factors in drastically reducing theft and vandalism at construction sites.
By maintaining full control over who enters and exits, you’re always informed about potential security risks. This heightened awareness plays a crucial role in safeguarding the site.
Every individual on the site, including contractors, subcontractors, workers, and truck loaders, is subject to a thorough screening process through remote gate control.
This system ensures that only authorized personnel have access, enhancing security and accountability.
Furthermore, the presence of construction cameras serves as an effective deterrent. These cameras not only reduce the likelihood of theft but also significantly improve overall site security by providing constant surveillance and peace of mind.
Remote access:
Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to travel hundreds of kilometers to your site every day? With remote monitoring, authorized users can view live video feeds on their desktop or mobile device. All you need to get started is an Internet connection!
When you have access to site visuals, you can make real-time adjustments to project timelines while taking into account natural factors.
High-definition construction cameras eliminate unnecessary site visits by ensuring that the appropriate tools and personnel are dispatched.
Time-lapse video:
The benefits of time-lapse videos are not limited to commercial purposes; you can do great marketing and gain valuable insights into what went wrong and how to improve the next project.
Time-lapse videos are not only visually appealing, but they also have numerous other advantages.
The accelerated view provides a quick and clear understanding of how various elements interact over time and how they could have been done better. They can be used to promote finished projects, attract clients, and improve the overall brand image.
They provide an unbiased and objective record of the entire project, which can be useful in the event of disagreements, claims, or litigation.
Limited downtime:
Theft of machinery and power tools can lead to a lot of wasted time by the workers on specific tasks. This may delay the completion of various projects.
Remote monitoring helps mitigate downtime by providing advance notice of material, resource, or machinery needs. Remote monitoring helps ensure a safe working environment by capturing activities and comparing them with industry standards.
Cost of remote video monitoring
Now comes the important part: you are probably wondering how much remote video monitoring services costs.
Because remote monitoring of construction sites requires the use of various technologies and tools to oversee and control various aspects of the construction process, you would expect it to cost a fortune! Well, it doesn’t!
When you weigh the benefits of remote monitoring against the investment, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
However, you will require an initial investment in technology, such as sensors, cameras, software, and communication infrastructure.
Once the security installer has assisted you with all of the setup requirements, you will need to spend monthly on ongoing maintenance to ensure the systems are functioning properly.
The next step is to train your personnel in all technical aspects so that they can manage and respond effectively.
After you have sorted out the setup and monthly maintenance costs, you will need to spend money on data storage and analytical tools. Now you are good to go!
If you really want to save money on employing a team of security guards, a top-notch monitoring center like Sirix. They offers an all-in-one solution for construction sites – an autonomous security box.
They can be placed at construction sites for swift detection via LTE communication and high-resolution cameras.
A horn speaker blasts the alarm as camera AI detects intruders or suspicious activity. The remote monitoring center takes charge of the situation as soon as an alarm is triggered.
Key Takeaways
Construction site monitoring is a proactive security measure using advanced cameras and AI solutions. It enables remote operators to respond in real time to potential security breaches.
The system includes high-quality cameras, monitoring equipment, and network infrastructure.
Remote monitoring of construction sites enables swift detection and deterrence of security incidents. It significantly limits downtime and wasted site visits.
Contact us today for a customized construction site security solution for better security and productivity in your construction projects
