CASE STUDY installed across the campus at strategic points to achieve maximum visibility and coverage .
With these new installations , UWC is equipped with technology that provides comprehensive coverage of its campus . The Axis solutions offer forensic detail with builtin analytic capabilities . With this solution , institution ’ s present and future surveillance needs are taken care of . The solution is scalable and designed to combat criminal activities such as trespassing , theft , and vandalism .
Following a consultation and mapping process that included testing for low and bright light , facial , object , vehicle details , the Axis M Series , F Series , and P Series ranges of network video cameras were installed . This selection of dome , modular , and bullet cameras offer a discreet design and are built to withstand various environmental and weather conditions . Having been installed at other institutions of higher learning across South Africa , these cameras have demonstrated their applicability and reliability .
Solution implementation
Technology projects at UWC fall under various faculties , departments , and locations . Each solution is unique with regards to what is required , and which stakeholders are involved . The one commonality is that Risk and Compliance , as well as Infrastructure and Engineering departments which will always vet the solution prior to implementation .
UWC employs independent consultants for each project who worked with the Axis team to design and implement solutions based on project requirements . There were no real challenges with regards to implementation but the campus itself posed factors to keep in mind . The requirements were to withstand vandalism and complex lighting conditions at different times of day . In addition , managing bandwidth for such a large-scale solution was always a priority .
Axis P Series bullet cameras , built for 24x7 surveillance and video resolution outputs of up to 4K , were installed for outdoor applications , while Axis M Series dome cameras that offer wide-angle 360-degree panoramic views were installed at indoor locations .
To enable facial recognition and viewing at the campus ’ s various turnstiles and walking points of entry , Axis F series modular cameras with multi-channel units that offer a wide range of applications were also installed .
As part of its installation of Axis network video products , UWC chose Axis cameras for license plate recognition , LPR and monitoring at its motor vehicle points of entry . Empowered by LPR analytics that compare captured license plates with an existing list , these cameras allow operators and systems to respond to vehicles automatically .
The addition of vehicle monitoring further strengthens the university ’ s ability to control access to its campus and facilities . This contributes to a safe environment for students to go about their studies and for staff to carry out day-to-day operations .
Even the smartest systems will struggle with storage if this is not planned for . This requirement was met by selecting Zipstream .
“ Axis Zipstream is a collection of algorithms that run directly on the camera , analysing every scene and compressing them more or less , depending on the regions of interest ,” said Lee-Ross Duimpies , Key Account Manager at Axis Communications . “ This gives a massive reduction of 50 % or more on bandwidth and storage without compromising video quality .”
Although security personnel can view live footage from multiple control rooms , UWC policy states that only the main security control room can review and save video footage . A centrally located external network attached storage drive was installed to store and manage footage . When necessary , authorised personnel can access this drive from any location on the network .
With over 2,000 devices installed at UWC by the end of 2022 , Axis is playing an essential role in safeguarding the university ’ s students , resources , and knowledge . As UWC continues with its ongoing projects and enjoys more efficient and reliable security , Axis and its partners are setting a new standard in surveillance with a range of scalable and versatile network video solutions . p
52 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com