2 6 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Special Feature: Perimeter Security
Network audio can have a strong impact on industrial
applications according to Jimmy Ek, Nordic Sales Man-
ager at Axis Communications.
"From enhancing security to aiding day-to-day opera-
tions, and even improving safety across your factories
and plants. This goes for hazardous areas as well, where
explosion-protected audio equipment is required", he
says.
Jimmy Ek, Nordic Sales Manager at Axis Communications.
Network audio can be used to enhance security and operations in industrial sites
Jimmy Ek, Axis Communications:
By now most people are aware of
the various ways network audio
can be used to bring value to dif-
ferent environments. This could
be prerecorded announcements
reminding commuters of safety
procedures on train stations,
messages to shoppers about the
latest discounts, or even reassur-
ing students that help is on the
way following an incident on
a school or university campus.
However, Axis Communications
emphasises there are just as strong
and impactful use cases for audio
in critical infrastructure and
industrial plants.
Differences between
network audio and
traditional systems
Network speakers are all-in-one
audio systems, 100 per cent IP end
points and connect to the standard
network, which makes installa-
tion, configuration and manage-
ment simple without the need
for dedicated audio cabling. You
only need a single cable for both
power and connectivity. Without
physical speaker wiring (circuits)
there is less risk of complications
when trying to identify an issue. In
a network audio system, every in-
dividual speaker is addressable and
monitored over the network. This
means, end users can use IP based
health monitoring and configura-
tion of the complete system. If
there is a problem, there is an easy
way to find out and have the tools
to take immediate action.
Jimmy Ek says: "Your operators
can remotely monitor the entire
system more efficiently and quickly
identify and address any issues
which arise, resulting in a system
you know works as intended. In
turn, this helps reduce downtime
and improves solution efficiency,
positively contributing to your
business' success."
A surveillance system can be
set up to activate a pre-recorded
message when it detects indications
of undesirable activity. Additionally,
it can be configured to trigger alerts
that tell operators to visually assess
a situation and then speak directly
to the individuals involved via the
speakers. Network audio solu-
tions can also be set up to divide
premises into zones. Instead of
broadcasting a message to all areas,
messages can be tailored depending
on the location. This is all handled
within the audio management
software.
Defending the perimeter
against intrusion
According to Axis Communica-
tions, audio solutions are only one
part of the arsenal implemented to
ensure the security of a critical site:
Network cameras equipped with
analytics also play an important
role in spotting and investigating
adverse activity, but audio can sup-
port by actively deterring intruders'
intent on causing damage or theft.
Jimmy Ek says: "Thermal
cameras equipped with analytics
spot intruders as soon as they enter
the scene. A horn speaker is trig-
gered to play a prerecorded message
warning the perpetrators that law
enforcement is on the way, causing
them to retreat. As a result, damage
to company property has been
avoided, saving not only money
and time, but also ensuring produc-
tion continuity."
Audio helps enhance
operational efficiency
Although intrusion deterrence is a
main use case for audio, there are
other areas within the industrial
environment which can also ben-
efit, Jimmy Ek stresses.
"For example, minimizing
disruption to your production line
is crucial to ensuring that there are
no delays in delivering products
to customers. You can use audio
solutions, such as voice messages
to notify relevant staff of overheat-
ing or malfunctioning equipment
or process errors like jammed
products on conveyor belts, ena-
bling them to quickly intervene",
he says.
If the environment is noisy, it
Thermal cameras equipped with analyt-
ics spot intruders as soon as they enter
the scene. A horn speaker is triggered to play
a prerecorded message warning the perpetra-
tors that law enforcement is on the way, causing
them to retreat".