Network audio 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 can be used to enhance security and operations in industrial sites
d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l · 2 7
Editor: Lennart Alexandrie
can be hard to hear speaker mes-
sages; in these cases a strobe siren
could act as a visual alert to notify
staff that an anomaly has been
detected.
Jimmy Ek says: "Adding audio
to your toolkit ultimately means
less unwanted downtime, more
efficient and ongoing production
processes and less material loss."
Minimizing incidents by
supporting safety proce-
dures
Maintaining the safety of workers
in an industrial environment is an
absolute priority, with every pro-
cess and area closely evaluated to
identify and minimize risks. Even
trained and experienced personnel
can be involved in accidents, and
according to Axis Communica-
tions, the use of network audio
can help remind the workforce of
safety procedures.
"For example, you can set au-
tomated messages to alert people
that they are entering restricted
or dangerous areas after they
have been detected by a camera
equipped with intelligent analyt-
ics. This quick intervention can
make all the difference by avoid-
ing accidents, supporting workers'
health and reducing downtime",
Jimmy Ek says.
Also, health and safety remind-
ers, such as wearing the correct
PPE can ensure that their health is
being prioritised.
Complement the certified
evacuation system
However, accidents and emergen-
cies do occur in industrial sites,
and these can have disastrous
consequences. The main priority
is evacuating all personnel to
safety as quickly as possible, and
surveillance technology can be
useful in these critical situations,
Axis Communications stresses.
A combination of speakers and
cameras can be valuable in assess-
ing the situation while broadcast-
ing live or prerecorded messages
to support the evacuation efforts,
where permitted.
Jimmy Ek says: "This offers the
agility needed to guide personnel
if the situation changes or rapidly
declines, improving efficiencies and
potentially saving lives. However, it
should be noted that these systems
act to complement the certified
evacuation system in place."
Network audio adds value
Considering the complexity of
industrial environments, Axis
Communications believes network
audio solutions can be used to bol-
ster security, streamline processes,
improve efficiencies and ensure
worker well-being.
"Ultimately, the beauty of this
solution lies in its functionality in a
variety of scenarios eliminating the
need for compromise or invest-
ment in separate system", Jimmy
Ek concludes.
Ultimately, the beauty of this solution
lies in its functionality in a variety of
scenarios eliminating the need for compromise
or investment in separate system."