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How to Overcome Some of the Video-Security Challenges Faced by Self-Storage Operators?
Installing surveillance cameras throughout a self-storage facility is one of the most effective ways to provide and promote security
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Applied Technology Review | Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Installing surveillance cameras throughout a self-storage facility is one of the most effective ways to provide and promote security.
FREMONT, CA: The self-storage industry is one of America's fastest-growing sectors, and its sustained success has attracted increased attention. Unfortunately, it wasn't all positive. Today’s criminals are sophisticated. Criminals increasingly target self-storage units with various attacks, from arson to vandalism to theft. Primary deterrents, such as analogue CCTV systems and record-and-store video cameras, are no longer effective in keeping the self-storage facility and customers’ property safe. Below are the common challenges operators face with using video cameras and how to overcome them.
Low-quality images
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A camera is as good as its image quality. Even the most advanced analogue CCTV monitors capture images that are at best blurry and grainy. Moreover, if the object moves quickly or the environment is dark, the user may not depict anything. The reason is the underlying technology is outdated, distorting the images captured. Ultimately, users will have difficulty identifying the details that would help solve a crime like license-plate numbers, characteristics identifying a criminal, etc. IP cameras have much better image quality than analogue CCTV. They capture high-definition, crisp, clear, and conclusive digital images, even if the subject moves.
Uncertain surveillance data
Most CCTV and record-and-store video systems store on-site recordings captured. This is problematic, as if a criminal breaks into a self-storage facility, he can also find the video system and manipulate or delete footage to erase any evidence that would involve him in the misconduct. IP cameras are Internet-enabled to record and store cloud data. They digitise videos and enable users to view them in a browser using a Wi-Fi or hard-wired web connection. That means users can always access footage from anywhere without running out of storage space.
Undetected issues
Older video surveillance systems have no easy way to monitor camera health. Users may not even notice a connection issue or video-feed malfunction until an incident occurs and they try to access the footage. Digital security systems with IP cameras include health-monitoring capabilities that actively monitor the equipment's status to ensure that everything works properly. If a system goes offline or another issue arises, it will alert the user to remedy the problem as quickly as possible.
Zero Prevention Capacity
Businesses that employ CCTV and record-and-store cameras adhere to a reactive security model. After a crime has been committed, users analyse video footage to see what evidence they can gather. In other words, it does not affect preventing corruption in the first place.
A remote video-monitoring service combines artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital video-monitoring systems with trained security professionals to identify suspicious activity. This means that crime can be detected and stopped as it happens, making the security proactive, not reactive.
Ruggedized technology is essential for enabling employees to interact with managers efficiently. It also helps with asset management, environmental evaluations, surveys, location monitoring, asset response during potentially significant occurrences, and inspection—rugged gadgets suitable for oil and gas workers with the appropriate certifications and features.
Employees' use of rugged technology will be essential to their productivity when operations include fieldwork. Unfortunately, several companies still depend on conventional mobile devices. Though they will function, the newest consumer smartphones or tablets could not hold up over time. When devices are utilized often in the field, outside, or on the operations floor, they will endure severe wear and tear. Consequently, these gadgets may malfunction. Thus, utilizing robust technology is one of the most crucial commercial factors for various industries.
Here are some industries where rugged technology is vital:
Rugged Technology in the Utility Sector
Utility is required in every home and building. Since COVID-19 has arrived and everyone is being advised to stay home, the dependence on utilities on individuals has increased even further. Furthermore, interruptions are unexpected and might occur at any time or location. This industry should provide a prompt response and remedy when it happens. Employees are, therefore, sent to various places and exposed to different situations that may damage their gadgets. As in many other businesses, providing employees with durable devices significantly enhances productivity. Device malfunction is not a concern for employees.
Rugged Technology in the Military
Military personnel must employ equipment that can survive challenging environments and help them in their duties. In the medical industry, device malfunctions can be fatal; hence, they are damaging. Real-time data and information are critical components for operations and strategies to remain efficient and effective. Military personnel may stay connected and have productive talks regardless of the circumstances because of the robust gadgets' exceptional endurance and durability.
Oil and Gas
Rugged gadgets perform very effectively in oil and gas applications, although they are sometimes among the worst working conditions. Rugged technology refers to using gadgets by employees resistant to dampness, harsh temperatures, and other conditions that might lead to failure by mobile devices. Businesses in the oil and gas industry may ensure that everyone is always connected and informed with rugged devices.
Ruggedized technology is essential for enabling employees to interact with managers efficiently. It also helps with asset management, environmental evaluations, surveys, location monitoring, asset response during potentially significant occurrences, and inspection—rugged gadgets suitable for oil and gas workers with the appropriate certifications and features. An employee in this sector can operate more safely, responsively, productively, and cooperatively using an authorized rugged gadget. ...Read more
Growing use of lane departure and anti-speeding systems, with drivers preferring haptic alerts, highlighting increased safety awareness and automaker success.
Nearly 9 out of 10 drivers of cars with lane departure warning and prevention systems keep them turned on, while 7 out of 10 drivers of cars that flash a warning when they go above the speed limit likewise keep the feature turned on. These results were announced in a new study recently by a nonprofit organization, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, supported by the insurance sector. According to the Institute’s President David Harkey, the results indicate a growing awareness of the safety benefits of crash avoidance technologies and highlight the success of automakers in increasing usage rates.
Technology for lane departure warning and prevention systems is thought to be useful in lowering auto accidents, but it only functions when turned on. However, until recently, the technology had little effect because lane departure systems only addressed a small percentage of crashes and many drivers turned off lane departure alerts because they were bothersome, at least in the beginning.
According to the latest study, automakers have mostly resolved that issue. 87 percent of the vehicles analyzed had lane departure warning and prevention systems turned on, compared to 51 percent in a 2017 study titled "Drivers' use of front crash prevention, lane departure warning and prevention and speed warning systems."
As more features are now engaged and deactivated via the in-vehicle settings menu rather than physical buttons, as was previously the case, there is a greater use of in-vehicle systems. Higher activation rates and increased acceptance of these systems have also been attributed to a move away from audio signals, which drivers frequently find bothersome and toward haptic alerts, such vibrations in the seat or steering wheel. According to a recent study, activation rates for the two automakers that currently rely on visual and auditory alerts are significantly lower than those of the other four automakers, which either mainly used haptic alerts or let drivers select their preferred alert method. The new designs, according to the researchers, are less annoying for drivers and more difficult to disable.
High activation rates for visual anti-speeding alerts are a feature of Intelligent Speed Assistance. Cars with ISA systems, uses a GPS with a speed limit database, a camera to scan posted signs or both to determine the speed limit on the road when the car is on.
As speeding is the contributing factor in more than 25 percent of the U.S fatalities, the European Union now demands that all new cars have ISA systems, which must have haptic or cascading audio warnings in addition to at least visual alarms. ...Read more
The rise of IoT devices and real-time data processing demands has pushed traditional cloud computing to its limits, particularly in remote and challenging environments. Edge computing, a distributed computing paradigm, brings computation and data storage closer to data generation, paving the way for innovation in remote operations.
Key Advantages Unlocked by Edge Computing in Remote Operations
Edge computing offers numerous benefits in remote settings, including reduced latency, real-time decision making, bandwidth efficiency, enhanced reliability, improved data security and privacy, and scalability. By processing data locally, the time delay between data generation and action is significantly reduced, allowing for instantaneous responses and enhancing safety. Edge computing acts as a filter, processing raw data locally and transmitting only relevant insights to the cloud, leading to cost savings on bandwidth and storage. It also enhances reliability and offline capability, ensuring operational continuity for critical systems. The localized approach minimizes data exposure during transit to the cloud, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and compliance with data privacy regulations. Edge computing architectures also offer flexibility in managing the growth of IoT devices, preventing network congestion, and optimizing resource utilization.
The future of edge computing in remote operations is poised for significant transformation, driven by the convergence of technological advancements and strategic integration. One of the most notable developments will be the increased sophistication of edge AI. Innovations in model compression, hardware acceleration, and distributed learning will empower edge devices to run more powerful and complex AI algorithms efficiently. This will enable intelligent decision-making directly at the source of data, minimizing latency and enhancing responsiveness. Simultaneously, improved interoperability and standardization across frameworks, protocols, and platforms will streamline the development and deployment of edge solutions, encouraging broader adoption across industries.
The integration of edge computing with 5G and next-generation connectivity technologies will further expand its potential. The high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of these networks will support more robust, real-time applications in even the most remote environments. Additionally, the emergence of self-healing and autonomous edge networks will reduce reliance on manual oversight. These systems will be capable of self-organization and autonomous operation, offering increased resilience and operational continuity.
To support increasingly complex remote operations, multi-layered edge architectures will become more prevalent. These strategies will distribute varying levels of processing power and intelligence across the network, optimizing both performance and cost. Collectively, these trends signal a future where edge computing plays a central role in enabling intelligent, autonomous, and efficient remote operations.
Transformative Use Cases in Remote Operations
Edge computing is revolutionizing remote industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, smart cities, healthcare, industrial IoT, manufacturing, mining, and construction, with its real-time capabilities. In remote oil fields, sensors can instantly analyze data to detect pressure changes, equipment malfunctions, and leaks, thereby preventing costly downtime and enhancing safety. In agriculture, edge computing enables precision farming by optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and animal welfare in real-time. In traffic management, edge devices process data from cameras and sensors, reducing reliance on central cloud systems. In healthcare, edge computing enables remote patient monitoring, improving patient outcomes in real-time. In industrial IoT and manufacturing, edge computing enables the identification of anomalies and the prevention of failures as they occur. The urgency of real-time data is met with the importance of edge computing.
Edge computing is not merely an incremental improvement; it's a paradigm shift that is fundamentally reshaping how organizations operate in remote and challenging environments. By bringing compute power closer to the data source, it empowers real-time decision-making, optimizes resource utilization, and enhances reliability and security, ultimately unlocking unprecedented innovation and efficiency across a diverse range of industries. As technology continues to advance, the role of edge computing in connecting and optimizing the world's most remote operations will only continue to grow. ...Read more
Lubrication is crucial for enhancing industrial efficiency and sustainability in Europe by reducing friction, wear, and maintenance costs while promoting innovation and eco-friendly solutions.
FREMONT CA: The European market, known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, is witnessing advancements in lubrication technologies, including synthetic lubricants and eco-friendly options that align with industry standards. Lubrication plays a critical role in enhancing operational efficiency across various industries in Europe, serving as a key factor in minimising friction, reducing wear and ensuring the smooth operation of machinery and equipment. As industries face increasing pressure to optimise performance while adhering to stringent environmental regulations, effective lubrication strategies have become essential for maximising productivity and prolonging equipment lifespan. By prioritising lubrication best practices, European companies can achieve greater reliability, lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and competitive industrial landscape.
Recent advancements in lubrication technology have introduced several innovative solutions that enhance performance and sustainability. Among these is the development of nano-lubricants, which incorporate nanoparticles like graphene, molybdenum disulfide and carbon nanotubes to improve lubricating properties. This results in reduced friction, increased load-carrying capacity and enhanced thermal stability.
Another significant innovation is ionic liquids, salts that remain liquid at room temperature and exhibit remarkable lubricating characteristics. These non-volatile and non-flammable ionic liquids provide excellent thermal and chemical stability. They are ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications in aerospace and heavy-duty industrial machinery. The rising demand for sustainable alternatives has led to the creation of bio-based lubricants derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats, which offer biodegradability and lower toxicity while improving oxidation stability and overall performance for various applications. Furthermore, integrating IoT and sensor technology has facilitated the development of smart lubrication systems that monitor lubricant conditions in real time, allowing for the data collection on viscosity, temperature and contamination levels. This capability enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending machinery lifespan.
Innovations in lubrication technology have enhanced performance and efficiency across the engineering and automotive sectors. Advanced lubricants are designed to reduce friction and wear, contributing to smoother operation and extending service intervals. Additionally, the transition toward eco-friendly lubricants offers significant environmental benefits, as bio-based and synthetic options help reduce the carbon footprint of machinery and vehicles, aligning with sustainability goals.
Although advanced lubricants may have a higher upfront cost, their long-term advantages include decreased maintenance expenses, minimised downtime and long equipment lifespans, ultimately leading to overall cost savings for both businesses and consumers.
Ongoing research is focused on developing self-healing lubricants capable of repairing themselves after sustaining damage. These innovative lubricants are designed with microcapsules filled with therapeutic agents released when the lubricant is compromised, effectively restoring its original properties. Further, the future of lubrication technology is expected to include advanced additives that enhance the performance of base oils. These additives offer extra protection against wear, corrosion and oxidation while improving the energy efficiency of mechanical systems, contributing to overall system longevity and reliability.
As different industries continue to evolve in response to technological advancements and market demands, the role of lubrication in optimising performance and efficiency will remain critical. Emphasising a proactive approach to lubrication can lead to increased productivity, reduced energy consumption and a more competitive edge in the European market. ...Read more