Security Camera Installation for Alspec Aluminum Extrusion Company

Client Background

Alspec is a leading aluminum extrusion and manufacturing company with multiple large-scale facilities across Queensland, including locations in Cairns, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, and Logan. Handling high-value materials like 6-meter aluminum rods, Alspec faced growing concerns around internal theft, inventory loss, and workplace safety. The expansive layout of its warehouses, particularly the Logan site (approximately the size of three football fields), made traditional monitoring ineffective. The company needed a scalable surveillance solution to strengthen security, reduce liability risks, and streamline operations across its sites.

Challenges

  1. Theft Prevention and Loss Reduction:
    • Alspec, a leading aluminum extrusion company, faced significant challenges with theft and inventory loss at its various warehouses across multiple locations, including Cairns, Bundaberg, Sunny Coast, and the Logan facility.
    • Due to the size of the facilities and the value of the materials (e.g., 6-meter-long aluminum rods), the company was particularly vulnerable to internal theft and external pilferage.
  2. Workplace Safety & Liability Issues:
    • The company was also concerned with workplace safety due to frequent slips and falls, which posed legal risks and potential liabilities. These incidents often led to claims from workers, and the company wanted to have clear, actionable evidence to defend against any false or exaggerated claims.
  3. Size and Layout of the Facility:
    • The facilities are large (e.g., the Logan warehouse is approximately the size of three football fields), with a complex layout, making it challenging to monitor all areas effectively. 70 cameras were needed to cover the sprawling warehouse floor, both to monitor inventory and ensure worker safety.

Solutions

  1. Comprehensive Surveillance System:
    • A robust security camera system was designed and installed across all Alspec’s key locations. This involved the installation of approximately 70 high-definition cameras at the Logan warehouse, with additional installations planned for the other locations.
    • The camera system was set up to cover all areas of the warehouse, ensuring that both the inventory and workplace environment were under constant surveillance.
  2. Theft and Loss Prevention:
    • Cameras were strategically placed in key areas prone to theft, including inventory storage zones and loading docks, to capture any unauthorized access or suspicious behavior.
    • The presence of cameras served as a strong deterrent to theft, and the high-quality footage provided critical evidence for any suspected criminal activity.
  3. Workplace Safety Monitoring:
    • Cameras were installed in high-risk areas, such as loading bays, walkways, and equipment stations, to help monitor the safety of employees and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
    • This helped the company reduce the risk of workplace injuries and provided essential documentation for legal protection in the case of any slip-and-fall claims or other safety issues.
  4. Remote Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts:
    • The system was integrated with real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing managers and security personnel to track any unusual activities instantly. Alerts were set up to notify managers if any suspicious activity was detected, allowing for quick responses.

Results

  1. Reduction in Theft and Inventory Loss:
    • The installation of the cameras led to a noticeable reduction in theft and inventory shrinkage. Employees and external parties became aware that their actions were being recorded, which significantly deterred theft.
    • The cameras provided evidence that was used to resolve any potential theft-related incidents, ensuring that employees were held accountable for any misconduct.
  2. Improved Workplace Safety:
    • With the new camera system in place, slips and falls decreased significantly, and any workplace incidents were properly documented. This not only helped reduce safety claims but also allowed ElSpec to quickly address potential hazards.
    • The company was able to defend itself against legal claims by providing clear video footage of the incidents, which helped protect against fraudulent or exaggerated claims.
  3. Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
    • The cameras provided real-time visibility into warehouse operations, making it easier for managers to identify inefficiencies, monitor workflows, and ensure the safety of employees.
    • The ability to monitor operations remotely allowed for better resource management and ensured that processes were running smoothly across multiple locations.
  4. Better Compliance and Legal Protection:
    • With the camera system in place, Alspec was able to comply with workplace safety regulations and legal requirements by maintaining thorough documentation of safety procedures and incidents.
    • The video evidence from the cameras gave the company an added layer of protection from potential lawsuits or claims, allowing them to quickly address any issues or resolve disputes.