Last year, there was a 71% increase in physical attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure, according to a government report.
For O&G refining, operational continuity is paramount. Yet, the alarming increase in the number of physical attacks that target these plants — which could include theft or damage to expensive equipment — is putting uptime in jeopardy.
When it comes to protecting a refinery from an attack, a range of options from CCTV systems to 24-hour security guards are often deployed. However, CCTV security installations have typically focused on "inside the perimeter" protection and often lack the teeth needed to be a deterrent. That is changing with new mobile security trailers, loaded with advanced AI monitoring capabilities that can greatly expand the scope of onsite security. Plus, these smart systems are also proving to add operational efficiencies.
Smart security: Mobile security trailers consist of a trailer armed with high-definition cameras attached to an extendable mast and powered by solar panels; these systems can be quickly deployed and set up in minutes. They can also be repositioned as threat profiles change.
Mobile security trailers are not new, but sophisticated data analytics is changing how these intelligent systems operate, and is enabling a more efficient approach to securing a facility.
The current trend in the industrial sector is reminiscent of the retail industry’s surveillance and monitoring practices. While it has been a customary practice to install numerous cameras inside stores, businesses are now equally keen on monitoring the activities of individuals in the parking lot perimeter or access points before they even enter the premises.
The latest AI-enabled technology provides an opportunity for businesses to have real-time, continuous monitoring of their projects, people, assets and environment. This may include identifying whether or not someone is brandishing a weapon — which is now possible with advanced AI systems. These systems can also provide alerts on vehicles, people and motorcycles, as well as detect smoke and fire — which are always a concern at an industrial facility.
Uptime: For industrial operations, stopping a potential attack, theft or property damage is a real concern, yet it is the potential loss of uptime or business continuity that keeps operators pushing out more security trailers onto their properties.
For instance, there was a recent incident with an industrial equipment operator who had a remote facility with some of its assets staged on it. When a thief came in attempting to steal some electronics valued at several hundred thousands of dollars, advanced analytics detected the intruder before entering the property. Then the virtual-guard monitoring team took over, coordinating with the onsite customer team to proactively apprehend the bad actor, preventing the crime and potential losses.
It was no small amount of money, but after discussing the impact of the potential theft, the operator estimated that the six-figure loss would have paled in comparison to the lost production of the rig which was set to begin work the following week.
The electronics would have had to be reordered, manufactured and then shipped from overseas — representing a four-to-five-month turnaround. If those electronics had been stolen, the entire rig would have been out of work and the operator would not be able to fulfill its contract.
Deterrence: The way in which security monitoring trailers are rolled out is in stark contrast to that of traditional CCTV, which are built and designed to be fixed installations that often blend into the surroundings.
Deterrence is the primary defense against potential security threats. Traditional CCTV cameras often act as passive observers, but with the introduction of mobile security trailers, the situation is different.
These trailers are highly visible, sending a clear message that they are actively monitoring the area. The aim is to make people aware of their presence, ensuring that potential wrongdoers are discouraged from carrying out any illicit activities.
At the same time that the on-trailer features take action, an alert gets sent to a central monitoring center where trained professionals take over for AI. They can then quickly review the incident and determine actionable next steps in real time.
Operations: Beyond just security, the AI systems on the advanced monitoring trailers can also provide operational efficiencies. For example, it could be as simple as alleviating congestion from multiple deliveries that occur at the same time. It could also be heatmapping of activities to make changes to operational workflows.
There are some jobsites that simply need an extra set of eyes looking out for environmental exposures, spills or failures on a piece of equipment. These advanced systems are not limited to just anti-theft or anti-vandalism. They are truly a second set of eyes and ears on one’s property.
For more information, visit stallionis.com, call (281) 247-2666 or email sales@stallionis.com.
