Next-gen security trailers mobilise AI for proactive defence

Using machine learning and analytics, advanced security trailers are implementing proactive strategies to prevent security threats while improving operational efficiencies.

Physical attacks on critical infrastructure in the US are on the rise. In fact, last year a US government report indicated a 71% surge in such incidents.

Maintaining uptime is crucial for industries like manufacturing, construction, upstream and downstream oil and gas, as well as utilities and telecoms.

However, the escalating number of physical attacks on these facilities, involving potential theft or damage to valuable equipment, poses a threat to operational continuity.

If the trend continues, it could lead to supply chain issues and an increase in the cost of goods.

To safeguard these critical facilities against potential attacks, various measures, including CCTV systems and round-the-clock security personnel, are commonly utilised.

However, conventional setups are often only concerned with “inside the perimeter” protection. Due to the fact that they are typically hidden, or less obvious, they often also lack the necessary deterrent effect.

That is why security is increasingly moving toward mobile security trailers which are now equipped with advanced AI monitoring capabilities, significantly broadening on-site security coverage and enhancing operational efficiency.

Compounding the surge in criminal activities targeting industrial operations is the nationwide shortage of law enforcement, which can lead to extended response times, further compelling facilities to bolster their security protocols.

“As a solution to this issue, the introduction of mobile security trailers presents a timely opportunity to proactively detect potential security threats before they escalate into more severe situations,” said Cameron Simon, Senior Vice President of Industrials, Technology & Services for Stallion Infrastructure Services.

New age security

Mobile security trailers, once primarily positioned in retail parking lots, are gaining popularity for a number of industries.

Equipped with high definition cameras mounted on extendable masts and powered by solar panels, these mobile security systems can be quickly deployed, set up within minutes and repositioned to adapt to evolving threat profiles.

While mobile security trailers aren’t novel, the integration of sophisticated data analytics is revolutionising their operational capabilities, enabling a more efficient security approach allowing for real time, continuous monitoring of projects, people, assets and the environment.

Advanced AI technology enables the detection of weapons, alerts for vehicles, individuals, motorcycles and identification of smoke and fire – critical concerns in an industrial setting.

Simon draws parallels between current trends in the industrial sector and surveillance practices in the retail industry, highlighting the shift towards comprehensive monitoring beyond store interiors to include parking lots and access points.

Maintaining uptime

Preventing potential attacks, theft, or property damage is a genuine concern for industrial operations. However, the potential loss of business continuity is what is pushing the industry into adopting tighter more advanced security measures. 

“We deployed with an industrial equipment manufacturer who had a remote facility with some of their assets staged on it. Someone came in attempting to steal some electronics,” explained Simon.

“It was a couple hundred thousand dollars worth of electronics that we prevented from being stolen.

“Stallion’s advanced analytics detected the intruder before he entered the property, then the virtual guard monitoring team took over, coordinating with the on-site customer team to proactively apprehend the bad actor, preventing the crime and potential losses.”

While this six figure loss would have been significant to any operation, it pales in comparison to the lost revenue the rig would have suffered – which was due to begin the following week – had Stallion IS not successfully thwarted the event.

“Those electronics would have had to be re-ordered, manufactured and then shipped from overseas. That’s about a four to five month turnaround,” said Simon.

“If those electronics had been stolen, the entire place is out of work and the customer cannot fulfill his contract. The losses would have been enormous.” 

A proactive approach

The deployment strategy of security monitoring trailers differs from traditional CCTV which are typically fixed installations that are hidden or tend to blend into their surroundings.

A greater emphasis is being placed on deterrence as a primary defence. These highly visible trailers actively signal their monitoring presence, discouraging potential wrongdoers.

Additional deterrent features include motion-activated strobe lights and talk-down speakers that announce the police or security have been alerted.

“At the same time those on-trailer features take action, an alert gets sent to a central monitoring center where trained professionals take over for AI,” continued Simon.

“They can then quickly review the incident and determine actionable next steps in real time.”

Improving procedures

Beyond security, AI systems on monitoring trailers offer operational efficiencies, such as managing congestion during deliveries, heatmapping activities for workflow optimisation.

“There are some job sites that simply need an extra set of eyes out there looking out for environmental exposures, spills or failures on a piece of equipment,” adds Simon.

“These advanced systems are not limited to just anti-theft or anti-vandalism. They are truly a second set of eyes and ears out there.”

PPE compliance can also be managed by security monitoring trailers.

To maintain continuous uptime, companies like Stallion perform daily virtual “pulse checks” on every system in its extensive fleet across the country.

In the event that a trailer needs to be replaced or undergo a maintenance procedure, the trailers can swiftly be swapped out.

To ensure rapid access to replacement trailers, companies like Stallion strategically place their operational facilities nationwide.

“Is the unit charging adequately? Are the batteries working optimally? Are the cameras and the system working and free of visual obstructions?” asked Simon.

“If your systems aren’t working properly, that’s a potential failure point we intend to proactively manage and prevent.”

Connectivity is another potential area of concern. Trailers must establish connections beyond a single cellular service provider.

Simon recommends sourcing from suppliers capable of utilising multiple carriers, low earth orbiting satellites and point to point connections to ensure redundancy.

This approach enables users to securely log in from any location and monitor the facility through a protected portal.

Simon notes that there is a consistent demand for security equipment regardless of the current economic climate.

When times are good, companies seek surveillance systems to manage multiple projects, increase efficiencies and lessen the burden on their staff.

When times are tough, an increase in theft and equipment loss highlights the persistent need for increased security.