Located in northwest Mexico, the Administración Portuaria Integral de Guaymas (API) has grown since its first commercial movement in 1827 to become one of Mexico’s busiest and most strategically located freight ports. Importing and exporting nearly 6 million metric tons of cargo annually to and from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, API plays a significant role in global trade activities and transnational business. Operating under the values of safe and efficient services, the port’s commitment to continuously improving and meeting its clients’ needs has fostered an exceptional offering of services such as cargo handling, logistics, exterior commerce management and fiscal storage.

The Avigilon Solution

High-Powered Cameras for Detailed and Accurate Monitoring

To strengthen safety and comply with government regulations, API, in partnership with telecommunications solutions company, Global VoIP de Mexico S.A. de C.V., adopted a range of Avigilon high-definition cameras to meet various surveillance needs throughout the port. In a matter of months, API installed over 50 Avigilon cameras and deployed Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software to streamline its video monitoring and management processes.

“Clear video surveillance that can withstand challenging conditions is critical to our ability to protect the port from theft and other security threats,” said Axel Humberto Perez Flores, Head of Information Technology for the Port of Guaymas. “With Avigilon’s HD cameras and ACC™ software, our operators can centrally monitor and verify port activities, helping to ensure we continue to provide secure transportation and storage services to our clients.”

Avigilon H4 cameras ranging from 1 MP to 8 MP (4K) resolutions were installed to offer highly detailed image quality, built-in selflearning video analytics and durability. With resolutions ranging from 8 MP (4K) to 30 MP (7K), Avigilon H4 Pro cameras were selected for their ability to cover wide distances between sites with fewer cameras, while simultaneously allowing operators to zoom in with detail to identify and quickly respond to potential security events. Avigilon HD Multisensor cameras were also chosen for their flexible design, which can capture multiple angles up to 360 degrees, enabling maximum scene coverage while minimizing blind spots.

Combined with the advanced search capabilities of ACC video management software, the system helps the port’s operators to effectively monitor and accurately verify the location of people and vehicles of interest, saving time and effort during critical investigations. The port has also deployed the Avigilon Access Control Manager (ACM) system to secure physical access points throughout its extensive premises.

Results That Matter

Prior to installing a complete Avigilon solution, container fulfillment was a challenge for API. To monitor fulfillment, a dedicated police officer had to be stationed at each container to determine when it had reached maximum capacity, which was a slow and difficult process from a ground perspective. Container fulfillment is now much faster; one fulfillment manager can easily monitor video of the containers from API’s central IT station using ACC software and provide direction to operators.

API’s Avigilon solution has also helped the port avoid false liability claims. Without a thorough video surveillance system and clear video evidence, it was hard to determine the authenticity of accidents that occurred at the port. Since the deployment of Avigilon cameras, API has robust video evidence of events that occur, which can be reviewed during investigations and presented in court. In one instance, an employee was found injured, claiming that he had had an accident in one of the port’s pits. After reviewing the video, authorities were able to determine that the employee had purposely jumped into the pit and that API was not at fault for his injuries. API has also found an unconventional use for its surveillance video; the video from its Avigilon cameras provides such exceptional image detail that API has begun using certain recorded video clips for promotional purposes, creating videos that are used to show clients, partners and shareholders how secure, clean and operationally effective the port is.

“We chose Avigilon because they offered an end-to-end security solution that could protect our staff, facilities and assets, despite the unique challenges we face as a port,” said Mr. Perez Flores. “Knowing that we have the ability to detect and act on security threats in an efficient manner is paramount.”

A Complete System

Exceptional coverage and efficient system management have been key factors in the upgrade of API’s security solution. By deploying an Avigilon system that includes cameras with widearea coverage and user-friendly video management software, API is able to proactively achieve its security objectives today with room to grow for the needs of tomorrow.

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