From crush to creation: Axis helps recycling company to meet sustainability goals.
EMR Metal Recycling deploys comprehensive range of Axis technologies to secure its site as well as monitor its operational processes in a drive towards achieving zero waste targets.
Mission
EMR is a global leader in material recovery, with a heritage dating back to the 1940s. EMR currently employs around 4000 people operating across 150 locations worldwide. Its core business is the recycling of metal and plastics from a range of sources such as end-of-life vehicles, consumer products and construction sites. EMR’s focus on sustainable practices and desire to achieve zero waste targets led to a requirement for a surveillance system to protect not only its site, securing the access points and wider perimeter, but also to monitor the onsite machinery. A solution was required to enable greater visibility into the efficiency of current processes while helping to identify unnecessary waste in order to provide decision makers with insights into how to better meet sustainability goals.
Solution
Working closely with EMR to fulfil its requirements, Axis delivered an integrated end-to-end solution comprising network cameras, access control and IP audio products as well as a powerful software solution. This would facilitate the close monitoring of every aspect of onsite operations while also covering access points and perimeter security. In addition, open-source media player software linked to the point of sale (POS) system provided video verification of each transaction.
Result
EMR has been able to review and monitor its entire processes for security as well as system efficiency, making firm decisions about managing waste in line with sustainability goals. In addition, the system factors in elements such as fire risk, which can now be closely monitored through the use of thermal cameras. EMR was subsequently able to respond to a BBC television request to feature in an episode of ‘Inside the factory’; this was a great piece of promotional coverage for EMR and for the work it does to produce in excess of 10 million tonnes a year of high quality recycled materials.
We always strive to perform safely, efficiently and compliantly. We are also committed to our workforce, local communities and the environment. Like Axis, we follow ethical practices and strive to operate in as sustainable a manner as possible.
Securing recycling operations
EMR is a global metal recycling company with a heritage dating back to the 1940s. EMR currently employs around 4000 people operating across 150 locations worldwide. Its core business is the recycling of metal from a range of sources such as end-of-life vehicles, consumer products and construction sites.
With a substantial operational environment, the decision was taken to source a new solution that would not only ensure the security of the entire site but also observe every stage of the recycling process. While high levels of protection and security were required, inside, the close monitoring of all systems would increase safety and efficiency. Being able to view the onsite machinery in action would allow for greater analysis of processes and procedures. This would ensure optimisation and support EMR’s sustainable commitments and work towards becoming a zero waste company.
Roger Hewitt, Head of Security at EMR UK, commented: “We recycle anything from a domestic car to an aircraft carrier as part of our global operations. The solution for our business in Warrington [UK] needed to combine the security of our site with operational data from our machines to improve processes and make sure we’re working smartly to meet our zero waste goals. A drive towards more sustainable business practices is something we share with Axis.”
High quality solutions to ensure safety and security
EMR approached Axis to design an appropriate solution that would meet all of the requirements. Access points needed to be covered, together with comprehensive surveillance solutions to monitor the entire perimeter. Inside the site, surveillance cameras would be installed across machinery with easy to use software, monitoring all operations, relaying collected data back to a central system for analysis.
Roger Hewitt explained further: “There is much to consider across the site. Axis cameras mounted on our weigh bridge, for example, can assist in the calculation of loads. Thermal imaging cameras can monitor for excess heat, not just inside the machinery, but also within the piles of metal and material that we have on site, notifying operators if rising temperatures are detected.”
The image quality of the Axis cameras is excellent. They allow us to monitor our entire operation while also ensuring the highest levels of safety and security at the site.
The technologies employed to provide a total end-to-end solution included:
> Axis network door stations and AXIS A1601 Network Door Controller, covering all access points
> A network audio system including horn speakers to play pre-recorded alerts, triggered in the event of unauthorised access to the site
> A range of cameras to protect the site perimeter and monitor operations, including AXIS P5624-E dome cameras, AXIS P3245, AXIS P39 Series and AXIS Q19 Series
> AXIS Q2901-E Temperature Alarm Camera installed to detect heat for the purpose of identifying fire risk
> AXIS Camera Station video management software for control of all of the onsite technology, even remotely
Axis’ Nick Platt-Higgins, UK Key Account Manager, shared his views on the project: “This is perhaps one of the most all-encompassing solutions we have designed and installed to date,” he began. “It really provides a real world opportunity to see a significant number of Axis technologies out in the field, using cloud connectivity to provide a comprehensive overview of EMR’s entire operations at this site. EMR’s drive towards a more ethical, waste-free way of operating also matches our own ethos perfectly.”
A comprehensive system worth showcasing
The Axis end-to-end solution has brought peace of mind to all at the EMR site, while the benefit of being able to monitor operations has resulted in more accurate decision making around how best to optimise production while striving to improve sustainable practices.
Roger shared his view of the relationship with Axis that has made the new solution possible: “At EMR we realise the importance of operating a sustainable and ethical company with a responsible working culture. I think this is one of the main reasons for our close working relationship with Axis; that shared vision of how to operate in line with social responsibility, and how to try and make things better for everyone.”
Products & solutions
Industrial
AXIS P3214-V Network Camera
This product has been discontinued and replaced. Find the replacement on the product support page.
AXIS P5624-E PTZ Network Camera
This product has been discontinued and replaced. Find the replacement on the product support page.