IP Technology Improves Operational Efficiency at Midwest Foods
In a multi-year, multi-stage project, Midwest Foods, one of the largest North American food distributors, has been converting its Hikvision hybrid security system from analog to IP with the help of Illinois-based integrator Imperial Surveillance.
“The HD video quality has allowed Midwest Foods to run a safer and more efficient production floor and overall operation,” said Garrett LeTourneau, co-founder and CEO of Imperial Surveillance. “They loved the original system upgrades so much that when the original NVRs were maxed out, they wanted to add a third system to continue the video surveillance expansion.”
“The new system provides a more effective way of monitoring food safety concerns. Midwest’s strict guidelines guarantee that their products are void of biological and physical hazards. Video surveillance prevents everything from allergen contamination to potential terrorist activity,” according to a report by Security World Market.
Imperial Surveillance began working with Midwest Food’s main facility in Cicero, Ill. three years ago. LeTourneau said his company originally installed Hikvision IP cameras in key locations. He chose a 960H hybrid DVR and an eight-channel NVR with PoE switch to support the legacy analog and the new IP cameras.
For the recent upgrade, Imperial Surveillance recommended and installed more than 20 of Hikvision’s DS-2CD2342WD-I Network Turret Cameras and additional NVRs. The cameras were sealed to withstand environmental conditions from the processing lines.
“Migrating slowly from analog to IP has allowed Midwest Foods to improve technology and operations while spreading the investment cost over time,” said LeTourneau.