Vegetables on film at American farm

15 Jan 08

Cherries, beans and carrots are all being monitored by surveillance cameras as they make their way through a fruit and vegetable processing plant in Michigan, USA.

Over 100 cameras now watch over staff and operations at Chase Farms, which includes a number of large buildings kept at different temperatures.

The Bio-Terrorism Act, introduced in the USA after 9/11, means companies involved in food production have to adhere to strict traceability standards.

“We have to know exactly where each bean or cherry has come from, how it's handled, where it goes, and when,” said Brett Chase, vice president of Chase Farms.

Milestone’s XProtect Enterprise IP video software was chosen to manage the farm’s Axis 223M cameras, over 60 of which were installed last autumn.

“We have to know exactly where each bean or cherry has come from...”

Brett Chase, vice president of Chase Farms

“An analogue DVR system was put in two years ago, but once Chase Farms saw the clarity and detail of the Milestone-Axis IP video solution, they started to replace it for the better images, using Axis video servers to convert older models,” a Milestone spokesperson said.

ROK Systems, Milestone’s Partner, chose standard Dell servers with HP network routers and switches for the IT infrastructure and integrated the cameras with time/attendance and access control systems.

Chase Farms managers said the system’s clear images have helped them meet industry requirements and even given them the chance to provide customers with video updates on their orders.

“Even our long-valued customers love to receive the video clips that let them see the exact status on their orders anytime they ask for it,” Chase said.

Postscript :

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