CoatingsPro offers an in-depth look at coatings based on case studies, successful business operation, new products, industry news, and the safe and profitable use of coatings and equipment.
Issue link: http://coatingspromag.epubxp.com/i/305148
30 MAY 2014 COATINGSPROMAG.COM Contractor's Corner E very vehicle on the road can be safer with an in-vehicle camera. Initially, security cameras were used only by police and security companies. Law enforcement used cameras as evidence in litigation relating to on-road incidents. But these cameras are not just for the police anymore! Other industries have realized the potential of using camera systems on the road to help with safety and accountability of the individual drivers. But if you think this is just another way of surrendering to Big Brother, you'd be wrong. Read on to fnd out how in-vehicle cameras can help you have a safer, timelier, and higher quality coatings contracting feet, even if that "feet" is just you. How They Work In the feld, a vehicle can have cameras that can pick up everything that is going on inside and outside the vehicle. In some instances, the camera starts rolling when you turn on the ignition. With other cameras, they are always running, even when the car is of. Either way, the cameras shoot inside and outside the car, picking up audio and video. Tey can measure the speed of the car, pick up global positioning system (GPS), and measure the impact of g-force if and when the car gets into an accident. Tese features can help to elevate the quality of service of the vehicle operator; you can monitor trends of the individu- al's driving pattern. Additionally, if one of your drivers gets into an accident, the recording can be used as evidence in court, as law enforcement ofcers have used in the past. You can also use record- ings for future training references. For instance, if you have video of an accident, you can use that as an example for how or how not to react. Another helpful aspect of in-ve- hicle cameras is that each one can be labeled individually to identify with the specifc vehicle. If your company has several diferent vehicles on the road at the same time, you can use the label to identify the specifc unit. Tis informa- tion can be stored several diferent ways, including on a black box, via WiFi, or via 3G, which use an SD card, modem, and the cloud, respectively. Although cameras are not usually installed by the driver, it is helpful to know that the basic camera can be installed using two wires: ground and power. Tis helps to ensure that the driver cannot tamper with the camera, which guarantees that you're on top of everything happening when the vehicle is out of sight. Why You Might Want One Camera systems can help your coatings contracting business in various ways. Here's how: 1. The use of a camera can help encour- age safer driving. The camera makes the driver aware that he or she is being recorded. 2. Cameras help to make services timelier. The camera has date and time stamps, so the manager knows exactly where the vehicles are and how long it takes to get from point A to point B. Therefore, the driver can be held accountable for his or her timeliness. 3. Cameras can help protect employees, vehicles, and company investments. Cameras can help deter other people from harming your drivers or vehicle. Additionally, especially with cameras that are continuously running, cameras can help monitor equip- ment and materials that are inside the vehicle. Consider a truck that is sitting on a remote coatings site. The camera can help monitor the vehicle and record events or incidents (e.g., break-ins or vandalism). Contractors who want to elevate service quality should consider a camera system, so that they can make a proper choice of who they want to work for them or drive their vehicles. Te manager could use the individual 's driving pattern and care of equipment P h o to co u r te s y o f P r im a r y St u d i o s By Ray Gavino, President of Translogic Solutions In-Vehicle Cameras: Are They Important to You? CPRO 0514.indd 30 4/23/14 4:20 PM