27-Camera Warehouse Surveillance System Eliminates Cargo Theft in Columbus
A Columbus-area third-party logistics warehouse was experiencing recurring cargo shrinkage from its loading docks and interior storage bays. With high-value goods moving through daily, gaps in their surveillance coverage were costing the company significant losses each month. DLM Installations replaced their aging system with a professionally designed 27-camera IP network covering the entire 62,000 sq ft facility.
The Challenge
The warehouse operated two shifts and processed hundreds of pallets per day across eight loading dock doors. Their existing 8-camera analog system left entire sections of the storage floor, staging area, and parking lot completely uncovered. Management suspected both external and internal shrinkage during the overnight shift, but had no footage to investigate. Insurance claims were accumulating without supporting evidence.
The Solution
DLM conducted a full facility assessment, reviewing the floor plan, dock layout, and existing infrastructure. We designed a 27-camera IP system using 4MP dome cameras throughout the interior bays, 8MP bullet cameras at each of the eight dock doors, PTZ cameras providing full parking lot sweeps, and license plate recognition cameras at both the entrance and exit gates. The system was tied to a rack-mounted commercial NVR with 60 days of storage. We also configured motion-triggered alerts for after-hours activity and provided secure remote access for management and their insurance carrier.
The Results
- No cargo loss incidents reported in the 90 days following installation
- Dock camera footage helped management identify and address delivery discrepancies
- Overnight staffing accountability improved significantly after system was installed
- Insurance carrier accepted the new system documentation and reduced monthly premiums
- Management can now monitor all dock activity remotely during off-hours from mobile devices
- License plate data has been used to cross-reference deliveries with inventory records
Project Details
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Industry
Warehousing
Cameras Installed
27 cameras
Equipment Used
- 4MP IP Dome Cameras (interior bays)
- 8MP Bullet Cameras (dock doors)
- PTZ Cameras (parking lot)
- LPR Cameras (entry/exit gates)
- Rack-Mounted Commercial NVR
- 60-Day Recording Retention
What Was Installed
Loading Dock Coverage
High-resolution 8MP bullet cameras mounted above each of the eight dock doors, capturing clear footage of every pallet, driver, and forklift interaction.
Interior Bay Monitoring
Wide-angle 4MP dome cameras positioned throughout the storage bays providing full coverage of inventory locations with no blind spots.
Parking Lot PTZ
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras covering the entire exterior lot, allowing operators to track vehicles and individuals across the property remotely.
License Plate Recognition
Dedicated LPR cameras at the facility entrance and exit gates capturing plate numbers of every vehicle entering and leaving.
60-Day Video Retention
A rack-mounted NVR with redundant storage providing 60 days of continuous recording — critical for cargo claims that are often reported weeks after an incident.
After-Hours Motion Alerts
Motion detection zones configured to notify management immediately when activity is detected in restricted areas during non-business hours.
Learn More
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DLM Installations provides professional surveillance camera installation for warehousing businesses across Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati.