Page 13 - Security Today, November/December 2020

“Just as you schedule and rely upon the software maintenance for your physical security and network devices, you should incorporate a physical maintenance plan as well, to keep your products clean and in perfect running condition.”
By Ralph C. Jensen
dust make cameras miss important events, which you will likely only become aware of when you need to retrieve important video and find that it is unusable. Public monitors and digital signs are dust magnets, which makes them harder to read, but also makes for an unkempt community appearance. Solar panels run more efficiently and cooler when they are clean. Traffic safety signal lighting must be clear of ice and snow to ensure the best visibility.
There are dozens of real-world examples that illustrate the need for routine cleaning. And there have been solutions includ- ing hiring companies that come out and clean devices on a regu- lar basis via bucket trucks. But most companies cannot afford to hire a service to come and clean their equipment, which may require stopping traffic, hanging from roofs and similar, often- times risky, methods.
How it Works
The Domewizard is essentially a supported MicroFiber cleaning mitt that sits on the end of a 10-, 25- or 40-foot, ex- tendable oval carbon fiber pole. The device is designed to en-
velop via a three-mode shape option for a camera or sensor, cleaning all areas and crevices. There are no ladders or lifts re- quired, which makes it truly safe DIY. The device works on all outdoor/indoor dome housings, mini domes and even static box housings. It is engineered for video surveillance cameras, traf- fic signals and cameras, some of which are installed in casinos, airports, office buildings, on bridges, airport structures, street lighting and smart city applications.
Real World Examples:
Cities, Schools and Integrators
A city manager recently shared that the manpower and time it took to keep cameras and traffic lights clear made the task of cleaning something they could never even consider doing. The cameras are high up and collect pollution and dust, plus the sheer number makes hiring a service cost prohibitive. But it is essential to keep the cameras clean, especially since they include a facial and license plate recognition functionality. For this particular city, employees were each provided with a Domewizard 25 model and they implemented a DIY-cleaning program using the Dot- workz solution. They have been able to maintain and clean de- vices with regularity, safety and affordability.
School districts are large purchasers of video surveillance equipment but being budget-conscious entities, they typically cannot afford to hire outside help to clean cameras. By deploying a DIY solution that maintenance employees can use themselves while they routinely visit campuses, they are able to ensure their equipment is cleaned on a regular basis, as needed and at minimal added cost.
Integrators are also a great benefactor of DIY cleaning so- lutions such as the cleaning tools because they can help them service the large accounts they often routinely manage. One inte- grator partner shared that prior to using the system, the task of cleaning cameras on customer sites could add days of additional labor for technicians. But now, because it is an easily portable tool, techs simply carry the Domewizard 10 with them and clean cameras on the way back to their trucks in just minutes while already at a client stop. The customers are grateful for the added value that the camera cleaning delivers, especially since a clean camera or sensor can reduce false motion alarms, saving money and improving service.
Oftentimes when someone invests in a large camera deploy- ment or sensors, the maintenance focus is on the technical aspect of the equipment, keeping the software or virus protection up to date. But it is essential to remember to physically maintain equip- ment primarily by keeping it clean. The Domewizard is patented, and after many years of research other products are meant to be shared as the best tools to keep these essential investments run- ning the best they can, for the longest period of time.
Ralph C. Jensen is the editor in chief of Security Today magazine. WWW.SECURITYTODAY.COM 13