Swiss Federal Railways (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, SBB), the largest transport company in Switzerland, has has the task of transporting 1.2 million passengers and 180,000 tonnes of freight daily. Known for its high standards of service, safety, and reliability, SBB plays a significant role in European rail infrastructure.
In addition to its transportation services, the company manages an extensive portfolio of real estate across Switzerland, which requires comprehensive security measures to address challenges such as crime, anti-social behaviour, and trespassing.
Upgrading Surveillance Systems
In a move to improve security, SBB’s video surveillance system underwent a significant upgrade. The team selected Hanwha Vision cameras, recognising their strong performance, advanced analytics, and competitive pricing. Since 2021, various models from Hanwha’s X and P series, including vandal-resistant network dome cameras, PTZ cameras, and network box cameras, have been deployed across SBB’s rail network.
The Hanwha Vision cameras provide a range of advanced functions, offering SBB’s security team greater situational awareness. Features such as audio detection, automatic lens distortion correction, and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) enhance the quality of the footage. The integrated system allows dome cameras to switch seamlessly to PTZ cameras if an event is detected, offering a more flexible monitoring approach. Additional capabilities like tamper detection, fog detection, and day/night functionality improve the overall reliability of the system.
Cost-Efficient Operations
As part of SBB’s ongoing commitment to operational efficiency, the company increasingly utilises dome and multi-directional cameras from Hanwha’s X and P series. One key feature is remote lens alignment, allowing for real-time adjustments without the need for physical intervention. This capability reduces the need for on-site visits, ultimately helping SBB lower both project and operational costs.
Perimeter Security and AI-Enhanced Detection
The cameras’ intelligent video analytics, which include loitering detection, virtual line-crossing, and area detection, have proved critical in securing SBB’s premises. These analytics are performed directly on the device, offering accurate motion detection and allowing operators to quickly identify unauthorised access to restricted areas.
The AI features integrated into the system enhance accuracy by distinguishing between people and different types of vehicles, which reduces false alarms and improves the efficiency of security responses.
Chei Seung-Kyoo, responsible for Technology Video at SBB, expressed satisfaction with the system’s performance, noting: “We are very satisfied with the performance of the Hanwha Vision cameras. They help us to secure our stations and buildings, optimise processes in rail operations, improve public safety, and ensure that our trains run on time.”