IFC Global Logistics & Warehousing
For over three decades, the Australian-owned and operated IFC Global Logistics and Warehousing (IFC) has delivered best-in-class supply chain services, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, consulting, and warehousing.
Leading the company’s technology strategy is Daniel Sammut, Chief Information Officer (CIO), who implements innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of the logistics industry and drive business performance across global network of distribution centers.
The Evaluation
A centralised, cloud-based platform to manage devices, users and settings regardless of their location.
The ability to integrate beyond its own ecosystem with Active Directory and Single Sign-On.
Edge-based recording with no need for on-premise servers and infrastructure to store footage.
Measures and controls to maintain security standards – including encryption at rest and in-transit.
Why Verkada?
To bridge together segmented operations, Daniel sought to break down the barriers between disparate building security systems. "Scalability is essential for us, especially when implementing policies across various sites. We centralise functions wherever possible, the ability to remotely manage and maintain oversight across multiple sites is crucial."
Verkada's platform broke down these silos, providing an all-in-one view from a cloud-based platform. This native integration across alarms, cameras, intercoms, access control and air quality sensors gives teams to operate efficiently, draw comprehensive insights, and manage global sites at scale.
“We have a complete story of any incident, so we don’t need to piece one together across disparate systems. Everything is seamlessly connected behind a single pane of glass.”
Controlling Site Access
As an Australian trusted trader, IFC Global has strict legislative and border force requirements that they are accountable for. Controlling “who” is onsite – along with “when” and “how long” – are mandatory requirements.
“Access Control and Guest are integrated with Intercom. We can easily identify individuals, understand who they are here to see, and control their access.”
Gates autoclose to a schedule and vehicle entries are closely monitored with Verkada’s License Plate Recognition (LPR) solutions. “We can easily track the number of vehicles onsite, when they entered, and how long they have been here.”
Intercom devices are installed throughout the perimeter – including the vehicle entries, warehouses, and reception areas. Drivers and couriers can simply press the Intercom button to route their call to a staff member, who can verify their identity and unlock gates remotely.
Automating Compliance
While pen-and-paper logbooks may serve a basic function, they fall short of the privacy standards upheld by IFC Global. “Openly recording personal details like visitors’ names, mobile numbers, and email addresses in a logbook compromises the protection of their personal information. Instead, we use Verkada Guest to protect our visitors’ identities and automate operations.”
Having self-service check-in also means that visitors can arrive on their own and receive a tailored welcome experience. Verkada Workplace provides a professional first impression, while improving efficiency at the front desk. “Instead of a 15-minute induction per person, guests can check themselves in – without relying on reception. This creates a controlled entry point, rather than our guests calling the person they need to meet, to gain site access. All our visitors are now easily identifiable, and we are engaging with them with a quality user experience from the moment they arrive.”
Document signing is included as part of their Verkada Guest check-in flow, ensuring that visitors agree to and are aware of privacy policies, biometric detection, emergency evacuation and compliance needs. After signing, guests receive an automated welcome message and link to the documents. Hosts are directly notified of guests’ arrival via text, email or an automated Slack message.
Real-Time Insights
Daniel’s top priority is the safety of staff and the security of the facility. Time on-site is a key metric, given the sheer size of the facility; there is always the risk of visitors getting lost. Supported by Verkada, security teams can verify that visitors have left the facilities and identify where they are at any time.
“Even across thousands of square meters, finding individuals takes seconds. Not only do we know who they’re visiting and their time of entry, we can identify where they’ve been – and where they could be going.”
Daniel is alluding to a recently released feature, Trajectory Analysis, which highlights the trajectories of detected individuals over time. New capabilities are deployed through automatic software and firmware updates, providing IFC Global with the latest in security and feature enhancements.
Instant Visibility and Alerts
Actionable analytics such as tailgate detection add another layer of safety. If multiple parties appear as guests but only one checks in, security teams can be alerted to quickly address the situation. “Having insights connected across devices allows us to take action immediately.”
Outside of Access Control, Verkada Cameras are paired with Alarms and Air Quality Sensors to provide visual context to any alert. If a door or PIR sensor is triggered, teams are notified with a link to the corresponding video. “We can swiftly determine if it's a false alarm without playing back and scrolling through footage, which saves us a lot of time.”
Environmental Monitoring
Air Quality Sensors are installed above charging stations to monitor machinery – including large electronic devices operate at high currents, consume significant power, and charge overnight. However, if forklifts aren't maintained properly, they can emit harmful gases during charging. Daniel's proactive approach helps detect and address such issues promptly.
“We are immediately alerted if something is amiss, because the Air Quality Sensors detect noxious gas, high temperature, or other alarming indicators in the environment.”
Asset Protection and Inventory Management
“Safety isn't only about equipment; it's also about protecting high-value products stored in our warehouse. In the event of an incident, we have objective video evidence of what occurred – and our response to it.”
Cameras are strategically placed throughout the facility, including aisles and evacuation exits, reinforcing IFC Global’s commitment to a transparent and safe environment. Everyone is informed of their presence, emphasising the importance of safety in the workplace.
Daniel utilises Fisheye Cameras for end-to-end visibility across each aisle. While the cameras offer a broad view of operations, the footage is carefully captured to ensure no customer-specific product can be identified. "No items are identifiable to maintain client confidentiality." To protect privacy, features such as Privacy Regions blackout specific areas within the frame.
Enhancing Workflows and Ownership
Daniel streamlines user access by automating provisioning with Verkada’s Active Directory integration. During onboarding, new staff are automatically added to specific access groups, differentiating between standard and privileged users.
The technology team handles account creation, while the security team manages user group classification. This clear division has eliminated past ambiguities, like overlooked account deactivations. Now, roles are well-defined, enhancing efficiency and staff confidence in their responsibilities.
“We’re able to provide our staff with clarity and purpose for their role, which in itself then delivers the intangible value component – that sense of ownership where people say, “I’ve got this, I know what I need to do,” and they are comfortable with it.”
Looking Ahead
Daniel is shifting his focus to build new use cases by leveraging advanced analytics. “By connecting data points across our devices, we can respond to security breaches in real-time.”
Even simple events, like a door left ajar, can initiate multiple actions and an automated response. The ability to detect such nuances and adapt in real-time – like unlocking doors for staff or guests – underscores his team’s ability to respond quickly.
“The improvement in response time has been a game-changer; what once took hours to investigate now takes only minutes.” This streamlined approach offers a continuous narrative of security events, making incident resolution more efficient. As he continues to test new features, like crowd analytics, IFC Global’s security framework is poised for continuous enhancement.
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