Video surveillance at Cologne Central Station optimized
euromicron Deutschland GmbH, one of Germany’s leading system houses in the future market of the Internet of Things, has successfully participated in implementing the security concept of Deutsche Bahn AG. In close cooperation with its technology partners, euromicron’s subsidiary expanded the video surveillance system at Cologne Central Station. Around 200 cutting-edge cameras, a central video management platform and switches were integrated in the existing system and process landscape in just three months, without interruption to operations. Redundant video management servers and equipment cabinets with distribution panels and alarm contacts were also installed and the existing cable routings system were supplemented. euromicron Deutschland controlled the entire expansion process and accomplished all the necessary sub-steps – from planning, delivery, installation and end-user training to final commissioning.
Despite the large scope and great complexity of the video surveillance solution, it goes without saying that all technical requirements and deadlines were met and all building regulations were complied with. As part of that, euromicron Deutschland benefited from its many years of experience in the rail sector and its tried-and-tested, efficient and flexible cooperation with the project managers from the station operator DB Station&Service AG. The video control system optimizes continuous surveillance of critical zones inside and outside the station and so facilitates measures to prevent and prosecute crimes. A further important feature demanded was scalability of all functions and components so as to provide room for future expansion.
Cologne Central is one of the most-frequented long-distance train stations of Deutsche Bahn AG. It welcomes around 280,000 travelers a day, making it the fifth-busiest station in Germany after Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt/Main and Berlin. So as to ensure maximum safety at all times despite these enormous passenger volumes, DB Station&Service AG constantly adapts its security infrastructures to technological advances and the current threat situation. A key role in that has always been played by video surveillance, whose importance in delivering security has long been acknowledged by most of the general public. According to a representative survey by SeeTec GmbH and Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V. (VfS) in collaboration with YouGov Deutschland, 87 percent of respondents approved video surveillance at train stations. Optimization of the video surveillance system at Cologne Central Station is therefore a substantial step forward in addressing the public’s need for security.
“State-of-the-art video technology plays a major role in the investigation of crimes and in deterring potential offenders,” stresses Matthias Wolff, Head of the Video Competence Center at euromicron Deutschland. “In particular highly frequented long-distance train stations like Cologne therefore place a lot of importance on continuously optimizing their video surveillance – and rightly so. The scalable video surveillance system fulfills all current requirements and also offers the necessary leeway for future expansions.”