Logicx Mobility is one of the largest recovery companies in the Netherlands. “We are a subsidiary of the ANWB and are involved in recovering and transporting vehicles, as well as providing replacement vehicles,” says Peter Landman. Peter is the IT Operations Manager at Logicx and is responsible, among other things, for the security of the nine Logicx locations. “We usually carry out our work on behalf of the Wegenwacht, ANWB Alarm Center, and other emergency centers. We operate throughout Europe.”
Photos as evidence
Logicx had a special request for its Transport division. Peter Landman explains: “This division transports vehicles, such as stranded cars, motorcycles, campers, and caravans, but also occasionally expensive classic cars. This is a significant responsibility. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong during transport, and a vehicle gets damaged. It also happens that a customer later claims damage, and it’s unclear when and by whom it was caused. In such cases, we need evidence. At our partner company Hendriks in Lottum (where all vehicles stranded abroad are brought), my colleague Björn van Ewijk (Manager of Recovery and Transport) saw a solution for this. We then asked Mactwin to devise a suitable system for us.”
And they succeeded. It’s already been in operation for some time at the Logicx location in Wenum-Wiesel (near Apeldoorn). “Every vehicle that arrives is recorded on camera. The driver who picked up the vehicle usually has already taken photos of the vehicle’s condition at the time of transport. This way, we have photos of the vehicle at various checkpoints and can track exactly where any potential damage occurred along the chain. In case of disputes over damage, we now use the photos as evidence,” says Landman.
Photo tunnel with 8 cameras
he photos are taken with eight security cameras placed under a canopy. “With these eight cameras (4 on the supports of the canopy, 2 in the roof, 1 at the front, and 1 at the back), we can photograph the vehicle from all angles. This process is controlled from the control room adjacent to the photo tunnel,” explains Landman. With the push of a button, a staff member activates the camera system. The employee can view the live photos being taken on their screen and saves them afterward under the license plate of the vehicle in question. While the photos are being taken, a red light in the tunnel is on, indicating the vehicle must not change position. The camera footage is stored for one year. This is also legally allowed as no individuals are captured in the images. Peter Landman and his colleagues are very pleased with the photo tunnel, and Logicx is considering equipping other points in their transport chain with a similar system in the coming years.
Logicx’s permanent security partner
Mactwin has been Logicx’s security partner for 15 years. Erik van Hoogdalem, account manager at Mactwin, says, “We provide the (integrated) security and access control for all locations. These locations are linked to a central management system, allowing Logicx, for instance, to centrally grant or revoke access rights to various locations. Although not yet active, a link to the HRM platform is also possible, enabling the granting or revoking of access rights to be automated when employees join or leave the company.” Another part of the integrated security system is a central video management system. Peter Landman explains, “Cameras provide 24/7 surveillance of the outdoor areas at our locations. This is necessary, as there are various (valuable) vehicles on our premises. Since we have a contract with the national police, there are also impounded vehicles on site. For example, cars involved in accidents or used in crimes that are awaiting forensic investigation. It goes without saying that we must do everything we can to store these vehicles securely.”