Example of a Fenix installation in a low-energy house in Omice near Brno

How a 10-hectare site is modernising its security, processes and compliance with AI-powered video analytics

Initial situation – Outdated technology, growing requirements

European heating system manufacturer FENIX Group operates its central production and logistics centre in Jeseník (Czech Republic). Nine fully utilised production halls, several warehouse and shipping buildings and administrative areas are spread over an area of more than ten hectares. The site is a critical hub in the global supply chain of the company, which exports to over 70 countries and operates through a network of eleven subsidiaries.

Before the modernisation, FENIX relied on an outdated, fragmented surveillance system based on four QNAP NVR units. This infrastructure offered only limited storage capacity, no central control and no intelligent video analysis functions. It also lacked reliable, integrated access control, which led to significant security gaps. Critical areas such as hazardous production areas, logistics and loading zones could not be monitored effectively. Manual checks at access points slowed down processes, while the absence of intelligent search functions made investigations and forensic analysis difficult. With growing production volumes and increasing logistical complexity, it became clear that a modern, scalable system was needed to capture both security and operational information in real time.

Project goal – combining security and operational intelligence

The goal of the project was to implement a unified video management system that provides a significantly improved overview of the situation, automates vehicle access through license plate recognition, and enables forensic investigations using intelligent search functions. At the same time, the system should support compliance with internal security protocols and external audit requirements. In addition, the new platform had to be flexibly expandable to integrate future security initiatives such as thermal anomaly detection in high-risk areas, such as battery warehouses.

Technology selection – Axxon One 2.0 at the heart

After a detailed evaluation phase by integrator JANKO – Electronic Systems, FENIX opted for the Axxon One 2.0 video management platform. The decisive factors were the combination of powerful AI-based video analytics, seamless multi-site scalability and an intuitive user interface that enables efficient operation for both administrators and end users. Added to this was the platform’s ability to manage large installations while supporting real-time operational monitoring tasks and automated alerts.

The new system comprises a total of 115 IP cameras distributed across production halls, employee access points and outdoor logistics areas. Sixty-six models from ACTi and 48 from Dahua were installed, supplemented by a hybrid Dahua DVR. The video and analysis data is processed centrally on a Dell server with a storage capacity of 60 terabytes. Four video splitters ensure that up-to-date images are continuously available at strategic points within the factory premises. The system is designed to enable simultaneous monitoring in several defined zones, including production lines, shipping docks and administration buildings.

Intelligent functions – more than just security

The integrated analytics engine of Axxon One 2.0 is a central element of the upgrade. It not only secures the premises, but also enables precise monitoring and control of operational processes. License plate recognition (LPR) automates access for delivery vehicles and employee transport, eliminating manual checks and reducing bottlenecks at entrances. Zone-based motion detection and loitering analysis ensure security at perimeter sections and loading zones by registering movements and prolonged stays in sensitive areas and triggering alarms if necessary.

The function for detecting abandoned objects plays a special role. It is used in areas with strict security requirements, such as goods exits or unattended corridors. In addition, dangerous zones are continuously monitored, especially where automated equipment or robotics systems are in use. In these areas, the analytics engine detects deviations in the movement profile of robots or delays in material transport so that action can be taken at an early stage before process disruptions occur. The recordings are also used regularly for downstream analyses, for example to investigate incidents, as evidence in insurance matters or to prove compliance with regulatory requirements.

Implementation – Smooth transition

The migration to the new system took place without any significant disruption to operations. JANKO took over the step-by-step dismantling of the previous QNAP infrastructure and implemented the Axxon One solution in phases to ensure seamless monitoring of critical zones. Since all cameras are natively supported by AxxonSoft, no extensive third-party integrations were required. Employee acceptance was high, as the user interface is clearly structured and enables central control of all cameras and surveillance zones.

Results – security, efficiency, compliance

Since the switch, FENIX has seen noticeable improvements in overall site security, process visibility, and compliance. The ability to monitor in real time has significantly reduced response times to incidents, especially in logistics areas where delays or security breaches can have an immediate impact on the production schedule. Automated access control via number plate recognition has increased vehicle throughput and reduced the workload of security personnel. At the same time, the ability to quickly search archived video recordings enables rapid investigation of incidents – from internal accidents to theft prevention – and thus supports compliance with internal and external compliance requirements.

A concrete example illustrates the benefits: During a local flood in a warehouse area, archived video footage provided crucial evidence for successful insurance claims and also helped to identify weaknesses in the maintenance process. In addition, the data obtained from the analytics is also used to analyse behaviour patterns of employees and contractors, identify bottlenecks in workflows and monitor the level of occupational safety standards.

Future prospects – thermal cameras for early fire detection

The next stage of expansion involves the integration of thermal anomaly detection in the battery warehouse. The aim is to be able to respond early to potential fire hazards by monitoring temperature changes in high-density storage units. Axxon One’s compatibility with thermal cameras is used to process events in real time and issue immediate alerts. This step adds another layer of protection for particularly vulnerable areas to the existing security architecture.

From surveillance system to operational intelligence

With Axxon One 2.0, FENIX has completed its transition from classic video surveillance to a proactive, data-driven security and operations platform. The solution not only protects buildings and facilities, but also provides critical information for optimising processes, increasing workplace safety and meeting regulatory requirements. Thanks to its high scalability, the site is already equipped for future expansion – from the integration of thermal cameras to additional AI-based analysis modules. This puts FENIX in an ideal position to secure its leading role in heating system production in the long term.