Lipor updates its security technology with Hikvision

The security system implemented in the Portuguese facilities of Lipor It is based on a modular architecture, designed to provide complete coverage and centralized management through the HikCentral platform of Hikvision. Incorporates CCTV components, thermal cameras, intrusion system, access control and control room.

The challenge of the new solution that was wanted to be implemented in the public entity dedicated to waste management in Porto Lipor was to create an ecosystem that unites security, protection and operations on a single platform. The solution that incorporates advanced functionalities such as smart video surveillance, multi-factor access control y intrusion management took as a basis the Hikvision technology.

Lipor, the association of municipalities for sustainable waste management of Porto, is an inter-municipal public entity founded in 1982, that manages, valorizes and treats urban waste produced by eight municipalities in the metropolitan area of ​​the area: Thorn, Gondomar, Maia, Matosinhos, Porto, Póvoa de Varzim, Valongo and Vila do Conde.

Every year, treats close 500.000 tons of waste generated by nearly a million inhabitants, which makes it one of the most prominent references in the field of environmental management in Portugal.. Its model is based on the most modern concepts of waste management, promoting the adoption of integrated systems and the minimization of landfill use, with a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Recognized with various national and international awards, Lipor not only stands out for its operating results, but also for its ability to inspire and lead structural change towards a more sustainable future. True to your vision, combines technology, innovation, education and social commitment in advanced urban waste management.

Waste management is one of the key sectors in Europe's ecological transition. Through advanced recycling processes, composting, energy recovery and reduction of discharges, Companies like Lipor are redefining the role of public services in driving sustainability. The security of facilities and the traceability of operational processes are determining factors to guarantee regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

“We wanted to get closer to new technologies that would make security a central part of our labor relations. We were clear about what we needed: a more reliable system, integrated and innovative, capable of growing with us”, explains Miguel Lopes, Lipor Security Manager.

Replace obsolete systems

Previous systems were obsolete, and the organization decided to launch a public tender with demanding requirements in access control, CCTV, intrusion detection and an integration platform that was easy to use by the human surveillance team.

The main challenges of the new solution were: carry out a technological replacement without operational interruption, validate existing infrastructures, integrate multiple systems into a single platform and align with Lipor's values ​​of sustainability and efficiency.

Lipor's technological renewal project involved a profound transformation in the way in which security and access control were managed at its facilities.. One of the main challenges was to replace the previous system without affecting daily activity, since it operates continuously and any interruption in its processes could have an impact on waste management at the metropolitan level..

Another key challenge was validation of existing infrastructure, that had to adapt to new technologies without compromising the integrity of the buildings or operating systems. This involved a technical assessment to ensure that new devices and platforms could be installed and operated efficiently on the foundation already available..

From the technical point of view, The biggest challenge was the integration of multiple systems into a single management platform. Lipor not only required to incorporate CCTV, access and intrusion control, but also advanced features such as automatic license plate reading, vehicle weighing and the incorporation of thermal cameras. All of this had to coexist and communicate harmoniously within a unified solution., easy to use and scalable.

Besides, Any solution had to be fully aligned with the values ​​of sustainability and efficiency that define Lipor's identity.. It was not just about increasing the level of security, but to do it responsibly, efficient and compatible with the environmental commitment of the entity.

“We develop functionalities such as vehicle weighing combined with license plate reading. The challenge was to create an ecosystem that unites security, protection and operations on a single platform”, clarify Ricardo Bessa, Vertical Business Development en Hikvision Portugal.

Comprehensive approach

This comprehensive approach required important coordination work between all the teams involved., who maintained a constant dialogue to adapt the solutions to the client's real needs. The result is a system that not only improves security, but also provides added value to Lipor's daily operations.

To respond to the demanding technical and operational requirements of the project, Lipor awarded the public tender to Strong Charon, company specialized in technological integration, which in turn selected Hikvision as a strategic partner for the development of a robust solution, scalable and fully aligned with the entity's values.

The core of the solution is HikCentral, the centralized security management platform developed by Hikvision, that facilitates the integration of different systems in a single operating environment. This platform allows you to control, monitor and automate multiple technologies - from video surveillance cameras to intrusion systems, passing through access control and vehicle management- from a single intuitive and flexible interface.

“The platform had to be intuitive for operational staff, and capable of integrating access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, thermal cameras and license plate reading, “all in one environment”, highlights Silvio Rocha, Strong Charon CTO.

Centralized platform

One of the pillars of the project was the centralization of all operations related to security and access, facilitating the work of the human surveillance team and guaranteeing a comprehensive view of everything that happens at the Lipor facilities.

Besides, Advanced functionalities were incorporated such as intelligent video surveillance with high-resolution cameras and thermal cameras for early detection of fires.; multi-factor access control, with card authentication, codes and ANPR systems (automatic license plate recognition); intrusion management through centrals connected to the platform: vehicle weighing integration combined with license plate reading, allowing input/output data to be crossed with operational information, and control of events and alarms in real time, with custom reporting.

Thanks to HikCentral's open architecture, the solution is also prepared to integrate third-party technologies, which guarantees its future compatibility and allows part of the existing infrastructure to be preserved, minimizing costs and implementation times.

The result is a cutting-edge technological system, fully aligned with Lipor's operational and environmental objectives, and designed to evolve continuously based on the new needs of the organization.

Project structure

The security system implemented by Strong Charon at the Lipor facilities is based on a modular and integrated architecture, designed to provide complete coverage and centralized management through the HikCentral platform. Each of the subsystems has been selected to respond to the operational and sustainability needs of the entity..

The main components it incorporates are: closed circuit television (CCTV), thermal cameras, intrusion system, access control and control room.

A system of smart video surveillance which offers full coverage of the exterior and interior perimeter of Lipor facilities.

The cameras are located at strategic points such as the waste separation plant, heavy vehicle access areas and administrative buildings, allowing constant visual control and recording of high definition images.

Some cameras include advanced features such as motion detection and automatic alerts, facilitating the reaction to any anomaly.

With the aim of reinforcing security and prevention, especially in critical material storage or handling areas, have been incorporated thermal cameras capable of detecting abnormal temperature changes. This functionality is essential for early fire prevention, especially in areas where organic waste or flammable materials accumulate.

All Lipor buildings have a system of intrusion detection connected directly to HikCentral. This system detects unauthorized access, open windows or suspicious movements outside normal hours, activating immediate alerts that are managed from the control center.

Access to the facilities is done through a hybrid system that combines license plate readers (ANPR), card readers, personal codes and, soon, mobile credentials via smartphones.

This multifactorial approach allows access to be adapted to different user profiles, from permanent employees to visitors or external suppliers, guaranteeing a high level of security without sacrificing agility.

One of the most innovative features of the project is the integration between the vehicle weighing system and the automatic reading of license plates. This solution allows not only to automatically identify each vehicle that enters or leaves the complex, but also associate data such as the weight transported or the type of load, facilitating operational traceability and the generation of reports for decision making.

The heart of the system is a control room centralized, from where all implemented subsystems are managed in real time. Equipped with monitors, unified management software and consoles, This center allows operators to have a complete view of all facilities, receive automatic alerts, review recordings and make adjustments to systems quickly and efficiently.

This modular and flexible structure ensures that the system can evolve over time, incorporating new technologies or functionalities as new needs arise, without affecting general operation.