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Ubiquiti UniFi Video Surveillance Integration by 2M Technology: this case study covers an industrial grain silo camera installation in Saginaw, TX featuring UniFi Protect, UniFi Network, 18 cameras, and PTZ monitoring.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect, UniFi Network, and PTZ Operational Monitoring
Project Type: Facility Upgrade | Sector: Industrial Agriculture | Integrator: 2M Technology | Location: Saginaw, Texas
2M Technology designs and installs advanced video surveillance and network systems for industrial facilities, commercial offices, schools, and secure environments. Our team integrates comprehensive camera systems with robust networking infrastructure to deliver seamless security solutions. This case study shows how we deployed an 18-camera Ubiquiti UniFi system during a complete grain silo camera installation in Saginaw, Texas.
Project Snapshot
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | Industrial grain silo and administrative office |
| Location | Saginaw, Texas |
| Video Platform | Ubiquiti UniFi Protect |
| Network Platform | Ubiquiti UniFi Network |
| Camera Models | Ubiquiti G6 PTZ (Outdoor) and Ubiquiti G6 Dome (Indoor) |
| Total Cameras | 18 IP PoE cameras |
| Delivery | 3-day installation and commissioning phase |
Why This Grain Silo Camera Installation Was Needed
The facility required a modernized video surveillance system that could serve two critical purposes: facility security and operational monitoring. When designing this grain silo camera installation, the client specifically requested the Ubiquiti UniFi ecosystem because they needed a unified platform that offered management simplicity without recurring licensing fees.
For the exterior, monitoring the railcar loading process was a top priority. Loading grain into trains is a high-stakes operation. Operators need visual confirmation that railcars are positioned precisely, hatches are open, and grain flow is accurate to prevent costly product spills. Additionally, monitoring this process visually from a control room improves worker safety by reducing the need for personnel to constantly climb on top of the railcars to check the fill levels. The client requested Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras outside so their team could actively track the trains as they moved through the loading zone.
System Architecture: Ubiquiti UniFi Protect and UniFi Network
Ubiquiti UniFi G6 PTZ Camera Specification
To meet the operational demands of the grain loading tracks during this grain silo camera installation, we opted for the Ubiquiti UniFi G6 PTZ. This high-performance outdoor camera delivers the clarity and active control required for industrial environments.
- Zoom capacity: 10x hybrid zoom ensures that even when the camera is mounted safely out of the way, the operator can zoom in closely on the loading chute.
- Pan and Tilt control: Ultra-low latency control with a 350-degree pan and 100-degree tilt range allows the operations team to follow the train as it advances.
- Night mode: Built-in IR LED illumination provides up to 30 meters (98 feet) of night vision for early morning or late-night loading schedules.
- Weatherproofing: An IP66-rated enclosure protects the camera from harsh Texas weather and demanding industrial conditions.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect Integration
The UniFi Protect application serves as the command layer for all video recording, smart detections, and user management. Integration points for this project included:
- Centralized recording: A UniFi Network Video Recorder (UNVR) deployed in the main IT closet handles all continuous recording for the 18 cameras, providing redundant local storage.
- Smart AI detections: The cameras utilize onboard AI to detect people and vehicles. This allows the system to log specific events, making it easy for management to find footage of trains arriving or unauthorized vehicles entering the property.
- Unified management: The entire system, including both the UniFi Protect cameras and the UniFi Network switches powering them, is managed from a single, intuitive interface.
- Remote access: Floor managers and administrators can view live feeds, review playback, and steer the PTZ cameras directly from the UniFi mobile app on their smartphones.
Strategic Monitoring Zones and Security Applications
Operational Tracking: Railcar Loading and Exterior Zones
- Specification: Operational monitoring and perimeter security
- Cameras: Ubiquiti UniFi G6 PTZ
- Location: Silo exterior, grain loading chutes, and rail tracks
- Features: 4K resolution, 10x hybrid zoom, active pan/tilt control
- Purpose: Allow operators to remotely monitor the train grain filling process, verify railcar alignment, and ensure worker safety.
Administrative Security: Office Entryways and Facility Perimeters
- Specification: Fixed monitoring for entryways and administrative areas
- Cameras: Ubiquiti G5 Domes and Bullets
- Location: Main office, breakrooms, and facility perimeter
- Features: 2K/4K resolution, IR night vision, wide field of view
- Purpose: General security, access monitoring, and employee safety within the administrative zones.
Grain Silo Camera Installation and Commissioning
Executing a seamless grain silo camera installation requires careful coordination. Our installation team completed the entire deployment in just 3 days, minimizing downtime for the facility.
2M Technology coordinated with the site managers to safely route exterior conduit and outdoor-rated Cat6 cabling along the silo structures without disrupting the active train loading schedules. All 18 cameras were connected to UniFi PoE+ switches, delivering both data and power over a single cable to simplify the infrastructure.
Commissioning validation for this grain silo camera installation included:
- PTZ calibration: We programmed specific preset views for the outdoor PTZ cameras. This allows the operators to instantly snap the camera focus to “Loading Chute 1” or “North Track Approach” with a single click.
- Network segmentation: The UniFi Network was configured to separate the high-bandwidth camera traffic from the facility’s standard office data network.
- Mobile access setup: We assisted the management team with downloading the UniFi Protect app and configured role-based access, ensuring that only authorized operators had control over the PTZ camera movements.
- Throughput validation: All 18 camera feeds were verified for smooth, full-resolution playback on the central monitoring station.
Industries 2M Technology Serves for Video Surveillance Integration
Although this specific project was an industrial grain silo camera installation, 2M Technology installs comprehensive surveillance systems across multiple sectors:
- Industrial and manufacturing: Process monitoring, perimeter security, and worker safety tracking
- Commercial office buildings: Lobby surveillance, parking lot monitoring, and tenant security
- Healthcare campuses: Patient safety, controlled entry monitoring, and secure storage surveillance
- Education: Campus perimeter control, hallway monitoring, and parking lot security
- Government and municipal: High-security recording, access control integration, and public space monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about completing a grain silo camera installation with Ubiquiti UniFi systems:
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Why use PTZ cameras for railcar loading?
Railcars are large, moving targets that require active monitoring. A static camera only sees one angle. A Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera allows an operator to pan horizontally to follow the train, tilt down to see inside the hatch, and zoom in to verify the grain flow has stopped perfectly before the train moves again.
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Can UniFi Protect integrate with UniFi Network?
Yes. UniFi Protect and UniFi Network exist within the same Ubiquiti ecosystem. This means you can manage your PoE switches, Wi-Fi access points, and security cameras all from one centralized dashboard. This integration greatly simplifies network management and troubleshooting.
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Can the new camera system integrate with our gate entry or access control?
Absolutely. If you are upgrading your facility’s overall security through a grain silo camera installation, the UniFi Protect video feeds can run parallel to access control platforms. This allows administrators to visually verify the identity of truck drivers at the entry gates, scale houses, or weigh stations directly from their command dashboard before granting access.
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Are there licensing fees for UniFi Protect?
No. One of the biggest advantages of the Ubiquiti UniFi ecosystem is that it is entirely license-free. Once the hardware (cameras and NVR) is purchased, there are no recurring monthly or annual software fees to use the UniFi Protect platform.
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Does 2M Technology install camera systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Yes. 2M Technology is headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas, and we install advanced video surveillance systems throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Saginaw, Arlington, and the surrounding areas. We handle the full scope of the project, including system design, cabling, hardware installation, network configuration, and user training. Contact us for a design consultation on your facility’s requirements.
Related 2M Technology Resources
- Video Surveillance Systems: Full lineup of IP cameras, PTZs, and NVRs
- Commercial Security Camera Installation: Enterprise security systems and integration
- Request a Quote: Get a free estimate or design consultation for your security project
Need a Grain Silo Camera Installation?
2M Technology provides grain silo camera installations across Texas and nationally, fully integrated with Ubiquiti UniFi Network, Protect, and Access.
Quotes returned within 24 hours • sales@2mtechnology.net • (214) 988-4302 • Texas Security License B15309
