Video-based Fire Detection for the Mohn Media Printing Company

Decades of experience, innovative ideas, a strong commitment to quality, and a full range of first-class offset printing services: Mohn Media Mohndruck GmbH, a company of the Bertelsmann Printing Group, is one of Europe’s leading ­providers of printing and media services. At its facility in Gütersloh, Germany, some 2,000 employees are involved in professionally creating and executing tailored solutions for customers across a variety of industries.

To avoid endangering staff and production, the company also has extremely high standards where the plant’s safety and security are concerned. Bosch has supported the print specialists with advanced technology and services through multiple system generations. “Again and again, we’ve been impressed by the innovative solutions that Bosch comes up with for us,” says Jörg Naumann, who heads the company’s fire brigade. “Bertelsmann has been partnering with Bosch for over 35 years, and for good reason.”

Early Detection
The latest new project involved implementing a networked solution to improve fire safety in the eight-meter-high waste paper warehouses. On average, around 300 tons of paper are stored there at any given time. Problems in waste paper removal would directly impact production. To enable prompt responses to any fire events in these sensitive areas, the Bosch experts planned and implemented a cutting-edge solution. Aviotec, the first video-based fire detection system to be certified by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH (the VdS is an independent, renowned institution for enterprise safety and security, and harmonized body for international safety standards) plays a key role in it. Intelligent algorithms directly integrated in the cameras reliably detect the first signs of any smoke or flame. Particularly in challenging large-volume buildings, this technology detects fires at their source much more reliably than conventional detectors, which are not triggered until smoke reaches them.

Efficiently Managed Safety
The data generated by the new fire protection solution come together in the Bosch Video Management System. If Aviotec identifies a potentially dangerous situation in any of the waste paper warehouses, it immediately alerts the continuously staffed emergency service desk of the plant fire brigade. The situation can then be checked on a video screen and appropriate steps will be initiated. The use of this innovative technology permits very early detection of any fires. This prevents major damage and resulting production downtimes, thus saving the company a great deal of time and money.
To additionally enhance security and efficiency, all of the integrated on-site systems for fire protection and video security are managed by the Building Integration System from Bosch. As required, the security systems can be centrally or locally monitored and controlled by staff as appropriate. Not only Mohn Media benefits from this, but also all of the other companies of the Bertelsmann Printing Group operating at the same site.