- 4700 Lebanon Road Suite C, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about ECS solutions, services, and support so you can get the clarity you need fast.
Workplace Safety FAQs
Do I have to have a working internet connection for the system to work?
No. The solution is completely Edge and on premise based. All of the image capture, analysis of human entry in the red zone and output of that signal to mill control systems is done at the camera. There is a system wide dashboard with live and review video that can be accessed by all stakeholders through local or wide area networks.
Is there an interposing Ethernet or software requirement between the camera and the mill PLC to communicate a human detect condition?
No. Onboard I/O sends red zone status directly to the PLC. Options exist for Modbus or Ethernet/IP but add complexity.
Is there a single point of failure?
No. Each camera communicates independently. Video can be stored locally or on a virtual server. Server failure does not affect detection.
What happens when a camera fails?
Stakeholders are notified. A spare camera is installed, IP updated, overlay confirmed. Other health conditions monitored via server with email alerts.
Can the cameras constantly store video and display live video?
Yes. Full 24/7 video stored, unsafe events flagged. Live video shows red zone on machine floor on the mill network through the internet via VPN tunnels.
Can machine floor enunciators (sirens and lights) be energized when the red zones have human detection?
Yes. Local sirens and lights activate when humans enter red zones.
Is there an asset to multi-asset location to corporate wide dashboard that collects all unsafe events with intervention notes combined with data analytics?
Yes. The ECS solution is a two-fold safety system. The blended solution of camera red zone detection coupled with PLC controls allows the PLC to stop the machine in unsafe actions. But not all interactions between the machine and the human will dictate a machine stop or slow condition. These unsafe conditions are still flagged for human review to understand why operators are forming habits that leave them exposed to future risk and harm. Camera based safety solutions are designed to stop both the immediate harm to the operator while also understanding and identifying human interactions that may turn into life-changing and life-ending events. It is the ECS Safety Dashboard that develops the foundation of collecting and analyzing all human and machine interactions.
What is the smallest system footprint and timeline for installation?
One camera installs in hours with POE, onboard I/O, SD storage. Expandable to unlimited cameras across multiple PLCs.
If PLC communication is required does ECS program the PLC for machine control?
No. Mill programs the PLC to define unsafe conditions and machine responses.
What resolution and frame rate does the human detection AI engine process? Does it skip frames and lower the native resolution of the camera output?
AI processes every frame at full resolution, 1920×1080, 30 fps. Cloud solutions reduce resolution and frame rate to 10 fps at 720 x 1080, losing critical life saving information.
Is video constantly being stored or only a small portion when the AI engine detects a human in the red zone?
The ECS solution is a full featured Video Management System that stores every frame of the video regardless of human detection or not. This is a critical feature to ensure that any event is captured by the system. In contrast, cloud based solutions typically only store a small portion of video around a human detection. If the cloud based solution does not correctly identify a human in the red zone, no video is ever saved. Even AI solutions can make mistakes but not having any video to analyze events is a poorly designed system.
Do I need a specialized server or hardware to install ECS edge-based systems?
No, you don’t need specialized servers or hardware to install the ECS edge-based system. The system operates directly at the camera level, processing data and includes input and output ports to communicate directly to machine PLCs.
General Information
What does ECS specialize in?
ECS provides edge-based industrial safety and quality control solutions that protect people and maximize machine uptime. The foundation of our solution is a virtualized platform that is able to install on existing network and computer infrastructure.
Where is ECS headquartered?
ECS is headquartered in 4700 Lebanon Rd STE C, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
What industries does ECS serve?
ECS primarily serves the paper industry and related converting process, helping mills improve safety and quality control through on-premise safety and end-to-end quality control solutions.
How quickly can ECS systems be deployed?
ECS provides a wide range of installation options to match the urgency of the mill’s need. Mobile deployment, immediate upgrades to existing systems and infrastructure (SmartFlex) and traditional green field installations.
Products & Technology
What makes ECS’s solutions different from traditional monitoring systems?
ECS’s edge-based systems process data directly on-site for real-time results — without depending on cloud latency — ensuring immediate response and higher operational reliability.
Do ECS systems integrate with existing factory equipment?
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Can ECS customize solutions for specific operational challenges?
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What kind of data or insights can ECS systems provide?
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Service & Support
What kind of support does ECS provide post-installation?
Because ECS supports both safety and critical quality control solutions – our call center is active and staffed in real time 24 hours a day including holidays. Depending on severity and service contract – calls will be returned in 10 minute or less.
Pricing & Consultation
How can I get pricing for ECS solutions?
Pricing depends on system scale, number of monitoring points, and industry requirements. Contact our team for a tailored quote.
Does ECS offer free demos or consultations?
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Can ECS work with international clients?
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Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. Connect with our team for a personalized consultation or technical overview.