Merit Medical Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary disposable medical devices, has successfully built and deployed a comprehensive global video security mapping system. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in South Jordan, Utah, Merit employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities across multiple continents, producing interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic devices for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
To secure their extensive operations, Merit leveraged its existing Milestone XProtect® video management software (VMS) to create an innovative, map-based visualization system. This advanced initiative allows their security personnel to efficiently monitor and manage a network of approximately 900 cameras across their worldwide facilities. Working with integration partner Stone Security, a BearCom Company, Merit has developed a sophisticated solution that has transformed how Merit Medical manages security across their manufacturing and distribution operations.
XProtect® Smart Wall, Smart Maps
system health monitoring 24/7
Managing a large-scale global camera deployment presented significant operational challenges for Merit's security team. With hundreds of cameras in multiple locations and languages, the traditional approach to naming cameras became increasingly complex and time-consuming. New security personnel required extensive training to memorize camera locations and names, while the task of monitoring camera status and maintaining system health across a distributed network posed ongoing operational challenges.
Merit Medical developed a comprehensive mapping solution based on Milestone XProtect's built-in Smart Maps functionality, standardizing on network cameras from Axis Communications to ensure optimal system performance. The user-friendly solution allows security staff to navigate camera views in layers, starting with a global overview and drilling down into specific facilities and floor plans. They enhanced the map system's usability with color-coded camera icons to indicate different device types. Integrated health monitoring features automatically alert operators to status issues.
The mapping system has transformed Merit's global security operations, dramatically improving response times and operational efficiency. New security personnel can now be effectively trained in a fraction of the time previously required, with the intuitive interface enabling them to quickly master the system. The visual status monitoring has significantly enhanced system maintenance, allowing the team to identify and address camera issues very quickly and efficiently.
The mapping system's sophisticated features extend far beyond basic camera locations. Merit's team has developed a range of advanced capabilities that enhance the system's use. This includes AXIS PTZ cameras, 180-degree panoramic and fixed cameras, each integrated into the mapping interface with distinct visual identifiers. Different camera types are distinguished by color-coded field-of-view indicators — green for 180-degree cameras, red for PTZ units — making it easy to identify specific cameras immediately.
This approach to camera visualization extends throughout the entire mapping hierarchy. The visual navigation system allows operators to quickly drill down from a view to specific locations.
The system also includes robust health monitoring features, especially valuable for Merit's 24/7 security operations. Camera icons automatically flash when issues arise, such as connectivity problems or power failures, enabling the security team to respond rapidly. Additionally, the tight integration between AXIS cameras and Milestone XProtect enables detailed device status monitoring and remote configuration.
Merit's security team has developed thorough processes for maintaining and expanding their mapping system. Working closely with Stone Security, they have created standardized procedures for adding new cameras and locations, ensuring consistency across their deployment. The team manages most system updates and expansions in-house, demonstrating the solution's scalability and ease of use.
The solution has delivered significant operational improvements across multiple areas:
- Reduced training time and improved staff effectiveness
- Streamlined incident response and investigation processes
- Enhanced communication and coordination between global security teams
- Improved system maintenance and health monitoring
- Better integration and management of new facilities and cameras
The team is now expanding their mapping capabilities to incorporate access control features that allow operators to monitor and manage doors directly through the same intuitive interface.
