About the company

Skanska is one of the world's leading construction and development companies with expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects.

In Bothell, Washington, General Superintendent Scott Turner led the 405 Brickyard to 527 project, an ambitious highway reconstruction spanning four and a half miles to build second toll lanes in both directions on the 405.

The Challenge

Like many large construction sites, the 405 project faced persistent security threats, primarily in the form of theft. The scale of the project covered four and a half miles with valuable equipment and materials spread across multiple work zones that led to traditional security approaches inadequate.

Turner and head safety officer Josh Barios initially explored some conventional remote camera systems but found them lacking.

The team needed more than passive surveillance. They required:

• Real-time threat detection across multiple dispersed locations
• Active deterrence capabilities to prevent theft before it occurred
• Intelligent filtering to distinguish between genuine threats and false alarms
• Scalable coverage that could adapt to changing work zones
• Remote verification capabilities for superintendents to assess situations on-the-go

Traditional security guards couldn't cover the expansive site effectively, and basic camera systems offered only reactive solutions, recording thefts that had already occurred rather than preventing them.

"Traditional means and methods of security are not working very well anymore," Turner explains, highlighting the fundamental inadequacy of conventional approaches for modern, large-scale construction projects.

The Solution

After a broader search beyond standard remote camera systems, the Skanska team discovered Hakimo's AI-powered monitoring platform. Unlike passive surveillance solutions, Hakimo offered the comprehensive, proactive security capabilities they needed.

The implementation strategy was straightforward but sophisticated:

Skanska deployed Hakimo's AI-powered monitoring platform with five camera setups: one stationary system in their yard and four mobile units repositionable to critical work areas.

Hakimo's system monitors all camera feeds continuously, with AI algorithms detecting unusual activity and triggering alerts within seconds. When the AI detects a potential threat, the system follows a three-tier escalation process:

1. Automated Talk-Down: The system automatically warns detected intruders
2. Live Operator Intervention: Human monitors engage through the cameras if automation fails
3. Authority Escalation: Turner receives a detailed call to determine if police involvement is necessary

Remote Portal Access: Turner can view live feeds through a mobile app, enabling real-time threat verification from anywhere. "I can go into the app, I can look at what the dispatch person is seeing so that I can help determine whether or not it is an actual threat," he notes.

The Results

The Hakimo system has transformed security operations on the 405 project, delivering measurable improvements across multiple dimensions:

Effective Deterrence: "The cameras are a fantastic deterrent for one, and for two, if somebody decides to ignore the deterrent of the camera, then the talk-down functions and the AI functions are key to the success of not having things stolen from our project," Turner reports.

Proactive Response: Hakimo's team responds within seconds of detecting threats, dramatically reducing theft opportunities.

Operational Flexibility: Mobile camera units adapt to changing project phases and emerging risk areas.

Future Expansion: Based on the seamless performance, Skanska is considering implementing Hakimo across other regional projects and potentially company-wide.

Key Takeaway

The Skanska-Hakimo partnership proves that AI-powered security scales better than traditional methods for large construction sites. Active deterrence prevents theft more effectively than passive recording, while graduated response protocols balance security with operational efficiency. For construction companies facing similar challenges, Turner's experience demonstrates that modern threats require modern solutions, and the technology is ready now. Read more on it in the Skanska Press Release