Construction sites often contain valuable materials, machinery and equipment. Theft or vandalism can therefore cause not only financial losses but also significant project delays. In critical infrastructure environments, the consequences of unauthorised access can be even more severe. As many construction sites and temporary project locations do not have access to fixed internet connections, dependable mobile connectivity is essential for real-time security monitoring.

It was this challenge that led BauWatch to begin securing construction sites more than fifteen years ago. Today, the company applies its solutions across a much broader range of use cases, operates in eleven European countries and manages more than 17,000 active assets. “Above all, we want to provide our customers with peace of mind,” says Patrick Struijk, Security Consultant at BauWatch.

Smart Camera Towers on Guard

Every project starts with a risk assessment. A security consultant evaluates the location and develops a tailored security plan. Depending on the requirements, BauWatch can deploy mobile camera towers, access control solutions and mobile fire detection systems. The technology, monitoring services and control room operations are all managed in-house.

The company’s distinctive camera towers stand more than six metres high and serve as a visible deterrent. Their green lighting immediately signals that an area is under surveillance. If a camera detects suspicious activity, AI supports the initial assessment process. The system can distinguish a potential intruder from, for example, wildlife or moving construction materials, helping to reduce false alarms. Verified alerts are immediately forwarded to the monitoring centre.

Visibility Within Seconds

Reliable connectivity starts inside the tower itself. Each camera tower is equipped with a router and a KPN IoT SIM card, providing an independent mobile connection. This allows BauWatch to operate without relying on local internet infrastructure at construction sites or temporary locations.

As soon as suspicious activity is detected, video footage and alerts are transmitted directly to the monitoring centre. The same secure connection also enables customers to view live footage through the app and configure surveillance schedules remotely. The router acts as the silent but critical link between events on site and the professionals who can respond within seconds.

Scaling Quickly Across Europe

KPN’s international IoT coverage provides BauWatch with more than connectivity alone. New locations can be connected quickly without depending on local providers or varying infrastructure standards. This enables BauWatch to deliver a consistent level of service across multiple countries while keeping management, monitoring and support centrally organised. The result is lower operational complexity and a strong foundation for continued growth.

“We choose KPN because KPN operates throughout Europe,” says Erik Kosters, Head of Group Operations at BauWatch Group. “That gives us the scalability we need.” Thanks to this approach, BauWatch can bring new sites online rapidly, regardless of where a project is located in Europe.

Each camera tower effectively becomes a self-contained security hub. Cameras detect activity, AI filters and assesses events, the router maintains the connection, and the monitoring centre intervenes when required. In this way, KPN IoT helps BauWatch secure temporary sites quickly, reliably and at scale, from construction projects to industrial facilities, both in the Netherlands and across Europe.

From Connectivity to Business Continuity

For BauWatch, connectivity is not about technology alone. It is about ensuring continuous operations. Once a camera tower is deployed, the connection must remain available at all times. Only then can footage be transmitted in real time, incidents assessed immediately and security measures activated without delay.

By combining advanced camera technology, AI and KPN’s IoT connectivity, BauWatch can remotely manage and monitor thousands of assets. This enables the company to continue expanding while maintaining the speed, control and reliability its customers expect. That combination makes it possible to protect thousands of temporary locations according to the same high standard.

For Kosters, the company’s mission extends beyond technology: