Ensuring an Effective Security Infrastructure at Middleby's Distribution Hub

Middleby Outdoor is a leading innovator in outdoor cooking solutions for the foodservice manufacturing industry. Encompassing brands like Masterbuilt, they deliver cutting-edge solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential culinary needs, supported by a sprawling network of locations and a dedicated workforce. 
 


When Middleby Outdoor launched its massive new 344,000-square-foot distribution hub, securing the facility and managing operations efficiently were top priorities. Faced with challenges like preventing timecard theft, monitoring vehicle drop-offs, and managing security remotely, IT Manager Phil Rogers turned to Rhombus for a scalable, cloud-managed security solution. The results? Reduced investigation times, streamlined access control, and significant improvements in operational efficiency—all while staying within budget.

Challenge

Middleby faced complex security challenges, requiring a solution that could efficiently manage a vast facility without leaving critical areas exposed. Traditional systems fell short, with limited coverage, delayed response times, and no real-time insights. Designed as a remote hub with a focus on operational efficiency and scalability, they sought a cost-effective system to enhance security and streamline management.

Solution

Enter Rhombus, delivering Middleby a reliable, user-friendly platform that enables centralized, real-time management. With surveillance cameras for full perimeter coverage, video intercoms for secure employee entry, and access-controlled doors, the system enhances security at every level while delivering a cost-effective solution that can grow over time.

“Rhombus seamlessly integrates into our operations, offering an easy-to-use interface that truly embodies the concept of a 'single pane of glass.' Their solution isn't just a promise; it's a reality that has transformed how we approach security management."— Phil Rogers, IT Manager, Middleby Outdoor

Results

The partnership between Middleby and Rhombus yielded significant improvements in security, operational efficiency, and cost savings.

Remote Hub Management

By using Rhombus, Middleby achieved seamless remote management of their security infrastructure, eliminating the need for frequent on-site IT support. They benefited from real-time monitoring, proactive alerts, and simplified access management, all through an intuitive platform. Automated updates and remote troubleshooting minimized downtime and freed up their IT team to focus on higher-priority initiatives, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Reduced Investigation Times

AI-driven video search on a unified platform reduced Middleby’s investigation times down from two days to just 10 minutes. This dramatic improvement allowed for faster, more precise responses, minimizing disruptions and enhancing security efficiency.

"With legacy systems, investigating incidents took me days of manually scrolling through footage and figuring out how to share it. With Rhombus,
I can do it all in ten minutes—quickly finding the footage using event markers and securely share clips via text or email."

Preventing Timecard Theft and Securing Operations

By adopting Rhombus' integrated access control and video surveillance solutions, Middleby successfully curbed timecard theft, leading to significant reductions in wage losses and productivity gaps. The enhanced system allowed Middleby to precisely monitor employee entry and exit, ensuring accurate timekeeping. 



Smart notifications for events like open doors and suspicious activity empowered the team to proactively address unauthorized access and potential security risks, creating 
a safer and more reliable workplace environment.

Streamlining Logistics with License Plate Recognition

Middleby leveraged Rhombus' advanced license plate recognition technology to optimize vehicle tracking at critical entry and exit points. This innovation eliminated discrepancies 
in pickup and drop-off records, enhancing logistical accuracy and improving operational efficiency. With seamless monitoring of vehicle movements, Middleby achieved greater transparency and ensured uninterrupted operations across its facilities.

Conclusion

Middleby’s collaboration with Rhombus transformed the security landscape of their new distribution hub. The deployment of a cloud-managed solution equipped with advanced AI analytics, robust access control, and comprehensive surveillance capabilities addressed the challenges of securing a large, remote facility while remaining within budget.

By adopting Rhombus, Middleby now enjoys a scalable, proactive security system that improves both safety and operational efficiency. Looking ahead, Middleby plans to expand its security ecosystem with Rhombus across additional locations, including corporate offices.