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Remote Video Monitoring Never Sleeps on the Job

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: On-site Guards Were Failing to Secure a Commercial Rental Property

The Solution: Remote Video Monitoring protects 24/7/365

A commercial rental property owner became increasingly frustrated to learn their security guards were sleeping on the job. This was unacceptable and could lead to the possibility of a security breech. Consequently, something had to be done.  In response, Alen Security was hired to install an IP video surveillance system. The system he chose would provide remote video monitoring and protect his entire facility of high-tech computer components. We installed twenty (20) Avigilon 2-Megapixel (MP) Indoor Dome cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics. These analytic cameras ‘learn’ and ‘remember’ the daily sequence of activities while alerting the owner of any trespassing. This is accomplished with alarms that trigger notifications to their smartphones and tablets and the central station video monitoring center. Viewing and recording is done in 1080p video while the Integrated IR allows the cameras to function in total darkness.

The event-based remote video monitoring center, staffed by security professionals, schedules virtual guard tours and responds immediately to any alarms, notifying both law enforcement and the property owner, so there is always someone watching over their equipment, personnel and data.

The Result: The best news of all was that this new multi-faceted security system, including the video monitoring, cost almost one third of the amount they were paying per year for a single guard over three shifts, a savings of $75,000 per year per guard!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the property owner replace on-site security guards?

The owner discovered that the guards responsible for protecting the commercial rental property were sleeping while on duty, leaving valuable computer equipment vulnerable.

What equipment was included in the remote monitoring system?

The system included 20 Avigilon 2-megapixel indoor dome cameras with integrated infrared technology and self-learning video analytics.

Can the surveillance cameras operate in complete darkness?

Yes. Integrated infrared technology allows the cameras to record and monitor activity even when the facility is completely dark.

What happens when the system detects possible trespassing?

Triggered alarms send notifications to the owner’s smartphone or tablet and the central monitoring station. Security professionals can respond immediately and notify law enforcement and the property owner.

How did remote video monitoring affect the property’s security costs?

According to the case study, the complete system cost almost one-third of what the property had been paying annually for one guard across three shifts, producing savings of approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

security-footage-showing-man-attempting-breaking-and-entering

Remote Video Monitoring of All Your Security Cameras’ Across All Platforms Made Easy

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Creative, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: Video Monitoring for all of your Video surveillance feeds without being tethered to a single desk or location.

The Solution: Avigilon Control Center (ACC6) Video Management Software with Remote Access capabilities.

Imagine a scenario with the same high-quality Video surveillance coverage you want and seeing it from wherever you are. ACC6 does that for you. So, whether you are in your boss’s office, at a wedding or just at home, ACC6 puts video monitoring at your fingertips.

The feature-rich Avigilon ACC6 Video Management software makes it easy to access your video anywhere or anytime on any device. You can be on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. As a result, you can decipher between serious incidents or a false alarm from anywhere. You can also check in on employees to see if productivity is where it needs to be.

The ACC Mobile app, for both iOS & Android, offers superior preventative protection from the convenience of your mobile device. This combined with Avigilon’s HD adaptive video analytics technology gives you all that you need. Consequently, the latest version of ACC Mobile offers intelligent, accurate and effective real-time video monitoring of your people, property and assets. All this from the convenience and flexibility of your mobile devices.

You can quickly view and respond to alarms, effectively stopping security incidents before they escalate.

So, gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen in a single location for video monitoring. Our state-of-the-art systems allow you to monitor security video feeds across all platforms including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The Result: Avigilon ACC6 and ACC Mobile Video Management Software is the answer to your video remote access needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does remote video monitoring solve?

Remote monitoring allows users to view security-camera feeds without being tied to a particular desk, screen, or physical location.

What devices can be used to monitor security cameras remotely?

Avigilon ACC6 supports remote viewing from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Is remote video monitoring available on both iOS and Android?

Yes. The ACC Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Can users respond to security alarms while away from the facility?

Yes. Users can view camera footage and respond to alarms remotely, helping them distinguish between false alarms and serious incidents before a situation escalates.

Can remote video monitoring help evaluate employee productivity?

Yes. Authorized users can review camera feeds from another location to monitor workplace activity and determine whether productivity is meeting expectations.

man-reviewing-footage-on-several-monitors

Video Analytics and Access Control Restricts Access to YOUR Company’s Data and Servers

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Challenge: Protecting valuable and sensitive data

The Solution: Video Analytics and Access Control to monitor and restrict access combined with remote video monitoring 24/7/365

A prominent financial institution contacted us to protect a floor full of equipment and infrastructure vital to the organizations functioning. This included their Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, servers, network connections, transfer switches and generator. The client wanted to restrict access with an access control system while still allowing entry for approved personnel.

Alen Security designed a solution that provided them with continuous video analytics for video review and two-factor authentication access control to restrict access. We installed access card readers with keypads requiring both an access card and a special code for entry. Remote video monitoring is also used, so people could also be granted access, remotely, as required. Security professionals approve Personnel access in real time or in advance, as needed.

The video feed from the cameras with video analytics is pushed to monitors either in another part of the building or off-premises. Trained security professionals then view the live or recorded video footage either looking for anomalies or responding to alarms. Authorized users are also able to view the video remotely via their smartphones and/or tablets.

The Result: A more secure area of their facility allowing access to only those on an approved list.

Contact us today at 877-215-2536 (ALEN) or via email at [email protected] to learn more about the state-of- the-art systems that we can customize to YOUR Company’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment was the financial institution trying to protect?

The institution needed to secure a floor containing critical equipment, including servers, network connections, UPS systems, transfer switches, and a generator.

How does two-factor authentication control access to the secured area?

Personnel must present an approved access card and enter a special code. Requiring both credentials provides stronger protection than using an access card alone.

Can personnel be granted access remotely?

Yes. Security professionals can approve access remotely in real time or authorize personnel in advance when needed.

How are video analytics used to monitor the protected area?

Camera feeds are sent to monitors elsewhere in the building or at an off-site location. Trained security professionals can review live or recorded footage for unusual activity and respond to alarms.

Can authorized users view the cameras from mobile devices?

Yes. Authorized users can remotely view the video through smartphones or tablets, providing visibility into the secured area while away from the facility.

commercial-trucks-parked-on-angle

Security Case Study: New Video Surveillance System Reduces Guard Costs

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Video Surveillance System Upgrade

The Challenge: The customer had an old analog video surveillance system and on-site guards which were ineffective and expensive to maintain.

The Solution: An Avigillon IP Video Surveillance System Solution with IP Cameras and a Network Video Recorder.  Therefore, providing them with improved security at a lower cost.

A multi-location trucking supply company was using an outdated analog video surveillance system to protect their site and equipment. They were also employing on-site guards to watch their premises.

Hence, they contacted us to upgrade their overall system. So, we installed an IP Video Surveillance System from Avigilon. The system included twelve (12) 3 Megapixel IP H3A Bullet HD cameras for the exterior and eight (8) 3-Megapixel H3A IP Day/Night HD Indoor Dome cameras for the interior. We also installed a 21TB Network Video Recorder (NVR) to record all of the action.

The new video surveillance system provided improved image quality, better monitoring of employee activity and better secured their grounds. This also gave them the ability to remotely access the data. So, to augment the new security system, we were able to add Video Analytics and Video Monitoring. With this ability, we instituted ‘rules’ and ‘triggers’ related to access and certain timeframes. This now allowed them to create alarms to alert them of any incidents. Interestingly, the first thing that they discovered with this new monitoring system was that their guards were not as actively engaged as they needed to be. Therefore, with the new system being monitored at a remote central location, they were able to eliminate their on-site guards. This allowed them to greatly reduce their costs.

The Result: A much MORE secure site and at a LOWER cost, saving the customer $75,000 per year per guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the trucking supply company replace its surveillance system?

The company’s outdated analog cameras and on-site guards were expensive to maintain and did not provide the level of security needed to protect its locations and equipment.

What equipment was included in the new surveillance system?

The company received 12 exterior bullet cameras, eight interior day-and-night dome cameras, and a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

What improvements did the IP cameras provide?

The new cameras delivered clearer images, better coverage of the property, improved monitoring of employee activity, and remote access to surveillance footage.

How did video analytics improve the company’s security?

Video analytics allowed the company to establish rules and triggers for specific access events and timeframes. The system could then generate alarms when potentially suspicious activity occurred.

How much did the company save by using remote video monitoring?

Remote monitoring allowed the company to eliminate its on-site guards while improving security. According to the case study, this saved approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

storage-container-with-boxes-and-pallets

Security Case Study: IP Video Protects Your Property and Equipment

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

IP Video Equipment

Challenge: Construction Company wanted security and remote monitoring of expensive equipment around the clock

Solution: Installation of Avigilon IP Video Bullet HD cameras with Video Analytics and Remote Video Monitoring Solution

We were recently contacted by a large construction firm who does bridge repairs along a major US highway. They have tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of trucks, tools and equipment on their property as well as Conex storage containers and fuel tanks. They know that theft of, or tampering with, any of this equipment would seriously impair their ability to keep their teams working, costing them time and money.

Knowing that any delay would cost them thousands of dollars per hour, they didn’t take any chances. So, they called Alen Security to install eight (8) state of the art Avigilon 3 Megapixel (MP) H3A IP Video Bullet HD cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics along with talk-down speakers.

The video analytics built into to the IP Video security cameras use Avigilon’s “Teach by Example” technology, learning on their own by observation and also from the operators who actively use it. They automatically adjust to changing scene conditions, helping reduce false alarms, and provide superior protection for both assets and personnel.

Along with the IP Video cameras, we also employed an 8 channel, 4TB Video Appliance running the feature-rich ACC5 video management software. This allows them to store the video data and quickly review and search for the video they want.

The event-based remote video monitoring center is staffed by security professionals and schedules thrice-daily guard tours. They also respond to video “alarm triggers” and can talk-down to would-be intruders. Talk-down capability allows them to alert intruders that law enforcement has been notified and to leave the premises immediately. Hence, combining these features protects their facility around the clock.

Result: The IP Video security cameras and event-based remote video monitoring keep their property and equipment secure 24/7/365.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the construction company need around-the-clock surveillance?

The company stored valuable trucks, tools, equipment, fuel tanks, and storage containers on its property. Theft or tampering could stop its bridge-repair crews from working and cause costly delays.

What surveillance equipment was installed?

The company received eight 3-megapixel HD bullet cameras with infrared capability, self-learning video analytics, and talk-down speakers.

How do self-learning video analytics reduce false alarms?

The analytics learn through observation and feedback from system operators. They adjust to changing conditions within a scene, helping the cameras distinguish potential threats from normal activity.

How is the company’s surveillance footage stored and reviewed?

An eight-channel video appliance with four terabytes of storage records the footage. Video-management software allows authorized users to search for and review specific events quickly.

What happens when the system detects a possible intruder?

Security professionals at the remote monitoring center respond to video alarm triggers. They can use the speakers to warn intruders that law enforcement has been notified and direct them to leave the property.

air-conditioning-units

Security Case Study: Video Analytics can Protect Your Property

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Design, Posts, Security, Video Analytics.

The Challenge: Vandalism and Property Loss

The Solution: Avigilon Cameras with Video Analytics Appliance

We recently worked with a world renowned non-profit organization based in Southern New Jersey. This group had their air conditioning (AC) units tampered with and stripped of their copper tubing. The group replaced the units, in full, only to actually have the new units stolen! Shortly after having the units stolen, they called us looking for a solution that could have prevented the theft and vandalism in the first place.

In response, we consulted with them about their business and any other issues they were experiencing. We do this in order to provide a comprehensive security solution. Our proposal then included installing a Video Surveillance System using Avigilon Cameras and other equipment with video analytics to monitor their property and the new AC equipment.

Alen Security installed four (4) new Exterior Bullet cameras with integrated IR, to add to their existing camera base, along with an Avigilon Rialto Analytic Appliance and talk-down speakers. The video analytics allow them to set up “triggers” or “alarms” so they can be alerted when a person or vehicle is in an area they are not supposed to be in. So, if an incident like this were to happen in the future, they will be able to be pro-active and someone can “talk-down” to the alleged perpetrators asking them to leave and alerting them that law enforcement has been notified.

The Result: Adding the Rialto Analytic Appliance to their existing analog camera network along with the new cameras we installed provided this organization with a cost-effective way to easily add video analytics to their existing analog video surveillance system. The best part is that they have not had any further incidents of theft or vandalism since the new system was implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security problem was the nonprofit experiencing?

The organization’s air-conditioning units had been stripped of their copper tubing. After replacing the damaged units, the new equipment was stolen entirely.

What equipment was installed to protect the property?

Four exterior bullet cameras with integrated infrared technology were added to the existing camera system, along with a video analytics appliance and talk-down speakers.

How do video analytics detect suspicious activity?

The system uses triggers and alarms to identify when a person or vehicle enters an area where they are not supposed to be.

What happens when the system detects a potential intruder?

Security personnel can use the talk-down speakers to direct the person to leave and warn them that law enforcement has been notified.

Could video analytics be added to the organization’s analog cameras?

Yes. The analytics appliance worked with the existing analog camera network and newly installed cameras, providing a cost-effective upgrade without replacing the entire surveillance system. The organization reported no additional theft or vandalism after installation.

man-using-walkie-talkie-while-viewing-security-footage

Security Video is No Longer Just a Forensic Tool

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

For years, the security industry has used video as a forensic tool, identifying what happened and if you were lucky, by whom, AFTER a break in, theft or tampering incident. But now, with our state-of-the-art video cameras, monitoring software and alarm systems, we can intervene and PREVENT incidents, BEFORE they happen!

Rather than coming in to find that your property has been vandalized or equipment missing, security video software can detect when an unauthorized person has entered your premises, alert the police and the people monitoring your site from a central location can talk to the perpetrator, announcing that the police are on their way, stopping the crime in progress.

Our IP Video Cameras with Video Analytics learn on their own by observation and also from the operators who actively use it. They automatically adjust to changing scene conditions, helping reduce false alarms, and provide superior protection for both assets and personnel.

These cameras can be programmed to send alerts when specific behaviors or scene changes occur such as Trip Wire, Direction of Travel, Region of Interest and Loitering. Not only that, but the cameras can be programmed to only respond to certain conditions or at certain times or days. For example, persons entering a server room after hours or cars entering a restricted parking lot on the weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas can an access control system protect?

Access control can secure retail floors, offices, service areas, stockrooms, loading docks, and other sensitive locations where entry needs to be restricted.

What types of access credentials can a business use?

Businesses can provide employees, vendors, and other approved individuals with swipe cards, proximity cards, or key fobs.

Can access control integrate with existing business systems?

Yes. Avigilon Access Control Manager is a browser-based system that can integrate with existing IT and human-resources systems, reducing the need for duplicate data entry.

Can access control work with video surveillance?

Yes. The access control platform can integrate with Avigilon’s video-management software, allowing users to view video connected to critical alarms and verify what caused an event.

Can administrators respond to access-control alerts remotely?

Yes. The system is designed to help authorized administrators receive and respond to alerts wherever they are, making it easier to manage security without remaining at a specific workstation.

security-footage-of-man-breaking-into-warehouse

Video Analytics Can Watch Your Business When You Can’t

Written by Andrew DeNardo on . Posted in Blog, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Video systems with self learning video and Video Analytics are the most intelligent and comprehensive security solutions available. They learn as they

monitor your assets and property, over time, becoming aware of your procedures and routines and more adept at identifying suspicious activity.

Our Video Analytics systems employ the HD Dome and HD Bullet cameras which use Avigilon’s “Teach by Example” technology. They learn on their own by observation and also from the operators who actively use it. They automatically adjust to changing scene conditions, helping reduce false alarms, and provide superior protection for both assets and personnel including server farms, data centers, computer labs and networking centers.

These Video Analytics cameras can be programmed to send alerts when specific behaviors or scene changes occur such as:

  • Trip Wire – A person, object or vehicle crosses a virtual line in a particular scene.
  • Direction of Travel – A person, object or vehicle moves in a particular direction through the camera view.
  • Region of Interest – A person, object or vehicle enters or leaves a virtual area in the camera’s view.
  • Loitering – A person, object or vehicle remains in the camera’s view for longer than a pre-determined period of time.

Video Analytics can be programmed to only respond to certain conditions or at certain times or days. For example, persons entering a server room after hours or cars entering a restricted parking lot on the weekends. Other applications may include:

  • Perimeters of corporate facilities: People approaching after hours, vehicles parked where they shouldn’t be, deliveries at unmanned loading areas.
  • Unmanned structures such as cell towers, utility substations and data centers: Unauthorized persons or vehicles approaching, fences being climbed, tampering.
  • Construction sites, laboratories, storage rooms, vaults: People present in restricted areas or when the building or site is closed, vehicles leaving or entering restricted areas or after hours.
  • Building rooftops: Vandalism or theft of rooftop equipment, attempted entry.
  • Unoccupied/un-rented buildings: Theft of copper, vandalism, vagrancy.
  • Computer labs, cubicles, server farms: Theft of equipment, data theft, unauthorized usage, individuals abusing internet privileges or using unauthorized peripherals.
  • Transportation/logistics: People tampering with sealed trailers, unauthorized loading or unloading, vehicles in unauthorized areas, employee theft/shoplifting.
  • Medical/research facilities: People present outside of regular operating hours, people present in restricted areas, unauthorized access of patient records or drug cabinets, vehicles entering or leaving after hours, theft, and inventory control.

Learn more about how your site can benefit from a system with self learning video and Video Analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do self-learning video analytics identify suspicious activity?

The system learns a property’s normal routines through observation and feedback from operators. Over time, it becomes better at recognizing activity that falls outside those usual patterns.

What types of events can trigger a video analytics alert?

Alerts can be triggered when someone crosses a virtual line, moves in a specified direction, enters or leaves a defined area, or remains in one location longer than permitted.

Can video analytics operate on a specific schedule?

Yes. The system can respond only during selected times or days, such as when someone enters a server room after hours or a vehicle enters a restricted parking lot on a weekend.

What types of properties can use video analytics?

Video analytics can help protect corporate campuses, construction sites, laboratories, data centers, utility facilities, warehouses, medical facilities, rooftops, and vacant buildings.

How can video analytics help protect sensitive equipment and information?

The system can detect unauthorized access, equipment theft, data theft, tampering, improper use of computer systems, and activity involving restricted records or storage areas.