When is a security system not a security system? asks digital CCTV manufacturer Dallmeier.
As soon as surveillance systems became PCs running security-specific software, a whole new concept in surveillance and surveillance management was born. The ability to observe, verify and act on visual images remotely was a revelation. The facility to access sites remotely brings a management tools to your fingertips. Many security departments are increasingly being down-sized and asked to perform more duties. Imagine the advantages of sitting in your office and being able to access every security system in your company. Not only in one area, but nationally and even globally. We all know that security is a 24/7 job. You may have several incidents reported, and until cloning hits us, you can’t possibly be in more than one place at the same time. On your PC, you can review any images or data and take action.
For the smaller business or the self-employed, there can often be a fear of leaving the business in the hands of others. The ability to keep in touch and view what is going on from anywhere is a benefit. Any problems or concerns, just access your system. The impact is also far-reaching for the installers. If a customer has a service call or query, diagnosis of the fault can be done remotely. Files can be sent or updated, simple operator errors (realistically 80 to 90 per cent of all problems) can be rectified and actual problems validated and tackled. The cost saving of this is immense. More importantly, the problem can be quickly rectified and the system can function once again to its full capability. The recording system could be integrated into others. These can include alarm triggers such as redwalls and break-glasses. Access control systems can be included, so that at any time, you can validate access, time-keeping and so on. You may have a swipe card access system, but without the video image, how do you know who has actually swiped the card’ Most sophisticated systems will also take some type of data input. This can be an input from your EPOS (electronic Point of Sale) system, ATM, PC or any other type of data required. The data is stored with the image and can be searched on at any time. <br><br>
This expands the capability of time and date searches to full item/serial number searches. With all of these capabilities, many would think that remote management comes at a cost prohibitive to most. This is far from the truth. It surprises most when you tell them that their existing network or communication system can provide the facility for remote monitoring in some shape or form. This can range from the most simple of PSTN system to the latest network infrastructure. Alarm or event activation can be sent to mobile phones, mail servers for e-mails as well as traditional monitoring stations. The full range of products available with the digital revolution should ensure that no event is ever missed and that proper management of a system, no matter how remote, is always at your fingertips.
