Combine Systems for Ultimate Flexibility IXG Series + IX Series = Unlimited Solutions
One of the many IXG Series’ strengths is the compatibility with our IX Series Peer-to - Peer IP Video Intercom. A variety of video door stations, master stations, and emergency call stations can all be connected into a single, powerful system. Different configurations and partitions, especially for large and enterprise-level applications, are now easier to achieve.
A More Efficient SOC One Point of Command for Remote Monitoring
Series elevator lift adaptor ensures visitors will only have access on which a tenant resides or works.
Controlling a variety of security layers is the idea behind a security operations center (SOC). Combining the IXG Series with our IX Series Peer-to-Peer IP Video Intercom helps increase efficiency within SOCs overseeing mixed-use buildings. One guard can monitor facilities and screen visitors across an entire networked campus. Events are quicker to assess with better detailed accuracy, giving operators the ability to act fast on how to best resolve situations.
Integrate for Added Security Access Control, VMS, Network Cameras, PA Systems
Easily integrate our IP intercoms with third-party peripherals! With an access control host, doors can easily be unlocked when a visitor’s intent has been determined. Both audio and video can be saved to an integrated VMS when visitors call. If network cameras are connected, the closeup intercom view can quickly be switched to a broader picture of the area. When tied to a PA system, pages and alerts can be broadcast across an entire campus. Series IX Series
Remote video monitoring is a popular option that may receive an even bigger boost due to COVID-19
By Neil Sutton
The security industry has been leaning into a trend towards more automation and remote video options for several years now. Conventional wisdom suggests that a pandemic and near-empty commercial properties would push that trend even further, but as with almost everything we’ve seen during COVID-19, it’s complicated.
“It’s a bit of a mixed bag,” says Anna Sliwon-Stewart, senior analyst and research manager, security and building technologies, Omdia. “On the one side, you’ve got a lot commercial facilities that are just standing empty with no one working there, almost no one supervising them. There’s a lot of expensive equipment or maybe data… that is just left unattended.”
On the other hand, remote video monitoring may be an expense not everyone can afford right now. Nonessential smaller businesses that were forced to shut down for several months due to the pandemic have sustained massive financial losses. “You can clearly see how their capital to pay for monitoring is going to run out,” notes Sliwon-Stewart.
The pandemic may have been an unforeseen variable in the development of automated and remote surveillance solutions, but the technology’s future seems assured. For companies that have modest surveillance needs — like one or two cameras on a premise —
remote monitoring offers a highly affordable option, says Sliwon-Stewart, with a predictable and regular cost structure. Cloud-based VSaaS (video surveillance as a service) options have few or no up-front fees and a monthly cost structure, which helps companies manage their expenses. Also, there are no requirements to store data on site.
As cameras and surveillance software have become more sophisticated in recent years, customers of all sizes have been able to take advantage, adds Sliwon-Stewart.
“There has been a transition to make sure that the system is being used in a much more active way,” she says.
Virtual guard tours that utilize surveillance cameras allow organizations to keep tabs on their premise at a distance. “For example, end users can ask a third-party monitoring station to check in on their premises every couple of hours,” she explains. “Or they can do video monitoring [such that] whenever a camera triggers an alarm — based on motion detection, mostly — then the operator at the monitoring station can log into that specific camera, see a very quick clip [and make a determination on the incident].”
On a grander scale, there could be added responsibilities for surveillance operations by leveraging the existing infrastructure for keeping track of the pandemic itself, argues Dimitrios Pavlakis, industry analyst for ABI Research, particularly if surveillance systems with hundreds or thousands of cameras are called into service for that
purpose. “My hypothesis is this also enables new data streams from video surveillance,” he says. “You can monitor infection rates, monitor the population in real-time and apply different behavioural AI models to predict future outbreaks or hot spots that might require the government’s attention. Similar AI models are already used by law enforcement to predict crime. This will be valuable for emergency response and infectious control operations with the added value of key implementations for smart cities and health care.”
A system such as this would have to handled in such a way that the privacy cost does not outweigh the benefit of monitoring the spread of the virus,
says Pavlakis.To meet most privacy legislation requirements, any data collected should be anonymized.
“Until the outbreak curve is flattened, governments are expected to take some liberties when it comes to data protection. As more open source data becomes available, this might be helpful in the short term to predict any hotspots,” he says. “It is of the utmost importance, however, that any nearfuture implementations do not have long-term ramifications that limit citizen rights under the guise of viral research or monitoring.”
The sophistication of today’s cameras systems has opened up a world of possibilities, notes Sliwon-Stewart. In
addition to the traditional model of a camera as a surveillance tool and visual deterrent, it can provide deeper insight into situational awareness. Cameras, for example, can help limit the occurrence of false alarms.
“The role of video here is to really get an insight into what’s happening, and maybe avoid alerting the manager of the facility if it’s just a false alarm,” states Sliwon-Stewart. “Obviously, they will get the reports of the incidents, but this is going to give them peace of mind that someone else is looking after everything… and if it requires police response or not.”
The technology is only getting better with advancements in machine
learning and artificial intelligence. The same cameras that are used to monitor property for intruders could also be used to monitor for smoke or fire, and may one day compete with traditional intrusion systems. That day is still a ways off, says Sliwon-Stewart, “but we can definitely see how the video surveillance industry is trying to perform the same functionality as intrusion detection systems.”
Live monitoring with real-time analytics processing is likely to get better still with the advent of super-fast 5G networks — perhaps at first for critical infrastructure applications, then more broadly. “I think this could be a game-changer for all of us,” she says.
Live Patrol is a leading live video monitoring firm, specializing in the most advanced technology and software to identify and prevent crime. Their cutting edge technology incorporates human and artificial intelligence, making them superior in the industry, while remaining more cost effective than traditional services. Their goal is to provide clients with state-of-the-art security solutions, customized to their specific needs, while providing unmatched technical and customer support.
Live Patrol is a leading live video monitoring firm, specializing in the most advanced technology and software to identify and prevent crime.
Live Patrol’s versatile live video monitoring services continue to evolve, improve, and push the boundaries of the industry, keeping them at the forefront of technological advancements. They feel the best protection of people, property and assets goes beyond just having the most advanced security equipment; It’s having full control over the system, and utilizing it to its maximum potential. Ensuring their clients benefit from optimized performance, while saving time and money.
Their ability to respond to an incident efficiently is just one of the reasons Live Patrol has set a high standard for the industry. 24/7 live video monitoring, equipped with audio speakers, allows them to intervene promptly when an incident occurs, with an astounding response time of under 10 seconds.
Conveniently located in the GTA, the monitoring station is able to dispatch police immediately, increasing the opportunity for intruders to be confronted and reducing the probability of substantial damage or theft. As a well recognized security firm with excellent standing, police prioritize their calls with level 1 priority, as opposed to most, with level 3. This ensures prompt arrival of law enforcement, in turn, maximizing security of client assets.
Live Patrol has strived to enhance and maintain its already reputable customer support, making it a top priority for clients. Highly trained professionals are fully monitoring and maintaining routine system checks to ensure sites are fully secured around the clock.
Live Patrol has exceeded expectations when it comes to technology and customer support.
Camera feeds are tested diligently, and any issues found are resolved quickly. They believe in person to person resolution, which is why you’ll always speak with a live person with any concerns, and if needed, a professional technician will be dispatched to resolve any technical issues.
The importance of excellence is apparent in this established live video monitoring security firm. Live Patrol has exceeded expectations when it
comes to technology and customer support. Their team is always looking for ways to enhance its services, and puts importance on feedback for improvement from clients. Alongside customer support, technology is of the utmost importance. Live Patrol’s drive to have the best software and Intelligent applications is what makes it a leader in the industry.
With commercial properties now close to vacant as employees work from home, monitoring providers indicate clients are looking for camera-based solutions that can be deployed quickly
By Alanna Fairey
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been required to shut down, leaving unattended properties susceptible to break-ins and vandalism.
When employees were mandated to work from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a number of security companies indicate they have noticed an exponential increase for remote monitoring across a plethora of different sectors.
“We’ve seen an increased demand and a common trend in the construction sector for new video monitoring installations,” says Stephanos Georgoudes, products and
manufacturer relations at Surveillance Lanvac Monitoring.
“There is more of a demand for video surveillance for those sectors.”
Georgoudes shared that other sectors that have seen a demand in remote monitoring include insurance companies and automotive garages in areas across Quebec, Ontario and B.C.
“Overall, the commercial sector shows the biggest increase and interest in video monitoring, primarily construction and special trades,” Georgoudes says.
Robert Plume, vice-president of secure integration at G4S Secure Solutions, agreed that there has been a huge uptick in remote monitoring, with
customers asking for extra surveillance during the day.
Plume shares that G4S spoke to customers during COVID-19, and operators helped to assess which solution would work best for their current situation.
“I think what we’re finding through this in particular is creating different conversations,” Plume says. “Each client and each site is really unique and quite often we recommend a blended or integrated solution to meet their full requirements.”
Luciano Cedrone, senior account executive with Logixx Security, shares that remote video monitoring for private properties is a good option
during these unprecedented times.
“To be able to feed those cameras back to an isolated control centre like some of those some of the vendors have, or some of the buildings have in their basement — that’s a great plus. You don’t have to send somebody up there,” Cedrone explains.
While this technology may be a benefit, Cedrone stresses that security guards should not be entirely replaced by remote video monitoring options.
security companies provide remote CCTV maintenance checks by using CheckMyCCTV, a 24/7 automated remote checking system.
“It’s not necessarily extra surveillance, but rather smarter surveillance.”
“Dealers can receive daily health checks from all their CCTV systems that include connection issues, camera failures, image integrity, recording issues and time/ date accuracy,” Georgoudes says.
— Stephanos Georgoudes, Lanvac
“If a company is reducing their guard complement in order to deploy more cameras and then that sacrifices their ability to manage the security program, that’s a problem,” Cedrone says. “You’ve got to balance the mission statement of your security program and how that camera system is going to complement that…. If you’re in Barbados and an alarm comes through and there’s nobody that can actually go and take care of the door that’s open, then it eliminates the point of having that camera.”
Recognizing the increased demand for remote monitoring solutions, security companies have adjusted their business solutions accordingly.
Georgoudes shares that shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak, Lanvac’s dealers went to their alarm customers to offer them a forensic video tool that he says could easily work in conjunction with the alarm system.
“Traditionally, you have an on site guard, whereas now with event-based monitoring and the use of advanced camera analytics, you can pin point the intruder,” Georgoudes explains. “It’s not necessarily extra surveillance, but rather smarter surveillance.”
To accommodate the increased need for remote monitoring with smarter surveillance, Lanvac has partnered with IPX360 to help Canadian
Additionally, Lanvac added more shifts to accommodate the increased demand for remote video monitoring options.
“We’ve had to remotely train some current operators to help out with the increase of video monitoring traffic,” Georgoudes says. “We are also currently finalizing remote training strategies for all types of operator tasks to be ready for the future.”
Despite seeing an increased demand for remote monitoring, Plume says that G4S has not added more monitoring shifts, explaining that the company has been able to manage the demand.
“Our solution is scalable because it’s based on analytics,” Plume explains. “It’s really incumbent on our technicians and the client to kind of streamline where we deploy and what analytics we use to really create the best solution for them and to ensure that we can better secure their property.”
With strict work from home orders set in place due to COVID-19, setting up monitoring operators to work from home has been essential.
Like many other security businesses in Canada, Lanvac has taken a number of measures to reduce the risk of contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We provided secured computers and phones that VPN and VoIP to our central stations across Canada,” says Georgoudes.
“Any operator from anywhere in Canada assists with all alarm traffic,
and this allows for a perfect loadbalancing system where staff from one part of the country can jump in and help with increased volume in another part of the county.”
While Lanvac operators are working from home, Plume shares that G4S has taken a couple of different routes.
In the case of their monitoring centres, G4S sent home all non-essential employees. However, Plume shares that G4S is aware that not all employees — ranging from schedulers to operators — can work from home and the company has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their employees.
“We’re able to keep all of our operators that come in over six feet apart and we’ve done a great job of isolating people within our environment, even though they’re coming to our environment,” Plume says.
While the future of remote video monitoring beyond COVID-19 is yet to be determined, understanding the current demand is a top priority.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Plume shares that remote video monitoring has helped G4S to open up to a variety of new business opportunities.
“We have technicians that are working 24/7,” Plume says. “We’ve ensured that the entirety of the solution from the way it’s designed to the way it’s monitored can be fired up quickly on client demand.”
While the demand may continue to increase, Cedrone reiterates that there will still be a need for security personnel, as it is an extra step to ensure that properties are protected from trespassers.
“Don’t get distracted by the fact you’ve got a fancy camera and think that the camera being setup is going to cover all your liabilities and take care of your security issues,” Cedrone advises. “You need to have the background support to the camera, which is policies and procedures that manage how the camera’s going to be used.”
IN THESE TIMES OF COVID-19, RETAILERS NEED TO REASSURE THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT IS IT SAFE TO SHOP AT THEIR STORES.
The challenges are already numerous to manage INSIDE the stores with social distancing, handwashing, masks, etc… but what about OUTSIDE your stores?
We are seeing long lines of customers outside as we have to restrict the number of customers allowed inside at a time. Having strict but customer-friendly approach to social distancing is key to bringing back shoppers to your stores. They need to see that you are adding measures to protect them.
The situation is evolving continuously and even health authority recommendations seem to be changing every week.
Security guards or extra employees are often hired to help manage the flow but how can you, as Loss Prevention Manager or Store Manager, oversee multiple stores and compliance in each one in real time?
A perceived lack of security measures could lead to negative social media posts and drive customers away.
To make thing more challenging, as more customers will be heading back and fill parking lots, car theft will likely rise back up again. During and after business hours, unwanted loiterers can intimidate customers, cause trouble, and attract negative attention to your property.
What if you could deploy a mobile video system in your parking lot, visible to customers as well as potential thieves? Something simple to move by non-technical people, something that requires no power or network infrastructure, that would give you live viewing of your multiple sites, something that would reassure your customers and employees?
“WHAT IF YOU COULD DEPLOY A MOBILE VIDEO SYSTEM IN YOUR PARKING LOT, VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS AS WELL AS POTENTIAL THIEVES?”
One of the most critical times for safety and security on your shopping center property is when employees, customers, and other people are in transition on the property, whether at the beginning of the day, the end of the day, or when they are coming and going from the property. People coming and going from their workplaces create a tempting target for thieves and criminals. Customers are also prime targets, especially at opening and closing hours when traffic is lighter.
Introducing the Ver-Mac’s Watch Tower Guardian series. Made in Canada by a company renowned for its quality products, made to last and operate yearround in our ever-changing Canadian weather.
In 2020, customers and shareholders are looking for proven, safer, long-lasting, eco-friendly solutions.
These products operate on rechargeable batteries and solar energy for a completely silent, secure, non-polluting, and maintenance-free operation.
Live Video or recording can be seen on any smartphones or pc directly to you or they can be linked to Video monitoring centers.
Please visit the security.ver-mac.com to learn more about our solutions
Ver-Mac’s WATCH TOWER GUARDIAN is a Mobile Solar Video Surveillance and Deterrence System that provides off the grid, 24/7 monitoring, without the need of on-site staff. Our cutting-edge VideoGuard surveillance technology allows to automatically DETECT, DETER and ALERT. Built to last, this eco-friendly unit is 100% powered by solar panels & rechargeable batteries and can operate up to a year using only renewable energy. Our system is the perfect solution to help prevent theft and vandalism for your temporary or long term site where electricity is not available.
Well-known for its cuttingedge technology and leadership in the traffic safety industry for over 60 years, Ver-Mac brings its expertise to the security industry. ALERTS
You can now offer property owners a single, powerful system that combines the featurerich benefits of an IP intercom with the versatility of a multi-tenant solution.
The IXG Series IP Multi-Tenant Video Intercom helps solve security communication challenges beyond any other intercom.
• Easy to start small, expand at any time
• Cloud-based app (service fee will apply)
• All stations are PoE
• Touchscreen entrance panel
• Updates can be programmed remotely
• Physical video guard station (Sept 2020)
• Compatible with IX Series stations
We encourage you to try before you buy! Look for the orange DEMO button on our website and fill out the brief form. Once you get the chance to demo—and adore—the IXG Series, you’ll see firsthand how this system will impress your customers.
Powerful IP Multi‑Tenant Video Intercom
S creening visitors at multi-tenant buildings, or throughout entire complexes, has never been easier. Introducing the new IXG Series IP Multi-Tenant Video Intercom from Aiphone. The IXG Series is a complete multi-tenant solution providing the combination of a convenient cloud-based app with the reliability of physical interior tenant station.
Property managers can provide a streamlined security solution throughout a building or an entire complex. On-the-go tenants may choose a mobile device to screen visitors, with or without an interior station. The added flexibility of not needing an interior tenant station to have app capability is ideal for tenants and owners alike!
Different properties require unique solutions. The IXG Series is up to the job with virtually unlimited configurations. With a capacity up to 9,999 stations and 9,999 apps, it is easy to meet specific security requirements of any property. Dealers and integrators will appreciate that all stations are PoE and easily installed using common structure cable.
Entrance stations can be installed at outside buildings or parking garages. They are great for interiors too, particularly mixed-use lobbies where additional screening is required to access upper floors.
Tenant stations provide video identification and communication in each apartment or suite. Property managers or tenants can record calls with on-board recording to a microSD card.
Elevators should not be overlooked either when adding entry security. An IXG Series elevator lift control adaptor ensures visitors will only have access to the floor on which a tenant resides or works.
IXG Series + IX Series = Unlimited Solutions
O ne of the many IXG Series’ strengths is the compatibility with our IX Series Peer- to - Peer IP Video Intercom. A variety of video door stations, master stations, and emergency call stations can all be connected into a single, powerful system.
Different configurations and partitions, especially for large and enterprise-level applications, are now easier to achieve.
C ontrolling a variety of security layers is the idea behind a security operations center (SOC). Combining the IXG Series with our IX Series Peer-to-Peer IP Video Intercom helps increase efficiency within SOCs overseeing mixed-use buildings. One guard can monitor facilities and screen visitors across an entire networked campus. Events are quicker to assess with better detailed accuracy, giving operators the ability to act fast on how to best resolve situations.
Access Control, VMS, Network Cameras, PA Systems
E asily integrate our IP intercoms with third-party peripherals! With an access control host, doors can easily be unlocked when a visitor’s intent has been determined. Both audio and video can be saved to an integrated VMS when visitors call. If network cameras are connected, the closeup intercom view can quickly be switched to a broader picture of the area. When tied to a PA system, pages and alerts can be broadcast across an entire campus.
