We’re seeing an increasing number of inquiries from Alabama businesses and governmental agencies looking for video security packages that include real time or event-based video security camera monitoring services.
Camera monitoring for security purposes is different from our proactive service monitoring option, which is described here.
Two Video Camera Monitoring Service Approaches
Generally speaking, we have two approaches to video camera monitoring services for premises security. Live, real-time monitoring using trained human security professionals, or event-based monitoring that takes advantage of advanced video analytics software and sensor-equipped cameras that trigger human reviews based on defined protocols.
Either approach can be customized to meet your business needs.
Real-Time Camera Monitoring
This service features a trained security professional who is physically monitoring, in real time, a bank of screens showing the live video feeds from one or more of your IP video security cameras. Live monitoring might be 24/7 or during certain designated hours (such as overnight).
The cost is driven by the number of camera feeds to be monitored on a live basis. The monitoring professional operates as a virtual security guard and can respond to potential security threats using interactive audio communication and the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities on one or more cameras.
Of course, the ability of the monitoring professional to engage remotely with threat situations will also be determined by the types of cameras and communication technology you select. If you want real-time, live monitoring your video security camera system may need an upgrade or require reconfiguration.
Stationary camera and PTZ cameras each have pros and cons, as do digital versus optical zoom capabilities. In most cases, you’ll have a system build on a combination of stationary cameras, one or more P-T-Z cameras, and potentially one or more sensor-equipped cameras.
In short, real-time, live monitoring lets you build a premises security system that uses:
- Virtual Security Guards
- Video Escorts for Premises
- Remote Identity Verification with Interactive Audio
- Pan-Tilt-Zoom for Remote Investigations
- Real-Time Alerts to Company Staff
- Police, EMR, and Safety Notifications
Event-Based Monitoring
In this approach, the human review is a triggered response to a system alert. The cost is much lower on a per-camera basis because one professional can monitor more camera feeds. Human review is only needed if the software triggers the alert and call for human review.
Since the event-based monitoring package is built on advanced video analytics software, the front end cost may be higher, depending on whether you have an existing security system in place and the overall physical dimensions of the premises to be secured. Again, the number and types of cameras required to put “eyes” on all the important areas of your premises will impact the initial cost of an event-based monitoring system.
Event-based Monitoring is Built On:
- Advanced video analytics software that monitors live camera feeds and triggers human review when defined events occur
- Security personnel who investigate remotely using PTZ cameras and interactive audio
- Emergency notifications as necessary based on remote investigation
Again, sensor-equipped cameras can monitor for heat, smoke, moisture, water, movement, and sound.
Open Architecture Video Security Technology
We prefer to use open architecture technology solutions that make it easier to upgrade and expand your system as your facilities security needs evolve. We frequently design system expansions that incorporate existing cameras with new and upgraded technology and can often make recommendations for retrofitting your existing system without the need to “start over.”
Contact Us Today
We are committed to offering professional, responsive, value-added video security services with an Alabama touch. We’re locally-owned and based in the Birmingham metro area. We work with client owners, managers, chief security officers and corporate IT leaders to develop robust video security solutions.
Phone: 205.290.9404
Email: info@vulcansecuritysystems.com
