Obviously, the next question is "what can be done with this information?" Once again the answer is straightforward: All CCTV-gathered information can be sent to anywhere in the world. The only qualification is that the recipient needs to have compatible equipment. This equipment already exists and is in common use in all organisations. It is called the PC. The final requirement is for this equipment to be connected to a digital telecommunications network. The digital age has arrived with a flourish!
GOOD NEWS FOR MANAGERS!
The 'grudge buy' CCTV system is now a most important element in the organisation's management process. State-of-the-art technology is applied by linking the CCTV system to digital recording and transmitting equipment. Images can be transmitted anywhere, according to management needs. They can be downloaded on to disk, loaded into a PC and then e-mailed to their destination. Total time taken approximately four minutes!
More interestingly, if the recording equipment is linked in to a LAN or WAN, others on the network can access the information remotely. Total time taken: approximately two minutes to retrieve and copy accurate information! The final method of information access and distribution is via an Internet link. Any interested party can now access the information instead of making costly journeys to the premises.
IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?
The answer is YES. ntl has recently entered the remote CCTV monitoring market with its Visual Monitoring System (VMS). This is designed to encourage customers with remote sites to use the telecommunications network for distributing information. Already the first group of customers has developed many imaginative uses of the visual information that is provided from their in-house CCTV systems.
This early success is due to the fact that the MDs and financial managers have quickly realised the excellent management benefits offered by this technology. They have allowed the security manager to lead the project, but have kept the bigger picture in mind. Instead of purchasing a cheap, and often neglected, CCTV system, organisations are now installing good quality systems with digital recording equipment.
In the age of information management, convergence is the key word. All applications of networked information need to be properly exploited.
Although most already use voice, data and Internet, it is the potential of vision that is now being recognised. All organisations, regardless of size, are investing in network use. The use of visual information on the network is a natural development that reduces costs and increases efficiency.
OBVIOUS BENEFITS
It is easier, more reliable and far, far cheaper to transmit information over a network instead of travelling long distances to obtain it. This is good news for organisations with area managers. No need for long hours behind the wheel to visit remote sites. Area managers can simply dial in to each site via their own PC and access the uncorrupted, accurate information. Routine reports can now be visual in content and important matters can be viewed from afar before making decisions to travel to site for further action. Ongoing build projects do not need to be delayed until a visiting manager checks off intermediate stages. By using the CCTV system creatively, the work can be viewed from another location and the go-ahead given for the next phase. This principle also applies to routine health and safety inspections. What better record is there of the situation, e.g. proper equipment in the correct position, than a transmitted picture with a time/date stamp?
The correct layout of goods and equipment is a necessity for many businesses. This assists with presentation, speedy replacement of stock and safety. However, local priorities intrude and the required layout is frequently ignored. This cannot happen when the management can view the area from head office. Management One - Human Nature Nil! The punctuality of staff and sub-contractors can be assessed remotely. Once again, the date/time stamp solves any arguments. Cleaners, shift personnel and others can be safely monitored out of hours and their productivity accurately scrutinised later. Costly engineer time can be better utilised. Pressure gauges and other on-site information can be remotely monitored by using a PC at a central location. When activities are detected, the on-site CCTV system can dial in. The engineer can then view the site from his PC.
VISITORS AND IMPOSTORS
Unexpected visitors at remote locations can be checked by this method. Their digital image, as recorded on-site, can be sent to the correct authority within the organisation and access organised as necessary. In addition, their image is retained for the duration of their visit and is easily accessible, thus assisting with security checks. Intruders using stolen passes can be tackled. As they present the card for access, their picture is taken and retained in the CCTV digital recording system. This picture of the impostor can be e-mailed to investigators.
Compare this efficiency with the old-fashioned method of reviewing an analogue tape, taking a hard copy print and then making copies for distribution; approximate time taken six hours. The digital system takes four minutes.
REAL STORIES
Customers are already reaping the benefits of using CCTV information over digital networks. A regional car dealer has already cut insurance claim payments by over £40,000 in two months. Cameras are positioned to inspect any vehicles that enter the premises. When a customer claims that the workshop has damaged his vehicle, the relevant images are accessed, downloaded and printed. Dispute resolved, end of claim!
This multi-site dealership also permits customers to remotely view vehicles over the digital link from any of its premises. If the customer is satisfied with the vehicle at the remote site, arrangements are made to deliver it; thus avoiding wasted journeys with cars that are subsequently rejected by the customer.
Another car dealer has altered his business hours by using his on-site digital recording evidence. The overnight recording on remote sites is interrogated from the head office. This showed there were more customers on the forecourts of these premises after working hours than during working hours. As a result the sales team now work from mid-afternoon until 9 p.m. Positive outcome – more sales, happier staff and more profit. The cost of the digital CCTV system has been repaid within one month by better sales.
A national property management company is now installing digital CCTV systems to provide information regarding damage, non-availability of services and general maintenance matters. The motor trade insurance companies can now remotely view damaged vehicles. By using digital technology, claims assessors do not need to travel distant locations.
POLICE USAGE
The most obvious benefit of digital recording is the speed with which the police can distribute pictures of suspects. This aspect alone is of major importance. By visiting these suspects within a few hours of the crime being committed, the police have a greater chance of finding the stolen goods. The current, analogue-based method gives the criminals plenty of time to dispose of their ill-gotten gains. In fact, the digital information can be sent directly from the site of the crime direct to the police network across a normal telephone link.
The CCTV monitoring station can visually confirm alarm activations. By employing advanced technology, the trigger images can be e-mailed directly to the police control room. This must be the best example of the benefits of visual verification of alarms. Perhaps it is the perfect answer to ACPO's prayers about false alarms!
EXTRA MONITORING SERVICES
Out-of-hours surveillance benefits greatly from digital transmission. This can be provided from a specialist CCTV monitoring centre. When activation occurs, the information can be downloaded at the monitoring centre and e-mailed to the key-holder for checking. Or the key holder can dial in using their own compatible equipment and view the images.
WHAT'S THE FUTURE?
In reality, there is now a desktop CCTV system available for all managers. Once they examine the overall benefits to their organisations, the decision is easy. Those companies who can supply a 'one-stop- shop of CCTV systems, telecommunications network and remote monitoring will move forward with the successful organisations. The others will be left behind in all senses. The business benefits of transmitting digital visual information over networks are redressing the balance in favour of managing matters instead of travelling.
Source
Security Installer
