What Should Know About Security Camera Video Management System (VMS) for Schools
Modern video management system should also be a real priority.
School Video Management System is a critical part of the overall security system for schools. You might think that security cameras are now top priority for school authorities, and this is partly true at a time when school safety is a genuine fear for so many parents, students and teachers.
However, a modern video management system should also be a real priority. That is to say, security cameras and video management systems (VMS) work together, but they are certainly not the same thing.
In this article, we examine the role of a school video management system and why every school in the United States is looking more closely at this crucial methodology:
What is a Video Management System Exactly?
A video management system uses a combination of video hardware and software to protect a designated area. What’s more, this method is a cost effective way to integrate various devices, systems and control panels, while enabling two-way communication at all times.
But why is VMS so important for schools?
Due to recent regulations and an increase of concern around safety, school security systems can provide much-needed protection, not to mention peace-of-mind to worried parents.
It’s true, most schools are simply too large to monitor via conventional methods but technology can bridge the gap and secure every corner of a school. As if that’s not enough, this is certainly the most cost-effective way for schools to stay on top of safety and keep a record of everything that goes on. This is where school video management system comes into play.
Why the Use of VMS is Rising Throughout the United States
Recent studies show that more than 80% of US schools have installed security cameras in recent times. With the potential benefits in mind, it seems rather obvious for this rising trend.
For example, schools with security cameras tend to experience a decrease in the extent of vandalism or burglary, while making a bold statement in terms of combating school bullying.
However, that’s not to say the increased number of cameras have removed these risks. After all, statistics for mass shootings at schools in the United States have stayed the same for more than thirty years in spite of this growing number of cameras.
But what does this mean exactly?
Well, it means that schools need to be extra vigilant. Instead of simply installing security cameras around the campus, it’s important to refine and improve this system in a way that deters such incidents. More specifically, these incidents are much less likely to happen when teachers, students or anyone else in the vicinity know that they are being monitored closely at all times. But to efficiently monitor any such event that may occur, school video management system becomes critical.
When you think about it, this peace-of-mind can also enable teachers to work more efficiently and students to feel safe from harm during the course of their school semester.
Types of School Video Management System
At the same time, with so much hardware and software available, how can you possibly decide between them? It’s true, most people feel somewhat overwhelmed by the options and this is understandable. After all, technology is complex and knowledge is key to a successful install.
First of all, it’s essential to choose the right vendor/integrator for the job and secondly, you want to make sure that you know which features will work best in the school. Highly knowledgeable integrators like SecureTower® can play a crucial role here.
And this is so important!
You see, even the best hardware and software is useless without effective installation. While a system might seem to work okay, usability will always diminish when the setup is one of poor quality.
Moral of the story: Choosing the right partner is essential for the effectiveness of your security system and SecureTower® is arguably the most reputable choice for schools that want things done right. But more on that later.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of integrating a video management system.
Key Benefits of Implementing an effective School Video Management System (VMS)
You will find many benefits to the implementation of a video management system relating to set up, monitoring, recording, scaling and upgrading in the future:
Easy Setup
Setting up a security camera video management system is quite a straightforward process and the professionals can get you up and running in a matter of days.
Intelligent Monitoring
Video management systems adhere to all legislation regarding privacy and provide a most accessible way to monitor every area of the school.
Playback
Video management systems can also record everything that happens in the school. For this reason, VMS can act as a reliable source to back up or even disprove any reported incidents.
Supporting Scale
Many schools will have in excess of fifty security cameras and a video management system can help support these cameras with a minimum amount of hardware.
Upgrading VMS
Schools can upgrade this system and add customization as time passes. Still not convinced? We can look even closer at this technology for further features and benefits.
Other Considerations for Installing a School Video Management System
You will also need to decide between the different types of servers, licensing and maintenance policies.
Choosing a User Friendly System
Most modern video management systems will use a server-client method which provides constant two-way communication. In this sense, the system is more flexible and capable, while still retaining the simplicity that enables the VMS to be so effective and user-friendly.
About the Licensing
If you find a reputable partner to install your video management system, there should be no issues or delays around licensing. Just so you know, it’s best to find a license that is easy to install and better for engineering purposes. That being said, you can leave this to the pros.
Support and Maintenance
You will need to sign a software maintenance agreement which will essential outline the future upgrades or service that you will receive from the vendor. As a rule, the cost of this service and specialty support may be about 15% - 20% per annum.
Integrating Cameras
Simple put, some VMS cameras are better than others. In case you might be asking yourself, this means that certain manufacturers produce cameras with far superior features or functionality. If you can afford the cost, choose a fully integrated VMS with maximum functionality. But let’s get back to the case for integrating a video management system at school
How Schools Can Take Advantage with a Video Management System
In fact, a modern video management system can even save you money and integrate your existing security cameras in the new methodology. Think about it: rather than buying a bunch of new cameras, you can spend this money on additional cameras and upgrading your current security system. And this is just one of many advantages when it comes to a video management system:
Promote a Safer, More Secure School
Integrating a video management system will help create an environment in which students and teaches can feel safe. Also, an advanced camera system will greatly reduce the risk of theft or vandalism when the school is left unattended.
Remote Access for Improved Security
Security camera video management systems are mobile which means that certain people can access this system at any time is a web browser. Needless to say, the school authorities will set permissions and decide precisely who can access these cameras.
Advanced Encryption to Protect Against Breach
Cyber attacks are more common than ever but advanced encryption will ensure the video management system is impenetrable. That is to say, you can rest assured that privacy and protection is the number one concern for each security camera video management system.
Video Access for Emergencies
School authorities can also designate first-responders who can access security cameras in emergency situations. In times of stress, this option can notify experiences individuals that may be able to tend to a particular situation on the school campus.
Greater Video Storage Without Implications
Some installation services will provide a large and flexible storage facility with the VMS. With this option, you can choose to keep recorded footage for longer without impeding the performance of the actual system.
What Makes an Effective and Affordable Video Management System
We know that video management systems work but what makes them work better?
Here are some of the key factors that make an outstanding video management system experience:
The Importance of Camera Integration
Security systems should be flexible, compact and easy to maintain. In this sense, software should always provide the flexibility, while the hardware should easily blend with the overall system.
Just so you know, this also means that the school fire alarm or door access should be part of the one system. Needless to say, this will ensure that everything can be accessed in the one place which provides a much greater sense of control to whomever is designated with the job of security.
Defining Roles for Managing Security
That being said, school authorities really need to designate this control and access to specific individuals or teams. If relevant, certain people can have access to certain areas of the school and there are usually three different levels of access including viewer, operator and administrator.
Each level will come with different responsibility and rights. For instance, an administrator will be able to view and control any aspect of the system. On the other hand, an operator such as a security individual should not be able to access the settings or configuration behind the system.
Using VMS for Better Interoperability
You might find that some systems are made up of different hardware and software brands. In these instances, a video management system is even more important as this central control system can bring all components together to form one impenetrable system.
Identifying Potential Traffic Problems
You will unlikely want access to every minute of every day at school but you can use the control panel to detect the frequency of certain motions. In other words, you can check when the busiest times might be in each corridor or quickly identify problematic areas in terms of footfall.
Reducing the Rate of Record Retention
As mentioned above, storage is very important to the performance of a video management system. When you have more cameras, you also have more recorded footage to store and this can prove troublesome to the overall system. For this reason, you can change the priority of some cameras which enables them to hold footage for less time and hence, freeing up more space in the process.
However, it is a good idea to check with your state or local policy/regulation guiding surveillance camera video retention for your facility type.
Proactive Status Reports for Functionality
Similarly, you will not want to check the health of every piece of hardware and software. Most video management systems will provide status reports to confirm the functionality of each component. Likewise, this report can locate problems or faults and indicate what might be needed to fix them.
Notifications for School Security
You simply cannot spot or notice everything in real time and this is why notifications are so important. A video management system can issue real time notifications to security members which is very important in terms of preventative protection. Whether this comes in the form of emails, text messages or app notifications, this simple alarm can prove invaluable to school security in particular.
Maintenance: Why Schools Need to Stay on Top and Upgrade VMS Often
Unfortunately, it’s not enough to implement a video management system and leave it be. That is to say, once integrated, it’s critical that schools avail of ongoing support from the vendor. Moreover, most systems are somewhat fallow which means that they need to be improved or upgraded in time.
After all, updates can prevent faults or failures that will also cost time and money in the long run. This is just one of the many reasons why schools need a reputable Security System integrator like SecureTower® throughout the process.
Just so that we are on the same pages, here’s a few reasons why upgrades are so important:
Cyber Security
Cyber attackers prey on weak systems and this is often due to outdated software or hardware. Without the necessary repairs or upgrades, the system is open to exploitation.
Bugs
Many bugs or viruses are hidden but either way, they cause havoc in a video management system. You need to continually check for such bugs to prevent long term damage or exposure.
Operating System
It’s true, you may need to update or replace your operating system over time. All components depend on this operating system to perform to their maximum potential.
Performance
Even the smallest improvements can make an immense difference to the performance of a video management system. When you think of it, this is definitely true over a longer period when all those smaller tweaks have enabled a much greater system to evolve.
Integrating New Equipment
It’s not often that a new device can fit seamlessly into an older system. Quite often, you will need a support crew to advise or install a driver or facilitator to integrate the new equipment.
Adding Firmware
Cameras and any other hardware will inevitably need some attention. Yes, manufacturers will usually release some kind of update or firmware but you will also need to know how to add these to the existing system. Once again, this is where maintenance and support is crucial for implementing these kind of changes without damaging the current performance. In any case, choosing the right integrator like SecureTower® will be crucial in this regard.
Time and Money
Yes, all the above will cost even more money without the right support. Meanwhile, the amount of time it takes to configure such changes is likely to outweigh the monetary cost you might associate with the process.
Takeaway
Ignore the importance of maintenance and support at your peril. Installing the system is important but ensuring the longevity of this system will help save time, money and hassle at every turn.
Getting Started & Implementing an Effective School Security System
While you might understand the true importance of a video management system, you should also know that not all systems or services are equal. As a rule, it’s always best to stick with tried and trusted brands, and the quality of the server is just as important as any piece of hardware.
Anyway, the point is, choosing the right service provider is very important. After all, the performance of this software and hardware will largely depend on the quality of whatever installation you choose.
In this respect, try to stick with hardware that meets the minimum requirement of the chosen software. Similarly, this equipment must be tested to fit within the practical confines of the school, while being able to deploy the necessary features and benefits in designated areas.
As for the software, look for compatible products that can integrate with your current security cameras and third-party devices. Simplicity is key for creating a fluid video management system in a school and flexibility will enable you to upgrade or improve this system as time goes on.
Conclusion
Either way, it’s essential to find a trusted partner like SecureTower® that can guide you through this process and find the most suitable or affordable option for your situation. What’s more, this partner like can take care of the details and help you install and implement a school security system that will keep everyone safe.
