Flexible, Expandable IP/Hybrid Camera & Recording Systems for Offices & Businesses

You can buy security cameras anywhere. But to have a truly functional, robust surveillance/recording/monitoring security camera system for your office in Burbank, IL, you need system design, installation, programming, and integration with your data network from someone who truly understands both. Don't get sucked into contracting services from a "camera installer" for whom IT networks are just a sideline or vice versa.

For decades, Andromeda has served the IT/Security needs of small-to-medium sized organizations like yours in the greater Chicagoland IL/Indy area. We have cultivated expertise in both the data network "brains" as well as the camera/access control/alarm/communication "arms and legs" of office systems and have years of experience integrating these together for a diverse cross-section of businesses, municipalities, and other associations/organizations.

Your timing for creating or expanding a current security camera surveillance system could not be better. There is no longer a need for an expensive, dedicated system to monitor your premises. We also provide great options for expanding an older security camera system with better/newer analog and digital technology without scrapping what you might already have! By leveraging your existing IT network for your security camera system(s), Andromeda can save you time, money, and lots of headaches with efficient integrated systems that can do more than you probably imagined: real-time alerts, automated responses, and more.

Security Camera/Surveillance/Recording Systems -Burbank, IL 60459

We are a certified Panasonic Network Camera Installer. We utilize the latest in IP Video Camera technology, which allows the cameras, DVR recording and viewing all to be performed on your existing computer data network. This allows you to use your existing investment in your data wiring and data systems and extend that network into the security camera/webcam arena.

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Panasonic Cameras and Recording Software

• Panasonic manufactures over 20 different types of network video cameras. The following are some of the features that are available:
  Wireless
• Outdoor
• Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE)
• Digital and Optical Zoom
• Very High Resolution
• Low Light, Night Viewing
• Motion and Thermal Activation
• Full Pan, Tilt, and Zoom with Scanning Presets
• 2-Way Audio with Microphone and Speaker

The ability to record and later playback is an important and necessary part of any video security system. There are many options available; from on-camera memory sticks to a full-blown, searchable recording system capable of storing months worth of video from all your cameras. The viewing software is very user-friendly and easy to use.

Andromeda Technology Solutions will work to understand all your needs and provide a solution that exactly fits those needs, and allows for future growth if necessary. Our attention to detail will ensure you receive a system that you will be 100% happy with.

Applications

There are many types of applications where it pays to see there, when you cannot be there. Here are just a few types of oranizations that have benefited from our security camera systems:

• Parking Lots
• Daycare / Nursery School
• Construction Sites
• Car Dealerships
• Retail Stores
• Restaurant / Franchise
• Self Storage
• Hotel / Motel
• Multi-unit Residential

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Flexible / Programmable / Expandable Surveillance Systems

You can start with just a few cameras and expand the system as you grow. It is very easy to add security cameras to the system, without throwing away any of your initial investment.

There are options to synchronize recordings with your POS receipts, so you can exactly match the video recording with an individual receipt transaction.

The wide variety of camera types and camera options make the system extremely flexible to fit almost any application.

We can also setup remote access for you to view live video or search through recorded video, from any remote location with Internet access. You can keep tabs on your business without having to be there.

Integration: Get The Most From Your Security Systems

How does Integrated Security work?

How does Integrated Security work?

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...)

Why is Integrated Security better?

Why is Integrated Security better?

This allows the entire system and designated human responders to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

Triggers:
• Motion in ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Discontinue ...more

Triggers:
• Door opening ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Selective lock ...more

Triggers:
• Zone fault ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Set/Reset ...more

Triggers:
• Manual Pan/Tilt/Zoom signals to designated cameras
• Overrides of any current Access Control statuses
• Set/reset Alarm status

I.S. Programmable Responses:
• Alert Central Station
• Email/text alert to owner/designated responders
• Pop appropriate camera feed(s) to all responders
• Release of appropriate cameras to manual control

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...). This allows the entire system to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

AndroPedia Tech Library

As part of our service, it is important to keep our client-partners well informed on Security Camera system developments, news, and best practices. Here is just a sampling of typical items from our AndroPedia^SM library archive:

If you’ve made the decision to install CCTV Specialty Cameras at your office or facility, chances are, you’ve got some specific reason in mind.

For some, that reason may just be that you want to make sure that your offices are as secure as possible. For other individuals, camera installation comes as a direct response to an incident on site.

We believe the most important question when it comes to security will always be ‘why’. Until you answer that question, it is very difficult to gain a true understanding of the full scope of work. On top of that, we want to make sure that the basic motivation for any installation is exceeded.

Sometimes that ‘why’ is going to mean that a business needs something beyond a basic camera installation. Sometimes the ‘why’ points towards more advanced integrated security options or training.

And other times, the ‘why’ simply means that a customer needs a speciality camera or program setup to get the job done.

With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to three CCTV Specialty Cameras and their uses.

Three CCTV Specialty Cameras

Traditional PTZ Camera

A PTZ Camera simply stands for Pan Tilt Zoom Camera. This means that the CCTV specialty camera can pan, tilt and zoom around in its assigned field of view. These cameras cannot see EVERYTHING but they are very useful in situations where you have a lot of ground to cover but desire the ability to zoom in on specific fields of view from time to time.

These cameras can also be programmed to constantly move across a designed view path to deter criminals or wrong doers.

Example: Often we install these cameras to look over parking lots or busy staging areas for businesses. By installing a traditional PTZ camera in a parking lot, you can zoom in on suspicious activity or trespassers at any time. It is important to mention though that the PTZ camera can only capture the field it is currently monitoring. This means that if the camera is panned over to the left of its field of view, the right side of the field of view may not be recorded. To avoid blind spots, Andromeda recommends to place fixed CCTV specialty cameras that will cover the whole desired view at all times. That way, no matter where the PTZ camera is pointed, you never miss a thing.

PTZ Cameras With Tracking

A PTZ Camera with tracking has the same functionality as your traditional PTZ camera. It is able to pan tilt and zoom to capture the frames you desire. The neat thing about these cameras though is that they are able to utilize new technology to automate image tracking. This means that with proper programing, your camera is able to spot abnormal activity in its frame, zoom in and even alert assigned contacts (either you or even the authorities).

The first thing we should mention when it comes to ‘tracking’ cameras is that these come in a variety of optional setups. Some tracking cameras have pre-configured software that gives them the ability to ‘track’ for movement or pattern disruption, other cameras will simply need additional programming to enable this function.

Example: Continuing the example from before, if you install a PTZ camera with tracking in a parking lot, the camera can be programmed to monitor movement outside of business hours. Or, you could have the camera monitoring for movement during the day. You could even have the camera track and zoom in on every person approaching the building during the day to alert security or reception of visitors etc.

Options are really open to your needs and desired outcome (within reason of course!)

License Plate Cameras

License plate cameras are probably the most common request Andromeda sales engineers receive. And that makes sense. If you are looking to monitor who comes in and who leaves your facility, what better way to do that than with an image of their license plate right?

Absolutely.

But, these CCTV specialty cameras do come with a pretty hefty price tag. This is because the high quality images required to capture a license plate AND make sure that the characters on the plate are legible cannot be attained by just any camera.

These CCTV specialty cameras may also require special programming for license plate recognition if required.

Example: A busy warehouse or fulfillment center has trucks coming and going all hours of the day and night. For security purposes the facility manager wants to alert the staging area and the office to who is on their way for pickup of goods. So – a license plate camera is installed at the gated entrance of the facility. The camera captures an image of the license plate for security to review and validate. Once the truck is cleared by security, the driver may enter and have goods loaded. This allows for a more secure facility and even increases productivity because the staging area is able to be organized in anticipation of trucks already on site.

These three examples are only a few when it comes to specialty cameras. There are also options with enhanced night vision, 360 degree field of view, ultra HD image capture, extreme weather proofing and more.

Every camera installation is different and has its own set of needs. Once you really nail down the needs, it is easier for your technology and security partner to provide a solution that will not only meet them but will exceed them as we’ve outlined above.

If you believe that you have a specific need or a unique request, feel free to reach out to us and let’s see what our engineers can come up with.

We love a challenge!

The post How To Secure Your Professional Building With Three CCTV Specialty Cameras appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

We’ve all seen a professional camera system on sale online and at the big retailers. Systems with 10+ IP cameras on sale for less than 5K on Amazon or other large online retail databases.

And if you haven’t seen these systems, don’t go looking them up unless you are looking to install them at home – and even then, we’d suggest doing so with caution.

It is understandable that you might be tempted to purchase one and install it at the office.

But while the price tag associated with these systems appeals to you, there are some big things to consider and reasons that these systems appear “too good to be true”.

Let’s dive in . . .

In some cases, you don’t really know where a professional camera system comes from and if it might be infected.

Over the last few years, cyber criminals and hackers have gotten very creative in new ways to infiltrate your life and business.

There have been numerous incidents of camera systems purchased online preloaded with malware. This malware can be used to hack into a system and see what is going on in the business or even at your home.

That is some seriously creepy and scary stuff!

Even worse, since most of the systems sold online are IP based, they are connected to your network. If you install an infected system that is like giving a hacker or cybercriminal the keys to your server and saying, “have at it”.

A professional camera system purchased online probably won’t have the same warranty or manufacturer guarantees.

While an upfront investment in a professional camera system will surely be larger, you are also purchasing professional installation and in most cases a product with a professional quality warrantee as well.

For example, Andromeda is partnered with Honeywell and when we install a professional camera system for you it comes with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee (meaning we will come back to make minor adjustments if you find that your view is off or a piece of equipment is faulty), and a 3 year manufacturer warranty.

You are also offered a service agreement that includes all maintenance, cleaning, updating and any equipment swaps. This type of regular maintenance leads to a longer lasting and better functioning system all around.

When you buy a system online . . . you’re the one stuck installing it.

Now, we aren’t questioning whether you are handy or capable of doing it yourself, but installing a camera system can be a pretty big job.

Depending on what type, there may be wiring required, a power supply must be available, you have to mount the equipment, and you may need to program the system and many other details.

Andromeda staffs professional engineers and service technicians to take care of this for you and when it comes to your business, you want to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing things were properly installed.

On top of installation itself, the systems sold online are often manufactured by little known brands overseas. This means that if something goes wrong you are often on your own. Local service companies and professionals won’t be able to come out and trouble shoot for you.

With a lack of service available, the lifetime of your equipment tends to be much shorter than professional alternatives.

We understand that a camera system and installation may seem like a pretty big expense, but as with many other technologies and services, you want to make sure you aren’t putting good money into a bad solution.

You may save up front, but the risk of much larger costs down the line simply doesn’t outweigh the benefit.

The post 3 Reasons You Don’t Want To Purchase A Professional Camera System Online appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Tech Support scams are nothing new, but they are getting increasingly sophisticated. Worse, tech giants like Google are finding it notoriously difficult to detect them.

A report recently released by the venerable data security firm, Symantec, indicates that tech support scammers are increasingly integrating call optimization into their schemes, which allows them to insert phone numbers into web pages dynamically. Among other things, this allows the scammers to display the phone number of someone who speaks the language of the victim, which makes the whole act more convincing and much more likely to succeed.

In recent years, tech support scams have begun promoting their "services" via ads, where they claim to be legitimate, authorized service centers for companies like Apple, Microsoft, or Dell. The brand recognition and professional presentation combine to put their victims at ease.

They're so slick and professional, and their "employees" so good at mimicking the employees of legitimate service centers that it can be virtually impossible to tell the real companies from the fake ones.

David Graff, Google's Director of Global Product Policy had this to say about the matter:

"For many years, we've consulted and worked with law enforcement and government agencies to address abuse in this area. As the fraudulent activity takes place off our platform, it's increasingly difficult to separate the bad actors from the legitimate providers."

Google is taking steps to try and combat the rising threat. Recently, they've made a change to their policy as it relates to tech support companies, only accepting ads from verified third-party support vendors.

Even with this added layer of protection, however, the tech support scam is thriving. Scammers have already begun taking steps to get around the new restrictions by cold-calling their victims. For the most part, this has proved to be a successful tactic for them. However, in at least one instance, where the scammers called the New Zealand Police, it ended quite badly for the criminals.

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