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:

Professional Camera Systems– Which Security Camera’s Right For You?

So you’re interested in professional camera systems for your business . . .

There are many different variables to consider:

• Locations – Inside, outside?
• Purpose – Are these cameras in place to deter theft? Monitor a parking lot? Watch a production line?
• Lighting – Do you need them to capture footage at night? Are there any lights around that might impact image quality or maybe a complete lack of a light source?
• Accessibility – Do the cameras need to be out of reach? If they are outside, is there space to attach them to the building?

These are just a few things to consider and there are many more.

That being said, one major factor can impact all of these and is one of the first things you should consider.

Analog or IP Professional Camera Systems?

That may sound like another language but for the most part, the difference boils down to how a video signal is delivered.

Basically, Analog cameras turn video footage into a format that is received by your recording device (DVR) and displayed on a monitor or television. IP security cameras send their footage over cable or wireless and the footage is decoded by a network device. Essentially, IP security cameras run on a network and the system is more like an extension of your IT infrastructure while Analog professional camera systems are a separate type of technology.

This may sound confusing but at the end of the day both systems can get the job done.

As always, our goal is to take the complication out of technology and provide our customers with a solution that simply works.

That being said, here are some simple pros and cons for both systems that should help you figure out which is right for you.

Analog Professional Camera Systems

Benefits –

• Budget Friendly – an analog system is often the less expensive option.
• Variety & Custom Design Options – Analog systems tend to be easier to customize. With a large variety of camera styles and functions, these systems answer your unique needs and if you believe that your job requires some specific or unusual surveillance components, analog may be your best option.
• Dependable Technology – analog systems have been around a very long time and as such, have many software and hardware compatibilities. If you want a camera system that can integrate well with other technologies, it is important to look into compatibility before choosing anything.

Disadvantages –

• Security risks – these days we have to consider cyber security and while the probability of this happening remains low, the analog signals cannot be encrypted which means that someone else could get their hands on our signal.
• Certain features missing – While most anything you are looking to do are possible on analog systems, there are limitations. Digital zoom is one example. For images that you will need to zoom a lot and maintain clear images, analog may not be your best option.

Image quality limits – One of the most well-known drawbacks of digital systems is that the image quality is not always as clear as the IP alternative. If a crystal clear image is something you are after, it is best to consider all variables, desired zoom, PTZ requirements, face recognition, lighting etc.

IP Professional Camera Systems

Benefits –

• Less signal interference/higher security – As this is a different type of signal run on a network, there is less likelihood for signal interference. Also, these systems are able to encrypt and further secure data. This means higher security and less risk of intrusion into your security system.
• More remote access possibilities – it should be stated that today’s analog systems have remote access capabilities and software but IP systems have a large array of options for remote viewing. PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet, all are places you can review your footage.
• Wireless options – because these systems can use your existing infrastructure, they don’t always need heavy wiring and can often take advantage of wireless technology. This gives you more flexibility for system design at times.

Disadvantages –

• Higher costs – IP cameras can run a large range of prices. It isn’t abnormal to pay a thousand or even several thousand dollars for a single camera depending on the specifications. On top of this, if your network doesn’t have proper setup, you may need to invest to get things up to speed.
• Bandwidth requirements – as with anything on your network, you are adding demand to your bandwidth. With this in mind it is important to make sure that you don’t need to increase your service. Will adding the security system to your network slow things down in the office? Make sure to discuss this with your vendor and your service provider.

With the different options on the market for security cameras, it is important that you consider your unique needs and compare them before purchasing any professional camera systems. Don’t allow a vendor to push you any one way without exploring the different technologies and how they fit your business.

A vendor who can supply both IP and Analog systems is a great place to start.

Andromeda has professional teams and representatives available to help you discuss your project and provide you with plans for the system that fits your needs; IP, Analog or even a mixture of both.

The post IP Or Analog? The benefits and disadvantages of both professional camera systems appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

We’ve all seen professional security cameras 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 security cameras come from and if they 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 professional security cameras 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 professional security cameras 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 Not To Buy Professional Security Cameras Online appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

There have been a dizzying number of high-profile data breaches in recent months, and now we have one more to add to the growing list.

Health Share of Oregon is a Medicaid Coordinated Care Organization. They recently disclosed that they lost control of health and personal information belonging to more than 650,000 people.

The root cause in this case wasn't an elaborate hack. One of their employees had a laptop computer stolen while making use of a third-party vendor responsible for non-emergent medical transportation.

Health Share has begun the daunting task of sending out letters to every patient who had their information compromised. They're offering a free year of identity monitoring, credit monitoring, fraud consultation and identity theft restoration. That is pretty standard fare in situations like these, but also small comfort for those who have been impacted. In addition to the individual patient contact letters, the company also released a statement.

Their statement reads, in part, as follows:

"Though the theft took place at an external vendor, we take our members' privacy and security very seriously. Therefore, we are ensuring that members, partners, regulator, and the community are made fully aware of this issue."

The company also tried to reassure impacted individuals by letting them know that their personal health histories were not exposed.

That's a good thing, but the data that was stolen was extensive. It included members' names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Medicaid ID numbers, and Social Security numbers. All that is more than enough information to steal 650,000+ identities.

Health Share has set up a toll-free call center, open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm. The service is available to any impacted individuals with questions or concerns, which is a fantastic additional step we don't often see when things like this happen. Now, if only it hadn't happened in the first place.

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