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 Oak Forest, 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 -Oak-Forest, IL 60452

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:

Whether you have a camera system already or you’re looking into installing some professional security cameras at your offices, there are some common areas that you’ll want to consider.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider the different purposes/reasons for your cameras. Things like:

• Safety
• Loss Prevention
• Monitor Traffic
• Quality Assurance

An Integrated Security Company like Andromeda can help you set your system up with these purposes in mind. There are also opportunities to integrate your professional security cameras with other technologies at your business like your phone system or access control solution. Make sure to discuss this with your security vendor or give us a call.

Without further ado – here are the top 5 areas you’ll want to think about for the CCTV Camera System at your office.

1. Parking Lot

Parking lots see a lot of activity every day. Your employees come and go, clients, vendors and more. With all of this traffic the risk of an accident increases and you’ll want to think about whether that risk impacts your business.

By monitoring your parking lot you will have recordings and evidence for things related to deliveries, car accidents, slips & falls, visitors and also any suspicious activity during off hours. This will help you avoid false claims, deter criminal activity and more.

2. Major Entrances / Exits

Monitoring traffic in and out of your buildings is one of the first items most business owners and property managers discuss when looking for a camera system. You want to know who comes and goes at your offices.

By monitoring entrances and exits to the building, you’ll deter wrong doers from bad behaviors or criminal behaviors

It is important to consider entrances and exits within your building as well for this type of surveillance. Do you need to record activity in a server closet? An area with confidential records? What about different zones at your facility? These are all things to consider.

3. Storage Areas

Depending on your business and services, you may have a storage area where you keep supplies, ingredients, parts or more. It is important to address what security solutions you need to make sure that things are organized and secure at the same time.

Setting up a security camera to monitor activity in a storage area can help with loss prevention but it will also protect you in the event of an accident.

4. Break Room

The break room is often an afterthought for professional security cameras but this is a space many businesses are beginning to consider as a part of their security vulnerabilities. Break rooms are an area where employees hang out. This means that there is opportunity for disagreements and disputes. Setting up a camera creates record in case this occurs.

Also, break rooms are places where accidents are likely to happen. Spilled drinks, food etc. can increase the chances of slips and falls. Setting up a camera in this space helps you protect the business and the employees from risks like these. Plus . . . with cameras, employees really think twice about grabbing drinks, snacks and food that aren’t theirs.

5. Staging Areas

Depending on your business, you may also have an area where product is staged for shipment, delivery or installation. If that is the case you will certainly want to have a camera monitoring activity here. Setting up a camera solution in this spot will deter employees, drivers, vendors and all other visitors from suspicious activity.

Beyond criminal or suspicious activity, monitoring a staging area allows you to collect important data.

A delivery driver says they never picked up a shipment – you’ve got footage.

An employee believes they forgot to include an item or items – you’ve got footage

You need to know the exact time a shipment left your facility and the paperwork on it went missing – you’ve got footage

There are other areas and things you’ll want to consider for your CCTV camera system but if you are just getting started, these five spaces are a great first step.

It should be said as well that installing professional security cameras will not prevent accidents, crime or other bad things from taking place. Security cameras capture evidence for you and serve as a deterrent for bad behavior. Most criminals will think twice if they know they are on candid camera after all.

Cameras also serve to protect BOTH your business AND your employees.

When it comes to putting together a strong security solution for your business, you’ll also want to consider things like access control (keyless entry), burglar alarms, integrated solutions and more. When you tie these systems together you can do some truly amazing things – just ask our team!

If you have any questions or comments you’d like to share please reach our team at (815) 836–0030 or send us an email at Contact@WeNetwork.com.

The post 5 Areas Every Chicagoland Business Should Consider For Their Professional Security System & CCTV Cameras appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Last month we dove into three functions integrated security can offer your business: Enhanced Environment Regulations, Productivity Boosters and Visitor Management. (check out part 1 in case you missed it)

In this second part of our two part series on Integrated Security we will dive into a couple more features and introduce you to the Honeywell Pro-Watch Ecosystem.

Integrated Security – It Does A Whole Lot More Than You Thought Part 2

Employee Training & Certification Management – I know what you are thinking. How can a security system help me manage my employee certifications and training? Well, with applications and the right security suite, you are able to manage this information easily. On top of that, you can connect these pieces of information to key fobs and employee access protocols. For example, imagine your facility requires certain certifications and ongoing training for compliance reasons. You can monitor employee information. Fobs will automatically shut off access to controlled areas of your building if an employee does not have the proper documentation on file. This is only one piece of Compliance Report Management available to you with a professional integrated security suite. Never spend time worrying about compliance for NERC, Title 21 HIPAA, TSA etc. again.

Mass Notification – with integrated communications management you have the ability to automate notifications to assigned groups. The most common use for this is to send out information. Most notably to customers, employees and community members about closings, weather alerts and/or other urgent information. Get your message to the masses with a few clicks of a button!

Now, with all of these features in mind, it is important to point out that not EVERY integrated security suite provides these features. One of the most important things you need to be aware of when considering your solution is whether it is open or closed platform.

An open platform solution integrates easily with third-party systems. This means you can customize your solution to the needs unique to your business. As new technologies emerge and new software comest to market, an open platform system will grow with you. These same flexibilities are not easily attained with a close system product.

Ultimately, this is why Andromeda Technology Solutions partners with Honeywell to provide our customers a range of professional integrated security options via the Pro-Watch Ecosystem.

For more information on Pro-Watch and other Honeywell products, give us a call and speak with a representative today.

The post Integrated Security – It Does A Whole Lot More Than You Thought Part 2 (2 Part Series) appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Let's take a little time to talk about the vast numbers of smart devices in use around the world.�You probably have several in your home or office. Smart devices need operating systems, just like your phone and your PC. Of course, mobile device operating systems must be much smaller and more compact. After all, they don't really need to do a lot of computing, and they don't need a GUI, so the code tends to be on the lean side.

The odds are excellent that you've never even heard of most of the IoT's operating systems, nor the companies that make them. Take VxWorks by a company called Wind River, for example.� It's the most popular Real Time Operating System (RTOS), used in a wide range of smart devices today.� They don't get a lot of attention or oversight because almost nobody has heard of them.

That's beginning to change, however.� Recently, security researchers disclosed the details of the "Urgent 11", which are 11 vulnerabilities found in VxWorks that can be used by hackers to take control of a variety of devices. These devices range from medical systems to printers, industrial equipment, routers, and more.

The company has been in existence for 32 years. Yet, in that time, only 13 security flaws with a MITRE-assigned CVE have been found in the VxWorks RTOS, because again, nobody's paying attention.

The good news is that when someone finally started paying attention, Wind River responded quickly and resolved all eleven of the security flaws, issuing a patch to correct them.� There's just one rather significant catch, however.

The company is claiming that the vulnerabilities are not unique to Wind River software and that the IPnet stack (where the vulnerabilities were found) was acquired by the company back in 2006.� Prior to Wind River's acquisition of it, it was deployed in a wide range of other RTOS'.

All that to say, while Wind River is acting responsibly, there are an unknown number of other RTOS' out there that are vulnerable. The companies behind them may be doing little or nothing about it.� In many ways, the OS ecosystem of the IoT is still very much a black box, and that's troublesome.

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