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 Tinley Park, 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 -Tinley-Park, IL 60477,60487

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:

Security cameras have many uses at your business. They can be used to deter crime, monitor employees and ensure safety on your premises. Cameras can also be used as a piece of a larger integrated security solution with software add-ons (i.e. facial recognition, temperature maintenance etc.) or equipment integration such as access control with visual intercom capabilities.

As technology advances and companies look to integrate different devices cameras will be able to do even more.

All of this in mind, your CCTV professional camera system is an investment in the security of your business and you want to get your money’s worth out of it.

On average, a CCTV professional camera system has a life cycle of approximately 5 years. This life cycle can be significantly shorter due to extreme weather conditions (if the cameras are outside) but new technologies are improving exposure thresholds every year.

There are many things you can do as the equipment owner to ensure that you get a long and dependable life out of your security cameras.

Here are our Top 5 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your CCTV Professional Camera System:

1. System Updates/Patches

Unless you’ve selected a cloud based solution, your cameras connect back to a physical recording device at your facility. Professional recording devices are becoming more like a PC or a server. They require regular updates/patches to help improve functionality, decrease bugs and resolve issues.

2. Don’t Forget to Dust

Don’t leave all the cleaning for a paid service. Make sure your recording equipment is dusted and well kept. Typically, the recording equipment will be mounted on a rack in an area where you keep the rest of your IT equipment (servers, routers, phone equipment and other hardware).

3. Testing Regularly for Recording Functionality

It might sound strange to be told to regularly check your footage or confirm that your cameras are working. However, when there aren’t regular incidents or needs to look at footage, it can be easy to forget you even have the cameras at all. The last thing you want is for an incident to occur and realize too late that your cameras are malfunctioning or your recorder isn’t working properly. We would suggest adding regular testing of your equipment to your maintenance schedule.

4. Keep Camera Lenses Clean

Just like regular testing, it is important that you check and clean your camera lenses regularly. You never know what might get on them. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, think about how often and easily they get dirty. Often times, you don’t notice until you put them on. Imagine looking through your CCTV Security Camera System. Would you be able to see clearly?Additionally, make sure to clean up foliage around your cameras to avoid blocked views. It is smart to clean camera lenses at least once a quarter if not more often.

5. Semi-Annual Professional Service/Checkup

There are many small things that can happen to a CCTV professional camera system that are best left for professional technicians.

• Faulty Equipment
• Port Forwarding
• Corrosion
• Wiring Issues
• System Audits (verification of views, users, permissions, updates)

We would recommend that you have a professional technician come on site at least twice a year to perform maintenance and checkups – ideally this would be from the company that installed your equipment in the first place. At this time they can handle all of the above and possibly even more.

A quality CCTV professional camera system is an investment. However, the protection and security they will provide you with are well worth the expense. If you take proper care of your system, it will service your needs for years. Additionally, it makes sense to look into service packages your vendor offers to maintain a system before you even install it. Many companies include all of these services for a reasonable monthly fee.

Give us a call and let’s see what we can do to extend the life of your system today!

The post Ways to Extend the Lifetime of Your CCTV Professional Camera System appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

It’s no secret that smartphones, tablets and cloud services are changing the way businesses operate in 2018. Data from Pew Research Center – 95% of adult Americans now own a cellphone of some kind and 77% of those phones are smartphones.

Of these smartphone owners, a recent study from App Annie indicates that on average, a smartphone user spends over two hours daily using apps in their phone. There are a bunch of interesting stats:

• An average person has 60-90 apps installed on their device
• On average a smartphone user opens at least 9 apps a day

You can look at this more in depth here.

You can use your smartphone to access documents on the go, check in with your team and collaborate on projects – so why not apply that same availability and accessibility to your integrated security?

Read on to discover three ‘game changers’ you can take advantage of when you connect your smartphone and integrated security.

1. Smart Phone Badges for Access Control

Keyless entry is becoming more and more standard in professional buildings. It can streamline payroll, secure a building or section of a building and gives peace of mind among many other benefits. Traditionally, this technology has meant a reader at specific doors and key fobs or badges that allow/deny access once swiped. There can be issues with this though such as employees sharing key cards/fobs or losing them etc.

Within the last few years, access control systems have added the ability to scan smart phone devices for entry into buildings. With special programming and hardware the access control reader can use your smartphone just like a fob or keycard to grant or disallow access to your facility.

2. Remote Access via Smartphone for your Camera System

When it comes to cameras and recording equipment things have come a long way from recording footage to a hard copy of a tape. Recording equipment used to have restrictions on where you could view footage. Realistically, most installations involved cameras installed that hooked up to the recorder which also hooked up to a PC in a specific location. You could only view footage from that one PC.

Good thing those days are history!

CCTV Camera systems are now viewable from many different locations. You can install viewing software on your home PC, your laptop, your tablet and your smartphone. This means that when you are out of the office on business or when you want to see what’s going on at the office after hours, all you have to do is pull out your smartphone and open the software app.

From there you can view footage, zoom in and check things out easily.

3. Remote Access & Control for Integrated Security Solutions (Access Control & Burglar)

Whether you are out of the office regularly for meetings or just gone for the evening it is stressful to wonder whether your alarm system is armed or whether someone accidentally left the back door open.

With today’s integrated security solutions and remote accessibility via smartphones/tablets, you don’t have to let those worries keep you up at night. You can arm and disarm your building with the touch of a button.

You can also lock and unlock doors at your facility.

When all of these features are put together you are able to see what’s going on at your office from your phone. You can lock and unlock doors when needed – say if an employee needs to get in after hours. You can also arm or disarm your burglar system from anywhere.

You’re basically unstoppable . . .

But really, integrated security and your smartphone are a match made in tech heaven. For more information on smartphone features and integrated security give us a call at (815) 836-0030 or send us an email at Contact@WeNetwork.com. We’d love to hear from you.

The post Integrated Security And Your Smartphone – Three Game Changing Features You’ll Want To Implement appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

We're talking about the result of a massive five billion dollar fine over violations surrounding the Cambridge Analytica scandal. While the staggering size of the fine made all the headlines, there's more to the company's agreement than just several billion dollars.

In addition to the fine itself, the company has also accepted an agreement.

It forces Facebook to implement a new privacy framework, and to be monitored and held accountable for decisions it makes about its users' privacy and information it collects on them.

The FTC Press release reads, in part, as follows:

"The order requires Facebook to restructure its approach to privacy from the corporate board-level down and establishes strong new mechanisms to ensure that Facebook executives are accountable for the decisions they make about privacy and that those decisions are subject to meaningful oversight (for a period of not less than twenty years)."

Facebook also published a statement about their acceptance of the fine, but it offered little in the way of new information.� Digging a bit deeper, however, some of the details of the changes coming to Facebook include the following:

• The formation of an independent privacy committee - The committee will be appointed by an independent nominating committee and be comprised of Facebook's board of directors. The FTC says this will help limit CEO Mark Zuckerberg's formerly unfettered control over decisions affecting user privacy.
• The appointment of Compliance Officers - These people will report to the new privacy committee and will be tasked with monitoring the entire company's privacy program. The Compliance offers are not appointed by Facebook's CEO or any Facebook employee, and no Facebook employee (including the CEO) can remove those officers.� One of the responsibilities of the new Compliance Team will be to submit reports to the FTC.
• More and better external oversight of Facebook - The FTC's ruling strengthens the role of independent third-party assessors who will conduct independent reviews of Facebook's privacy program at two-year intervals.

Will these steps be enough?� Only time will tell, but it's certainly a great start.� Kudos to the FTC for holding Facebook accountable and trying to be a force for change.

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