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 Dupage County, 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 -Dupage-County, IL 

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.

When it comes to professional security cameras there are two main categories: IP Cameras and Digital/Analog Cameras.

Without diving too deep into the differences/similarities, the main difference between these two types of systems resides in how they transmit data or footage.

• Professional IP Cameras use your network
• Analog or Digital Cameras use coax cable (there are wireless exceptions)

Which system you choose is largely based upon your desired outcomes, budget and the vendor you work with.

Traditionally, IP camera solutions came in many times higher in price than other analog solutions so for many business owners and professionals, analog was the way to go.

Analog systems are professional, dependable and a great option for most circumstances but as time has gone on, IP options have come a long way and are now getting much more attention across the integrated security market for many reasons.

If you are considering adding a new camera system or if it is time to upgrade/update your existing system, IP Camera Solutions might be something to consider.

Here are 5 key reasons you should consider Professional IP Cameras for your business:

1. Integration Capabilities

Moving any of your technology onto your network is going to open up possibilities for integration. Professional IP cameras can easily integrate with different viewing software, video analytic programs, cloud backup solutions and more.

You’ll want to make sure that the solution you choose is compatible with the software you want to implement. Look for open source solutions that are designed with integration in mind.

2. Enhanced Security

It sounds kind of redundant to discuss a more secure security solution but IP Camera Systems do offer some more robust security capabilities. An IP based camera system transmits information across your network which means that you can add security measures like encryption to make sure that nobody taps in to your camera feeds. Although not a regular issue, analog cameras pass their feed over physical coax cables and a criminal or wrongdoer with the right equipment can tap into your feed and view your recordings. There are also no physical tapes available to steal with an IP camera solution.

While professional IP cameras and their footage can be encrypted, these cameras are an active item on your network and bring some new security concerns to your environment as well. Be sure to work with a technology professional who knows how to properly configure your firewall and other hardware to make sure you aren’t leaving any opportunities open for cyber criminals to do damage.

3. Scalability

IP Camera Systems have great scalability options built in. While both Analog and IP camera solutions have storage and capacity constraints, IP recorders are easily scaled. In terms of storage, an IP solution can store footage (data) on a server, computer, backup hard drive and many other options. It is also important to note that IP solutions can easily be connected to cloud applications for both footage backups and unlimited space.

That means that even if something were to happen to the physical hardware, you have the option to secure your footage in the cloud where it can be safely and securely held until you need it.

4. Higher Resolution Options

Professional IP Cameras and Analog Cameras both have high resolutions options but IP camera solutions can offer cameras with up to 20x higher resolution.

Additionally, with enhanced viewing software and integrated applications, IP footage can be further improved, edited and modified for different purposes.

5. Remote Access & Support

When it comes to remote support or access, having technology connected to your network makes things much easier and portable. You can easily check footage with remote viewing software on your smartphone, tablet or PC.

With your cameras on the network it is also easier for your service company to get in and troubleshoot common errors remotely. This saves you from paying for a technician to visit your site.

These systems also benefit from regular software updates and patches which can easily be downloaded and installed by remote support.

There are many other benefits to professional IP cameras and getting your security systems integrated into your network. As mentioned, you open up cloud options, enhanced security, scalability and more. These cameras are also easier to install and manage on average.

The biggest drawback to IP cameras historically resided in their up front costs but over the last five years manufacturers have worked hard to create products with more competitive pricing.

It should absolutely be mentioned that most of these capabilities or functions are available for digital cameras and analog camera systems. It might just take a little more work from your technology partner to get things set up for you.

That is why you absolutely must make sure that you work with a security vendor that can assess your business and your needs before pushing you into a specific security solution.

Andromeda offers service, consulting and installation of both Professional IP Cameras and Digital Cameras.

If you are considering a new camera system, upgrading your current system or adding to it – please give us a call at (815) 836-0030 or send us an email at Contact@WeNetwork.com.

Like many other technologies on your network, an IP camera system opens the door for some enhanced remote support and service options.

The post 5 Key Reasons You Should Consider Professional IP Cameras For Your Business Security Solution appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Even the largest companies in the world can't claim immunity to hacking, data breaches and momentary lapses in judgment.

Nissan is a classic case in point.

Recently, due to a careless oversight, default admin credentials were left in place on part of the company's network.

That allowed an unknown third party to easily breach the company's network and gain access to some 20 gigabytes' worth of code residing in normally well-protected corporate repositories. The vast cache included source code for most of the company's mobile apps and a wide range of diagnostic tools. It also contained code and other documentation relating to market research, client acquisition and the company's NissanConnect service.

A Swedish developer named Tillie Kottmann analyzed both the contents of the repository and the anatomy of the breach itself. Kottmann discovered that once the default admin credentials were discovered by an unknown hacker, a torrent link for the source code collection began making the rounds online and was widely shared. It potentially put the contents into the hands of thousands or hackers around the world, and possibly even more than that.

Kottman's company is in the habit of maintaining a secure repository of all compromised data like this, and often works with the companies who suffer incidents like this one to help improve their security.

In this case, Nissan NA reached out to Kottmann and asked that her copy of their repository be deleted, and she complied with that request. Needless to say, the company has since better-secured the repository, but at this point, the damage has been done.

If there's a silver lining to be found, it lies in the fact that the repository didn't contain sensitive customer or payment card data. So if you're a Nissan customer, there's nothing for you to do or worry about.

The loss of control over the proprietary data, however, could be a major issue for the company. Although it's too soon to say precisely what the scope and scale of the fallout might be. In any case, the situation is still unfolding and it bears watching.

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