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 Will 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 -Will-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:

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.

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.

Japanese juggernaut Kawasaki Heavy Industries is the latest company to fall victim to a security breach. The company, which employs more than 35,000 people and has offices all over the globe recently disclosed the breach to its customers.

The company discovered that one or more unauthorized parties accessed a company server in Japan from an office in Thailand on June 11th of this year (2020).

Kawasaki's IT security staff halted all communications between the two sites the same day the discovery was made. A subsequent investigation revealed that other unauthorized access from other overseas sites had occurred between June 11 through July 8^th, which prompted the company to halt communications between those sites as well.

Communications were restored on November 30^th once the investigation had been concluded and the company implemented new security protocols. They then conducted a security audit of more than 30,000 terminals on the corporate network.

A spokesman for the company stressed that although no evidence was found that any data was exfiltrated from corporate servers, it is possible that some information was stolen. However, if it was, then the attack was conducted with highly advanced technology that left no trace.

Kawasaki is hardly the only Japanese firm to have been beached this year. Other victims in 2020 include Kobe Steel, Pasco, Mitsubishi Electric and NEC. Sadly, they certainly won't be the last, given that the frequency of hacking attacks is likely to continue increasing for the foreseeable future.

In any case, there's not much to be done except to be aware that if you have had business dealings with Kawasaki or any of the other Japanese firms mentioned here, it's at least possible that whatever data you've shared with those companies could have been compromised.

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