Monitoring

Remote monitoring has far reaching capabilities from simple camera systems to communications solutions through Internet Protocol (IP) technology.

The concept of remote monitoring is simple. Initially, a system of cameras and alarms is installed on any site to British Standards. This system is linked to a transmission system and connects to a CCTV Monitoring Station via a telephone line (either PSTN/ISDN/GSM connection) or via the Internet through a Broadband connection (or other secure connection from the company's network).

When the sensors or cameras are activated an alarm signal is sent directly to the station, and a picture image is transmitted to a workstation. Workstations are manned by highly trained operators who assess the situation and provide the appropriate response immediately.

Depending upon the client's exact requirements the operator will use the built in audio transmission capabilities, remotely activate additional security protection such as lighting/alarms or alert a third party. As the situation escalates the operator will contact a guarding company or the emergency services as appropriate.

Visual Verification continually assess and evaluate the latest developments in monitoring technology. The Company already monitors sites for clients throughout the UK, over IP and the Internet. With the advent of using IP and networking to transmit video imagery, IP solutions are slowly becoming the only choice within the security industry.

For over two years Visual Verification have provided IP solutions within their industry certified IP Suite. The benefits of Network monitoring are already evident and on the increase. The speed of connection and response are greatly increased, costs reduced and the lack of call charges facilitates the monitoring of sites not only in the UK but around the world.

Visual Verification routinely monitor alarms (including intruder, fire and panic alarms) through BT redCARE, dualcom, digital communications, IP and other solutions to DD:243.
However, an alarm system is only as good as the response it initiates. Visual provide a comprehensive alarm monitoring and response service.

Once an intrusion has been detected, a signal is transmitted to the Communications Centre, where events are verified and action is taken to alert key holders and the emergency services where appropriate. Visual provide alarm monitoring for many clients in both the domestic and commerical arenas, ranging from single retail outlets and offices to large security installations such as banks, financial institutions or vulnerable, high-risk sites such as public utilities, railways and airports.

There has been a large growth in recent months within the domestic market. The Company now monitors thousands of systems, providing response to an ever-evolving range of alarms; these include Medical Alarms, CO2, Temperature & Nurse Calls. The system has developed to become more than just an intruder system, and is now offered as a Home Protection System.

The use of Panic Alarms in retail and commercial outlets has enabled management to provide staff protection through remote monitoring. If staff feel threatened in any way or are confronted by known offenders, they are able to push the Panic Alarm which alerts the Monitoring Station immediately. After visually assessing the situation, and depending on its severity, the workstation operator can then issue an Audio Warning (which have proved valuable pre-emptive tools) or contact the Police directly.

Within the retail environment, till monitoring solutions continue to break new ground. Internal cash and stock shrinkage are forces which work to separate profits from bottom lines. However in a busy retail environment, it is almost impossible to keep an eye on all of the opportunities for liability and loss. In a bid to help the retail sector save tens of thousands of pounds Visual Verification have introduced till monitoring.

Point of sale transaction data is associated with recorded video, enabling suspicious employee activity to be detected and investigated. Digitally signed high quality recordings ensure that the video can be used as evidence in a court of law. Visual Verification are able to receive alarms from site, monitor transactions and manage the process of investigations and footage review.