Security: Improving Security with Video Surveillance
By: Linda Richardson
Given today’s complex world, no private school administrator doubts the value of systems that improve security at their schools. One of the most effective means of improving security is video surveillance. The best thing about security cameras is the deterrence factor they introduce to outsiders who do not belong on campus and to students and employees who do. It is assumed that most kids are not going to step way out of bounds if they believe they will likely be caught, which is often possible through the appropriate application of cameras. Peace of mind of students, parents, and faculty can be quickly enhanced by the installation of surveillance system. Many school security camera systems are also monitored by local law enforcement. If an incident does occur, the response time from local police can be greatly reduced.
There are also cost savings associated with security camera systems, including reduction of lost teaching hours, decreases in theft and vandalism, and sometimes even the reduction of lawsuits and insurance premiums.
Your school may already have a security camera system or you are contemplating a purchase. One of the decisions that you will have to make is whether to select a more traditional analog system or an IP-based camera solution. You may have heard that IP camera solutions are more expensive. However, the prices of software and IP cameras are coming down, down to a point that it is more affordable than you might think. You must also consider the Total Cost of Ownership, not just the initial purchase price.
What are the reasons that you should consider an IP-based camera system? First of all, IP cameras systems may offer lower total cost because they can utilize your existing IT network. Many schools have recently upgraded their network in order to improve teaching methods and the students’ access to the Internet and school Intranet. In many cases, you can utilize your existing IT support staff to manage your security camera system. You can add cameras at any time, provided that you have network cabling. Using standard PC server hardware for video recording and storage, rather than proprietary equipment such as DVRs, radically reduces management and equipment costs, particularly for larger systems where storage and servers are a significant portion of the total solution cost. Additional cost savings come from the infrastructure used. IP-based networks such as the Internet, LANs, and various connection methods, such as wireless, can be leveraged for other applications across the organization. IP video cameras also support a number of advanced technologies.
There are other advantages of IP-based systems, including remote accessibility via the Internet, easy integration with other systems, such as access control, and centralized management of all servers and cameras. Many of the IP-based camera systems have a browser-based user interface, which greatly reduces training time for administrators, business officers, and security personnel. If you have existing analog cameras, you may be able to continue using those by selecting systems that have hybrid capabilities. Finally, because IP-based camera software supports megapixel cameras, the image quality can be substantially improved over analog cameras.
So, let’s consider the costs of a typical IP-based camera system. There are three components to the initial cost of a system: the cost of the software, the cost of the cameras, and the cost of the installation. IP camera software is usually priced by the number of cameras per server, though some software companies charge a base price and then an additional license fee per camera. Most IP-based camera systems offer full functionality, and it is fairly easy to compare features vs. cost. The next element in the cost is for the camera itself. The cost of a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera, wireless camera, and outdoor cameras can be substantially more than the cost of an indoor day/night vandal proof IP camera. The third element is the installation. If you already have existing Ethernet wiring, you can extend this wiring to the location of the cameras. You can probably use your existing cabling provider to run this wiring. The rest of the installation could be performed by your IT staff, since it is usually a matter of mounting and focusing the camera. So bottom line, if you have a strong IT staff, you can minimize the costs. Many schools, however, prefer to have a turnkey solution provided by a security system integrator. Since most of the costs are driven by the number of cameras, you should make a careful analysis of your requirements. You might want to start out with a limited number of cameras that focus on entrance and exit points, as well as in high-value sites such a computer labs. Lastly, be sure to ask for education pricing; most vendors will provide a discount. Always, always, bargain for a lower price; it’s a buyer’s market.
Once you have decided that an IP camera solution is cost-effective for your environment, what should you look for as far as functionality is concerned? The primary consideration is ease of use. Not only should it be easy to setup and configure, but, more importantly, consider how easy it is for your school administrators to use. Map and floor plan based navigation provides easy access to live and recorded for even the least sophisticated user. They merely click on the camera icon and then can instantly view the video. With floor plan navigation, there is no need to remember camera names and which cameras are where. Another feature that is important is the ability to view video from a standard Web browser. This feature makes the software practically training free. Having video available via the Internet also facilitates the effectiveness and timeliness of first responders.
From a more technical point of view, there are several features that are important, including the ability to manage and configure all of the cameras on all servers from a central location. The last thing that you need in terms of maintenance is for your support person to have to go to each server. Another technical factor in your decision is open architecture. Can it be easily integrated with other systems, such as access control or even your network’s active directory? Another issue is whether it supports camera models from multiple manufacturers. Most of the software that is available from the camera manufacturer supports only their cameras. You may want to use one model of camera for indoor use and other camera manufacturer’s product for your parking lot. Lastly, determine if the software is applicable and installed at a large number of education customers.
Be careful when you get cost estimates for the IP camera software. Some companies charge additional license fees for maintenance or for the number of remote connections. You want a system that has an initial license fee that includes one year of maintenance and software upgrades. You also want a system that does not have an additional fee for each remote viewer.
The final consideration, of course, is how you will fund your project. Since the system will utilize the network, you may be able to piggyback your video surveillance system onto the installation of a new and faster network. Many schools either have just completed or are planning the completion of the new network installation to enhance teaching and to facilitate Intranets at their school. Grants can also fund your video surveillance system. Both public and private grants can be utilized for safety improvements and infrastructure projects.
Don’t rule out an IP-based system just because of the money. The costs can be managed with the right planning and evaluation. And, think in terms of total cost of ownership, not just the initial costs.
Linda Richardson is the director of product marketing at Video Insight, www.video-insight.com.
Sidebar
Security Through Emergency Notification Technology
By Wendy Hubbard
Because the school day is regulated by classroom periods, accurate, synchronized timekeeping is essential.
Most schools clock systems are powered by electrical outlets, which mean that facilities departments are burdened with the inefficient task of keeping track of the accuracy of all clocks in classrooms, offices, and common areas. For example, after a power outage, every clock needs to be reset, exactly synchronized with every other clock. Just changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time every year can cost several thousand dollars in man hours. These situations are becoming impractical and unfeasible as school systems grow.
GPS-based clocks work well for smaller contained environments, but such signals do not reach all of the classrooms in an expanded area.
“For many school systems, the answer lies in an affordable, networked clock system that can be centrally managed by the IT department,” explained Rao Kachibhotla, director of products for Inova Solutions, a global provider of real-time visual communications.
Flexibility of Installation
Fortunately, technology has progressed, enabling an upgrade to Ethernet-powered clocks, which are easier to install and manage because they run on the network and don’t require AC outlets. The flexibility factor is huge; because there is no need for an AC outlet, the devices can be placed almost anywhere.
In fact, most college and university environments have already moved to networked clock systems, and K-12 schools are likely to follow the trend.
Safety & Security Displays
In addition to clock systems, PoE technology is also powering emergency mass notification displays. The demand for networked displays and clocks has increased significantly in the past year, as tragedies and legislation require schools to have more comprehensive security plans.
“Organizations that need to communicate quickly with dispersed communities, such as K-12 schools, are looking for affordable solutions to keep people safe,” said Kachibhotla. “PoE devices are an economical, flexible, and environmentally friendly source of power that enables emergency messaging to be managed centrally and remotely.”
Wendy Hubbard is executive vice president and co-founder of Inova Solutions, www.inovasolutions.com.
