We are seeing an influx of proactive property managers upgrading from traditional to IP security technology to take advantage of accessibility, scalability and quality benefits. In this post, we explain the main advantages of making the switch and how property managers can initiate the migration.
IP Migration Benefits for Property Managers
As briefly touched upon above, property managers will see numerous benefits when migrating to IP security technology, including:
- Multi-site and Multi-device Access. One of the most notable benefits is remote access of multiple properties in a centralized location. Unlike CCTV options, which limit you to only transmit information to an onsite monitoring location, IP systems can be accessed via the Internet, from any approved location or device.
Property managers can, therefore, remotely view live video footage, change camera settings, set event triggers, and manage security alerts and schedules. This provides added convenience and real-time monitoring capabilities. - Upgraded Quality. IP systems boast better image and audio quality than traditional counterparts. With an HD solution, you can zoom into an image up to 18x without losing resolution, making it easier to identify situations via video.
- More Strategic Use. With a plethora of new features and abilities, property managers can more strategically apply security technology. For example, automation is a breeze when security technology is integrated with heating and cooling, and building management systems.
- Easy Scalability. Perfect for the growing business, IP systems allow for the seamless addition of new users, locations and equipment as long as a solid network infrastructure is in place to support them.
How to Initiate an IP Migration
If unfamiliar with your security technology options and network setup, the first step is to find a trusted vendor to guide you through the implementation process.
Best vendors will discuss your equipment and installation options with you, and establish a timeline of tasks and events. Note that you may not need to do a complete overhaul at once. Depending on your tech infrastructure, it may be a more gradual, step-by-step implementation, in which you move existing analog cameras to the network via inexpensive IP video encoders.
This is why the IP migration process often begins with a discovery audit of your existing technology stack and network infrastructure. Drawing on key audit findings, the migration plan can then capitalize on existing equipment, as well as properly balance network capabilities with end-user requirements.
Remember, that since IP cameras run on your network, their performance and video quality will be heavily contingent on available bandwidth and storage, as well as network security. For these reasons, it’s smart to have your IT team involved in initial planning and rollout of your IP cameras.
If you don’t have an existing IT team, select a security vendor that is able to install the systems on their own network backbone, and has experience setting up multi-site networks and remote administration.
For a more in depth walk-through of what is involved in migrating to IP, download “IP Migration for Enterprise Businesses: Readying the Network for Strategic IP Use Cases.”
What is your biggest challenge with CCTV systems? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Image Source: Opensource.com via Flickr
