Author: apigroup

Intercoms are everywhere

Think of all the places where intercoms are used: at the drive-through for lunch, “buzzing” a friend’s apartment or listening to the specials while you shop at the market.

Pictured above is an Aiphone brand intercom with a video function

We may not always equate intercom with security, but it sure plays a vital role in making our premises safer.

How about outside the doors of an elementary school? In the “sallyport” of a prison? Or at the security desk of a governmental office? Now that sounds more like security.

Have you ever been “buzzed in” by a guard or other professional and considered how important that function is to the security of a building or did you just proceed without much thought? Don’t worry, many of us have.

Getting the most of your intercom system

To achieve maximum security effect, intercoms can be combined with other functions such as video surveillance, for instance.

In fact, security integration makes it possible for a “pan, tilt and zoom” camera (often wide angle) to swivel and focus in on a person who wants to enter a building after they press the button to speak outside the door. This, in turn, makes it possible for the person inside the building to verify the person’s identity, and just as importantly, it records their image for future use if necessary.

Video also allows for the employee granting access inside to make sure that an additional unauthorized entrant isn’t “piggy backing” and entering with the original person.

IP-based video, combined with intercom, allows the image to be placed onto the network. So if a security or reception desk isn’t manned, a person as far away as another city can grant access by being able to see the video via the network.

Parlay the prevalence of cell / mobile phones into efficiency

Not only can intercom be integrated with other security platforms such as video, it can be used more effectively with phones.

For instance, with a cell phone instead of a call box receiver, a security guard doesn’t have to be in one fixed place at all times. He or she can grant access while on a mobile patrol.

And with video integrated into this security guard scenario, he could also allow access to an individual without having to dispatch personnel to do so, thereby saving time and resources–especially on larger premises.

Intercoms have many ancillary yet important functions as well

Companies like Aiphone manufacture devices that have intercoms with built-in card access readers and access control keypads. This reduces space required on the same wall outside a door, for instance, and allows each system to operate independently.

Another security function for intercom is for public address purposes — in an emergency situation. People need to be warned, directed where to proceed and given vital information en masse. And zones can be created to broadcast a message which is directed to a specific location.

Nurse call stations at hospitals, retirement communities and more are yet another use for intercoms. Just think of the vital role they play when a patient needs urgent care or when one station needs to request meds or charts immediately from another.

So we hope you can see the important role intercoms play in security, not just to order lunch at a drive-through. So whom do you contact if you have questions or would like an intercom system installed? How about your security company?

Thanks for spending some time with us today.

With the holidays upon us and the increase in customer volume in stores, retailers may be asking, what can we do to make sure profit margins don’t slip?

Installing video surveillance, access control and a security system, not only brings peace of mind and protection but can help deter theft and verify liability claims.

By asking the right questions, a unique security system can be created specific to your business.

Perimeter: Creating a safe and transparent parking area and entrance can create a welcoming feel. We would ask:

• Are your entrances and parking lots well lit?
• Do people loiter around the building or property?
• Do you have the ability to see who is entering and exiting the building or property?
• Are bushes cut back preventing someone from hiding in them?
• Are loading dock doors locked when not in use?

Building: Most criminals are opportunists and look for lapses in security to strike. We would ask:

• Do you have any way of knowing if a window has been broken or a screen cut?
• Do your windows latch and lock?
• Is your safe anchored to the floor?
• Are your locks up to date?
• What is the protocol if an employee loses a key?
• Is your alarm set every night? How do you know, do you receive a notification?

Neighborhood: Crime in the neighborhood can impact business. We would ask:

• Have there been robberies in your area or is there a threat?
  Employees: With the increase in sales help during the holidays, you don’t always know everything about everyone you are hiring. We would ask:
• Can you see if employees are stealing money from registers, stock rooms or offices?
• Can employees give merchandise to friends or family while checking out?
• If an employee is hurt while working do you have a way of verifying the claim?
  Customers: With the increase in customer volume, shrinkage may occur. We would ask:
• Do you have a problem with merchandise shrinkage from shoplifting?
• Are there any areas of the store where customers are isolated from sales help? Where they cannot be seen?
• Do you have any way to verify liability claims if a customer is hurt while on your premises?

Prevention/Solutions:

1. Keep parking areas and entries well lit.
2. Cut bushes back near entrances and along walkways, so no one can hide behind them.
3. Install 360 degree and license plate cameras in your parking lots and cameras on the outside of the building.
4. Install security cameras at all entrances, including delivery doors.
5. Use security cameras inside the store or building and at the perimeter and entrance of the property or building.
6. Keep security cameras focused on registers, stock rooms, aisles and other critical areas.
   a. Security cameras can deter a criminal from committing a crime, just by their presence in and around your business.
7. Keep recorded video at least 30 days, use cloud storage for maximum benefit.
8. Install a monitored security system with motion detectors.
   a. Remember to arm the system every night.
9. Install panic buttons, at registers, customer service, loading dock areas, and offices.
10. Install glass break sensors near windows and glass doors.
11. Have a locksmith audit of all the doors in your facility.
12. Use an access control system to determine access to areas where employees need to be in order to do their job.
    a. For example, only allow managers into the office area where the safe is located.
13. Install a monitored fire and environmental alarm system, to detect heat, smoke, temperature changes, CO and water leaks.

Not only do criminals look for easy targets, stress from the holidays and financial crisis can cause a normally trustworthy persons judgment to become impaired. Security measures like an updated security system, locks, lighting, access control and video surveillance can make a business less attractive for a crime of opportunity to be committed.

Creating a security system that brings peace of mind to your customers and employees, also helps tighten your bottom line by deterring theft.

Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478; we can help you develop an individualized security system just right for your business.

Jewelry store owners and managers have a big responsibility when it comes to protecting their merchandise, employees and customers. They can be up at night thinking about the amount of valuable merchandise in their store, and whether they are a target for a midday or midnight robbery. Regardless of the concern, owners and managers should consider installing or updating their security systems in order to give themselves peace of mind.

A manager could open in the morning and realize merchandise went missing overnight. The motion detector did not trigger the alarm.

Maybe the overhead camera did not capture an image of the employee who did not follow a procedure and an item that went missing while they were distracted. An employee could also decide to help themselves to a beautiful piece of jewelry if they know there is a blind spot in the camera field.

The jewelry store may not have glass break sensors or laminates on their display cases and windows. The brazen thief could smash the case or window grabbing a piece of beautiful jewelry that caught their eye.

Creating a secure environment with the most advanced technology can protect your employees, store and valuable inventory from theft. Insurance companies can require a security system.

Jewelry store robberies are usually either smash/grab/run, or safe/vault theft.

Preventing the smash and grab burglaries can be as easy as protecting all display cases, storefront windows and glass doors with Security Glass Laminates. These laminates absorb the energy from the impact. For example, when a window or glass door is struck by a Louisville Slugger, the laminate disperses the energy from the bat. This causes the glass to stay intact, even though it is broken or shattered, preventing the thief from grabbing the merchandise.

Protect your valuable merchandise in a UL-listed burglary-resistant safe or vault, secure the safe or vault to the floor with the back of the safe against the wall. These safes can protect valuables from break-ins.

Video surveillance should be placed over jewelry cases, entrances and exits. Using a visible camera can deter a potential robber. Do not forget to place video surveillance at the vault. Having a secure vault does not mean video surveillance should be neglected where the most valuable merchandise is stored.

Creating an overall security system should include video surveillance, a security system, fire, and access control starts with one phone call. Protect your valuable merchandise with a state-of-the-art security system. Call us today to speak with one of our security specialist. Let us answer any questions or give you a FREE assessment of your business.

In this article we will discuss the need for thermal cameras in both public and private buildings.

After months of summer sunshine and outdoor socially distanced fun, COVID-19 infection rates are rising. Temperatures are dropping and flu season is beginning. Those of us with compromised immune systems must again barricade ourselves in our homes and have our groceries delivered. But most of us resolve to go on with our lives. We will go to work. Our children will go to school or daycare. And every witnessed cough and sneeze can send our thoughts spinning toward the worst-case scenario.

But we are not helpless. We can use technology to combat the spread of COVID-19 and flu. Thermal temperature taking technology should be our first line of defense against illness at work or school. But why thermal cameras? Why not just use hand held thermometers?

1. Thermal temperature cameras are accurate.

Our thermal cameras are accurate within 0.54 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest accuracy rating available for non-contact thermometers. Additionally, these cameras rarely malfunction or provide dramatically
“off” readings.

1. Thermal temperature cameras are efficient.

The Thermal Temperature Monitoring Solution, available at One Source Security, is efficient. This technology can accurately take multiple temperatures at once and is ideal for a school, manufacturing, or warehouse situation. Anywhere large groups of people enter a building at the same time is the perfect place for a thermal temperature monitoring solution. See the thermal temperature camera in action here.

The Thermal Temperature Kiosk, available at One Source Security, is an efficient option for a place where people enter in a more staggered manner. This camera can also be programmed to ask Covid-19 related safety questions. See this thermal camera in action here.

1. Non-Contact

Thermal temperature cameras are non-contact and people are not required to operate them. These cameras work all on their own. That means businesses and schools do not have to tie up personnel taking endless temperatures and staffers can go about their typical workday.

1. Manageable

Thermal temperature cameras provide live alerts to staff equipped to manage illness. Asking a teacher or receptionist to perform the work of school administration or HR is not always a good idea. Discussing illness can be a sensitive subject. These difficult conversations are best left to those staffers equipped with the training to handle the conversation with tact and care.

One Source Security’s thermal cameras accurately and effectively allow people to come together in a safe way. These non-contact cameras provide the correct information to the correct people.

Keeping students and staff safe at school is extremely important today.

We know that school administrators want students and staff to be safe, as well as be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident.

An effective, unique access control system can be created to meet your individual school needs. By starting with a few key questions:

• What’s your plan in the event of an intruder or similar emergency?
• What’s your policy for processing guests/visitors/contractors?
• Can you effectively control access to the different areas of the school?

Lockdown/Lockout – When it comes to intruders, time is of the essence. Having the ability to lockdown and lockout intruders can isolate a threat and protect students, teachers and staff.

The lockout/lockdown feature of an access control system allows the user to immediately lock all doors in the system. Or lock individual doors, wings or buildings.

Lockout usually refers to exterior doors by preventing the threat from entering or exiting the building. It also can mean isolating the threat in a section of the building, by locking them out of other populated areas of the building.

Ultimately, this allows an administrator to instantly secure a building with the press of a button.

Visitor management systems – Controlling access to a building can be as simple and easy as using expiring visitor badges; with a glance, staff can see who belongs and who does not.

With an enhanced visitor management system the administrator has the ability to check against criminal/sex offender databases during the check in process. A school sign-in process is the first line of defense.

Credentials, readers and wireless locks – Today, schools can control access to their schools, with the use of credentials, readers and wireless locks. It’s time to take stock of who is able to access your school. Different levels of personnel are going to have different levels of access to different parts of the building or buildings.

Having too many cards or keys floating around is a clear security risk. Using access cards instead of physical keys allows access to be monitored from a central software program. Missing cards can be turned off with a click. Digitally disable terminated employees credentials quickly and easily.

Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478 to create your individual access control system.

If you are a parent heading back to work after having kids, you are not alone. According to a Pew Research Center report, 17 percent of US households have a mom working at least part time, and 46 percent of U.S. households include two full-time working parents, and that leaves children who need care, most of them outside of the home environment.

On top of that, the distressing feelings that encompass leaving your child range from emotions of anxiety to fear, sadness, trepidation and guilt. Unfortunately, on an all too common basis, school shootings and child abductions get major news coverage and send parents and childcare providers scrambling to ensure their children are safe. While the likelihood of a childcare center being the target of an active shooter is relatively slim, it’s easy to imagine a facility dealing with a contentious custody dispute between two parents.

The National Center for Abused and Exploited Children estimates 203,000 children are kidnapped every year by family members. Seven percent of those children are taken from their school or childcare center and these are alarming situations that providers need to plan for and parents need to make sure are in place to ensure the safety of their child.

Childcare providers are legally responsible for the children in their care so strong security is a must-have at any facility to ensure that all possible precautions are taken to protect a child’s well-being.

One Source Security prides itself on protecting our most precious assets – children. We have been designing, installing and servicing schools and other education entities for many years with superior success.

Childcare licensing rules vary from state to state and many do not include any specific security requirements, so choosing the right facility for the safety of your child is an utmost concern for peace of mind.

Some of the child care-specific security measures we provide for licensed daycare facilities include:

•Access Control, including ID / Badging / Key Fob access – from design to creation; Prevent unwanted visitors from entering – even the vestibule, track who went where and when, integrate with time/attendance software; Keypad security is an excellent option for large centers, requiring each family member or person to have a unique code or simply their fingerprint. If someone is legally prohibited from picking up a child, their code, fingerprint, card or fob access can be completely removed from the system and they won’t get past any entry.

•Video Intercom – Providers can identify visitors before they have access to an entry door

•Chime indication when a child exits a door

• Video Surveillance – Remote Video Monitoring (view your center from any location, including on your phone), upgrade to IP & Megapixel Technology, integrate with Access Control
• Panic Notification – Press of one button immediately alerts police
• Emergency Lock Down Systems – Lock all doors immediately with the swipe of one card
• Universal locks that lock from the inside requiring staff to buzz parents into the center
• Smash resistan film for glass
• Locksmith Services – Bolster doors, frames and door hardware, Energy/Safety audit on doors, fire exit safety, ADA improvements
• Environmental Monitoring – Carbon Monoxide and Flood Detection, Hi/Low Temperature Monitoring

So, when choosing where your most precious asset will spend the day, consider these precautions to ensure their utmost safety and allow you some peace of mind. One Source will help assess your risks, needs and possible security weaknesses before we design your system. We are an advisor and will offer preventive advice, so you can avoid many potential problems altogether. We customize each system to suit the end-user’s specific needs.

Call us today for a free assessment at 603-645-5969 or email us at [email protected].

Today’s car dealership owners are faced with more business and personnel challenges than ever, whether it is loss prevention, employee conduct or customer behavior. With the use of video surveillance you can monitor your business, employees and customers.

Loss Prevention

Securing a parking lot with inventory valued from a few hundred thousand dollars to a few million dollars, while allowing shoppers to browse after hours, is a security challenge to say the least. Using video surveillance with analytics in strategic areas of the lot and the building or showroom can detect intruders.

Our video surveillance with analytics can monitor in unusual events real-time. When an unusual event is detected central station or security staff will be notified, allowing them to verify, respond or notify police when after hours trespassing occurs.

Remote video surveillance provides continuous protection over large areas against theft, vandalism and unwanted visitors. With the use of analytics, your video surveillance system can proactively detect threats, can prevent thefts before they occur, while storing video evidence to identify thieves and their crime.

Employee conduct

Watch employees for training purposes employee conduct. Install video cameras in showrooms, service lanes, repair bays, and parts storage areas. Managers can evaluate employee productivity, using video for training purposes.

Stored video can be used to verify liability claims from employees.

Customer Behavior

Video surveillance with analytics can provide important consumer behavior information for the sales manager and his team to analyze. The video can be used to count customers and track their habits, the cars they look at and which they decide to buy.

The information collected can be used for marketing, and inventory as well as sales staff training.

Best Practices

• Make sure outdoor cameras are designed for outdoor use.
• Use different types of cameras, bullet and dome cameras, providing different types of footage.
• Place cameras in storage and maintenance areas to prevent theft of valuable equipment and/or customer belongings.
• Install intrusion alarms in showrooms and service center buildings, including glass break sensors.
• Use key vaults to store all vehicle keys and be sure the software allows for an audit trail.
• Use access control in office areas, allowing only authorized personnel into the offices.

Conclusion

An integrated security system for an auto dealership can include access control, an alarm system, environmental controls and an employee time card system. Integrating physical security with door locks and glass breaks will give your business the security which, in turn gives you peace of mind.

Whether its auto loss prevention, employee conduct or customer behavior, you need to monitor your business security as well as your business operations. The right security solution for your car dealership can help you address workplace safety and security issues while boosting your efficiency whether you’re on the lot or not.

Call One Source Security today for your FREE assessment at 800-570-6478.

One of your business goals this year may be to install a new security system for your business. Your next step now is to decide whether it should be a professionally installed system or a DIY system.
There are pros and cons with each. We have found the biggest pro for hiring a professional security integrator is the expertise they bring to the project from design to installation while the biggest pro for the DIY system is the lower upfront cost.

When hiring a professional security company to install your security system you will receive the added benefit of a professional who knows all the components involved with installing a system and how each component communicates with each other. By asking the right questions your integrator can help you create a security system which can solve security problems in the most efficient way.
When you install a DIY security system you will save money on an installation fee, but you will need the technical ability to install, troubleshoot and do any necessary programming.

Professionally installed

Pros

• Design – Having a professionally designed system can meet the needs of your company.
• Professional installers – Using professionals who can anticipate the needs of the installation and already know how a system is installed and how it communicates with each component can insure a smooth installation.
• Accessability – Have access to training, education and experience.
• Warranty – Using a professional security integrator will ensure the system is working properly and will provide a warranty with the installed system.
• Central Station – A security integrator can help you set up your account with a central station.

Cons

• Must schedule an appointment
• There is an installation fee to have a technician come out and install your system.

DIY installation

Pros

• Save money on installation fee.

Cons

• Expertise – Do you know the right questions to ask yourself when designing your system?
• You are the installer – You will not have a professional on hand to ask questions or troubleshoot any issues.
  Installation – Depending upon the package you choose it may be more difficult to install the system than you think.
• Time – It takes time to design your own system, purchase the components, make sure you have the tools.
• Hardwired system – Are you comfortable and experienced with wiring and electricity?
• Higher equipment costs – More components may be needed than your packaged system provides.
• Properly operating – Once the system is installed you are responsible for the ongoing maintenance.
• Warranty – When you install your own equipment there may not be any warranty if something goes wrong during the installation. If a problem arises down the road or the system does not perform the way you anticipated, the company you purchased the system from may claim it was installed incorrectly.
• Monitoring your system – Some monitoring companies may not be able to monitor your DIY system.
  Now be honest with yourself and think about what can be at stake here. Sure you may save some money but will you have peace of mind?

As you research the method of video storage for your analog or IP camera you will find the security industry has come a long way from the original VCR recording one camera onto one VHS tape. The first Digital Video Recorders were introduced allowing business owners to record multiple analog cameras onto one device. When Network Video Recorders were introduced they utilized a large number of IP cameras over multiple sites. Cloud Storage or Internet Video Recording allows the storage of video onto the cloud.

Digital Video Recorder DVR is made for CCTV Security Surveillance Systems where video is recorded in a digital format to a disk drive using analog cameras. Old footage can be overwritten to allow disk space to be maximized. This is a standalone hardware device that connects directly to analog cameras via coax cables. Data can be searched by time, date or camera. The typical camera limit is 32 per device and is not a good choice for multiple sites.

Network Video Recorder NVR is used with IP cameras over a local IP network with a network attached storage device. Live video can be accessed and managed over the internet using a computer or Smartphone. One benefit includes the use of better cameras that provide enhanced video imaging. The typical camera limit is 50+ and is a good choice for multiple sites.

Cloud Storage or Internet Video Recording IVR is the remote storage of video for IP cameras, which can be accessed over the internet. Cloud storage requires minimal equipment and is easy to use. The video files are sent to a cloud storage service and easily retrieved once logged into the website. An advantage of using cloud storage is the files are not stored locally, if the equipment is stolen or damaged the videos are safe. The number of cameras depends upon the available bandwidth. If the bandwidth is limited, cloud storage can be used as a backup for the NVR. This is a good choice for multiple locations.

Which system is right for you? As you research video storage options call us and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about each device or system. We customize solutions for the individual customer with seamless integration among systems resulting in greater control enhancing operational flexibility and improving management with technical assistance is available 24/7.

Have you recently called a locksmith because your door doesn’t seem to be closing properly? It may need a little push or an extra tug to get it to close securely. Your door may be ailing because of age or excessive use, which can make your facility vulnerable to a break-in. You realize it is time to call a professional locksmith. Remember to choose a locksmith with door repair expertise.

When a professional locksmith arrives on the job, he should be prepared to look at not only the lock, but the hinges, door and door frame. After inspecting all areas, the issue may not be the lock; for example it may be that the door frame needs to be re-squared.

Using a locksmith who is prepared to not only change a lock but replace routine items without another service call can save you money. When a locksmith is called out to a job their goal is to leave the door working at its optimal performance. A professional locksmith can size up a situation quickly and develop a solution which best suits the clients needs.

Whether a locksmith is installing hardware, locks, an access control system or standalone keypad, the door and door frame should be inspected to ensure optimal working conditions of the door. It is only as secure as its weakest link.

Using a locksmith with the ability to inspect and repair doors is a valuable asset. We are a full service security company with a full service locksmith division prepared to handle unique situations. Call us today for all your locksmith needs at 800-570-6478.