Depending on the system, this will be an investment for the next 5 – 10 years and will play a vital role in day to day operations. If your goal is to increase the safety of employees, visitors, and reduce loss of valuable equipment, these are 6 options that most businesses consider.

Security Cameras provide valuable evidence in the event of a crime

From both owners and customers point of view, people are increasingly seeking more secure businesses. This is especially true in the Chicago area, where theft, carjackings and break-ins have noticeably increased since the pandemic era.

Security cameras can be a great option when your goal is to monitor activities inside and around your business. Most high-definition cameras record and send you notifications upon detecting motion. These alerts can be received directly to your phone if the system works with an App.

Additional services might include storing footage on the cloud. Security cameras and Cloud storage have become one of the most effective ways to work with police if an incident occurs. Video footage can aid law enforcement in investigations and can also be useful for internal reviews or insurance claims.

Beyond security purposes, cameras can be useful for tracking package deliveries. This perk, however, might be more important for establishments that don’t operate during regular business hours.

Alarm systems are crucial for discouraging criminal activity

The presence of alarm systems can deter potential burglars or vandals. Knowing that a business is equipped with alarms can discourage criminal activity.

Take for example, one of our clients that has a restaurant business.

Last year, two individuals tried to break in through the restaurant’s back door and outdoor security cameras captured the suspects. They were both seen approaching the back door of the business and forcing it open. As soon as the door was opened, video footage displayed the burglar alarm going off and the suspects running away immediately.

This rapid resolution works well because Alarm Systems can be connected to monitoring services and alert law enforcement or security personnel immediately. When a breach occurs,  this process ensures a swift response to potential threats, minimizing the risk of theft or damage.

An optional feature that can be added to alarms is Panic Buttons.  A panic button is essential to businesses that have a storefront but private offices can also find it useful if they need to de-escalate a situation that has gotten out of control. This alarm immediately alerts relevant personnel and provides your location and type of emergency.

For additional peace of mind, opt for a Panic Button that allows employees to not only send alerts indicating an issue but also receive confirmation that their alerts have been received.

Access control restricts entry to authorized personnel only

Access Control helps protect sensitive areas within the business and ensures that only qualified individuals can access specific resources.

This essential security tool supports your building’s daily operations. It provides easy access to tenants, maintenance crew, and outside contractors. This is why controlling your access control system remotely is helpful. You can easily provide entry to a locked site even when you’re not physically there.

Intercom systems improve two-way conversation with anyone in your organization

Intercom systems are an innovative, convenient way to improve two-way conversation with anyone in your organization. This service is ideal for offices that are not open to the public or have an “only by appointment policy.” If your employees are located in different areas of a building or in different buildings, you can effectively grant/deny access.

Additionally, an intercom system works well alongside surveillance systems such as cameras to make it easier to greet incoming visitors and direct them to certain areas of your business.

Security Gates Provide a Physical Barrier

Security gates provide a physical barrier for businesses with storefronts. Alone, they pose as a deterrent from crime, dissuading intruders from entering a property. Because they cover both doors and windows, burglars tend to perceive it as “too much work.”

In combination with a visible outdoor camera, chances are, intruders would move on to an easier target.

Security is essential for businesses. By incorporating one or multiple systems, electronic security plays a vital role in protecting from a wide range of threats, ensuring both physical security and peace of mind for business owners and employees alike.

The post 6 Business Security Essentials for Peace of Mind appeared first on VinTech Systems.

In the last few months, Chicago businesses have become a common target for “Crash and Smash” attacks and overnight break-ins. Thieves are targeting all kinds of businesses including those that were thought to be uncommon choices. One of the most frustrating issues is that the break-ins are often motivated by small amounts of cash or odd items like cooking oil from restaurants.

This was the case of local bakery Defloured, who was recently burglarized TWICE during the month of January. During the first incident, “ two male suspects broke the front window, entered and took an unknown amount of cash before getting into a dark-colored vehicle and driving east, police said.” The second incident was similar except it was the front door that was damaged and property was taken.

These crimes are frustrating for businesses because there is a great loss from the damage that’s done to the establishment and they are often forced to close temporarily to repair the damage. It’s an unfair situation for small business owners who lose business and are left with a feeling of vulnerability to it happening again.

Can your Business security system evolve to help minimize damage from local crime trends?

Simple changes like upgrading security equipment and training can make a real difference while an incident is in motion. This is how businesses can give a makeover to their burglar alarm and video surveillance systems to minimize loss.

Alarm Monitoring for Businesses

1. Have a plan to respond quickly when an incident is in motion. It’s important to store your alarm passcodes in a place that’s easy to access and only share it with employees you trust.  This includes regularly updating the contact list to ensure former employees are removed and new added. When a business owner stays up to date with this data, communication between your business and the monitoring company is more efficient.  In case someone tries to break-in, the alarm will be triggered and the monitoring company will call the contacts in your emergency list. Additionally, upon confirming the situation, they will dispatch police in just a few minutes.

2. Install additional motion sensors near windows and doors. Are there any additional areas in your business that need attention? Perhaps you only have sensors on the front and back door but want to secure a side window or gate? Reassessing you security needs will ensure that your business is not stagnant in any aspect including protecting additional areas that were originally missed.

3. Inform your security company of changes in schedule. Life happens and if your business undergoes a renovation or will be temporarily closed, inform your security company.  If they are aware of these changes, they can work with the monitoring station to better handle an emergency.

Video Surveillance for Businesses

1. Install additional outdoor cameras in entrances and exits or relocate a current camera to a more efficient place. In some instances, its not necessary to buy additional cameras but better distribute the ones you already have. if you are unsure if this can be done, a professional company can help you asses how to rearrange your system to maximize coverage.

2. Discuss new concerns with your security provider. Stay up to date with news and crime on your neighborhood to identify trends. If your business has outdoor security cameras and your footage can be of assistance, consider giving access to police. This way, burglars will be caught faster. Additionally, speak to your security provider to hear they recommendations.

3. Schedule training with employees to give them confidence to use the system efficiently. Do you have new employees? Skipping training is a big mistake! Everyone that operates the system should know how to manage simple features. These include playback, download footage, and passwords. When they’re know this process, it eliminates the need to call us for support. Not that we don’t want to help, but we want you to be confident and able to handle it all.

The post Does your Business Security System Need a Makeover? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Just this past Sunday night through Monday morning, a series of eight armed robberies and carjackings occurred in the South Loop and Northwest Side of Chicago. In each case, the victims were ambushed by two to four people and in some cases beaten and robbed.

This increase in serial incidents have prompted police to ask the public for help.

What can Residents do to Improve their Safety?

Download and Use the Chicago OEMC App

The official safety app of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) became available back in February.

It provides residents with preparedness tips, safety information, alerts, and the CHI Safe Walk. The CHI Walk feature shares your location with a friend or family member when walking or traveling alone. Additionally, it has the option to call the police by pressing only one button.

Download the app here

Collaborate with OEMC by linking Privately-owned Public Cameras.

Chicago property and business owners have the option to link their public cameras to the OEMC network. The main goal for residents to work with OEMC is to accelerate the process of solving crimes. When participating in the program, police are granted access to private public cameras. This minimizes valuable time that is spent calling, downloading, and sending footage from one individual to another.

One example of how communication can be delayed during an emergency is when an association or business has a new employee that doesn’t know the password or how to operate the system.

When something like this happens, we first contact the main account holder to approve the request. Once they approve it, we assist the new employee or walk them through the process of downloading the footage. And lastly, we save and send the footage to the police. This simple process can typically take a few days to complete and delay cases that are time sensitive.

Is Genetec Stratocast Video the Right Option for You?

If you are considering connecting your cameras to OEMC but still feel unsure about how this can help your organization, the experience of these two customers might help.

This is how these clients are using Genetec Stratocast cloud video surveillance to collaborate with Chicago police and manage their systems:

Client #1 – Parking Corporation

Our long time client, a parking corporation, wanted to connect their camera system to the Chicago’s office of Emergency Management & Communication (OEMC). With OEMC connection, police can access camera feed from outdoor cameras during emergencies and after appropriate notification has been given.

We recommended Genetec Stratocast video service as all cameras can be accessed and managed in the cloud.

We upgraded their 1080P HD camera to a 4K camera. The new system was not only compatible with OEMC but provided up to four times higher resolution than the standard 1080 resolution.

Client #2 – Apartment Complex

Another long-time client, an apartment complex, contacted us to replace their old camera system. They wanted the new system to be easier to manage and to have more coverage.

We replaced the old cameras with 4-lens cameras to provide 180 degree coverage.

They also opted to connect their cameras to OEMC. They report that the service makes it easier to manage the system from one central station and has improved communication with police during incidents.

Will Police Have Access to All My Cameras?

It’s important to clarify that police will only have access to cameras that are recording in public areas and will still communicate with the camera owner before accessing footage. This is also an agreement that could be revoked if the owner no longer wants to share access.

What do Property and Business Owners Need to do to Connect their Public Cameras to OEMC?

The most practical solution is Genetec Stratocast Video Surveillance. This is a well-established and reliable cloud solution that many associations, properties, and businesses are already using. Some of these include: The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, The Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field ballpark, and SSA districts.

Want to implement the use of this technology to help reduce crime in Chicago? Contact us to discuss the process or to get a quote by calling 773-388-1208.

The post Can Public Cameras Connected to OEMC Reduce Crime? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

About our Client

Alice and Friends is a vegan restaurant that offers Asian-inspired dishes, specialty drinks, and house-made desserts in the Chicago area since 2001. In 2015, they installed a VinTech alarm system and indoor and outdoor security cameras. Their outdoor security cameras are registered with the City’s OEMC Program. This allows the Chicago Police Department access to public security cameras and collect evidence to solve crimes.

The night of the incident, Alice and Friends’ outdoor security cameras captured the suspects walking in the alley. The first suspect was slim-build and wore fitted black jeans, a dark-colored hoodie, and light-colored sneakers. The second suspect was medium-build and wore washed jeans, a dark jacket, and white and black sneakers. They were both seen approaching the back door of the business and forcing it open.

As soon as the door was opened, video footage displayed the burglar alarm going off and the suspects running away immediately.

The local alarm monitoring company called our client to confirm it wasn’t a false alarm. They dispatched police right away and law enforcement was able to verify that only one door was damaged.

The next day, police accessed the outdoor cameras to view footage.  At the same time, VinTech’s technical support team worked with Alice and Friends’ owner to review their indoor cameras.  They assisted in saving a copy of the incident’s footage and suggested cloud storage as an add-on service.

String of Business Burglaries in the Chicago Area

Alice and Friends’ incident is only one among a string of business burglaries that are increasing in the Chicago area. Suspects have switched their attention to restaurants, bakeries, and stores because of the possibility of finding cash or small devices that can be easily carried.

Since most businesses now receive payment with credit cards and other forms of e-payments, this means that burglars are willing to break-in and cause property damage over small amounts of cash.

All the meanwhile, small business owners can get stuck with costly repairs or lengthy insurance claims.

How can Burglar Alarms Reduce Property Damage?

A burglar alarm reduces property damage to businesses by preventing or deterring a break in. In the case of Alice and Friends, it prevented further damage to the restaurant and equipment by causing the burglars to panic.

In the aftermath of the incident, our client decided to add cloud storage service. With cloud storage, footage from their cameras is automatically saved to the cloud. This gives them peace of mind that even when physical equipment is destroyed or taken, footage is still stored.  In case an incident happens again, footage will be automatically stored and can be accessed anytime.

How to Choose the Best Security System for your Business

Because there isn’t a one-size fits all solution, the security provider you choose should be an expert in anticipating your unique needs.  Ask for a site survey where you can discuss how to best protect your property and potential challenges.

When securing a restaurant or small business, you are not only protecting your team but also potentially saving thousands of dollars by preventing damage to your property or equipment.

The post Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen Avoids Theft with VinTech Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

But what about small business and residential homes that have strong ties to the Chicagoland and don’t want or can’t afford to leave?

Feeling secure is not a commodity but a necessity for Chicago residents.

A VinTech employee who lives in Bowmanville, a family-friendly neighborhood in Chicago, says she had always felt safe living there. Then last week, a string of robberies close to her home  started to make her feel uneasy.

That Monday morning, she heard helicopters in the area for several hours.

The suspects were later arrested in Lincoln Square but not before 2 people were assaulted and the car that was used for the crimes crashed against a city truck.

Then a few days later, she opened her Nextdoor App to write this post:

“This morning, Wednesday Dec 21st, at around 3:05 a.m. I woke up to three gunshots that were at very close proximity. This occurred near Farragut and Hoyne in the Bowmanville neighborhood. Can anyone tell me if they heard them too? I’m shook because they sounded so close.”

Dozens of neighbors commented with support and what they were already doing as a response to the incident. Unfortunately, many agree that even when the act of violence is not directed at you, it can disturb your peace and routine.

How do outdoor security cameras improve safety?

Security cameras are not new to the City of Chicago who has a network of more than 50,000. In addition, last year’s Home and Business Protection Program provided a rebate for residents to install new outdoor security cameras.

In order to improve safety, one of the program’s requirements was to connect these public cameras to The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

The OEMC is a “state-of-the-art unified video surveillance network” that officials and Homeland Security directors access “during emergency situations and after appropriate notification has been given.”

As part of the process, our technicians connected new camera systems to this network and trained clients to manage their new system. Additionally, our office staff provided guidance and the documentation needed to apply for the rebate.

Why are more Chicago residents and business owners installing outdoor cameras?

Deter criminals.
Most criminals want to commit a crime and move on to the next “best thing”.

Outdoor security cameras are different from other security systems because they are visible BEFORE the crime is committed. In conjunction with warning signs, they work to increase the perception that would-be criminals could be caught and punished.

Provide evidence. 
One thing that most Chicago residents will agree is that they don’t want offenders getting away with crimes.

Security cameras can capture criminals in the act but most importantly, they capture details. High definition security cameras can give significant clues like face features, tattoos, and vehicle license plates. When an incident occurs in front of your business or residence, you’ll be glad to have footage to provide as evidence to the police.  And with the video surveillance network, they will access the footage almost right away.

Why is a burglar alarm a necessity?

A recent FBI report, found that 1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.

A burglar alarm can help decrease those chances and is one of the most cost-effective solutions to secure a home or business.
Get back your peace of mind.

An alarm system works with sensors. When a sensor is triggered, there’s a physical and electronic notification. The physical alert is useful if you are inside the home or business and to alert neighbors.

During the night, you can fall asleep more peacefully knowing that you’ll be alerted if someone tries to break into your home or business. This is a simple proactive action that can give you that peace of mind back.

When a professional company monitors your alarm, you’ll also have a faster response from the police and it’ll buy you some time to take charge of the situation.
Safety routine in Place.

Did you know that the most common points of entry for burglars are open doors and windows?

When you have a burglar alarm, it’s easier to be in control because it becomes part of your routine. If there are any tips you’ll ever want to follow are these three: Lock all doors (including the garage or back doors for businesses), lock all windows, and arm your alarm.

Reduce losses. 

A burglar alarm can be controlled remotely. From a phone App, you can arm and disarm your system, control your thermostat, and other smart devices. Everyday actions, overtime increases protection and reduces loss of valuable items and resources.

Want to discuss which system is best for your property?

Contact us with your questions at info@vintechnology.com and join the network of Chicago residents who are already using their systems to improve safety in their lives and neighborhoods.

Recent incidents that have been caught by businesses and residential cameras.

Robberies – Armed robbery in Lincoln Park of a woman who was visiting daughter from Wisconsin for Holiday shopping.
Car jackings. Car jacking assault caught on camera. Victim fought to get her dog out of the car.
Disappearances. The Wiener’s Circle provided footage that helped in the disappearance of Northwestern student Peter Salvino.

The post Do Chicago residents really need a security system? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Wondering why these clients decide to hire us instead of the many corporate solutions? Read on to discover how we stand out from the competition.

1. VinTech Systems has an established reputation, licenses, and insurance.

From time to time, we get requests from people that lose touch with the company that installed their system.
The most common reasons are that the company is permanently closed or the person that installed the system doesn’t answer their calls.

The best way to avoid this situation is to verify the company’s credentials before hiring them.

VinTech has been in business for more than 16 years. We are also licensed, insured, and have dozens of positive reviews on Google.

Additionally, our accreditation from the Better Business Bureau has an A + rating for the past 5 years.
If you’re not familiar with The BBB, this is a trusted source to find information about a company including: background, ratings, and complaints for thousands of U.S. businesses.

2. We are both accessible and approachable.

From quotes to installations and technical support, we help you through all the process with in-house employees. This means you will likely be speaking to the same team members over time and they’ll be familiar with you and your system.

We understand that there’s no worse feeling than waiting for days (or weeks) to resolve an issue that involves your security system. This is why we also provide in-house technical support. We ‘feel’ your frustration when you share with us that you switched to a small company because you can experience “the personal touch” that they didn’t receive with corporate companies.

The better we get to know you, the better we’ll be able to accommodate solutions for your needs.

3. Small business VinTech offers multiple brands to balance quality with price

We do our best to work with your budget but we do caution clients that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. To compare a security system estimate, it’s important to understand what it offers. The key is to evaluate the equipment and services on the same scale.

Compare apples to apples.

For example, a client called us to request an estimate for 3 high definition security cameras. We provided a quote for mega-pixel cameras with a wide dynamic range function. This was the best option for the area that the client was trying to cover as it blocks sunlight. (Regular high definition cameras will not capture details if there is excessive sunlight.)

Our client asked why our price was higher than a corporate competitor.

We reviewed the estimate and explained that the other company was offering regular high definition cameras. If they wouldn’t have shared these details with us, they could have purchased a system with the wrong capabilities or that they didn’t need.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by product terms and prices, send us a written quote and we can help you compare or match it. We’ll do our best to make sure you’re getting the best value, quality, and service for your security needs.

4. VinTech provides a reasonable warranty on labor and equipment.

All of our labor and equipment comes with a warranty. We strive to make our clients happy and if for some reason, there’s something we missed during installation, you can call us and we’ll make it right.

This is how one of our recent clients agree:

“Very pro and came back to adjust system – they wanted it done right!” _ Doug McBride

We provide a reasonable warranty because we have confidence in our team and we strive to deliver great service.

5. We offers maintenance plans for all of our systems.

Proper maintenance can save you lots of money and time. When you join our maintenance program, we include two services per year and additional perks (think discounts on parts or labor.) Maintenance plans that are purchased with installation have additional discounts but we still offer these at any time for all our clients.

Many small businesses are great but not all can provide the “personal touch” that VinTech strives for. Give us a call and you’ll speak to a real person from day 1!

The post Why Hire Small Business VinTech Systems for your Next Security Project. appeared first on VinTech Systems.

The energy profile of your apartment, home, or business is always unique. Factors like the square feet of your space, the number of appliances and how often you used them, all contribute to the cost of your electric bill. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to reduce this cost. The use of smart technology and daily changes can both make a difference on your pocket and the environment.

What is a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a small device that can be controlled remotely with an App or any other internet connected device. It allows you to schedule your settings to predetermined temperatures and manage the device even when you’re not onsite.  A smart thermostat can also be connected to an existing alarm system and be controlled from the alarm panel.

How to choose a smart thermostat

There are many smart thermostats brands to choose from. If you already have an alarm system in place, the best option is to contact your security company and inquire about their recommendations. Most of the time, they will know which brands and models are compatible with your system. Additionally, it will save you the time of searching for this information yourself.

If you don’t already work with a security company, this article Best Smart Thermostats of 2021 from the Consumer Reports website might be helpful. The report includes brands like Ecobee, Honeywell, and Google Nest.

How to Manage your Home Device for Best Results

If your main goal is to save money on your home electric bill, you’re on the right track. A smart thermostat will help you reduce energy costs by giving you flexibility to manage your device from an app. The settings have a schedule function that you can use to set the thermostat at a predetermined temperature during different times of the day. Controlling your smart thermostat from the app also means that you don’t have to be at home to manage it. This can be especially helpful on days when the weather in Chicago is expected to reach extreme conditions.

Save 10% on your home electric bill by following this rule

If you want to decrease your electric bill by up to 10%, you’ll need to adjust the thermostat temperature to 5 -7 degrees of your normal temperature setting for 8 hours a day. For example, if during the summer you usually set it up at 70 degrees, you can increase it to 75 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when you’re usually at work or during the weekends when you’re out and about. Once you’re getting ready to go back home, decrease the temperature via the app and arrive to a cool home.

Additionally, since many people have been working from home during the pandemic and expect to continue to do so, one better option is to look for smart thermostats with multiple zones capabilities. This system allows you to set up different temperatures in different zones of your home; which is an ideal fit when you’re spending many hours in your home office.

How to Maximize the Use of a Thermostat in a Commercial Space

Commercial spaces require the same if not more attention to detail than residential homes. Take for example one of our long-time clients who owns a restaurant in the Edgewater neighborhood. They contacted VinTech Systems to install smart thermostats after experiencing a surge of 30% on their electric bill. The restaurant had recently reopened their indoor dining area, but it was still an elevated shift for such a short term. Upon discussing the change with the restaurant’s manager, the owner realized that most employees had forgotten to turn down the room temperature in the kitchen and front area, and before closing the restaurant at night.

In the past, VinTech had offered smart thermostat technology, but at that time, the restaurant owner didn’t think it was necessary as she was often on site. Fortunately, VinTech had already upgraded their Honeywell alarm to be compatible with the 4G network. This meant that if they now decided to install a smart thermostat, they could use a system of the same brand and simply connect it to their existing alarm system.

The restaurant owner now manages the thermostat remotely and immediately saw a decrease of 15% in their electric bill the following month after installation..

What additional steps can you take to reduce your electric bill?

In addition to installing a smart thermostat, we have found these simple tasks to be effective to reduce energy costs:

1. Turn off appliances when not in use to extend their life and decrease the cost of replacements. Unplugging also helps and you can reduce the time dedicated to this task by using smart power strips.
2. Switch your lightbulbs to LEADs. They have a longer life and will save up to 80% more energy.
3. Install efficient showerheads. They don’t only reduce the cost of energy but help by filtrating water.

Final Thoughts

Installing smart thermostats at your home or business can help decrease your electric bill and save you time when you use the schedule settings to set up predetermined temperatures. If you are unsure about how to start as there’re so many options out there, call us today at 773-388-1208. We are here to answer any questions.

The post Can a Smart Thermostat Save you Money? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Here is how.

Receive a Discount on Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies provide a discount on insurance premiums if the property has a security system in place. In a way, they are providing an incentive for theft protection and the possibility of reducing the number of claims. This is a win-win situation for a property owner. Not only will you get an initial discount but if your claims decrease, you will also keep premiums from rising.

If you are unsure about the requirements needed to get a discount, talk to your insurance provider to find more information. Many require a certificate of installation to verify that a security system has been installed in your property. If this is the case, the company that installed your system can provide this for you. Currently, VinTech Systems provides certificates of installation for burglar alarms only. Our clients for which we have installed alarm systems and have a current monitoring service can request a certificate.

Resolve a Slip and Fall Claim

According to the National Safety Council, falls accounted for more than 8 million injuries in 2019. To put it into perspective, 8 million is a lot when the City of Chicago reported to have 2.7 million residents in that same year. Moreover, more than 39,000 of these incidents resulted in deaths. This is why the possibility of an incident like this happening in your property should be taken seriously.

A slip and fall claim cannot only cost you thousands of dollars but it can also mean serious legal problems. This is where a high definition security camera can be helpful. Footage from a camera can help you dispute a false slip and fall claim. It can clear you from liability and even save you from receiving a fine or sentence.

Reduce or Replace Security Personnel

A security system might seem like a high investment at the beginning. Especially when you are trying to decide which system(s) are best for your property. However, if you already have security personnel in your building, those two or three salaries a year will probably add to a much larger sum after a couple of years. Additionally, unlike security guards, a security system can monitor 24hr/7.

A Security Camera System is Always Recording

For example, a high-definition security camera records motion and automatically stores footage. In case of an incident, this footage can be used for evidence. Nonetheless, some camera systems might have a storage limit. One of the factors that affect video storage is whether the camera is focused on high or low traffic areas.  This is why it’s important to download and save footage as soon as an incident happens. VinTech Systems takes pride in designing systems that work with the needs of our clients to make sure their footage requirements are met.

A second example is access control. This system can help you restrict who has access to your property and at which times. For example, office employees can be set up to have access to the front entrance of the building from 6 a.m. to  6 p.m., cleaning personnel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight security guards from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. As precise as you want it to be, access control allows you to control who accesses your property. You will hold the “key” to your success in reducing incidents and losses in your property which in return will save you money. And although security systems cannot completely replace security personnel, they can effectively monitor activity and provide time stamped evidence.

Reduce Wear and Tear on Smart Devices and Cost of Energy Bills

The latest technology in security systems allows you to connect smart devices to remotely control lights, thermostats, and other appliances from an app. Turning off these appliances when not in use, can certainly reduce the cost of your electric bill. Furthermore, this capability can also extend the life of your devices. This means that more time will pass before you have to replace them.

The most important thing about having a security system in your property is to give you peace of mind but that doesn’t mean you won’t appreciate the additional perks. From saving time and resources to preventing losses, the right security system can save you money in more than one way. With these simple steps, you also make sure that you are getting the best return for your investment and help preserve valuable resources for future generations.

The post 4 Ways Security Systems Can Save you Money appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Why access control is the best touch-free security solution

The best security solutions have multiple layers of security. In the case of access control, the most common types of layers are physical access cards and biometrics.

Physical access card

Access cards support a touch-free experience since the card never touches the credential reader. There is also no limit as to how many cards you can register. However, it’s recommended that only one or two individuals manage the touch-free access control system. This will allow an owner or property manager to have more control. You can also choose which areas and at which times a person has access. Finally, you don’t even have to worry about receiving the ‘key’ back. Simply, deactivate it!

An unexpected advantage of these access cards is that they’re made of white PVC material. The user can effectively clean the PVC card with a disinfecting wipe. Not only will the user feel safe but they can have a peace of mind knowing their card is clean and ready to use.

Biometrics

Biometric readers capture and scan a person’s biometric data. Examples of biometric data include face recognition, iris match, and fingerprints. Once the information is collected, the biometric reader will verify it and grant access.

Biometric readings are both unique and universal. When used in combination with physical access cards, they are like a second security wall. Nonetheless, owners should also adhere to high standards of security. They are working with confidential information and need to take the necessary steps to protect the individuals who use this system.

Can you believe the latest news claim some companies are using race recognition software? It seems like it’s only in the retail industry but could possibly expand. Can you imagine a software like this in the workplace?

Remote Access

Many Americans are now working remotely but many expect to go back to the office in the following months. This is why this is a perfect time to make a workplace security plan. As an owner or property manager, you want to decide who will have access to your building. Additionally, managers should look for a security system that can be managed remotely. Remote access through your smartphone will enable you to manage your security system from any place. This will mean that no contact will be needed to grant or deny access. You will be able to activate an access card automatically. Finally, if you install an automatic actuator to open the door, visitors won’t even have to touch the door to go into the building.

You can completely manage a touch-free access control system remotely. It’s easy to use, reliable, and practical.

We are here to answer all your access control questions. Contacts us at info@vintechnology.net

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Finding the right camera system for your business can be a challenging because there is a lot of information available. Many companies tend to list products on their websites including a description of their specifications and sometimes even prices. When choosing a camera system for your business, reading about a product doesn’t cut it. Business owners need answers that get to the point, are easy to understand, and help them make the right call. Finding the right security camera system goes hand and hand with finding the right company for the job. These are some key points to keep in mind when deciding which company and system to choose.

Are site surveys important?

So, site survey simply means that a consultant/project manager visits your business, talks to you about your security goals, and your specific concerns. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and establish a budget. Waiting until you receive a formal proposal to inform the company you have a budget will create redundant communication. On the other hand, being completely open about your business needs will show that you are serious and have taken the time to do research.

Working with a company vs. a DYI System

Let’s face it, many companies make it seem like it’s simple to buy and install your own camera system. Initially, this option might be cheaper, but buyers are in for a big surprise. They don’t tell you that this system is basically a “one time purchase”. Who will fix the system if it malfunctions? Do they provide maintenance services? Can you find and replace parts easily?

Will the replacement parts be available when you need them? Do they have reliable customer service? Will that company be there in five years? The main difference between security companies and DYI systems is that companies are not interested in selling products but in providing full service with long-term results. A professional company will be familiar with your business and will work with you to achieve your security expectations.

HD is the way to go

Basically we are talking about resolution here. Do you remember seeing those cameras where face features are unrecognizable? Those are older versions are analog systems. Not very helpful anymore or ever, really. Most high definition systems now range from 420 pixels to up to full 1080 pixels. The larger the area you want to cover, for example warehouses or parking lots, the more resolution you need. Choosing a high resolution camera will reduce the amount of cameras you need and the cost of the system itself.

Choose weatherproof cameras

Do you live in the Chicago area? If yes, you often experience drastic weather changes, and so will your camera system. If your camera surveillance system will be placed outside, weatherproof cameras are a must in Chicago. It will prevent your cameras from extreme rain, wind, and snow. You can also consider placing them under an area that is sheltered to give them additional protection.

Know your camera lens

There are two main types of lens: varifocal and fixed. For cameras with a fixed length lens, measuring for field of view must be precise. Once the camera is installed, what you see on the screen will be its only focus. A camera with an adjustable lens will give you greater flexibility, as its flexibility will give you more coverage. The lens’ size and width will determine what you can see on the security cameras. The larger the lens size, the farther you will be able to see.

Finding the right system for your business doesn’t have to be difficult. However, you have to do research and pick a competent company to give you the best advice. Before you reach a decision, consider local businesses. There are many local security companies that are like gems among their large counterparts.

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