1. Cloud-based surveillance Eliminates Bulky Hardware

Rhombus systems eliminate the need for on-premises recording equipment like DVRs, NVRs, and bulky servers. It replaces these with smart cameras, PoE (Power over Ethernet) connectivity, and cloud storage. This lowers maintenance services and reduces the system’s points of failure.

“We set out to disrupt the outdated, legacy physical security systems “_Rhombus’s website

Because traditional security systems have hard drives, they have a moderate failure rate of over 30% within five years. With Rhombus’s cloud-first design, this issue is eliminated entirely.

2. Remote Access and Backup are Always Available

Rhombus cameras can be managed remotely, and more recently, through the new Rhombus Apple TV app. With the app, users can now “quickly locate specific cameras, incidents, or time frames across multiple video walls without losing sight of your broader security overview.” This feature is helpful specially for users that manage many cameras as it can stream up to 30 high definition cameras feeds simultaneously without compromising quality.

Additionally, because Rhombus cameras have the capacity to store footage internally, they continue recording even during internet outages. When the power is fixed, the cameras reconnect and sync footage to the cloud. This means that footage will be stored complete without ever missing a frame.

3. AI Video Analytics for Faster Investigations

Rhombus cloud surveillance brings advanced AI tools that include facial recognition, license plate reading, object detection, color-based search, people counting, and more. With smart detection and search right to your fingertips, you can get the most advanced data compiled in one place. When an incident occurs, intelligent filtering and auto-tagging drastically cut the time it takes to find the right footage from hours to minutes!

4. Seamless Integrations & Alerts

Rhombus integrates with tools like PagerDuty, Slack, ServiceNow, Jira, and more to deliver alerts and foster smooth incident workflows. Many of these tools have free trials that allow users to test for the best option before committing. Additionally, video clips can be automatically and securely saved to cloud storage providers like Dropbox, AWS, and others.

5. Enterprise-Grade Security & Reliability

Rhombus cameras carry an industry-leading 10 year warranty, underscoring their durability and enterprise readiness. And because the systems update automatically by default as part of the service, this ensures they always have the latest security patches and features without manual intervention. This is the best way to stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats!

6. Reducing Security Costs with Cloud Cameras

Without needing servers or extra infrastructure, organizations significantly cut both setup and ongoing costs. Quick installation and cloud updates further reduce IT overhead. Users report dramatic time savings in investigations, reduced system outages, and higher productivity altogether. This is not only beneficial to IT teams but for police in case an incident needs to be investigated.

7. How Does Rhombus Cloud Surveillance Stand Out?

In summary, Rhombus cloud surveillance shines through:

Simplified setup – Reduces hardware worries by removing the need of servers
24/7 access plus backup – Reliable recording even during outages
AI analytics – Rapid search, smart alerts, and insights
Seamless scalability – Multi-site management with centralized control
Broad integrations – Fits into existing workflows and ecosystems
Enterprise security – Top-tier encryption, compliance, and firmware protections
Cost-efficient Maintenance – Cheaper to deploy and maintain versus traditional systems

Ready to upscale your security cameras with a modern security system? Call our Chicago office at 773-388-1208 or email us at info@vintechnology.com. Cloud surveillance delivers a future-proof surveillance solution. One that’s secure, intelligent, adaptable, and remarkably user-friendly.  No more servers, no more complex setups, and no more being tied to a desk to manage your system.

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In this blog, we will explore how a Nurse Call System operates and how it can be beneficial in healthcare settings.

What is a Nurse Call System?

A Nurse Call System is a communication platform that allows patients/residents to notify healthcare providers when they need help. Patients use a wall-mounted device to alert a nurse or other medical staff that they require assistance. These systems often include additional features like visual or audio alerts, mobile notifications, and even integration with electronic health records (EHRs).

How Does This System Work?

First, the patient/resident initiates a call by pulling a cord. This cord is wall-mounted in rooms, bathrooms, and common areas.

Signal Transmission: Once the cord sends the initial signal, the receiver picks up this signal and sends it to the appropriate Nurse Call Station. Each device is labeled with a unique ID to identify the location where the request was initiated. Because of this, staff knows exactly where the signal is coming from. All signals reach the receiver even in multi-story buildings ensuring that patients/residents get the help they need quickly. These alerts come in a variety of formats, such as light indicators, sounds, or even direct messages on a nurse’s mobile device.

Response and Resolution: Once the medical staff receives the alert, they will respond to the patient’s needs by physically visiting the patient or, in some cases, offering assistance remotely via a video. Some systems are integrated with healthcare records, so the nurse’s actions and the resolution of the request are automatically logged. This can be helpful for monitoring patient care and for compliance with health regulations.

Why is This System Beneficial?

A Nurse Call System is more than just a convenience for patients and healthcare providers. This system is a vital tool that enhances patient care and operational efficiency.

Here are the top reasons why Nurse Call Systems are beneficial:

1. Improved Patient Care

The primary benefit of a nurse call system is that it helps ensure that patients’ needs are met promptly. When patients can easily communicate with nurses or medical staff, it helps prevent unnecessary delays in care, addressing issues before they escalate. Whether a patient requires medication, assistance with mobility, or a check-up, this system ensures that their request is communicated quickly.

2. Increased Staff Efficiency

By streamlining communication, a Nurse Call System helps healthcare providers prioritize tasks and allocate their time more efficiently. The system allows nurses to receive alerts and quickly assess which patients need attention, leading to faster response times. In busy hospitals where nurses are responsible for multiple patients, a call system ensures that no one is neglected.

3. Enhanced Safety In Critical Settings

In critical care settings, response time is crucial. A Nurse Call System can be equipped with additional features such as emergency alerts for situations like patient falls or cardiac events. The system can immediately notify the closest staff members of an emergency, enabling faster intervention. Because of this process, it helps reduce the risk of adverse events and improve patient safety.

4. Patient Satisfaction

When patients can easily request help and receive a timely response, their overall satisfaction with care increases. This system fosters a sense of security and comfort for patients, knowing that assistance is reliable This contributes to a better patient experience, which is critical for hospitals looking to improve patient outcomes and ratings.

5. Compliance with Healthcare Regulations

Healthcare facilities are often required to meet specific standards and regulations concerning patient/resident care. By documenting when patients request help and how the request is handled, the system can support compliance with health and safety regulations. It also provides a record of response times, ensuring that patients are receiving care within the required timeframes.

A nurse call system is an essential tool for ensuring that communication in healthcare settings is effective, timely, and organized. By facilitating better communication between patients and healthcare providers, these systems improve the overall quality of patient care. Whether in a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care facility, nurse call systems help foster a healthier, more responsive environment.

Contact us at 773-388-1208 or info@vintechnology.com with your questions or to request a quote.

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How Does Cloud-Based Access Control Work?

A cloud-based access control system is managed in a central station. It doesn’t need an onsite server and gives total control to grant or deny access remotely. Additionally, the system allows the creation of different levels of access for users and stores information on the cloud to have better control on security protocols.

Reduce Security Costs

Reducing costs is one of the incentives to choose a cloud-based access control instead of going the traditional route. The term “cloud” refers to a remote server, which reduces the costs of equipment in the initial installation.

Other ways Cloud-Based Access Control reduces costs:

1. Automatic upgrades. Cloud-based systems are upgraded automatically. Compared to on-premise systems that can go six months to a year between upgrades through a manual process, Cloud-based systems are often upgraded. Because of this, automatic updates reduce the costs of maintenance overtime.

2. Cost-effective management. Users can manage their security system from a single centralized location, thereby reducing the need for additional resources. Additionally, this type of systems require lower upfront costs than traditional systems.

3. Effortlessly Scalable. Cloud-based access control is designed to meet the needs of properties of any size including those that have multiple locations. Furthermore, the advantage is that if you need to secure more properties in the future, you’ll be able to integrate and manage these from the same central station.

4. Protection from Loss. Cloud-based systems offer additional protection from loss since the system cannot be destroyed by severe weather, theft, or destruction.

Boost Security in Your Property

There’s no greater incentive to upgrade your system than exactly why you got the system in the first place: boosting security in your property. A cloud-based system can boost your security by making it easier to manage, integrate with other systems, and having (unlimited) data storage.

Additional ways Cloud-Based Access Control can boosts security in your property:

5. Intuitive Systems. The latest security systems are designed to be intuitive and easy to manage. It’s time-efficient for users to investigate events and alarms across multiple areas.

6. Layered security. Data stored in the cloud is considered very secure when using a reputable provider. The data is encrypted and stored in secure servers.

7. Receive Alerts. Users can receive alerts when someone is trying to gain unauthorized access.

8. Integration with security cameras. If you have security cameras and want to integrate with your access control, you can! Users will then be able to see live video feeds of cameras deployed on-site.

9. Reduce cybersecurity risks. Transfer cybersecurity threats to the cloud provider who will monitor the system and reduce risks of hacking.

Switching to a cloud based system is a cost-effective solution for multi-unit properties and businesses of all sizes. Do you have additional questions about cloud based systems? Contact our security team at (773)388-1208 or email us at info@vintechnology.com.

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Are you wondering if this service lives up to its hype and if it’s time to upgrade your video security system? Let’s discuss the most common questions.

What is Cloud Video Surveillance?

Cloud-based video surveillance is a type of video security that stores footage in the cloud. Unlike traditional systems that usually store footage on a device and have limited storage space, cloud storage has more capacity and preserves footage for a longer period of time.

Cloud-based cameras are also easy to install and use. And because there’s less equipment involved, maintenance is more cost-effective. In a sense, you get the best of both worlds. A system that combines the functionality of a traditional security camera system with the ease and increased safety of cloud technology.

How does cloud surveillance work?

Security Cameras will first capture footage, then send it to a remote server through the internet, and finally save it on the cloud (rather than a recording device). The term “cloud,” as previously mentioned, refers to the remote server where the footage is uploaded and stored.

Do you really need cloud video surveillance?

Currently, this is the safest option to store footage from camera systems. Think about the following scenario: Someone breaks into your home or business and steals the camera card or all the camera equipment. If they successfully remove the system, how would you have footage of the incident?

High quality footage is very helpful to police officers. It helps narrow suspects by providing details such as appearance, tattoos, clothing and time of the incident.

With Cloud storage, you can access footage from an incident that happened months or years before and not worry about losing a file.

Additionally, physical or local video recorders, especially older models, can be expensive to maintain. They need to be cleaned and tested at least twice a year and upgraded every few years. When you switch to a cloud system, it can help reduce the cost associated with maintenance all while taking advantage of additional features.

What are the advantages of Having a Cloud-based Video Surveillance?

Cloud Surveillance provides many benefits that traditional systems do not. Some of the most attractive ones include centralized management, remote access, and a significant reduction in system hardware. Other benefits include:
Watch live feed and recorded video directly from your smartphone and manage all your locations, mapping, and AI features for facial and license plate recognition. ALL INCLUDED!
Grant access to footage with multi-user permissions.

Back up locally recorded video to the cloud to reduce the risk of losing footage if traditional equipment gets damaged.
Unlimited notifications with a monitoring service. Receive an alert if there’s a problem with storage or recording. Additionally, connect motion and environment sensors, door/window contacts, and air quality to receive notifications from all these wireless devices.

Increase storage duration and capacity. Traditional systems have limited storage capacity and may overwrite previous footage. With cloud, storage duration and capacity can be upgraded.
Upgrade to a cloud service system that allows you to connect the camera onsite, no additional hardware needed.
Conclusion

Cloud systems are both the safest and most modern security option currently available. They require less space for equipment, reduce the cost of maintenance services, and prolong storage length and capacity.

Are you ready to make the change? Give us a call at 773-388-1208 or request more information at info@vintechnology.com.

The post Is Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Worth it? 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.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

The housing market is booming.

The need to work remotely and spend more time at home has increased the demand for larger living spaces. Additionally, more Americans are buying or refinancing their homes because of the current low interest rates on mortgages.

This could also be the reason why the DIY industry is gaining momentum. The home security systems market alone ‘was valued at USD 53.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 78.9 billion by 2025.’

Instead of slowing down during the pandemic, it is reported that homeowners ‘have continued to spend money on home improvements’ while paying special attention to DIY alarm systems.

A DIY alarm system might seem like an attractive option. But, how can you decide if it’s a good alternative for your property?

It really depends on your security needs and how tech-savvy you are.

When you first visit a DIY company website, you might notice that they place most of their attention in the buying process. This is because they aren’t required to obtain a license for installations. In a sense, they are like many other companies that only sell you a product.

This doesn’t necessarily mean bad business. However, it does mean that the company you choose has to be transparent and have a solid foundation. Not all security companies abide by the same values and some advertising of DIY alarm systems can be misleading.

But before you jump into reading reviews and comparing products, the following tips can help you decide if a DIY system is a good fit for you and your home.

Where does a DIY Alarm System perform best?

A DIY alarm system works best for small spaces like apartments or flats. An apartment usually has less doors and windows to secure, therefore, you will likely also need less motion sensors.

A second reason is that most wireless systems have to be within a certain distance of their wireless network. This is not difficult in small spaces but becomes more complicated in a multi-level building.

The Pros of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System

Installation is economical.

A professional installation tends to cost more. This is because of the high quality of the system and the personalized service you’ll receive if you hire a full-service company. This is why one of the main appeals of a DIY alarm system is that if you install it yourself, you’ll save big bucks.

This choice will not only give you the advantage of getting your system sooner but you’ll be saving on initial costs. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to first research the DIY company of your preference to make sure it is well-established. This is important because a DIY system allows you to add other products in the future so you don’t have to buy it all at once.

For example, if you first want to buy an alarm system and a year later a video doorbell, you’ll be able to integrate both systems as long as you buy them from the same company.

It’s also important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. Since not all DIY alarm systems are good quality, a good return policy can protect you if the system doesn’t work well or it isn’t what you expected. Only because the system fits your budget, it doesn’t mean it will also fit your needs.

Take your DIY Alarm System Wherever you go

If you are tech-savvy, it will not be difficult to uninstall your DIY System. If you rent your apartment or move often, this might be a good option for you. The ability to take the system wherever you go will not only be convenient but installation costs will again not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

You’ll be Free from Annual Contracts

Most professional security companies require that you sign a 1 or 2 year contract of alarm monitoring services. This means that as soon as your alarm is installed, it will be monitored by a central station. In case of an emergency, the monitoring station will call you to verify if they need to alert the authorities.

In contrast, with a DIY alarm, you’ll have the task of self-monitor your security system.  This means that your alarm system will not be monitored by a central station and when the alarm is activated, it’ll be up to you to alert the authorities. You’ll also be free from a monthly monitoring fee and responsible for any repairs the system will require in the future.

The Cons of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System  

DIY Installations Can Be frustrating

Some DIY companies don’t even include information about the installation process in their websites. They focus on describing the system’s features and having images of people using their systems.

Before you start adding items to your cart, it’s reasonable to want to know if a company has a support team. If questions about the installation arise, you’ll need someone to guide you through the process. You should also ask about the options you’ll have if and when the system malfunctions.

For example, Park’s Associates’ Senior analyst Dina Abdelrazik, told Security Systems News  that “From our data, on average, consumers spend 4 hours or more installing their DIY security system in the home – that is a very long time,”.

Are you willing to spend 4 hours or more installing your system? Have in mind that this time only accounts for installation. Additional hours of your time will be required to self-monitor and repair your system.

This is one of the main reasons why if you are not tech-savvy, its best to stay away from DIY alarm systems.

The post Pros and Cons of a DIY Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

People will often do strange things in public when they think no one is watching. For business owners, such actions might have negative effects on their assets. A person might end up stealing or defacing property when they believe they are alone. 

It’s important to catch such acts on camera, as the footage can act as a form of legal protection. 

Noticeable CCTV camera systems can be beneficial, too. Data has shown that the appearance of a security camera can deter crime. If somebody knows they are on camera, they are less likely to commit a crime.

Why Security Cameras are Important for Businesses

Having security cameras in your business will provide recorded footage to protect you against theft, lawsuits and problematic employees. 

This captured footage can be used in court if you decide to bring charges against a thief or if somebody decides to sue the business. A recording could stand in favor of your claims, giving you the necessary coverage in a potential lawsuit. 

Furthermore, the mere installation of cameras could be enough to deter crime before it happens. The sight of a camera might be just the thing a potential thief needs to stop them in their tracks. It’s much better to deter a thief than to have to use camera footage to catch one.

Bad Employees Caught on Camera

Security camera systems can do more than protect your business from wayward customers. Sometimes, employees can pose as big a risk as anybody to a business. Employee theft is an ongoing issue. Well-placed spy cameras can be an excellent way to keep an eye on employees whether an owner is present or not.

Great areas to place a camera are by the register, in the break room and around the back room (if you have a storage area for products). These are prime places where an employee might take cash from your business or swipe a product into a personal bag prior to ending their shift. 

Moreover, security cameras can protect against bad customer service and poor employee work ethic. Business owners shouldn’t always side with their customers when they complain. It’s important for businesses to support their employees in order to keep morale high. But, a security camera can catch an interaction where an employee might have been distinctly in the wrong. 

As a business owner, one of your top priorities, beyond providing stellar products and services, is to protect your assets at all costs. A simple way to do so is with the installation of security cameras, which will help you keep a watchful eye over your livelihood. Don’t hesitate any longer if you don’t already have a spy camera installed in your business. It might protect you when you need it most. 

About the Author

Dave Artman is the Founder and CEO of The Home Security Superstore. Every month he uses his expertise to produce content focused around the six important areas of personal well being; security, self-defense, surveillance, spy, safety and survival. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and all things outdoors.

We want to hear from you! Has your camera capture strange things or would like to share relevant industry news with us? Please send your submissions to Marcela@vintechnology.net

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If you have a swimming pool in your home, you know its a summer luxury. However, if you have small children, you also know its a hazard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 3,400 fatal drownings in 2007. Furthermore, more than one in five of these cases were children ages 14 and younger. In order to avoid a tragedy like this, its important to evaluate what can be done to prevent it.

How does a poolSonix security alarm work?

This Pool security alarm is designed to detect unintentional entry and activate an alert. If a child or pet accidentally enter or fall into the pool, you can be sure you will receive an alert. The pool alarm is connected to your home burglar alarm so it can be monitored at all times. You can also armed or disarmed the alarm remotely with a key fob.  This will give you the freedom to manage it at all times. Additionally, this pool security alarm its solar powered and environmentally friendly. A lot of security for your family and a little love for the earth.

For more information, please watch this short clip: PoolSonix wireless pool alarm.

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