Remote Monitoring Since the early 1990 s commercial remote monitoring has provided security solutions across a broad spectrum of industries. As the threat of crime and the cost of manned guarding have both continued to increase, businesses have been forced to search for a more pro-active and cost effective means of protection. Remote Monitoring offers the perfect solution, which is why more and more clients are realising the considerable business benefits available. However, its solutions are not just confined to security. As the applications of today s technology are being fully realised, Remote Monitoring can offer complete Communications & Management solutions. Today, Visual Verification offer the managed service which secures and manages businesses 24 hours per day. As we move further into the 21st Century, Remote Monitoring will continue to be both an innovative management tool and the ultimate crime deterrent The Concept The concept is simple. Initially, a system of cameras and alarms is installed on any site to British Standards. This system is linked to a transmission system and connects to a CCTV Monitoring Station via a telephone line (either PSTN/ISDN/GSM connection) or via the Internet through a Broadband connection (or other secure connection from the company s network). When the sensors or cameras are activated an alarm signal is sent directly to the station, and a picture image is transmitted to a workstation. Workstations are manned by highly trained operators who assess the situation and provide the appropriate response immediately. The Service Remote Monitoring offers a comprehensive range of services, which are continually reviewed and updated. Alarm Response is tailored to the customer s specific requirements. Operators can immediately contact the Emergency Services, a named keyholder, other authorised personnel or an independent guarding company. Audio Warning systems can be employed and continue to provide a major proactive deterrent. They are scheduled or activated through alarm and use the same inband channel as the CCTV images. Patrols can be scheduled as a means of pro-active surveillance and are particularly valuable to those sites prone to problems not associated with alarms. Incident Reports are produced for every alarm activation and can be sent to both Installation Companies and to site premises. Video Recordings of incidents are kept for up to 31 days which ensures that an event can be tracked up to a month after receiving the original alarm signal. They are available on request and used as evidence by the Police to convict offenders. Traffic Reports are available and provide a valuable management tool. Along with alarm activation data, they also contain information which helps to determine maintenance requirements and telephone charges. Pro-active Protection
The Capabilities Remote Monitoring has far reaching capabilities from simple camera systems to communications solutions through IP (Internet Protocol) technology. For many years the following industries (and many more) have benefited greatly from the applications available: Haulage/Transport Environmental Services Manufacturing & Distribution Education Retail Automotive Industrial & Commercial Property Restaurants Councils Domestic The diversity of the above industries is clear to see, but in each case it is the simple premise of Remote Monitoring that is applied to solve problems across many varying situations. Examples include: Access Control At any site staff and visitor access (vehicle and foot traffic) can be controlled remotely through the use of turnstiles and barriers. This provides a virtual concierge service which replaces both physical buildings and security guards, thus cutting overhead costs and increasing efficiency. Using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and the latest receiving software, reception and management functions can be provided remotely at a fraction of the cost of manned guarding. Panic Alarms The use of Panic Alarms in retail and commercial outlets has enabled management to provide staff protection through Remote Monitoring. If staff feel threatened in any way or are confronted by known offenders, they are able to push the Panic Alarm which alerts the Monitoring Station immediately. After visually assessing the situation, and depending on its severity, the workstation operator can then issue an Audio Warning (which have proved valuable pre-emptive tools) or contact the Police directly. Secure Call Handling Monitoring Stations now provide out of hours call handling for their clients who are safe in the knowledge that each call is recorded and logged, thus providing a further management tool. Intruder Alarm Monitoring Using a number of different technologies, intruder and fire alarms are monitored from a remote secure location, providing keyholder and emergency services response in an instant. This provides clients with an integrated security system and complete peace of mind. Managed Service Visual Verification s fully managed service has taken the industry by storm. Here, dedicated workstations and operators provide clients with round the clock protection using CCTV, Intruder alarms and perimeter detection. In addition, Access Control, ANPR and the latest software, enables the Company to provide reception functions, health and safety instructions and vital management information 24 hours per day. The service evolves depending upon the client s specific requirements and continues to provide huge cost savings across many industries. The Ultimate Deterrent
Security Monitoring & Communications Centre Visual Verification operate the largest independent CCTV monitoring station in the United Kingdom. Their purpose built premises in Cheshire meet the highest possible industry standards and maintain the Company s position at the cutting edge of the security industry. Having passed all the necessary training and licensing requirements, the Company was the first monitoring station to achieve Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The company is now listed on the SIA register of approved contractors. The centre is operated to BS5979 Category II. This governs the physical construction of the building, the integrity of the equipment within it and the existence of a universal back-up facility. The requirements also include a complete audit trail, staff vetting (to BS7858) and the need for detailed operational requirements. The Company is also certified to BS8418 the first standard for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems and the quality standard ISO9001:2000. Recognition by the Security Systems & Alarms Inspections Board (SSAIB) provides Visual Verification with complete certifications as required to gain approval by Police Forces across the country. This relationship is increasingly vital. As Police Forces continue to clamp down on persistent false alarms sites are increasingly at risk of having their response withdrawn. Visual Verification can eradicate this threat by dealing with false alarms efficiently and only involving the Police where necessary. The award-winning centre s expert staff are continually trained and assessed to meet the strictest industry standards. Operators have a broad skills base acquired from various backgrounds including the Emergency Services, Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. New recruits not only receive product training but also training in criminal law, Police policy, Customer Service and communication skills. Since 1994 Visual Verification have amassed an enviable blue chip client base and an impressive history of arrests. They remain at the forefront of the market both in terms of technology and performance. Telecommunications Powered by... In order to provide such a high and consistent level of service and to comply with industry procedures and guidelines, Visual Verification require specifically tailored telecommunications. THUS continues to be the choice. They provide Visual Verification with an individual and comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure. Amongst other facets this includes: full two-way audio recording facility; a secondary route for incoming lines/the ability to switch calls across lines immediately; and back-up facilities. In short they provide solutions which make business simpler and better. This, when accompanied by first class support, produces the perfect telecommunications relationship. If you are interested in the service provided by THUS, or if you require any further information, contact Visual Verification and they will be happy to assist you... Complete Communications
Remote Monitoring The Applications Visual Verification have a proven track record across numerous sectors. Many industries have benefited from their expertise in solving a variety of security and communication issues. Case Study 1 Focus on Manufacturing & Distribution One of the rapidly growing applications of remote monitoring is within the manufacturing sector. Ranging from simple out of hours monitoring of goods and vehicles, through to The system is controlled, via a Broadband connection, by a 24 Hour monitoring facility within the Control Station. All alarms, access and CCTV systems are controlled remotely. controlling site access and recording vehicles/drivers, the applications are endless. The technology also allows Visual Verification to provide a complete communications In conjunction with one of their large installation associates, Visual Verification have replaced the entire on-site security needs of a major American-owned manufacturing management service. This includes the control of video recordings, compliance with Data Protection and a Data Management service for a number of the Company's clients. Company situated in the West Midlands. This has involved the replacement of on-site guards, all gatehouses and their inherent duties, and the logging of all visitor access. Camera and Alarm systems have also been installed internally which allows both the Monitoring Station and Company management to monitor the reception area, many offices and production areas at will. The overall effects have been startling. Above and beyond the immediate cost reductions through the removal of static guards, the project has escalated to produce communication & management solutions which were not thought possible before installation. It has dramatically reduced costs and increased effectiveness across the board. Security Solutions
Case Study 2 Focus on Production & Management Johnson Controls of Speke produce automotive parts for Jaguar Cars and were Visual Verifications very first client. Having suffered persistent break-ins Johnson Controls approached Visual Verification to provide all their on-site security. The site is monitored through a system of CCTV cameras and alarms, however the system has been designed and developed to enable off-site management access to the premises through an ISDN connection. For instance, this allows management the ability to view the production line from any remote position in real time. Alongside the obvious crime deterrent of the CCTV Monitoring, the system has become an important management tool and as such, has increased Johnson s productivity and effectiveness. Case Study 3 Focus on Retail After a spate of armed robberies and physical attacks on staff the Co-operative chain of Supermarkets enlisted the help of Visual Verification for 20 of its stores, in Manchester and across Yorkshire. The system is based around a panic alarm which alerts the control centre and provides live footage and use of a two-way audio system. If a member of staff feels threatened or suspects any criminal activity, with one push of a button the control of any situation is passed to remote staff and dealt with immediately. The operator has the option to engage directly with the intruder using the built in audio transmission capabilities, remotely activate additional security protection such as lighting/alarms or alert a third party. Such a huge deterrent has slashed the amount of crime and staff feel more secure now that the direct confrontation with offenders is out of their hands. In the only subsequent armed robbery the perpetrators were arrested and jailed for over 6 years. The system has become the model around which future retail applications are being designed. Case Study 4 The Managed Service The Co-operative Group is the largest consumer co-operative in the world with a turnover of 9.4bn and 87,500 employees. For many years, Visual Verification have provided a fully managed security service for the Co-operative Group s National & Regional Distribution centres. The first roll-out of the service took place at the Coventry, Nottingham & West Thurrock Distribution Centres and the service has evolved to suit the client s exact requirements at each premises. Each site is monitored 24 hours per day by dedicated staff from bespoke workstations. Through the use of Access control and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) the monitoring station controls all traffic and visitors, on and off the premises. Turnstiles, gates and barriers are controlled by the monitoring station to dictate and secure the access to each centre. Using the latest camera systems, perimeter detection and CCTV transmission, unauthorised movement or intrusions are identified. Depending on the severity of the situation, audio warnings will be issued, keyholders will be contacted or the Emergency Services will be summoned. In 2006 Visual Verification became the first monitoring station in the UK to be awarded Approved Contractor Scheme status by the Security Industry Authority Since its inception the system has gone from strength to strength and evolved into the interactive and pre-emptive service that it is today. In addition, Health & Safety warnings are routinely issued along with bespoke reports to keep the Co-operative management constantly informed. This service has significantly reduced criminal activity and increased efficiency on all sites, providing the Co-operative group with protected storage and distribution centres across the UK. The service has now become vital for the day to day running of the Co-operative Group. (SIA). Protecting Your Investment