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Pros and Cons of Different Types of Access Control Systems

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Access Control Systems

Throughout Colorado Springs, you will find various types of access control systems. These systems are constantly monitoring who can access what and when. There are many ways in which an access control system can be implemented and tailored to the needs of a specific organization or business.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of access control systems.

Card Access Systems

One of the most common types of access control utilizes cards coded to the system and assigned to a specific user. The system scans the card to determine if the user is authorized to access the program or area in question.

Pros

Card access systems are very versatile for a wide variety of situations. They are affordable, making them an excellent choice for small businesses and organizations in Colorado Springs that want to implement access control but don’t have the budget for a robust system.

Cons

One downside to card access systems is that they can be less secure than other systems. Even newer types of cards that boast greater security (such as RFID) are susceptible to hacking if not kept in a safe place. Additionally, many businesses find that tracking who does and does not have a card is difficult. There is always a risk that an authorized user will let an unauthorized user borrow their card, negating the system’s benefits.

Automated Identification and Authorization System

An automated identification and authorization system (AIDA) tracks who enters and exits a building or area using ID cards or badges.

Pros

AIDA systems are popular in larger organizations, like hospitals or hotels, where controlling access and monitoring who comes and goes is vital to security. These systems are often a smaller part of a more powerful system.

Cons

The main downside to AIDA systems is cost – they are more expensive than other access control systems. They can be challenging to maintain and update, especially when compliance auditors want to examine the system to verify its functionality.

Proximity Card Access Systems

types of access control for your colorado businessA proximity card access system uses cards emitting radio waves that grant access to the user when near a card reader.

Pros

Like AIDA systems, proximity card systems are popular in larger organizations – like factories or warehouses. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Cons

One major downside to proximity card systems is that they require line-of-sight to work correctly and may be susceptible to interference. This means the card must be near the reader to unlock the system. Proximity cards are usually part of another, more secure system, like biometric authentication (more on those below).

Smart Card Access Systems

Closely related to proximity cards, smart cards grant access through specific information about the person holding the card. This can include name, job title, and access permissions for specific programs. The system scans and authenticates the card, granting access if everything is correct. These systems are popular in healthcare and academic settings.

Pros

Updating the information on smart cards to reflect promotions, changes in job descriptions, or employee departures, is easy.

Cons

Smart card access control systems often come with a higher price tag than other types of access control, making them more suitable for larger organizations. Additionally, these systems require an expansive infrastructure and regular maintenance to ensure cybersecurity.

Biometric Access Systems

Biometric access systems use fingerprints, hand scans, eye mapping, or other biometric features to grant user access.

Pros

These types of access control systems tend to be very secure, as they only grant access to authorized individuals. Biometric access systems are an excellent choice for healthcare or law enforcement industries, where security is a top priority.

Cons

Biometric access systems can be expensive, making them more suitable for large organizations than small Colorado Springs businesses. Additionally, these systems require a lot of upkeep. Getting them back up and running can be difficult if the system breaks down.

Affordable and Convenient Access Control Through Your SmartPhone

At System Links Colorado, we have experience installing and maintaining all of the above types of access control systems. However, one access control system has caught our eye because of its affordability, security, and convenience. This system relies on the one object most of us keep on our person at all times – our smartphones – to provide access control via Bluetooth technology.

While there are many options for access control, our favorite is the VIZPin access control system. Why?

Convenience

Using your smartphone, you can grant access (and revoke access) to anyone at any time, from anywhere. No more cards, FOBs, or PINs. Your phone does everything via Bluetooth, so no internet connection is necessary.

Security

Because your VIZpin SmartKey app is encrypted and uses Bluetooth, no wi-fi is needed. This means VIZpin access control systems are essentially impossible to hack. And, unlike physical cards or fobs, most people don’t let others borrow their phones, so the chances of users sharing their credentials are significantly reduced.

Affordability

One of the best features of VIZpin is the affordability of the system. Because VIZpin smart keys do not require expensive panels, networks and wiring, the installation and maintenance costs can be much lower than other types of access control systems.

VIZpin may be the access control solution your small Colorado business needs!

Conclusion

These are some of the many different types of access control systems available today. With so many options available, how can you select the right one for your business and budget?

System Links provides Colorado Springs business owners with the peace of mind that they are securing what is essential to operations – their data, employees, and assets. When you schedule your free on-site security evaluation, our experienced installation technicians will assess the needs of your specific business. We will never try to up-sale you an access control system or security camera installation you do not need. And once the installation is complete, we will be there for questions, system maintenance, and repair with our CCTV and access control service agreements.

Contact System Links today to schedule your free on-site security evaluation and quote.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Surveillance Camera for Your Home

5 Reasons Why You Need a Surveillance Camera for Your Home

Security cameras are popular for businesses up and down the front range, but did you know there are good reasons you should install a surveillance camera for your home?

When people think of security cameras, they typically picture cameras mounted outdoors or indoors to monitor business or retail spaces. But home security cameras offer many benefits for personal usage as well. For instance, if you’re going out of town, you may want to monitor activities at your house from your smartphone. Do you want to keep an eye on your kids while working in the basement? Or what if you want to ensure nothing creepy is happening in your home when you aren’t there? For all these reasons and more installing a surveillance camera for your home may be the right decision. With the help of our insight, this article will explore some reasons why you might find a surveillance camera useful at home – and how they can come in handy.

Protect the things you care about

If you own expensive items, the last thing you want to do is leave them unprotected. If someone breaks into your home, they could steal your valuables, break or destroy them, or even set your house on fire – destroying your items and putting your safety at risk. A surveillance camera for your home can help you protect your valuables. You can set up a camera in a location where you can easily monitor your expensive goods, such as a hallway adjacent to your living room.

Monitor who approaches your home

If you live near your neighbors or have a lot of foot traffic in your neighborhood, you may want surveillance cameras to help you keep an eye on who approaches your home. Many modern security cameras have motion sensors that automatically record when they detect motion nearby. This way, you don’t have to actively monitor the cameras to see who comes and goes.

Deter possible intruders

Some burglars are just looking for easy targets, so installing a surveillance camera for your home can result in thieves and vandals avoiding your house altogether. For most burglars, the risk of getting caught is not worth the possible gain of breaking into your property.

In addition, surveillance cameras can provide extra security for your Colorado Springs Neighborhood Watch Program. Burglars that know a neighborhood has not only residents keeping an eye out for each other but can also provide security video as legal evidence of suspicious activities are less likely to target homes in that area.

Have peace of mind while you’re away

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is largely at bay in Colorado, many people are returning to travel. Whether you are gone for work or pleasure, monitoring your home from afar via smartphone or computer can ease worries about break-ins, water pipes bursting, or even package delivery while you are away.

For additional information about protecting your home while you and your family are away on vacation, read our article, Four Powerful Ways to Improve Security While on Vacation.

Make sure your kids arrive home safely

surveillance camera for your home when kids are home alone As far back as 1944, the term “latch-key kids” was coined to describe the increasing number of children who return from school to an empty home because their parents or guardians are still at work.

If your home circumstances dictate that your children are at home at times by themselves, installing a surveillance camera for your home provides added security for them and peace of mind for you. Seeing your children open the front door right on schedule is priceless when you aren’t there to welcome them in person. And, if they are not home on time, you can quickly take steps to contact them.

Many surveillance systems come with two-way audio, meaning you can communicate with your kids or pets when you are not home, and many systems are equipped with night vision, so you can keep track of your kids or pets even if they are in a dark room.

Wrapping up

If any of the above situations apply to you, it may be a good idea to invest in a surveillance camera for your home. But with the many options out there, how do you know the best option for your situation and budget? And where is the best location to install a surveillance camera for your home?

The answer to these questions and many more can be easily found by contacting an experienced Colorado Springs home security camera installer. At System Links Colorado, we will perform a home security assessment and provide you with a custom quote based on our recommendations. The assessment and the quote are both free of charge.

Contact us today to see why we are Colorado Springs’ most trusted source for surveillance camera installation for home use.

Why Access Control For Daycare Centers Is A Worthwhile Investment

Why Access Control For Daycare Centers Is A Worthwhile Investment

Access control for daycare centers is one feature Southern Colorado parents demand when selecting a childcare facility. And really, who can blame them? They are entrusting the care and safety of their precious child to someone else. Parents want to know that their child’s well-being is in the hands of responsible individuals who will care for them as well as they would themselves. But does that mean that access control for daycare centers only benefits the parents, or is this a worthwhile investment for daycare operators as well? This blog will give solid reasons to consider installing or upgrading the access control system for your Colorado Springs childcare facility.

Why Consider Access Control for Daycare Centers?

There are four reasons why installing or upgrading access control in your daycare is a good idea.

Access Control Gives Parents Peace of Mind

As mentioned, the number one reason more parents seek childcare facilities with access control systems is to give them peace of mind. The knowledge that only authorized personnel and visitors are allowed in the center assures parents that their child or children are in a safe and secure environment. They know that only those with permission to pick up their child will be allowed into the building – a true blessing when a couple goes through a contentious divorce or other concerns for the child’s safety are present.

When access control for daycare centers is present, along with a professionally installed security camera system, moms and dads can get the extra reassurance throughout the day that their child is happy and receiving appropriate attention and care.

Access Control Increases Staff Safety

Especially for daycare centers, having happy staff members can make or break the business. These hard-working and dedicated employees are on-site first thing in the morning to accommodate early risers and late into the day until the last child is (finally) picked up. Since this often means opening and closing while it is dark outside, think of the security you are providing when they know they are the first ones in the door, and no one can enter until they are ready to receive them.

Related Reading: How To Pick the Right Key Card Entry System for Your Business

Access Control Benefits the Daycare Center Operator

system Links-access control for daycare centers late parentsEvery daycare center has that one parent (hopefully just one) who is consistently late to pick up their child at the end of the day. Worse yet, this parent often doesn’t realize how late they are regularly and does not believe they should pay for the additional time. However, access control for daycare centers can provide detailed drop-off and pick-up times is as easy as clicking a button. Imagine the benefits of not arguing with parents and guardians over billing issues! Parents will know not only what time they are picking up their child, but if the responsibility is shared between two guardians, they can track who is timely and who is late.

In addition, daycare operators can remove the complications of unbilled time and manage employees better. Knowing that one staff member who is supposed to open each day is consistently 15 minutes late to work can help you decide if another staff member might be a better fit for an opening shift.

Access Control Can Assist Compliance with Colorado Regulations for Daycare Centers

As any daycare operator knows, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood has many rules and regulations that centers must follow to maintain their license. These standards are non-negotiable and include precise record-keeping such as monitoring staff movement, logs for sign-in and sign-out for each child each day, and which individuals have the authorization to pick up the child at the end of each day. Access control systems for daycare centers can make compliance with these and many other regulations easy.

Choosing the Right Access Control for Daycare Centers

As discussed, there are many reasons why access control for daycare centers is a worthwhile investment. The many benefits to daycare operators are second only to the peace of mind given to parents and staff.

Many options are available to daycare centers concerned with access control. From keypads to card and fob readers to Bluetooth access through smartphones, the only challenge you face is deciding which system is suitable for your facility and budget. And fortunately, there is a straightforward answer to that as well. The easiest way to evaluate the options available is to contact a professional access control installer. When you schedule your free, on-site security evaluation with System Links, you get access to decades of experience from a local access control expert.

Parents trust you to take care of their most valuable asset. You can trust System Links to provide friendly, timely, and professional service to keep your daycare center secure.

The Newbie’s Guide to Security Camera Installation

The Newbie’s Guide to Security Camera Installation

If you are venturing into the world of CCTV for the first time, you likely have many questions – and our guide to security cameras can answer those questions! In this article, we’ll take you through some of the most frequently asked questions about security camera installation so you can make an informed decision.

Why Do I Need Security Cameras?

The website Neighborhood Scout reports that one out of every 29 Colorado Springs residents will fall victim to property crimes. As these statistics continue to increase, Southern Colorado residents and business owners are seeking video surveillance solutions as the first line of defense against outside threats such as theft and other personal crimes.

Which Security Camera System is Right for Me?

This is an excellent question with many potential answers. With so many different camera types on the market, each with their own features, pros, and cons, you may be unsure which type is best for your home or business.

The first step to deciding which system is right for you or your business is determining your needs. For instance: Are you concerned about intruders to your home or business? Then security camera placement by entrances is likely your top priority. Do you need to monitor activity in your storefront to prevent theft? Then placing security cameras that record events on your showroom floor will be most helpful.

Guide to Security Camera Types

Security camera systems come in three variations:

Analog Cameras – These cameras use a coaxial cable to connect to a digital video recorder (DVR). The cable transmits power and data, making it efficient for long distances and outdoor use. In terms of quality, analog cameras are generally lower in resolution than other security camera types.

IP Cameras – Sometimes called “smart cameras,” internet protocol (or IP for short) cameras use a network connection to stream footage to your computer or smartphone. These cameras are great options for homeowners and business owners who want to monitor their property wherever they may be.

IP cameras connect to a local network (or a router, which allows multiple cameras on one network). These cameras also can be linked to a cloud-based recording system or a traditional DVR. While IP cameras are more expensive than analog ones, they do not have the same distance limitations as analog cameras, making them a popular choice.

Video Cameras – Unlike the security cameras already mentioned, video cameras do not record footage. Instead, they send a live feed to your computer or smartphone. With video cameras, you’ll see what’s happening in real-time rather than reviewing footage after the fact.

How Many Cameras Should I Install?

While there is no definitive guide to security camera numbers, you should consider the layout of your home or building, the viewing range of the cameras you choose, and the level of security you want to achieve.

A novice in the field of security camera systems does not have to guess about the number (and placement) of cameras. A Colorado Springs security camera installer can determine needs during a free, on-site home or business security assessment.

Where Should I Place Security Cameras?

Again, your guide to security camera placement will depend on your specific needs. However, general guidelines to follow are to focus on places most likely to appeal to criminals.

For instance, homeowners typically choose to install security cameras to monitor traffic outside the home, at doors and windows, and in rooms that contain valuables.

guide to security camera installation for business

More Details: Best Places to Install Home Security Cameras

In contrast, we recommend businesses have at least one camera in every public area, including entrances, loading docks, and parking lots.

Of course, any guide to security cameras for businesses would be incomplete without reference to access control. By integrating security camera features with the installation of access control systems, Southern Colorado businesses can more conveniently protect employees, visitors, and their valuable assets.

What’s the Difference Between WiFi and Wired Security Cameras?

The main difference between WiFi and wired security cameras is the method of data transmission. WiFi cameras transmit data over WiFi networks, while wired cameras plug directly into your router or modem.

For a complete analysis of the pros and cons of each, check out our article Wired vs. Wireless Security Camera Systems.

System Links: Colorado Springs Ultimate Guide to Security Camera Installation

If you are new to the world of CCTV and access control, having an experienced guide can make all the difference. A guide can help you stay within your budget while ensuring everything is installed and working correctly. A guide will know best where to install each camera, how many are needed, and how high to place them. They will also understand how to integrate your cameras with your WiFi network, DVR, and other equipment.

System Links is the ultimate guide for security systems in Colorado Springs. Our knowledge, expertise, and unparalleled customer service combine to give you the best security system sales and installation experience.

Contact us today to schedule your free, on-site security assessment. We look forward to securing your world.

5 Advantages of Access Control for Fitness Centers

5 Advantages of Access Control for Fitness Centers

If you are a gym owner looking for ways to help your gym stand out from the competition, consider upgrading your client experience with access control for fitness centers. Installing access control technology specifically designed for fitness centers that integrate seamlessly with membership programs can help your gym stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in a highly competitive industry.

Benefits of Access Control for Fitness Centers

Enhance Client Experience

Fitness centers help newbies and veterans alike get and stay in shape. And access control designed for fitness center can make their client experience as easy and seamless as possible. When clients swipe their card or use an app on their phone, the system recognizes their credentials and allows them to enter. They do not have to stop by the front desk to sign in and out unless they want to say hello or check on services. And with new advancements in access control for fitness centers, clients can keep their credentials on their smartphones. This means that clients who forget their keycard at home can still come in for their workout. Easy access to the facility makes the experience more seamless.

In addition to providing a better client experience, access control can also collect data related to client attendance, which can help fitness facility owners better understand how clients use the facility. This data can help owners improve client service and make client satisfaction a top priority.

Provide A Better Trainer and Employee Experience

Fitness center owners can also use access control systems to provide a better experience for their trainers. When it comes to scheduling, installing an access control system can allow owners to track clients utilizing this valuable perk, which will help manage employee schedules. If your trainers have access to their client profiles, they can arrange to be there when their clients need them.

Safer Environment for Clients and Employees

One of the largest benefits of installing access control for fitness centers is the increase in safety and protection for clients and employees. When clients swipe their keycard at the door, the system recognizes their ID and verifies their identity. This, in effect, keeps a log of who is in the facility at any given time.

Imagine how this knowledge will reassure clients and employees that their safety is your top concern. Especially in fitness facilities that boast 24/7 access, clients will feel more comfortable accessing the gym facilities at a time convenient to them, without fear of unauthorized or suspicious characters hanging around inside the building.

Related: The Benefits of Modern Access Control Systems

Increases in Fitness Center Usage

Another benefit of investing in access control for fitness centers is increased facility usage. When clients can quickly swipe their cards and enter the building, they will likely be more likely to come to the facility.

system links access control for fitness centers keeps clients coming backNew clients can be self-conscious about coming to the gym for the first time. The seeming anonymity of simply scanning their card or using their phone to enter can remove some of this self-consciousness and increase their desire to come regularly. And regular gym users increase facility usage and boost overall profits.

Not only does this boost profits, but access control for fitness centers allows owners to monitor when the gym is not busy. For instance, knowing that the facility is empty every night starting at 9:00 pm or that on Sundays, the first clients do not come in until 7:00 am will help fitness center owners gauge what hours they should staff the facility.

Insight for More Effective Marketing Campaigns

Access control systems can be an extremely effective marketing tool for fitness centers. How? First, gym owners can track their clients’ engagement, learn their client’s needs and wants, and tailor special offers or coupons to keep them engaged.

And as an added benefit to gym owners, turning access on and off is as straightforward as clicking a toggle on a former client or employee’s profile. If clients are delinquent in payments, denying facility access until their account is up-to-date is easy. Likewise, turning facility access off for trainers or employees no longer employed by the gym can be accomplished with the click of a mouse.

Installing Access Control for Fitness Centers is Easy with System Links

There are many benefits associated with installing access control for fitness centers. Not only do they help to make clients’ and employees’ experiences more seamless, but they can also help owners to understand their client’s needs better, manage employee schedules, and, most importantly, boost profits.

At System Links, we know that security cameras and access control can be as overwhelming as they are necessary for Colorado businesses. That is why we tailor our CCTV and access control installation services to your needs, budget, and industry.

Contact us today to schedule your free on-site consultation and quote.

Beginner Mistakes When Installing CCTV

Beginner Mistakes When Installing CCTV

Here at SystemLinks in Colorado Springs, we often get calls from individuals who need help fixing mistakes when installing CCTV at their Southern Colorado home or business. And we are happy to help. When installing a surveillance system for the first time, the fact is that you don’t know what you don’t know.

Until now, that is. We have compiled a list of the most common beginner mistakes when installing CCTV.

Expecting a One-Size-Fits-All Security Camera Solution

One of the most common mistakes when installing CCTV occurs way before installation and even before you buy the equipment. The most common mistake is expecting all security cameras to perform all jobs. Security cameras are not all equal, and some are better suited for specific tasks than others.

For example, if you want a security camera to accurately capture images and video of vehicle license plates as they enter your parking lot, your needs will be different from someone who wants facial recognition. Every security camera you install will not perform every job. These cameras function best when you fully understand their features and then fine-tune the settings to capture the video you want.

Before you begin investing in cameras, ask yourself what your final goal will be. If your goal is to read license plates, investing in a security camera designed exclusively to detect and record them will serve you best. Taking the time to think about what you want from your security footage before you install your CCTV system will prevent many problems, headaches, and wasted money down the road.

While thinking about what security cameras can and cannot do, realize that even with digital zoom, you cannot increase the resolution beyond what already exists in the picture. No digital imaging software can produce new pixels, despite what Hollywood says.

Related: Using Security Video as Legal Evidence: What You Need to Know

Not Taking Advantage of Your Security Cameras Full Capabilities

Field of View

Another beginner’s mistake when installing CCTV is not maximizing the field of view of your security cameras. Positioning your security cameras right is the key to getting the most out of your system. A camera pointed mainly at the sky or ceiling will not record events on the ground.

Pro Tip: If you can view your security camera stream from a mobile application, you may want to take advantage of that feature while installing the camera. This will keep you from walking back and forth from your computer to your installation site.

Always remember that minor angle adjustments can make a big difference here.

Placement of Cameras with Infrared Lights

syslinks mistakes when installing cctv - infrared camera

While we are talking about camera position, we also want to include a tip about how infrared (IR) security cameras work. A beginner’s mistake when installing CCTV systems is thinking that your IR-enabled security camera can actually “see” in the dark and records footage accordingly. This is not true. All cameras require light to take pictures, and IR-enabled cameras are no exception. They do not see in the dark but rather have IR lights surrounding the camera that detect heat signatures and thus “light up” a dark room.

Therefore, the position of the security again makes a difference with what is captured on video. If you find that your IR-enabled camera is recording video of a wall while leaving the rest of the room in the dark, you will need to change the location of the security camera. Likewise, IR-enabled cameras outside may suffer from “bounce-back fog,” which occurs when the IR lights are pointed toward a street light or other light source in the dark.

Underestimating The Amount Of Recording Space You Need

Whether wireless or wired, CCTV systems rely on a digital video recorder (DVR) to store the video. One common mistake when installing CCTV is underestimating the storage space you will need on the DVR. Especially when recording data from high-resolution cameras, files can be quite large. We recommend installing a DVR with ample room to store your data to avoid missing vital recorded footage.

Weatherproofing Only the Equipment

A total beginner mistake when installing CCTV is only ensuring your camera is weatherproof, forgetting that the connections and cables also need protection from Colorado weather. If you want your cables and connections to last as long as the security cameras and DVR, you must ensure that you weatherproof these. Rain, snow, and even the debris from the windstorms of recent years can damage, corrode, and otherwise ruin your connections and cables, rendering your security camera system useless.

How Can You Avoid The Biggest Mistake When Installing CCTV?

All of the above beginner mistakes can be avoided in one, easy-to-perform step — call System Links for your free on-site consultation and quote. Our expert security camera installers know that every installation is different and requires a personal, hands-on approach to give you precisely the CCTV footage you need.

Simply said, we have the experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time and have a wide range of CCTV service agreements and maintenance plans available to keep your system running right for years to come.

What are you waiting for? Speak with one of our expert CCTV installers today.

5 Reasons You Need Access Control For Visitor Management In Multifamily Properties

5 Reasons You Need Access Control For Visitor Management In Multifamily Properties

Are you responsible for visitor management in multifamily properties? Between scheduling move-ins and move-outs, maintenance and repairs, and keeping your current tenants happy, chances are you already have a full plate. But what if we were to tell you that you can install an access control system that is easy to use (for both you and your residents), secure, and does away with the time and expense of fobs and keycards?

At SystemLinks Colorado, we install access control systems for visitor management in multifamily properties across Southern Colorado. Below are the top five reasons you need to install or upgrade your system today:

Unauthorized Rentals

The world of rental properties is evolving every day, and with that evolution, property managers’ concerns are also increasing. Apartment managers are already responsible for keeping additional roommates not listed on the lease agreement from moving in lock-stock-and-barrel. But as the cost of living rises, more and more people are choosing to supplement their income by subletting their living space as AirBnB or VRBO short-term rentals.

Including a clause in your lease agreement preventing sub-leasing is a good starting point, and both AirBnB and VRBO have owner requirements for rentals through their sites. But a determined resident may look for ways around this legality or ignore it entirely.

However, with an access control system that utilizes smartphone technology, this problem is effectively eliminated. The registered resident cannot physically pass keys, fobs or key cards to their “guest.”

Did You Know? The unethical sharing of keys, fobs and keycards has prompted security innovators at VizPin to create their Residential Fraud Alert System. This revolutionary system alerts property managers if residents are exchanging smart credentials back and forth, making visitor management in multifamily properties easier than ever. Contact System Links today to learn more about this and other access control system installations.

No More Fobs and Cards

Most apartment managers who contact us for access control solutions have one thing in common. They are so done dealing with fobs and keycards. Why? For two simple reasons. The first is discussed above, and the second has to do with the very nature of the property management industry.

Few managers of multifamily properties are blessed with long-term tenants who never lose their keys. Instead of spending time issuing new cards for new tenants, replacing lost cards, or chasing down keycards and fobs as tenants leave, savvy property managers are turning to smartphone-based access control to save time, energy, and money.

Amenity Access Control

visitor management for multifamily properties keeps tenants happyOne of the biggest challenges for visitor management in multifamily properties is controlling access to property amenities, such as the pool, exercise room, laundry room, and clubhouse. Tenants who pay for these amenities rightfully expect access to these areas to be limited to those who live in the community.

When credentials can be easily shared, like cards, fobs or keypad codes, the risk of unauthorized individuals using facilities they have no right to access increases. But, when traditional access control is upgraded to more innovative tech, sharing of information is less likely to occur – most people are unwilling to part with their cell phones at work so a friend can use their pool.

Your Maintenance Team Will Thank You

Remember the old saying, “if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” Managers of multifamily properties know that keeping their maintenance crews happy will keep their tenants happy. A maintenance crew may not be the primary decision-makers, but they influence everything about your property’s online presence.

Keep these professionals happy by eliminating locks outs, changing locks after tenants leave, and managing vendors coming in for repairs or updates. Rather than being interrupted by the tenant in apartment 3B getting locked out of the laundry again, they can stay focused on other essential tasks.

Visitor Management in Multifamily Properties Can Be Easy

Are you frustrated by visitor management in multifamily properties but are hesitant to consider installing or upgrading your access control system because you believe it will be too much of a headache? Then you will love our final reason to take the plunge: System Links makes the process easy!

First, call us to schedule your free on-site consultation and security assessment. Multifamily properties are as unique as the families who live there, and our knowledgeable team will meet with you to discuss your specific property’s needs.

Second, we send you a reliable, free quote that includes all labor and equipment to secure your property.

Third, schedule your installation. Our experienced team of security camera installers and access control professionals will take care of the rest. If you need anything after the installation, we will be here.

That is it. The solution you need for visitor management in multifamily properties – in three easy steps from System Links.

Using Security Video as Legal Evidence: What You Need to Know

Using Security Video as Legal Evidence: What You Need to Know

One of the many benefits of security camera installation is the ability to use security video as legal evidence in El Paso County courts. How can this tool help your Southern Colorado business in the unfortunate event of a crime or accident occurring on your premises?

Security cameras are an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes, helping them monitor their properties and keep tabs on employees and guests. Security cameras have become commonplace in almost every industry. From pharmacies to hotels and schools, businesses big and small have found ways to integrate security cameras into their everyday operations.

In addition to keeping establishments safer by letting owners keep an eye on their properties from afar, security cameras function as legal evidence when they capture legally significant events, known as “recordings” or “videotapes,” depending on the type of camera used. The recordings can be used in court to prove something happened or didn’t happen at a specific time and place.

What is Security Video Evidence?

The recorded images and sound recordings from security cameras and other surveillance equipment constitute security video as legal evidence.

Security cameras are a vital part of every business’s security plan, along with access control systems. Security video is vital to preventing employee theft, protecting against false accusations, and showing what happened during an incident. Video footage is more reliable than witnesses and can capture information individuals may overlook.

Security video is also a great way to identify criminals and gather evidence against them. The cameras can record 24/7, making it easier to identify people and what they are doing.

syslinks-using security video as legal evidence to prosecute criminals

Why is Security Video Important as Legal Evidence?

The importance of security video as legal evidence cannot be understated. Security video can be used to prove that an event happened or didn’t happen and can often be used instead of, in addition to, or to contradict eyewitness testimony. For instance, security camera footage can be used to prove that a person was at a specific location at a specific date and time or that someone was driving a car.

Many modern security cameras boast incredible video quality, and law enforcement and prosecutors can zoom in and focus on specific objects, even acting as a scale to measure distances. In some cases, security video can even retroactively track suspects’ movements. When an accident or crime occurs, investigators may be able to see the responsible party on security video and track the person to their home or other important location.

Why Security Cameras Used for Monitoring Only Are Not Admissible

Security cameras that do not record security video are observation tools only. These cameras help spot suspicious behavior and alert law enforcement when the behavior occurs and are especially useful for monitoring entrances, exits, parking lots, or other areas where security is critical. However, because these cameras do not record events, your business cannot use the security video as legal evidence.

Related Reading: Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Business Security Camera System 

Security Cameras with Recording Capability

As opposed to observation-only cameras, security cameras with recording capabilities are both observation tools to spot suspicious behavior before an event escalates and serve as legal evidence after an event occurs.

Professional Installation Ensures Authenticity of Security Video as Legal Evidence

In the state of Colorado, security video can serve as legal evidence as long as the footage complies with evidentiary requirements set by Colorado law. Put simply, there must be sufficient proof that the visual evidence on the video is actually from the date, time and location in question.

The best way to ensure that your security cameras are pointing in the right direction, with the correct date and time, is to hire a professional security camera installer. These professionals will ensure that the security cameras are properly installed and that the digital video recorder is working correctly and has the storage capacity necessary for your security needs. In addition, the best installers also make themselves available for maintenance, repairs and questions after installation.

System Links of Colorado is just such a security camera installation company. If you are concerned with using security video as legal evidence, trust the locally and family-owned company with 20 years of experience in CCTV and access control solutions.

Speak with System Links today to schedule your free, on-site consultation.

Should You Use Electronic Door Locks For Access Control?

Should You Use Electronic Door Locks For Access Control?

Today, more Southern Colorado businesses than ever are using electronic door locks for access control. If you are researching how to best control access to your location, you have likely already come across various options available, including smart-technology-based access control utilizing electronic door locks.

But what is an electronic door lock, and how do they work alongside Bluetooth access control to give your employees and assets more protection? Please keep reading to find out the answer to these two questions and our list of why electronic door locks for access control might be the right choice for your business.

What Is An Electronic Door Lock?

Simply put, an electronic door lock operates by employing an electrical current. There are two types of electronic door locks for access control available, and the chances are that you have come across one or both recently without knowing it.

Magnetic Door Locks

Magnetic door locks, or mag locks, are popular solutions for office buildings with glass doors. An electromagnet is installed on the top of the doorframe, with a metal plate attached to the door. When the mag lock is active, the connection between the magnet and the metal plate is strong enough to withstand significant pressure without opening.

To disengage the lock, power to the electromagnet must be interrupted, which is the job of an electronic access control solution. Because electromagnets are so powerful, mag locks doors typically lock on both sides.

Electric Door Strikes

Chances are you have come across a door with electronic door strikes without knowing. These doors have a handle with a lockset and, from outward appearance, do not look different from traditional lock and key handles. However, locks with electric door strikes require an electrical impulse in addition to a lockset to release the door and provide access.

How does this work? Electronic door strikes have actuators that connect a bolt or cylinder to a small motor inside the door’s frame. The motor must receive an electrical impulse from the electronic access control system to start the actuator and release the magnet’s pull.

The tell-tale sign of access control that utilizes electric door strikes is the “click” you hear as the bolt or cylinder slides back, releasing the door and allowing access.

Whereas a door with a mag lock is locked from both sides when engaged, doors with electric door strikes are generally locked only from the outside.

Sys Links - electronic door locks for access control using bluetooth

Electronic Door Locks and Bluetooth Access Control

Bluetooth technology has been around since the late 1990s and gained popularity in the 2000s. Today, many types of modern technology utilize Bluetooth in one way or another. Incorporating Bluetooth technology into access control is a logical step for those in the security industry. Many of the benefits of modern access control systems stem from the use of Bluetooth. Eliminating the need for physical keys, keypads and key cards, not to mention the additional security features from using user biometrics, are all made possible using Bluetooth technology.

But the reasons that most Colorado companies like to supplement their electronic door locks with Bluetooth access control solutions have nothing to do with the exciting tech and everything to do with the practical benefits it brings to their business.

Why Add Bluetooth to Your Electronic Door Locks For Access Control?

Here are the top three reasons we recommend local businesses consider electronic door locks for access control with VizPin:

No Network Requirements Means A More Cost-Effective Solution

VizPin’s access control is cloud-based. No physical network connection is required, so installation costs are much lower than traditional electronic access control systems.

Easy Installation

Installation of access control systems in the past has been a multi-day headache for both the installation technician and the business needing security protection. However, Bluetooth has cut this time considerably, not only because no network is required but also because installation is straightforward. All installation requires are electronic door locks, a power supply, your smartphone, and an experienced installer.

If you do not have electronic door locks already installed, VizPin has you covered with their VizPin Smart Lock. Contact us today for more information on this all-in-one, battery-operated access control solution!

Ease of Use

Imagine an access control system that doesn’t require you to fumble in your pockets or purse for keys before you can enter your building. Imagine not having to remember to collect keys and keycards from a departing employee. Imagine the administrative time you can save by granting (or revoking) access from anywhere at any time using your smartphone. These benefits, and more, are all possible when you include Bluetooth to your electronic door locks for access control.

Which Access Control Solution Is Right For Your Colorado Business?

As mentioned above, a myriad of options are available to Colorado business owners who want to protect their physical assets and employees with an access control system. How do you know if electric door locks for access control using Bluetooth are right for your business or if a more traditional solution is appropriate? Let System Links be your guide. We have the experience and know-how to provide you with the best access control and security camera installations at the best price.

The first step in getting your business protected is contacting us for your free on-site consultation and quote.

Top 5 Advantages of Video Surveillance for Caregivers

Top 5 Advantages of Video Surveillance for Caregivers

This article explores the advantages of video surveillance for caregivers and how home security cameras can help both your loved one and you as their care provider.

If you are caring for a loved one in Southern Colorado, you are balancing many responsibilities and are likely open to suggestions that will make your life easier. Video surveillance for caregivers can do just that.

All caregivers have many amazing attributes in common: compassion, empathy, and great love for the family or friends in their care. But that does not mean that caregiving does not come with challenges. One of the challenges that many face is trying to ensure the health and safety of their loved ones when they are not able to care for them personally.

‍Decrease Anxiety with Video Surveillance for Caregivers

First and foremost, using home security cameras can decrease anxiety for caregivers. The feeling of anxiousness is often what drives families to install surveillance systems in the first place.

With a video surveillance system in place, you can watch over your loved ones more closely and make sure that they are safe and sound. Having this extra level of reassurance will ease your anxiety and make you feel more confident in your role as a caregiver.

Video monitoring can be especially beneficial for caregivers of people with special needs, who have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, or seniors who may be prone to wandering or getting lost.

Security camera installation can provide extra peace of mind by letting the caregiver keep an eye on their loved one, whether they are inside the home or in the yard.

Video Surveillance Can Help Build a Caregiving History

Video surveillance systems can also help build a caregiving history for your loved one. Having a video history of your loved one’s daily activities can help you show a physician just how much assistance your loved one needs daily. This can help you get a more accurate diagnosis and assist you in qualifying for any available caregiving services.

A video history can also help if your loved one needs to move into a nursing home or hospice care facility. Having a history of your loved one’s everyday activities can help give their new care providers a better idea of what they can do daily.

Caregiving records and history in the form of video can allow your loved one to spend less time in the transition period of adjusting to a new level of care and more time actually receiving care.

Determine Changing Needs in Care

System Links - video surveillance for caregivers can help determine changing needs in care

As your loved ones age, their care needs will change. You can use video to help determine the best ways to address these changes.

Even if you’ve been caring for your loved one for years, a video surveillance system can provide a video history of your loved one’s daily routines. That history can help fill in gaps where your memory might be fuzzy on specific details.

For example, if your loved one struggles with eating every day and requires help from a caregiver, you can use a video recording to determine what’s causing the problem. You can then use that information to help you change your loved one’s eating process. Perhaps they have trouble holding a spoon steady or can’t see their food well enough to know if there is any left on their plate.

A video surveillance system pinpoints these and similar issues so you can make the necessary changes to give your loved one better care.

Detect Abuse and Help Caregivers Know When To Step In

Another great benefit of video surveillance for caregivers is detecting signs of abuse. While the great majority of in-home health care providers choose their profession because of their love and compassion for their fellow man, unfortunately, there are times when this is not the case. With a video surveillance system, you can keep tabs on your in-home healthcare provider and make sure they treat your loved ones with the respect they deserve.

If you notice that an in-home health care provider is treating your loved one harshly or making them do things out of their skill set, you may need to take action. Video footage can show other family members or friends what’s happening and let them know when they need to step in and help you with your loved one’s care, and even provide the video history to report your caregiver to the proper authorities.

Video surveillance can also help keep your elderly loved ones safe from theft and vandalism. This can help you avoid false alarms and make your home safer for everyone. In addition, this will give vulnerable individuals confidence that they are safe if they need to stay home alone.

Caregivers Can Monitor From Anywhere

Finally, one of the best benefits of video surveillance for caregivers is the ability to monitor your loved one from anywhere. Many video surveillance systems have features enabling you to monitor your home anywhere you have an internet connection. This means that you can keep an eye on your loved one while at the office, running errands, or away on vacation. Imagine no more worries about leaving your loved one alone for long periods if you can log in and check in on them remotely.

Many video surveillance systems can provide you with a live feed to watch whatever is happening in your loved one’s home in real-time. This can help you catch minor problems before they become huge issues that require you to leave work or cancel your plans to deal with them right away.

Are You Ready to Simplify Your Role as a Caregiver?

If you are a Colorado Springs caregiver looking for ways to balance your many responsibilities, video surveillance can be a great asset for both you and your loved ones. Professionally installed and maintained home security cameras can ease your anxiety for your loved one’s safety when you cannot look after them personally, help establish a history of care, and determine changing needs in care as they arise.

The first step to gain all the benefits of video surveillance for caregivers is to contact us to schedule a free, on-site video security consultation. We are a local, family-owned business that takes your family’s needs as seriously as our own. We look forward to helping you fulfill your important role as a caregiver!

3 Summer Home Security Tips You May Be Overlooking

3 Summer Home Security Tips You May Be Overlooking

Summer is almost here in Southern Colorado, and with that comes open windows and garage doors, vacations, and for us at System Links, a chance to share some home security tips to keep your property protected during this busy – and higher security risk – season.

Protecting your property and your loved ones is a top priority for all of us, no matter the time of year. However, did you know that as the seasons shift, so do the tactics that thieves and vandals use to break in or damage property?

In winter, our focus may be on preventing theft during the holidays, whether by protecting deliveries left on our doorsteps or keeping our inflatable Santa from being stolen from our yards.

But in summer, we may be guilty of letting our guard down a bit while we enjoy more time out of doors. Here are three home security tips you might be overlooking this summer.

Shut and Lock Windows and Doors

Yes, keeping your doors and windows shut and locked is one of the most obvious home security tips out there. However, opening your windows and doors to the fresh Colorado air can be very appealing. Even in the heat of summer, afternoons often bring a breeze that freshens the air and cools down your home.

A word of caution is needed, though. Leaving your home with windows open, especially street-level ones, can be an open invitation to thieves. When going out for errands or work, shut and lock your windows and doors.

If your home has storm doors or sliding glass doors, lock the screen or the door itself, even when you are at home. Unfortunately, home invasions are not unheard of, even in the safest of Southern Colorado neighborhoods. Take steps to protect your home and family by keeping doors and windows locked.

You Might Like: Four Powerful Ways To Improve Home Security While On Vacation

Yard Clean-Up and Maintenance

Keeping your grass trimmed and your yard clean does more than add to your home’s curb appeal. Homes with disheveled lawns and bushes may indicate to thieves and vandals that you are not home. If you will be away from home for an extended period, clean your yard up and do some maintenance before you leave.

Keep your fence in good condition to limit access to your home. Whether a chain link fence or wooden plank fence, Colorado weather can deliver a beating to even the highest quality fences. Perform regular fence inspection and maintenance to ensure there are no weak spots and take corrective actions if there are areas that need attention.

In addition, putting yard and garden tools away after use does more than prevent rust and is one of our home security tips that we bet you haven’t considered. Tools left outside can be stolen or, worse yet, used to shatter windows and provide access to thieves and vandals. Ensuring your tool shed or garage is shut and locked keeps your precious tools from being used against you.

Clean, Adjust and Maintain Outdoor Lighting and Security Cameras

sys links - home security tips - maintain security camerasWhile you are outside cleaning up your yard, be sure to pay some attention to the lighting and security cameras around your home’s exterior. The brightest lights cannot shine without light bulbs, and the highest resolution cameras cannot give video footage if their lenses are covered in dirt and cobwebs or are not pointing in the right direction.

Step 1: Clean

Cleaning your outdoor lights and security cameras is not hard and takes nothing more than a soft cotton cloth and some water. Remove away any cobwebs or critter nests that may be interfering with the line of vision of both lighting and cameras. Gently wipe camera lenses and foggy glass panels on lighting using a moist cotton cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or paper products, especially on security cameras, as fogging and scratches on the camera lens may result.

Step 2: Adjust

Next, look at the video footage coming from your security camera at different times during the day. Is the lighting sufficient overnight to deter a thief? Is the security camera still pointing in the right direction, or have Colorado’s high winds shifted the view ever so slightly? By making minor tweaks to the angle of your security cameras or lighting, you will enhance the benefits of each.

Step 3: Maintain

Like any other modern electronic, security camera systems require occasional tune-ups to continue operating at their very best. To keep your security cameras doing their job, do visual inspections of any exposed wires, mounts, and the outside of the camera itself. Make a note of any areas of concern and contact a trusted Colorado Springs CCTV service and maintenance company to make repairs and replace outdated components. h/protect-your-home-security-camera-from-hackers

Another maintenance task to protect your home security camera from hackers is to ensure you have the latest firmware downloaded and installed and regularly change your passwords.

Home Security Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

Hopefully, along with planning your summer cookouts, the above home security tips have given you food for thought too. Thoughts of security, that is. Have a wonderful and safe Colorado Springs summer!

Speak with a CCTV installation and service technician today to schedule a no-obligation, on-site security evaluation and free quote.

Benefits of Security Camera Systems for Churches

Benefits of Security Camera Systems for Churches

Once upon a time, the thought of security camera systems for churches was laughable. The innate respect for a Higher Authority made places of worship immune to the security issues that plagued the rest of society. However, as Bob Dylan once sang, “The times they are a-Changin,” and more and more ministries are investing in security camera systems for churches, classrooms and offices.

There are many benefits to securing church facilities with security camera systems, here are just a few.

Protecting Donated Funds

Whether your church relies on voluntary contributions or sets tithing for members, the need to keep these funds secure is a primary reason why so many church administrators invest in security cameras. Even with locks on the boxes, donated funds are at risk of theft. After emptying the collection boxes, the funds remain at risk until they are safely deposited into the bank.

When parishioners and visitors alike know that their actions are being recorded, the risk of theft goes down. And if anyone is bold enough to steal from the collection plate, the video evidence will be enough to elicit a visit to the confessional or the police station.

Protection Against Vandalism

Another reason so many Colorado Springs ministries are researching security camera systems for their churches is to deter vandalism. High-resolution security cameras located in parking lots and around the perimeter of the church and offices capture video evidence that can be used to prosecute vandals. Often, visible security cameras and signs alerting potential vandals that they are on camera are enough to deter their actions.

You Might Like: Parking Lot Safety Tips For Employers

Security Camera Systems for Parishioner Safety

As already mentioned, times are changing, and present-day churches need to take steps to protect their parishioners while they are attending services or visiting church property. There are three primary areas where installing security cameras can provide a safe haven for members.

Sys Links - Security camera systems for churches to keep parishioners safe

Domestic Violence Incidents

Incidents of domestic violence can happen anywhere, and churches are not immune to these situations. Angry spouses and partners can target their victims while attending church services because most churches have an open door, all-are-welcome policy. Protecting church members by installing security cameras can mean the difference between having a sanctuary where victims can soothe their troubles and yet another location where parishioners are anxious for their safety.

Accusations of Misconduct

The news is littered with accusations of sexual misconduct by clergy members, leaving church leaders and the ministry itself open to legal charges and civil lawsuits. Installing security camera systems for churches can provide parishioners with peace of mind that misconduct will be caught on video and reassure trusted leaders that unfounded accusations of sexual misconduct will not impact their ability to oversee their congregations.

Acts of Violence

Unfortunately, acts of violence at houses of worship are on the rise. Many Colorado Springs residents are still living with the aftermath of the 2007 shootings at New Life Church, the second church incident in Colorado within one 24-hour period. These tragic events well illustrate the need for security camera systems for churches. Security camera footage can be an invaluable resource in identifying potential shooters or others whose intentions are less than holy on church grounds.

Churches as Community Centers

Many modern-day churches regularly open their doors to the community through soup kitchens, classes, youth events, or other services. These admirable outreach programs do much good in the communities for both members of the church and those outside the congregation. With security camera systems for churches, employees and volunteers alike will be confident in carrying out their duties, knowing that activities are being recorded and made available to law enforcement as evidence should the need arise.

Other Effective Security Measures for Churches

In addition to the obvious benefits of security camera systems for churches in Southern Colorado, ministries can improve their security by implementing the following tips:

  • Designating church employees or volunteers as door-greeters
  • Walk the parking lot during services to deter vandalism
  • Limit access to secure areas through access control systems
  • Request a thorough security assessment

Next Steps: How to Get Security Cameras for Churches

The first step to installing security camera systems for churches is to request a professional security assessment. Experienced CCTV and security camera installers like System Links are experts in locating areas that pose a security risk for Colorado Springs churches.

Contact System Links today to learn about security solutions that will keep both churches and parishioners on hallowed ground. We are locally owned and operated and are happy to provide a free on-site consultation and quote for Southern Colorado churches and ministries.