As industry leaders in access control and asset security, System Links is always on the lookout for cutting-edge technologies, and one of the trends we have been watching is the emergence of smartphone-enabled access control systems. But what exactly is smartphone-enabled access control, how does it differ from token-based systems, and why is this technology the future of access control?
What is Smartphone-Enabled Access Control?
By smartphone-enabled access control, we mean allowing access to a secure location based on the connection of a smartphone (and not a physical token or a biometric device). Typically, you grant this access the same way your phone connects to your car, Alexa, or other smartphone-enabled devices – via Bluetooth.
Smartphone As An Alternative To Token-Based Access Control
Smartphone-enabled access control is an alternative to the more traditional token-based access control systems where employees need to use physical proximity cards or fobs to enter secure areas such as the workplace or office buildings. Smartphone-enabled access control systems authenticate users through an app or software installed on the smartphone.
Why Using Smartphones Is The Next Step For Access Control
Allowing entry with a smartphone, the most widely used device in the world, is the next logical step for the security of a building, room, or system. Why? For four main reasons:
Smartphones Eliminate the Need for Tokens
One of the biggest challenges to Colorado businesses that utilize traditional access control systems is their employees. Even the best employees can share, lose, or be victims of theft. And worse yet, employees are often not anxious to reveal their indiscretions to their employers, leaving the security of the building and the business at risk.
Some businesses have gone another route for access control and utilize keypads for entry. However, this system is fraught with issues as well. First, forgetful employees may need to write down the code, and the note can be easily lost. Second, sharing codes between employees and visitors is even easier than sharing a keycard.
Switching to smartphone-enabled systems eliminates the above potential security risks. Very few individuals share their phones with others, and most individuals carry their phones with them at all times.
Easy Integration with Current Access Control Systems
One of the things that we love about smartphone-enabled access control is how easily these systems are to integrate into a business. Companies with access control via traditional tokens can smoothly integrate smartphone technology into their existing systems. This can be a valuable consideration for companies desiring to transition into a modern access control system gradually.
Convenience of Software Upgrades vs. Hardware Upgrades
Any Southern Colorado business owner with experience in traditional access control systems knows that the initial cost of installation and maintenance of the included hardware can be inconvenient and costly.
On the other hand, smartphone-enabled access control has comparatively low installation costs, and most maintenance is as easy as updating software or an app on your phone.
Granting and Revoking Credentials With the Swipe of Your Finger
A considerable advantage of smartphone-enabled access control is the ease with which administrators can grant and revoke user access. With a simple swipe of the finger, a new employee can access all business areas relevant to their position. Conversely, employees who are no longer part of the company can have their permissions quickly revoked by the same simple swipe of the administrator.
Additionally, business owners and managers can permit access during specific times and receive alerts when employees attempt entry at unauthorized times. Again, all of this is done efficiently through your smartphone.
Smartphone-Enabled Access Control is the Future of Security
As with many other sectors, the security camera and access control industry is shifting into new territories. Modern access control has come a long way since the days of tokens and keypads. We have moved from being a hardware-centric industry to a software-driven industry. This shift paves the way for innovations and growth opportunities.
Smartphone-enabled access control systems are one emerging trend that System Links is proud to promote in Southern Colorado. This exciting technology is not only cutting-edge but also provides a cost-effective solution for local businesses seeking to protect their assets through asset control.
If you want to learn more about smartphone-based security for your home or business, please contact us to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to being your guide to the future of security!
Why are installing security cameras for large rural properties an absolute must for the many families and individuals who call these remote areas home?
If you live on a remote property, chances are you already know the answer to that question. From safety and security, asset protection to keeping an eye on crops, livestock and more, installing security cameras for large rural properties makes sense.
Keep reading for more information on how a surveillance system can benefit your property and cutting-edge features to consider including in your system.
Why Invest in Security Cameras for Large Rural Properties?
Safety and Security
While small urban properties and suburban dwellings often rely on their tight-knit communities to help keep them safe from potential threats, large rural properties tend to be much more isolated from assistance. This makes securing your sprawling estate with effective video surveillance systems an essential part of any security plan.
Like their suburban counterparts, rural properties benefit from security cameras throughout the property, including barns, outbuildings, equipment storage areas and the property’s perimeter.
Many large estates on the Front Range rely on gates to control access. The perfect complement to these access control systems is a security camera system that provides intercom capability and license plate recognition.
Monitoring of Crops and Livestock
Installing security cameras for large rural properties is especially beneficial for ranching or farming estates. Imagine the time saved by pulling up a live feed from your pasture to see where your livestock is grazing today or monitoring the irrigation of your crops while working on other vital operational tasks.
Additionally, surveillance cameras placed in barns can keep you alert and ready for birthing during foaling and calving seasons and can also catch that sneaky fox raiding your chicken coop.
Weather and Emergency Disaster Preparedness
If there is one certainty of Colorado living, it is that the weather can and will change at any moment. Surveillance cameras can prepare property owners for weather events, so they can take precautions before the weather comes into contact with valuable assets or structures. And most importantly, knowing a weather event is coming can allow property owners to get themselves and their beloved animals to safety.
Colorado is immune to many of the natural disasters other parts of the country struggle with, but one area that is always of concern here is the danger of wildfires.
When the Black Forest Fire started in June 2013, many residents were unaware of how quickly wildfires jump and spread in dry conditions.
Mandatory evacuations forced many Colorado Springs residents to flee without knowing if they would ever see their homes intact again. Seconds and minutes count in these emergencies, and live feeds from security cameras can provide those extra moments that save lives.
Additionally, property owners who installed security cameras on their properties large rural properties could monitor the fire’s progress and reduce the anxiety of not knowing if their home was (literally) in the line of fire.
Choosing Security Cameras for Large Rural Properties
Modern security camera systems provide cutting-edge technology that protects people, animals and assets. Some of the features to consider when choosing security cameras for large rural properties include the following:
Field of View
Choose cameras with long-range capabilities and place them correctly to maximize their field of view. Even the best long-range cameras are ineffective if they capture mainly the sky and no pasture.
Hi-Definition
How high of definition you need depends on the application. Many farm and ranch owners opt for the highest definition in areas with ingress and egress from their property, barns, equipment storage areas, and utility sheds.
Night-Vision and Thermal Imaging
Since most security events happen under cover of darkness, consider investing in cameras with night-vision and thermal imaging capabilities. Never again will you be caught unawares by an intruder in the middle of the night.
One of the most significant benefits of modern security cameras for large rural properties is the ability to detect and monitor motion throughout your property. The cameras can be programmed to detect motion as small as a mouse or as broad as a moose. The settings are customizable to the needs of your estate.
Once the motion parameters are set, a CCTV camera system can automatically mark the exact time of a motion event, so you do not have to watch hours of recorded video to see what is happening.
Push Notifications
Push notifications are invaluable in maintaining the security of your large property. Knowing when outsiders are approaching your property before their arrival allows you time to decide if and how you want to grant access.
2-Way Radio Communication
Many security camera systems now come equipped with 2-way radio, so you can communicate with visitors at the gate or alert your spouse when dinner is almost ready, so they can start coming in from the ‘south forty.’
Which security camera system is suitable for your estate will depend on the size of your property, how you intend to use the system, and of course, your budget.
Conclusion
If you are considering security cameras for your sizable rural property, you are in the right place. System Links is Southern Colorado’s leader in CCTV installation and 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
A 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Access Control Benefits the Daycare Center Operator
Every 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New 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.
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.
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
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.
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
One 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Field of View
A proximity card access system uses cards emitting radio waves that grant access to the user when near a card reader.
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.
Every 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.
New 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.
One 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.
