In the last issue of the Integrator we reviewed the wide range of applications and benefits provided by remote video monitoring. From video tours to event notification and alarm verification, remote video monitoring is rapidly becoming the solution of choice in many situations.

Remote video monitoring is especially well suited to securing multi-unit developments. Consider the case of JSM Enterprises, the second most active apartment developer in the Silicon Valley, with millions of square feet and thousands of units under management and in development.

“Given the number and scope of our projects and their potential exposure, security is a very high priority for us,” says Colin Gray, security manager for JSM. “The challenge was to find a way to monitor projects for potential problems in a way that was both highly effective and attractive from a cost standpoint.”

That’s when Bob Matsuura, RFI's manager of new business development, entered the picture. After a review of JSM’s situation and requirements, Matsuura and Gray decided to implement remote video monitoring at Evan Lane, a 200-unit JSM apartment development under construction in San Jose. "We set up a series of digital video cameras in strategic areas throughout the complex,” says Matsuura, “so we had virtually complete coverage of the entire project on a 24/7 basis.”

Utilizing these cameras, specially-trained personnel at the Control Center, RFI's own proprietary central station, conducted video tours of the project on a regular basis. The effect was like having several security officers on the premises 24-hours a day, but at a far lower cost.

“The video tour application turned out to be exactly what we were looking for,” says Gray. “I really liked that fact that RFI captured the video from the tours, so if there was any suspicious activity, like a truck showing up on the property at an odd hour, we could see exactly what was going on. Our insurance company liked it so much they even reduced our rates!”

In addition to digitally capturing activity the system also documents event history, including any dispatches, and provides activity reports that Gray can access online at any time of the day or night.

After proving its value at the Evan Lane development, Gray decided to implement remote video monitoring at other JSM projects. “With all the capabilities and advantages it gives us, video monitoring has become the focal point of our security program,” says Gray. “I’d highly recommend that any company in similar circumstances take a very close look at this application.”

You can find more information on remote video monitoring here:

Remote Video Monitoring Flash Presentation

Video Monitoring: Applications and Benefits