VMS Best Practices for IP Video Surveillance in Education

VMS Best Practices for IP Video Surveillance in Education

VMS Best Practices for IP Video Surveillance in EducationSecurity is a top priority in schools throughout the country, and the capabilities of IP video surveillance systems make them one of the most popular and effective security tools available. IP video is advantageous in a number of ways including: superior image quality, ease of manipulation, integration capabilities, simple accessibility and a wide scalability range. IP video systems also allow cameras to be deployed anywhere within reach of a network connection, while a standards-based design and open architecture ensure the ability to incorporate signals from various types and brands of cameras into a unified video platform.

Video management software (VMS) systems are a central component of IP surveillance that maximize the ability of video cameras located throughout a school campus to keep students, staff, visitors and facilities safe. Combined with an event-management platform, VMS systems easily integrate with an array of physical security solutions to provide security professionals the information needed to safeguard their campus and make better, more informed decisions.

VMS technology. IP-based solutions open the door for linking systems and areas, allowing an entire campus to be tied to the VMS platform for improved situational awareness. An open platform conforming to industry standards enables schools to choose best-of-breed components, combined in any configuration for any size application.

Ideally, VMS technology should be intuitive and relatively simple to configure as well as readily able to integrate with network-based systems. From an operations standpoint, authorized users should be able to view and control the system from anywhere on the network through a highly-intuitive, unified-user interface. Optimized by touch-screen operation, the interface would provide instantaneous control of all aspects of video detection, analysis, delivery and response.

Interoperability and connectivity. With local municipal authorities running identical VMS systems, this makes vital information immediately available to those officials for collaborative handling in the event of a fire, lockdown or other serious threats at a school. This enables schools to react to events, and potential problems, quickly and effectively which in turn can prevent them from escalating.

A full complement of video surveillance cameras with a VMS can provide situational awareness, even when the control room is not fully staffed and able to monitor events. VMS system capabilities can also be used for real-time and after-the-fact investigation. Tools, such as digital PTZ into recorded images, time slicing and bi-directional playback with variable speed and instant access to video, offer faster access to data.

New VMS technology. Standard definition and HD/megapixel cameras are able to stream high-resolution video over a low-speed connection or limited bandwidth network. Video streams through the cloud can be monitored at full frame rates (with less than one-second lag) including the ability to digitally control pan/tilt/zoom functions. Streams can then be encrypted to enable a secure connection both inside and outside of a school network, with all the resulting collaborative and safety advantages.

Mobile security as an element of VMS. Operational efficiencies that would be almost impossible for a non-managed (mobile) system to achieve are ensured. With the advent of High Definition Interactive Streaming (HDIS) Technology, streaming of multiple SD and HD cameras simultaneously to mobile devices, all at full frame rate (30 FPS) and over limited bandwidths is enabled.

More specifically, HDIS technology enables full motion playback of up to 16 HD video streams of live or recorded video at their original frame rate with full digital PTZ control of each camera. This technology allows remote users to access multiple HD images in real time.

Discipline management and monitoring. In addition to keeping students and staff safe, cameras can help administrators manage discipline problems or monitor facility levels and capabilities. Video can help to manage the flow of students, analyze bottlenecks that form between classes or view vehicle traffic flow. Video can also track facility occupancy, especially during the weekend or off-hours.

Video capability is also an excellent resource for facility management because it enables operators to view and evaluate a physical plant system malfunction before deciding whether to send a technician. Integrated with the HVAC system, video could help save energy costs by automatically turning up the air conditioner only when a room is occupied. And, when mobile security is implemented, individuals in the field can use their smart phones to send video images of a dangerous situation, such as a sewer without a grate, to authorities.

In today’s education environment, developing VMS best practices not only optimizes state-of-the-art, imaging technology, it enables the central management of complex systems and allows users to have an entire facility at their fingertips.

About the Author

Gadi Piran is the president at OnSSI.

Featured

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3