Integrated IP Security Transforms Healthcare Safety

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) has upgraded its aging analog CCTV and access control to a fully integrated security solution using IndigoVision’s IP Video technology. The 281-bed medical center is situated in Towson, a suburb of Baltimore, Md., and handles approximately 27,000 inpatients and 60,000 emergency room visits each year.

When the original CCTV system and access control were becoming end of life, GBMC turned to system integrator Tele-Tector of Maryland, Inc. for advice. They recommended an integrated solution using IndigoVision’s IP Video and Software House Ccure access control system.

“The new system is rock solid with fantastic video and has transformed our surveillance operation," said Steve Cohen, director of security at GBMC. "The integration to the Ccure access control is a key component as we can now centrally see what is happening in real time and react via radio to security in the vicinity. This is important for patient and staff safety.”

At the heart of the system is IndigoVision’s 'Control Center' Video Management Software (VMS). This enables operators to monitor live and recorded video and consolidates the alarms from the access control system into a single user interface. The access control system is interfaced to the IP Video using an IndigoVision integration module, specifically developed for the Ccure product. Tight integration helps to significantly improve operator response times in the event of an incident. Alarms raised in the access control system are immediately visible in 'Control Center' and can automatically trigger a number of events. For example, a camera can be panned to a pre-set position to view the entrance/exit involved and simultaneously display recorded video just prior to the alarm – allowing operators to monitor both the run-up to the incident and the live situation. IndigoVision has developed over 20 integration modules to interface to the most popular access control products as well as systems such as intruder security, EPOS, building management and license plate recognition.

IndigoVision’s system is based on a distributed and scalable architecture that doesn’t require a central server. Any component in the system, i.e. camera, video workstation or Network Video Recorder (NVR) can be located at any point on the network without increasing bandwidth on the IP network. GBMC has benefited from this, as Cohen explains:

“The intuitive user interface of ‘Control Center’ allows us to deploy video workstations for both medical and security staff. In addition to the security teams, various departments have their own dedicated workstations allowing them to monitor their own areas. This gives us the ability to quickly track down missing patients, respond to incidents in public areas and locate expensive equipment. We can also share video with the police by exporting evidential quality clips for use in court or investigations.”

The flexibility of IP Video has allowed GBMC to migrate the existing CCTV system over a period of four years, to accommodate budgets and the hospital’s operation. All of the original 110 analog cameras have been re-used and connected to the network using IndigoVision’s encoder modules. The ease with which cameras can be added has resulted in an additional 67 IndigoVision IP cameras being added to areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies and hallways. A further 21 cameras are planned to complete the coverage. Tele-Tector is also working on installing a wireless point-to-point camera system at the main security gate entrance, utilizing IndigoVision’s High-Definition (HD) cameras for clarity in license plate recognition.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 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

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3