A Hidden Gem - To keep the technology at the forefront of managed services, SDC has teamed up with CheckVideo, and deployed its Cloud VMS remote monitoring software platform.

A Hidden Gem

Tucked neatly in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, Texas, Southwest Dispatch Center (SDC) is on the leading edge of technology for its monitoring clients predominantly in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri and New Mexico. It is a regional monitoring center that has all the bells and whistles that the Big Boys offer.

SDC works with more than 500 dealers, and has more than 85,000 accounts that employees monitor every day. The core proposition is to give their dealer network innovative technologies and unsurpassed customer service. With a wide variety of services, dealers have the ability to offer their customers more options.

To keep the technology at the forefront of managed services, SDC has teamed up with CheckVideo, and deployed its Cloud VMS remote monitoring software platform. This is a complete suite of online-based VMS, negating the need for additional on-site hardware or any downloaded apps used on a smartphone or tablet-type devise. The Cloud VMS is available through just an Internet connection, and the package includes setup, configuration connect, overall video management to include alert scenarios, a video search engine, storage, and an alert system where messages are sent out via smartphone or whatever medium the end user wants to provide.

It is a program that offers video verification when an area in view has been compromised. It allows SDC operations to view short clips of an event and to alert the client of trouble on the property and send video clips to the client if needed.

“When we are notified of an event, we know that some type of action needs to happen right away,” said Chip Bird, president of SDC. “When the software produces an event, our operators see the action pattern, identify what is happening and take the necessary precautions. We notify the client and/or guard services, property manager or law enforcement.

“We have a routine that we follow, customized by individual clients. Because we offer video verification, an event that is verified goes to the top of the list as far as law enforcement is concerned. If need be, we send that clip to police, and they verify the significance of the video clip.”

Bird is completely involved in allowing dealers to have a monitoring center that will react to their specific needs. In other words, no two dealers are alike and the way that SDC responds to a dealer is unique to their individual needs.

“Having been with an installing company using an offsite monitoring facility, I felt there was a need in this industry to have a central station that allowed dealers the ability to have the central station done their way,” Bird said. “Southwest Dispatch Center was founded with the philosophy that the central station works for the dealer. I believe you, the Alarm Dealer, are the most important part of my business. It is my goal to provide the dealer services that will save them time and allow them to make more money.”

SDC offers training for dealers that will benefit them in selling the product. Training takes place in the Richardson office park, which includes the specifics of the CheckVideo product and how to use it. Part of the training is learning how to reduce false alarms by using the Cloud VMS gateway.

“Working closely with the dealer is what makes the system work,” Bird said. “A verified video response always makes security a little tighter; a little stronger.”

In fact, when there is a notification from SDC to the end user, the dealer involves remains in the loops in order to be able to take care of the customer. Every dealer in the SDC portfolio falls in line with the concept of offering the best customer service during the install, and after the sale. The dealer, after all, has a listening ear with SDC management, and will have things done their way.

Cloud VMS, available only as a component of CheckVideo solutions, has been a lifesaver for SDC, and for their dealer network. Bird said the software platform will allow dealers to be dedicated to their customer base as well as being committed to the overall technological improvements in the industry. The fact is, customers care about the video they receive, and this allows the dealer network to be proactive in making sure the end user has the best product available.

Cloud VMS allows a central station operator to work with the end user in defining video parameters so that when an incident occurs, the operator’s screen will notify them of an action that needs attention. False alarms are a nuisance but with Cloud VMS, the frequency of false alarms decreases significantly. Law enforcement does not like false alarm, understandably, but highly favor video verification of an incident in progress.

“Video verification has improved the quality of service that we provide during the last five years,” Bird said. “We monitor the full range of all our contract security service solutions. Our approach allows us a continual focus on providing a customer intense response to monitoring while providing you with the support and means to increase your revenue.”

The goal of customer service is pretty simple at SDC. The alarm dealer is the most important part of the business, and their commitment to the dealer is to offer valuable multi-faceted services and support to save time and help promote increased revenue. SDC maintains a forefront approach to offering the up and coming industry services. Virtual receiver technology eliminates the need for the old hunt group scenarios that limited the number of calls to be processed by the receiver. Bandwidth efficiency is increased to receive and process alarm transmitter messages through its smart memory solutions.

Southwest Dispatch is in a perfect situation and location in the security dealer industry. They are savvy with today’s technology, and they reside in the middle of the Dallas, or Richardson, technology corridor.

This article originally appeared in the January 2016 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.

  • 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.