Remote Video Monitoring 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Choose the Right Provider
Remote video monitoring allows security professionals to monitor your premises remotely using security cameras and sensors and respond to any alerts or incidents in real time. This type of surveillance can enhance your security and peace of mind while saving you time and money. However, not all remote video monitoring services are created equal. There are certain criteria that you should look for when choosing a remote video monitoring provider, such as the standards and location of their monitoring station and the response protocols and procedures they follow. In this guide, we will explain what remote video monitoring is, why it matters, and how to choose the right provider for your needs.
What is Remote Video Monitoring and Why Does it Matter?
Remote video monitoring is a service that uses security cameras and sensors to monitor your premises remotely, and to alert and respond to any incidents or threats in real time. Remote video monitoring can be used for various purposes, such as:
• Protecting your property from theft, vandalism, or trespassing.
• Monitoring your employees, customers, or visitors for safety and compliance.
• Verifying alarms and reducing false dispatches.
• Providing video evidence and documentation in case of an incident.
This strategy often involves installing security cameras and sensors in strategic locations on your premises and connecting them to a remote video monitoring station. The monitoring station is staffed by trained and experienced operators who can watch the video feeds, analyze the data, and communicate with you and the authorities. The monitoring station can also use software and analytics to detect and verify any alerts or alarms and to trigger actions, such as sounding a siren, flashing a light, or sending a message.
Remote video monitoring can offer many benefits, such as:
• Peace of mind: You can rest assured that your premises are being monitored by qualified and experienced operators who can handle any situation and communicate effectively with you and the authorities.
• Enhanced security: You can rely on the monitoring station to use the latest technology and best practices to detect and deter any threats, and to provide video verification and evidence in case of an incident.
• Cost savings: You can reduce the need for on-site guards or patrols and avoid false alarm fees and fines by having a remote video monitoring station that can verify and respond to any alerts or alarms.
• Compliance: You can meet the requirements of your insurance company, local authorities, or industry regulations by having a remote video monitoring station that follows established standards and codes.
How to Choose the Right Remote Video Monitoring Provider?
If you are looking for a remote video monitoring provider, it’s important to consider a few key criteria:
Industry Standards
The monitoring station is the heart of the remote video monitoring service, and you should ensure any provider you go with meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. There are two main standards that identify remote video monitoring stations: The Monitoring Association's (TMA) Five Diamond Certification and the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Listing. These standards require monitoring stations to meet certain criteria and undergo regular audits and inspections.
TMA Five Diamond Certification
This certification is awarded by The Monitoring Association, a trade association that represents the professional monitoring industry. To obtain this certification, a monitoring station must demonstrate that it meets five points of excellence: commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards, commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing, commitment to raising the industry standards through TMA membership and participation, commitment to reducing false dispatches, and commitment to the highest levels of customer service. A TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring station ensures that its operators are well-trained, professional, and responsive, and that its equipment and procedures are up to date and effective.
UL-Listing
This listing is granted by Underwriters Laboratory, a global safety certification company that tests and verifies products and systems. To obtain this listing, a monitoring station must comply with the UL 827 Standard for Central Station Services, which covers the construction, operation, and performance of the monitoring station. A UL-Listed monitoring station ensures that it has adequate power, backup, security, and fire protection systems, and that it can handle various types of signals and alarms, such as burglary, fire, panic, medical, and environmental.
Command Center Location
The location of the monitoring station is another important factor that you should consider when choosing a remote video monitoring provider. Many providers outsource their monitoring services to other countries, which can pose some risks and challenges for your security and satisfaction. You may face difficulties in communicating with the operators, especially in an emergency situation, due to language or cultural barriers. You may also have less control and protection over your data and video feeds, due to different laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security. There is also often less visibility and oversight over the quality and performance of the monitoring service, and less recourse and leverage in cases of a dispute or a complaint.
Having a U.S.-based monitoring station helps ensure that you can communicate clearly and effectively with the operators, and that they understand your needs and expectations. It also helps ensure that your data and video feeds are stored and transmitted securely, and that they comply with U.S. laws and standards.
Response Protocols and Procedures
You should look for a provider that can offer you a fast and effective response to any alerts or alarms, and that can follow the appropriate protocols and procedures to handle any situation. You should also look for a provider that can communicate with you and the authorities promptly and clearly, and that can provide you with video verification and evidence in case of an incident.
Remote video monitoring can greatly enhance your security and peace of mind while saving you time and money. However, not all remote video monitoring services are created equal, so to help ensure the best possible outcome for your security operations, look for a provider that meets the following criteria:
• They have a TMA Five Diamond Certified and/or a UL-Listed monitoring station that meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
• They have a U.S.-based monitoring station that ensures clear and effective communication, data security, and accountability.
• They have a fast and effective response to any alerts or alarms, and they follow the appropriate protocols and procedures to handle any situation.
By doing your research and comparing different options, you can find a remote video monitoring provider that meets these criteria and that can offer you a high-quality and reliable service.
