Looking for video management software to coordinate your surveillance strategy? Here are 5 criteria to consider.
Key Takeaways:
- Video management software connects your surveillance devices and systems for better analytics, monitoring, and control
- Focus on these areas to find the right software:
- Cost efficiency
- Installation process
- Flexibility
- Configuration capabilities
- Storage
Your video surveillance strategy requires the right mix of equipment and software to ensure monitoring is continuous and effective. Large organizations depend on the right security cameras, networking options, and analytics platforms, in addition to the people behind these systems that keep them running.
It may be time for you to consider video management software, or maybe you need an upgrade. Here are some key considerations when you’re starting to look for the right solution.
What is video management software?
For many organizations, having continuous video surveillance is a must for security, identification, and other purposes. The right video management software is an integral part of these surveillance systems.
Today’s advanced software gives organizations the ability to record and store footage, manage each camera’s settings, view several feeds at the same time, monitor from remote devices, establish motion detection controls, and leverage other features. If footage needs to be reviewed and analyzed after the fact, the right software can make that process easier.
Some software even includes features like facial or license plate recognition and other technologies that incorporate AI and automation.
These systems are more advanced than ever, and they help large organizations run a more efficient, comprehensive, and effective surveillance system overall. This is why more companies are investing in the right video management software to gain all of these benefits.
How to find the right video management software
What factors should you consider when looking for the right video management software? Here are a few of the most important criteria that will help you identify the right tool for your needs.
1. Cost efficiency
For any business, cost is going to be one of the most important factors when looking for video surveillance management software. You want to focus on the features and benefits you’ll receive when you make this important investment. Make a list of the features you absolutely must have before you meet with companies or browse offerings. You may be able to pay for a base software if it has everything you need without overpaying for tools that don’t apply to your organization’s video surveillance strategy.
2. Installation process
Next, consider the kind of IT resources you have on hand. Do you have the team capacity to oversee the installation of the software? Who will manage this process? Do they have the right experience to ensure everything goes smoothly?
If your organization doesn’t have these resources available, it will be crucial that you work with a company that can assist you with the software installation. You never want to overlook something that will impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your video surveillance strategy.
3. Flexibility
Many software providers now operate under a Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) model. This means you have more flexibility over the features you use and operate under a subscription plan. These models have become more and more common in tech because they allow companies to pay for only what they need, customizing services instead of paying for more costly all-in-one solutions.
Consider going the VSaaS route so you pay for what you need now, and scale in the future when your organization grows. These formats also support cloud computing instead of more traditional software approaches, keeping your organization more mobile and adaptable.
4. Configuration capabilities
You also need to know how to configure your IP cameras in the system. Factors to consider include network settings for optimal use, resolution settings, audio, license considerations, and others. These parts will ensure that you are getting what you need from your software, so make sure the surveillance software platform is compatible with the camera hardware you’ll be using.
The software company should be able to show you a demo and cover every single feature available, so you know it will operate effectively with the equipment you already have.
5. Storage
As mentioned, many organizations are going the cloud-based storage route for different needs across the business. Databases are moving to the cloud and workers are now able to do their jobs remotely more than ever before. Consider whether you want to go with a cloud-based solution for your video management software and weigh the pros and cons of both cloud and onsite storage.
Some organizations decide to do a hybrid storage setup, where you still have onsite storage but use a cloud-based backup system. Think about whether you are comfortable storing video on the cloud or if that transition will be more gradual for your needs. You want to make sure you can always access footage when you need to and that your cameras will continue running even with onsite outages.
Get the right solutions from Unisol International
It can be challenging to find the right video surveillance software solutions, especially if you’re dealing with a large organization with many different surveillance priorities and locations. These considerations will help you determine what’s most important for your system when you’re making the investment.
Whatever your video surveillance needs are, Unisol International can help. We specialize in product distribution and turnkey deployments of IP networking solutions. Our security cameras and video management software offerings go hand-in-hand, so you have an effective, cost-efficient, comprehensive solution.
Contact Unisol International to learn more about the video management software solutions and equipment that will enable your company’s total video surveillance strategy.
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