Network Video Recorders

Sometimes, when you have existing data cabling network in place or are installing new data cabling into your building, This cabling network can also be used for your CCTV system, therefore reducing the need for traditional style co-axial cabling and keeping both equipment and labour costs at a lower rate.

This is where you would use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) rather than a traditional standalone digital video recorder (DVR).

The network video recorder once installed becomes part of your IT system and network, allowing users (were allowed) to access and control certain parts of the cctv systems (permissions allowing) whilst providing traiditonal recording methods where required

we highly recommend and install the Samsung NVR

Samsung network video recorder

 this allows upto 64 IP cctv cameras to be installed and connected to the NVR unit (again using the existing data cabling network) which allow for viewing and recording images upto the full high def levels of 1080p (when using mexapixel cctv cameras). This level of cctv camera image also allows for superb digital zooming for closer evidence inspection when required. 

If you would like more information on utilising existing cabling networks for your CCTV systems or purely would like to discuss theupgrade of an existing cctv system to IP then please feel free to contact Zodiac Security .

IP CCTV System installers

Security installers in Exeter

Exeter is one of the largest and most thriving cities in the south west of England. Unfortunately with a large bustling city comes higher levels of people and more often than not, more crime.

Exeter – the pride of the south west of england

 At Zodiac Security we supply and install a variety of security systems for all properties including home security and business security.

This may be one single security system or a whole range of security systems including:

• Burglar alarms

• Cctv

• Access control

• Monitored alarms

• Wireless alarms

• Door entry systems

• Maintenance contracts

• Repair and servicing

• IP cctv systems

If you have any security issues in Exeter or are simply looking for a security installer in exeter then speak to Zodiac Security – an NSI (NACOSS) approved security company providing cost effective, affordable security systems in Exeter

High Def CCTV Systems

With the advancement of technology, traditional analogue cctv systems are being replaced and upgraded to IP cctv systems or the new and improved high def cctv cameras

the difference high def cctv can have

High Def CCTV systems, whilst providing a clearer and more defined image for general viewing, the higher image concentration also allows for superior digital zoom images (as detailed in the picture). this means that one camera can cover a large area and when needed the images can be digitally zoomed in to provide that all important close detail often required for evidence.

If you are currently unhappy with your current cctv systems performance or are interested in upgrading to the latest high def cctv systems then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Carbon Monoxide – the silent killer – are you protected?

We have all heard the horrible stories in the press of people suffering and dying from carbon monoxie poisoning, well this can be avoided by adding carbon monoxide detection devices to either your wired or wireless burglar alarm system.

So how do they work?

The wired and wireless CO Detector is a supervised detection device that is effective for detecting the build up of carbon monoxide (CO).  Upon detecting the CO gas, the unit emits an alarm and notifies the burglar alarm control panel.

wireless carbon monoxide detector

So on detection of carbon monoxide, the alarm system will activate including all sounders to give you and your family full warning of a CO leak should you be in the building.  The detection units work 24 /7 so it does not matter if the alarm system is set or unset at the time of detection.

If your alarm system is monitored then when a CO detector causes the alarm system to activate the monitoring station (ARC) will inform you of the detection so you can act quickly, no matter where you are to deal with the problem before anyone is injured or put in potential danger.

For more information on our range of carbon monoxide detection devices and how you can protect your family using your burglar alarm system please do not hesitate to contact us.

Your customer service skills show when things are going wrong, not when they are going right.

let me explain;

In addition to installing security systems to the required standards, regulations and above, how we deal with both potential and existing customers is key to how our business will be perceived and viewed by others.

This can be demonstrated initially with the security survey, at no point do we hard sell, lie or deceive the client using techno babble or scare tactics, everything is clearly explained with openness and honesty, the client is given a set of different options and they can decide on how far or as little as they want to go – their choice, not ours.

Recently a customer wanted a cctv system installed and thought they would need 3 cctv cameras and another company had quoted them for this, we could have easily quoted the same, however, by discussing the customer requirements and with a little thought into the design of the system we actually determind that only 2 CCTV cameras where required, reducing equipment costs and labour costs and saved the customer over £1,000. Net result one happy customer and one happy company.

This type of customer service should extend to both your new and existing customers, for example:

On record, we note how our customer expects to be addressed, whether that be formally (hello Mr Smith) or on first name terms (hello Robert), a little goes a long way, we always introduce ourselves giving both names so that our customers can always address us how the feel most comfortable and ask for us by name.  It makes the customer feel like someone important rather than just a number.

Whilst, things like this are nice, dealing with issues or problems when they arise is the real mark or your customer service.

An example of this, we installed a hybrid burglar alarm system (a mix of wired and wireless) and everything was ok, after a period of time a fault came to light, withing 4 hours we were on site, the problem addressed and the customer was happy, however the fault occured again after about 3 weeks, now due to this intermittant fault, rather than trying to resolve the issue with a repair ( on a fault that could potentially happen again) to maintain the customers confidence in the system we changed everything for brand new.

Net result: once happy customer with a fully operational security system who trusts their security company.

Now it may of cost us money to carry out this course of action but it was the right thing to do, and this is where it comes back round to your customer service skills show when things are going wrong, rather than when things are going right.

its very easy to say that your customer service skills are brilliant when there are no complaints to deal with.

at Zodiac security we pride ourselves on treating customers the way we expect to be treated, and that simply is with honesty, with care and attention and a little bit of comon sense. As my mother used to say – saying  please and thank you will take you a long way

Its nice when we have warm sunny weather isn’t it, nice warm breezes and plenty of sunshine makes us all feel better and happier.

but did you know that burglars love the hot weather too?

why is that i hear you ask?

The simple answer is that when the weather is warmer we give them more opportunity, we will often leave windows open, maybe even doors unlocked or open and this gives the burglar the opportunity to get into your house or business.

So however depressing it is to lock and shut your windows and doors when its nice outside, and whether its for 5 minutes or a whole day this simple act will help greatly in preventing your property from becoming another notch on the burglars belt.

Here are some key pointers you may wish to check when considering a company to provide your manned security…

• have you been shown details of the company’s structure, principles and ultimate ownership?
• are two years audited trading accounts and evidence of sound financial backing available?
• is the company adequately insured?
• is a satisfactory written contract agreed and signed by you?
• does the company have a secure administrative office?

Staff Selection and Vetting

• does the company conduct a minimum of 5 years retrospective vetting?
• are all previous employers for the last 5 years contacted?
• are all gaps in employment accounted for?
• is the vetting process documented and recorded?
• is a senior member of staff responsible to ensure this is all carried out?

Training

• does the company have a qualified trainer?
• does each security officer receive basic job training before on-site deployment?
• are employee training records kept?
• do any security officers have a recognised security qualification?

Terms & Conditions

• do staff receive an adequate level of pay?
• do staff receive holiday entitlement?
• do staff receive sick pay?
• are you satisfied staff do not work excessive hours?

Management and Supervision

• does the company operate a secure, efficient and well-managed Control Room?
• does it comply with building & fire regulations?
• is remote supervision operated through check calls?
• are records kept to check the running of sites?
• has a competent person conducted a site survey and issued a written report, including health, safety and risk assessment prior to providing the service?
• will you approve and sign a copy of the Assignment Instructions for your site?
• is there a system of proper supervision and management for nights and weekends?
• are incidents notified to senior management?

Quality Standards

• can the company certify it complies with the codes of practice for the security industry?
• is the company certified to ISO9001?
• is the inspecting body accredited by UKAS?

this information has been provided by the NSI www.nsi.org.uk

An access control system is an effective way of securing your business premises from unwanted guests and provides protection for your staff and assets.

By controlling who is entering your premises, you have the reassurance of knowing who is on site and at what time.

Every company’s security needs are different, so choosing an access control system that is right for you will depend on the size of your business and the number of people that will need access. Listed below are some of the advantages an Access Control system has to offer:

• you can control who is entering your premises; where and when
• helps to protect employees, visitors, property and sensitive information
• you can secure certain sections of a building as and when it is required.
• reduce timesheet procedures
• integrate with HR systems for ease of monitoring and data management including time and attendance
• integrate with other security systems for centralised management of the site including fire alarms and cctv.
• help comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act
• control access to a wide variety of other facilities or equipment, such as vending machines, PCs, machinary and various electrical equipment inluding lighting systems using smartcard technology.

the uses and benefits of using an access control system for your business property are varied and numerous.

Prox fob access control system

If  you are considering having a security system installed for either your home or business, it is important that you can both trust and rely on your security installation and servicing company. Here are some key questions to ask potential security installers for your home or business.

Are they:

• capable of meeting the standards of workmanship and service you would expect?
• properly security vetting all relevant staff to British Standards?
• operating a 24 hour call out service and able to respond within 4 hours?
• fully insured?
• rigorously inspected twice a year to ensure standards are maintained?
• completing a thorough security survey and Risk Assessment of your property?
• installing reliable, up to date equipment?
• issuing you with a Certificate of Compliance for your system?
• offering you a maintenance contract?
• meeting the stringent requirements of the police and your insurer?

all NSI approved security companies will answer all of the above questions with a YES.

Should anyone ever answer any of the above qustions with a NO then would you really like to place your security and safety of your home, your business or most importantly your family in their hands? i know i wouldn’t.

this information has been supplied by the NSI www.nsi.org.uk

Most cctv systems are set up and installed during the daytime when lighting isn’t an issue, however when are incidents likely to occur? yes, thats right in the evening / nightime / very early morning when lighting most definitely is an issue.

so how can this be overcome?

there are 3 different ways that this lighting issue can be overcome

1) installing additional lighting (thats another blog post)

2) using day / night low light level cameras (thats another blog post)

3) using infra red lighting (thats this blog post)

Certain cctv camera can be used with infra red lighting, this is invisble to the naked eye (so the intruder will not know he is still visible to the cctv camera)  but the camera can see and utilise this infra red light to allow it to “see” in the dark and therefore pick up any activity during these low light / dark times.

This is the typical view of a colour cctv camera during the day

colour camera during the day

normally, with no external light source present this camera would not be able to see at low light levels, making the cctv system pretty useless, however, with the addition of infra red lighting (still invisible to the naked eye, so the intruder would think he was unseen) the camera can see at night

cctv camera with infra red lighting

this is where the initial system design and security survey is of extreme importance, because the last thing you want to do is install a security system thats does not work to its full potential or when you are most vulnerable.

At Zodiac security we design and install cctv systems to meet all requirements and all potential circumstances. so that you remain protected at all times.

For more information on cctv systems, infra red lighting or any other security please contact us for free no obligation advice, surveys and quotations.