Essential Safety Solutions for Schools

Video Intercoms and Video Intercom Readers are security systems commonly used in schools to manage access and ensure safety. Here's how they work:

• Video Intercoms: These systems consist of an exterior camera and an interior screen or monitor. Visitors press a button at the school's entrance, which activates the video feed. Front office staff can then see and communicate with the visitor in real-time. This allows staff to verify the identity of individuals before granting them access to the school. In some systems, staff can unlock the door remotely once the visitor is verified.

• Video Intercom Readers: These are similar to video intercoms but typically include additional features such as access control mechanisms. They may require visitors to scan a badge, use a key fob, or enter a code before the video feed is activated. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized visitors can interact with the video system.

In a school setting, these systems are essential for front office safety. By allowing staff to verify visitors before granting access, they help prevent unauthorized or potentially dangerous individuals from entering the school building. Video intercom systems also serve as a deterrent for anyone with ill intentions, as they know they will be monitored before gaining entry. The ability to communicate and visually verify visitors ensures that security protocols are followed, which is critical for maintaining a safe school environment.

Pros of Video Intercom and Video Intercom Readers in Schools:

• Enhanced Security: These systems allow front office staff to visually verify visitors before granting access, ensuring only authorized individuals enter the school grounds. This helps prevent unauthorized or potentially dangerous people from entering the interior of the school.
• Real-time Communication: Video intercoms enable staff to communicate instantly with visitors outside the building, assessing their identity or purpose before allowing entry. This provides an additional layer of security and control over who enters the premises.
• Remote Monitoring: These systems allow security personnel or front office staff to monitor entry points from a central location, providing a more efficient way to keep track of visitors and maintain overall school safety.
• Deterrence: The presence of visible video intercom systems can act as a deterrent to anyone with ill intentions, as it adds a layer of visible monitoring and control before entry is granted.

Cons of Video Intercom and Video Intercom Readers in Schools:

• Technical Issues: Like any technology, video intercom systems can experience malfunctions or connectivity issues, which may delay entry or disrupt communication when immediate action is needed.
• Privacy Concerns: Some visitors might feel uncomfortable with being visually monitored upon arrival. While the intention is safety, it's important to balance security with respect for privacy.
• Additional Training: Front office staff and security personnel may need additional training to operate these systems effectively and make quick, accurate decisions based on the video feed.
• Maintenance Costs: Video intercom systems require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly, which could lead to ongoing costs for the school.

In conclusion, video intercom systems and readers are valuable tools for verifying visitors at the front office and ensuring only authorized individuals enter school premises. The ability to screen unknown persons before they enter the interior of the school is a critical safety measure that helps prevent potential security threats.

When choosing between a cloud-based or on-premise video intercom solution for schools, there are several key factors to consider, including the technology’s compatibility with existing systems, cost, and long-term flexibility.

Cloud-Based Video Intercom Solutions

• Pros:
  • Remote Access: Cloud-based solutions allow administrators and security personnel to access the system from any location with an internet connection, providing flexibility and real-time monitoring from off-site or mobile devices.
  • Scalability: Cloud-based systems are easier to scale, as new cameras or units can be added without needing significant infrastructure upgrades.
  • Lower Upfront Costs: Typically, cloud-based solutions have lower upfront costs since there’s no need for extensive on-premise hardware or server maintenance.
  • Automatic Updates: The cloud provider handles software updates and security patches, reducing the burden on the school’s IT department.

• Cons:
  • Ongoing Subscription Fees: Schools will have to pay recurring subscription fees for cloud service hosting.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection: If the school experiences internet connectivity issues, the cloud system may be inaccessible or unreliable.
  • Proprietary Solutions become obsolete:  If you decide to move to another vendor’s access control or video management system (VMS), proprietary solutions can become obsolete, as they may not integrate well with third-party systems. 

On-Premise Video Intercom Solutions

• Pros:
  • Complete Control: Schools have full control over the system’s hardware and software, with no reliance on external service providers.
  • Security: Data is stored locally, which some schools prefer due to concerns about data security or privacy.
  • No Subscription Fees: There are no ongoing cloud subscription fees, though maintenance and updates may incur costs.

• Cons:
  • Higher Initial Costs: On-premise systems typically require significant upfront investment in hardware and server infrastructure.
  • Limited Remote Access: On-premise solutions are less flexible for remote monitoring, as access usually requires being on-site or connected to the school’s network directly or through a port

Proprietary Systems: These solutions are built by a specific vendor and can be tightly integrated with their own products, but they often have limitations if you wish to change or upgrade other security components (e.g., access control or video management systems). If you decide to move to another vendor’s access control or video management system (VMS), proprietary solutions can become obsolete, as they may not integrate well with third-party systems. This can lead to higher long-term costs if the vendor’s system is no longer suitable or competitive.

Non-Proprietary Systems: These systems are built to be compatible with a wide range of third-party hardware and software. This flexibility allows schools to switch vendors or integrate with existing systems, providing a more cost-effective and adaptable solution over time. Non-proprietary solutions often offer better scalability and easier upgrades.

 Regardless of whether the video intercom solution is cloud-based or on-premise, it should be capable of integrating seamlessly with the school’s existing or future access control and VMS systems. Integration is key to creating a cohesive security infrastructure. For example:

• Access Control Integration: Video intercoms should work with the school’s existing access control systems, allowing front office staff to grant or deny access to visitors based on real-time video verification. If the video intercom is integrated with card readers or biometric systems, it provides a unified security process.

• VMS Integration: For schools with existing video surveillance systems, the video intercom solution should integrate with the Video Management System (VMS) to provide a comprehensive view of both entry points and the surrounding areas. This integration allows staff to view both intercom footage and surveillance video in one interface, streamlining security monitoring. 

Both cloud-based and on-premise video intercom systems offer distinct benefits, but the key consideration is long-term flexibility. Non-proprietary systems offer the most adaptability, allowing schools to switch or expand their security systems as needed without being locked into a single vendor. 

Proprietary systems can provide tight integration with specific access control or VMS systems but typically pose challenges if you want to change or expand in the future.  This often results in wasted investment because once the subscription ends on proprietary solutions, the purchased equipment becomes incompatible with new systems, even if those systems are open platform. 

For schools, it’s crucial to choose a video intercom solution that aligns with their long-term security strategy, integrates easily with current or future systems, and offers scalability as needs evolve. For more information about available Video Intercom Solutions, please review Video Surveillance to find the main camera manufacturers to see their available solutions.