Looking to invest in a new video management system (VMS)? Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re upgrading from older video technology or implementing a solution for a new project, there are several crucial factors to consider.
Identify Your VMS Must-Haves
Before diving into the market, conduct a preliminary inventory of your current sites, devices, and systems. Understanding your bandwidth, power, retention, and storage requirements is essential. This information will guide decisions about keeping existing equipment, ensuring storage supports growth plans, and incorporating features like video analytics, automation, and edge processing.
Assess Vulnerabilities
For existing deployments, a thorough assessment of vulnerabilities and opportunities is crucial. This includes evaluating cybersecurity strategies and considering the suitability of cloud-based solutions for remote locations. Look beyond immediate needs and create a five or ten-year roadmap to ensure scalability.
Ensure Simplified Monitoring Tasks
Consider operational requirements and user roles when selecting a VMS. Factors such as the number of users, specific tasks, and the need for collaboration during emergencies impact your choice. For in-field officers or central control room operators, prioritize a highly scalable VMS that streamlines monitoring tasks for diverse systems across your organization.
Prioritize Cybersecurity and Maintenance Tools
Maintenance plays a key role in optimizing and securing your VMS. Choose a system with advanced encryption, authorization, and authentication methods. Look for built-in tools that enhance automation for software and firmware updates, providing real-time security tracking and actionable insights to optimize cyber hygiene.
Always be Flexible Consider Open Architecture
Flexibility is crucial, and an open architecture VMS allows you to adapt over time. Avoid closed or proprietary systems that limit your options. Choose a VMS that supports a broad ecosystem of video devices and technologies, enabling seamless integration with other security systems like access control, intrusion detection, and video analytics.
Explore Cloud and Hybrid-Cloud Deployments
Cloud solutions are gaining popularity for expanding video surveillance deployments. Whether for remote sites, increased storage, or cost reduction, a cloud-based VMS offers viable alternatives. Consider a hybrid-cloud approach to maintain on-premises installations while leveraging cloud benefits for storage, redundancy, and enhanced cybersecurity.
Make Built-In Privacy Features a Must
Data privacy is paramount, considering regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Assess data usage, storage, and access policies. Choose a VMS with built-in privacy features, allowing you to secure and limit access to sensitive data. Features like privacy masking tools contribute to compliance with privacy regulations.
Seek Operational Benefits
Extracting operational value from your VMS is essential. Look for systems with rich data visualization tools that present insights in maps, charts, or histograms. Combining video surveillance with analytics can lead to significant business improvements, including enhanced security incident response, cost-saving improvements, and optimized space utilization.
Choose VMS Vendors You Can Trust
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Evaluate the security measures of your VMS vendors. Ask about their comprehensive strategies, partnerships, support for cybersecurity best practices, and engagement with third-party auditors. Opt for vendors committed to security and data privacy.
Invest in Unified Security
While focusing on your immediate video needs, consider long-term objectives and broader security systems. Invest in a unified security strategy that integrates seamlessly with core security technologies. Broaden your vision to include cloud technologies, collaboration with other departments, and the potential for new business outcomes.
Enhance your unified security with Maxxess Systems eFusion solutions, ensuring seamless integration and comprehensive security across all aspects of your organization.