What Video Management Software Can Do

 In today's world of tight security, everyone is aware of the presence of surveillance cameras but not everyone knows that Video Management Software(VMS) is a critical part of any IP camera system.  Let's take a look at how carefully chosen software expands the presence of any security department. With VMS, security personnel can



· View multiple IP cameras in real time
· Record and retrieve video, and
· Be automatically notified with a visual or auditory alarm should any pre-specified alert condition arise.

Real Time Viewing

VMS allows security to monitor several cameras at a time by stepping through  several different camera views. Called carousel view this feature allows security personnel to record certain feed manually if required.

A downside to real time viewing is the monotony and the danger that an event will occur on one camera while the security guard’s attention is focused on another.

Recording Video

There are two types of systems used to record video VMS and a Network Video Recorder (NVR) which is

sometimes confused with VMS.
 NVR is a special standalone computer that runs recording software whereas VMS runs on a Windows computer. The NVR is a simpler device just used to record and display video.
The Windows computer running VMS has more capability and allows more flexibility. For example it provides motion detection at the computer rather than using the camera's motion detector.

Automatic Alarm Notification

The more sophisticated VMS can send alerts and push video to a guard's workstation when an alarm condition occurs. It can also control a  PTZ camera to step through an automated guard tour where it moves the camera until it detects motion, and them records the video until the motion stops. The recorded video can be viewed from multiple cameras all at the same time, allowing tracking a person through areas of the facility. 

Video Analytics
Video analytics can be added to the Video Management Software. This software can be programmed to alert security to suspicious activity such as a car circling the same area repeatedly,  or should an abandoned backpack or package suddenly appear somewhere on  the premises.

Compatibility

 Keep in mind that not all software is compatible with every camera,  so when purchasing an IP camera, it is advisable to select Video Management Software first so you can then choose a camera it is known to support.  

With that in mind, in our next post, we will look at the Ocularis suite of VMS offered by ONSSI, Ocularis PS, Ocularis IS,  Ocularis CS, and Ocularis ES, and highlight the key features of each.

If you're looking for information about video management software of IP cameras you can find it at www.kintronics.com or  fill out a request info form. Our phone number is 914-944-3425