Many businesses rely on physical security guards to observe video surveillance monitors in real-time and make their rounds to ensure that no trespassers or suspicious activity is taking place. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing staffing issues, business owners are having a hard time finding qualified security guards.

In this current staff shortage environment, on-site security guards are becoming more expensive than ever to hire, or simply not available at all. This is a major security issue because many businesses need someone to monitor for trespassers and suspicious activity, while keeping an eye on valuable assets and inventory.

Remote Guarding with Virtual Security Guards

Combined with a robust video surveillance system, highly trained virtual security guards can monitor your facility in the same way an on-site security guard would. Virtual security guards work at a monitoring center and actively respond to live video surveillance feeds and alerts.

Virtual guards use 2-way communication to speak to and ward off trespassers. If needed, virtual guards can set off alarms at the property and instantly notify the authorities.

Similar to having a physical security guard on the property, the right video surveillance setup combined with remote guarding will allow virtual guards to do perimeter protection, monitor entrance and exit points, and verify when an alarm system is triggered.

Still not sure? Check out this video demonstration:

Remote guarding is cost-effective and very reliable compared to traditional on-site security guards. IdentiSys partners with American Security and Edgeworth Security to offer a full solution package of security hardware, software, and integration for live remote guarding services. Contact us today to learn more!

Supply chain disruptions have caused certain proximity cards and key fobs to be delayed and backordered to as far back as six months. With no inventory available, many organizations are struggling to issue credentials to new employees, visitors, tenants, and members.

This predicament has caused businesses to operate their access control systems in ways that jeopardizes security, including unlocking doors that are typically restricted in order to allow access to authorized personnel who cannot be issued a credential. In other cases, personnel are being reassigned to monitor and control access for main entryways — a difficult thing to do in the middle of a country-wide staffing shortage.

There is another option that does not include increasing risk to an access control system.

Many companies are upgrading existing access control systems to accept virtual ID cards that are loaded onto smartphones, called mobile credentials. Using the secure wireless capabilities of iPhones and Android devices, secured doors and gates can now be controlled via managed devices that nearly everyone already carries around every day.

Mobile access can be implemented as an extension to existing card- or fob-based access control systems, allowing the use of existing credentials and newly enabled mobile devices for access security.

How to make a security system accept mobile credentials could be as simple as finding an authorized integrator like IdentiSys that can offer licenses for existing readers with built-in NFC or Bluetooth capabilities. In some cases, simply swapping out legacy readers for newer — readily available — readers will do the trick.

IdentiSys leverages technology from HID Global, Allegion, Identiv, STid, SafeTrust, Galaxy Control, i-PRO by Panasonic, S2Lenel, and others to provide mobile access control solutions that allow organizations to meet the growing demands of a mobile-first world and rely less on the supply chain status of physical proximity cards and fobs. Contact us today for more information and a quote!

With students returning to school after a year of remote and hybrid learning, school administrators are facing vaping, vandalism, and bullying challenges in school bathrooms. Bathrooms are easy to access and typically have no direct adult supervision, inviting unsafe and dangerous activity among students.

Bathrooms have become the most common venue for vaping in school, and students who do not vape must deal with the sight of secondhand clouds that linger and spread particles of aerosol containing nicotine, THC, and other toxic chemicals. Students are also destroying or stealing items, often in school bathrooms, for what many school administrators and police are blaming on a social media trend. Bullying in discreet areas like school bathrooms have been an issue well before the COVID-19 pandemic, but this current environment is not doing many favors to the issue.

As a top priority, public and school officials now recognize the need to preserve school bathrooms to be danger-free zones in the fight against student vaping, vandalism, and bullying. However, staffing shortages have been crushing schools, adding fuel to the fire, so to speak.

There is a vape detector on the market that can identify vaping in privacy areas such as bathrooms, as well as detect other health and security threats. This device can also monitor air quality and detect chemicals, gas, keyword calls for help, loud sounds, and gunshots. The HALO IoT vape and multi-sensor is an ideal solution for educators to take back control and give students their bathrooms back.

HALO can be connected via Ethernet or WiFi and provides real-time detection of a wide range of health, safety and vape sensor readings — all while providing privacy to students. They are an effective and affordable solution, and their visible presence alone acts as a strong deterrent in not only bathrooms, but locker rooms and dorm rooms as well.

IdentiSys is an authorized IPVideo dealer, providing full sales and support to schools nationwide on HALO detectors. With IdentiSys and HALO, you can instill a new sense of safety and privacy for students when they are using bathrooms at school. Contact us today for more information or a quote.

IdentiSys will be exhibiting at the 2021 GSX Global Security Expo IN PERSON at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in September. REGISTER for the show where other security management professionals from every industry and sector discover winning strategies for return-to-work, asset protection, crisis management, and more.

Booth #2014

Headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN, IdentiSys Inc. is a national identification, security and tracking solutions provider. IdentiSys provides local sales and support to 28 states and the District of Columbia. From employee photo ID badge systems to cybersecurity and enterprise business security systems, IdentiSys offers exceptional customer service, an expansive product line, on-site service, and an unparalleled experience

Product experts will be on-site to go over the following solutions at the show:

• Entrust Sigma ID3 - Single or double-sided direct-to-card printer is a system designed for today's environments, being the most user-friendly ID card issuance system in the world gives you the ability to easily provide secure identification cards
• Zebra ZC350 - The advanced printing options with this dual-sided ID card printer allow you to create any design of ID card. With speeds up to twice as fast as some competitors you get foolproof simplicity whether you're printing single or dual sided cards. 
• HID/Fargo DTC1250e - Designed for low volume card printing applications for small businesses, educational institutions and local governments. A simple and compact footprint allows for this printer to be placed in a variety of desktop settings.
  
• NiSCA PR-C101 - This printer provides a simple and affordable out-of-the-box solution for high quality, high durability ID cards with low maintenance requirements. It offers the first ever rotating LCD panel and optional front or back exit, so it can be placed in any orientation to fit any office environment
• IDP Smart-31S - This IDP's entry-level single sided (simplex) Photo ID Card Printers is great for small businesses, organizations, or clubs to produce ID cards, identity badges, access passes, loyalty cards, and more. It is available with different connection and encoding specifications.
• Video Insight video surveillance, MonitorCast access control and Galaxy Control Systems access control. HID and Allegion door readers and credentials.
• Much more! Come visit our booth to learn about our many identification and security solution offerings.

SHOW DATES/TIMES

Monday, September 27 9:30am - 4:30pm

Tuesday, September 28 9:30am - 4:30pm

Wednesday, September 29 9:30am - 3:00pm

Connect with us at sales@identisys.com to schedule an appointment with an expert during the expo.

Aside from the obvious advantages of deterring burglars and protecting assets for your business, security systems are a proven driving force that ensures internal operations are running smoothly and promotes a secure and safe environment for employees and visitors. A proper integrated security system in the establishment allows everyone to focus on the task at hand without fearing for health and safety, increasing overall productivity.

What are the different components of a security system?

• ID Badging - Employee ID badges increase security at your business by positively identifying your personnel and also gives your organization a more professional appearance.
• Card Access - A door access control system, commonly used with ID badges, regulates access to restricted rooms or areas in a building.
• Elevator Access - Control access to different levels of your facility. Very similar to door access control, but used to regulate access to an elevator.
• Video Camera - Video cameras are proven deterrents of theft and criminal activity, and gives a complete picture of a business to increase safety and improve security.
• Magnetic Lock - Strengthens doors using electromagnetic technology that provides an extra strong holding force that keeps doors secure and shut.
• Alarm Panel - Alarm panels use a keypad to activate and deactivate motion and intrusion sensors. When activated, an alarm will go off with unauthorized entry.
• Halo Smart Detector - Comprehensive security device that monitors air quality, as well as detect smoke, vape, and THC.
• NVR System - NVR systems record and store video footage directly from the network it lives on.
• Intrusion Detection - Intrusion detection systems detect unwanted elements (person or object) entering into a restricted area.
• Visitor Management - Visitor management systems record and collect visitor information for the purpose of knowing who is in the facility, who they are visiting, and how long they spent there.

Understanding all the details of security systems for businesses may seem daunting, but IdentiSys is here to help. IdentiSys offers a complete line of solutions for business security. Contact us today to learn more and receive a complete complimentary security assessment.

For 2021, cybersecurity is among the top priorities for all companies. Damages resulting from hacks, ransomware, DDoS attacks, phishing, identity theft, and other cybercrime has cost the world trillions of dollars according to the Cybersecurity Almanac.

Often overlooked in favor of cybersecurity, physical security is equally important to businesses for the protection of people, property, and physical assets from actions and events that could cause damage or harm. After all, encryptions and firewalls can’t help you if an attacker physically removes a server from your server room or breaks into your confidential file drawers.

Due to the complexity and seriousness of threats in today's society, the sophistication of the security technology has grown infinitely in the past decade alone. Securing your front door and requiring badges are no longer enough and protection for your organization should not end there.

Any entry point outside your facility is a threat and adding a door reader to just one main entrance, while leaving all others unprotected will simply not suffice. Additionally, it is important to identify areas inside the building that should be monitored or restricted to visitors or based on department or clearance levels.

Physical security involves the use of multiple layers of protection that can include video surveillance (CCTV), security guards/monitoring, protective barriers, locks, access control, perimeter intrusion detection, deterrent systems, and other systems designed to protect people and property. 

Now, what about important customer and business information and the systems used to process or store it? What is being done to protect all the computers, smartphones, and software? What about your sales CRM and emails?

Sensitive data constantly transmits across networks and to other devices in the course of doing business, and cyber security describes the discipline dedicated to protecting that information and the systems used to process or store it. There are a number of solutions for cloud, network, and application security, including multi-factor authentication, firewalls, VPN, SSL encryption, and much more.

Physical security and cybersecurity often work together to provide maximum protection for your business. IdentiSys offers a complete line of solutions for both physical and logical security. Contact us today to learn more and receive a complete complimentary security assessment.

Across the country, law enforcement agencies are using or evaluating body worn cameras as evidence documentation and to help reduce false complaints. Body cameras are proven to increase officer safety and as well as reduce department liability with decreased use of force incidents. These cameras provide the transparency needed to improve community trust and help to settle issues of who did and said what and when.  They hold people accountable on both sides. 

IdentiSys offers two highly rated and dependable cameras:

Safety Vision - Prima Facie® XL Body Worn Camera: This lightweight, easy-to-wear camera delivers an accurate record of officer engagements to complete situational awareness. An integrated 2 inch color LCD screen and speaker instantly records audio, video and still pictures.

• Touch n' go recording
• Pre-event recording
• 32 GB of internal storage
• 120° field of view (FOV)

Panasonic - Arbitrator BWC4000 Body Worn Camera: This new and improved body worn camera has upgraded features for airtight evidence capture. This camera is built on Panasonic's tradition of video surveillance excellence to take data collection to the next level.

• New 12-hour field-swappable battery
• MP4 video file format
• Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
• LCD menu for tagging

For more information on these cameras or any other related questions, reach out to sales@identisys.com so we can help you out with your security needs.

The introduction of video doorbells has increased security in residential properties by deterring porch pirates from stealing packages. Many doorbell cameras record all the activity happening in front of your front door, and will send alerts to your smartphone. While video doorbells are specifically designed for residential properties, some business owners are tempted to utilize them for commercial properties.

Video intercom systems integrate with smartphones, computers, displays and desk phones. Because video intercom systems can be hard-wired, visitors and calls will not be missed, even when the internet is down or slow. If the mobile app is not required, a standard interior master station without mobile app capability is also available.

If you're only concerned about missing the postman and deterring porch pirates, a video doorbell may suffice. If you're concerned about real security, choose a video intercom system because these systems provide maximum security and comfort, especially when integrated with an access gate or door.

At the end of the day, a video intercom system is much more than an enhanced doorbell device.

Contact us to learn more about commercial video intercom systems. IdentiSys has intercom solutions for gate/door security, emergency, industrial, room-to-room, multi-tenant and much more.

While businesses are beginning to encourage employees to return to the office, it's important to make them feel safe. Right now is the perfect opportunity to consider enhancing you current security system; if you don't already have one, we highly suggest you look into adding something.  Whether it's video surveillance or access control, implementing extra security will not only help your employees feel safe, but it will further protect your building and assets as well. Unfortunately, as technology in the security realm advances, people that are trying to steal data or break into buildings adapt. That's why it's important to implement a security system that takes this into account, or if you already have one - update it. 

Access control allows you to know exactly who enters the building or a specific room, as well as track when they enter and what door they use. If an employee tries to access a restricted area, they will not only not be able to access the room, but analytics will also send reports to whoever is managing the access control system. Rather than carrying around a huge key ring that takes time finding the correct key for it's corresponding door, an access control system allows prox cards/fobs to generate or prevent access with a slim card/fob that can easily be accessed.

Day or night, protecting your building and all of the assets require 24/7 surveillance. Implementing a video surveillance that monitors activity, generates alerts, and transmits & stores footage is another crucial element to ensure safety inside and outside the property.  Just like access control, a video surveillance system can be tailored to your requirements with many cameras and configurations available. 

As a full-service security solutions integrator, IdentiSys is at the forefront with the latest security technology, real-time tracking, multi-factor authentication, mobile access, smart automation and more. We have provided a plethora amount of successful end-to-end commercial security system solutions to a variety of different types of businesses, so you can be sure that our security team experts will recommend the best possible strategy for your custom security needs.

Our local consultant and trained service technicians will handle your commercial security project from start to finish. Feel free to contact us at sales@identisys.com to see how IdentiSys can enhance your building security. 

IdentiSys is a provider for all the solutions in the bullet points above. Time is running out since applications are due on June 15, 2021. Contact us to learn more about our offerings and how your school district may be eligible to receive funding through the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). 

Spring is almost here, which means it's time to think of new things. Old and outdated security systems pose a massive risk to business assets and resources. Getting the latest security tools and upgrades is always a good investment to protect your business. Because every business security situation is different, custom solutions are often needed.

At the forefront of physical security is access control. IdentiSys carries a number of sophisticated access control systems that allow you to monitor everyone and everything going in and out of your facility. Access control can consist of cards or proximity fobs and readers, biometric readers, PIN locks or a combination of all of these.

If your facility regularly receives visitors from the public or if an access control solution isn't possible, a video surveillance system is essential for monitoring motion and activity, generating alerts, transmitting footage, and storing that footage. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need to help staff and visitors feel safe in your facility. Elevated temperature scanners placed at building entrances can give everyone peace of mind and body.

Your business needs protection outside of business hours, also. For those times, an intrusion alarm system throughout a building can alert building staff and authorities quickly if there's a burglary in progress.

IdentiSys offers a wide range of physical security solutions for your needs. Each of these systems can stand alone, or work together as an integrated smart security system. Tailor and customize a complete security solution for your business.

As we adjust to the "new normal" in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and businesses are grappling with how to safely remain open in addition to following national and local guidelines of mask wearing and social distancing. Implementing some sort of fever screening not only helps ensure the physical well-being of everyone, but also builds confidence among those who are more hesitant as well.

Some organizations are now taking the step of using handheld infrared thermometer devices to screen or detect individuals who have a fever, a possible symptom of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. These devices typically operate on batteries that often need to be replaced and requires assigning someone to scan the foreheads of everyone individually.

A more efficient and accurate method of doing this process would be to utilize a wall or poll-mounted body temperature detection device that only requires people to briefly stand in front of a device or simply walk through a designated pathway. These devices can operate as a standalone system or function as a multi-purpose entry and management solution with integration to new or existing access control, time tracking and smart building automation. Advance features are available, including mask detection and face recognition while wearing a mask for added convenience and safety.

For high traffic applications, thermal temperature network cameras can be utilized to detect up to 16 body targets at a time. A high temperature detection alarm goes off for targets that meet or exceed a temperature level.

IdentiSys offers multiple solutions for fever and elevated body temperature screening. Contact us to learn more about these solutions and how it can help your organization.

In light of recent events, security is more important than ever to protect your people and assets. Some tips to consider:

1. Always lock your vehicle doors and don’t leave valuables in sight, and remind your employees to do so as well.
2. Make sure your business doors and windows are properly closed and locked, and if on a time schedule – consider “a first person in” schedule, or consider all entries into your building require a card swipe.
3. Make sure you know who to contact in the event a critical component (ie reader, controller, panel, camera etc) goes down – make sure you have a back-up person in place.
4. Make sure you have enough prox cards to issue replacement cards if needed.
5. Ask employees to be vigilant – if they see something, let them know who to contact.

IdentiSys and its divisions are considered an essential business as we provide products and services for Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Fire Response, Security, Emergency Management, Warehouse/Distribution, and other essential businesses. As such, we will remain open. We have implemented stringent health and safety policies and procedures to keep our employees and customers safe during these critical times, and are working to follow all social distancing practices.

We are currently open and operational. We have adequate inventories in place to help mitigate any supply chain issues and to ensure we can continue servicing other essential businesses.

Those who own and manage large buildings are aware of the inconvenience and costs associated with rekeying a building. The more locks and total keys issued, the bigger the hassle every time rekeying needs to be done.

Rekeying a building happens more often than you would think, because it becomes a serious safety and security issue otherwise. Rekeying locks is usually associated with terminated employees or evicted tenants, but rekeying is also recommended when a current employee or tenant simply misplaces their key.

The last thing an organization wants is a resentful former employee or tenant to gain access, or worse yet, a stranger with unknown intentions finding a lost key. So, you are left with rekeying every lock in the building and re-issuing keys for every person who should have access.

If you haven't rekeyed your building in several years, depending on the size of your organization, there could be dozens or hundreds of people who have keys​ with full access. Not to mention, copying metal keys is much easier than copying keyless proximity credentials.

With a keyless access control system, all you need to do is simply deactivate ​each specific credential in the software and that "key" no longer has any access.

Keyless access control is an electronic system that controls access to doors, gates, garages and even cabinets, using proximity access credentials (cards, key fobs, tags or mobile devices). Entry points are fitted with electronic keyless readers that lock and unlock with the simple wave of an access credential. 

Additionally, access control has built-in auditing and credential management functionality, allowing you to keep track of credentials issued and where and when they are used. With physical metal keys, you would have no ​paper trail of who accessed the building should an event have occurred, such as a theft of property.

There's no question that keyless access costs more than simple key lock systems. However, access control is more secure, simple to manage, and removes the continuous costs and headaches of rekeying a building. Take the costs and time associated with the inevitable and constant rekeying and consider shifting that cost to move to a better technology in access control. 

IdentiSys Security is a full-service security solutions integrator, delivering affordable end-to-end commercial security system​ sales, installation, maintenance and monitoring to small, medium and large businesses. Contact us today to request a free evaluation.

A security system for your business will provide a greater peace of mind, a safer work environment, a boost in productivity and may even lower your insurance rates.

There are a number of ways to configure a commercial business security system. For example, an office building will need a different type of system than a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Additionally, some businesses will rely heavily on video surveillance and intrusion detection, whereas others will focus more on door or gate access.

A commercial security system will encompass a wide range of standalone or integrated configurations that perform one or more of the following functions:

• Physical access control
• Logical access control
• Video surveillance
• Fire, heat and water alarms
• Entry and intrusion alarms
• Visitor management

The latest in security technology now includes real-time tracking integration, active shooter detection, multi-factor authentication, mobile access and much more.

Choosing the right configuration for your security system will depend on your system requirements and budget. Things to consider when configuring your system:

• Video monitoring - Who will be monitoring the video surveillance and do you need the ability to record video and date images for future reference? What is your video and audio quality requirement? Will you need an HD 4K camera system or will an analog CCTV system do?
• Restricted areas and entry/exit - There are many ways to implement physical access control, whether it be to use PIN pads, door readers or an intercom system. Do you need to integrate identity verification, time and attendance and record access logs?
• Monitoring services - When an alarm is triggered, there are many types of responses. Some alarm systems just flash lights and make loud noises, and for some situations, that might be sufficient. In most cases you'll want a 24-hour monitoring service that handles the response.
• Scaling - Map out your long term security goals. Do you plan to expand on your equipment in the future? Systems suddenly get more expensive with the wrong initial setup, as ​you need to factor in complicated networking to integrate new access entry points or surveillance cameras.
• Connection fees and alarm fees - Some cities require commercial alarm systems be registered with law enforcement that usually comes along with a small annual fee. Some jurisdictions charge for false alarms on a per incident basis. 

IdentiSys Security is a full-service security solutions integrator, delivering affordable end-to-end commercial security system​ sales, installation, maintenance and monitoring to small, medium and large businesses. Contact us today to request a free evaluation.