10 Key Features of a Video Management Solution You Should Know
As a business owner or authority manager, you install all the requisite security & surveillance and allied systems. You do it to ensure safety & security, protect your premise, and enhance productivity. However, you don’t get what you expect from a system such as a video management solution (VMS) sometimes or in initial days. You know why it happens to you. It occurs, as you choose a VMS without looking for what you need and what features it has. Here are some key features of a video management system you should look for:
1. Ease of use
A VMS is not user-friendly if it requires highly skilled and formally trained professionals for its operation. It can be useless or costly for you. Usually, a video surveillance management system should have a user-friendly interface and enable a user to start operating it with minor instructions. Such a software system is beneficial for you and your enterprise management.
2. Basic components and features
In your selection of video management software or system, you must look for what basic features it has. Some of such software tools consist of:
- Camera administration & management
- Audio & video recording
- Recording scheduling
- Playback
- Search options
- Constant view of video streams from different cameras
- User access control
- Activity logging
3. Integration of other systems
Easy integration with third-party solutions or existing systems is a crucial feature that you must look for in a VMS. Such a system will allow you to iterate it with other security & surveillance solutions such as people counting, vehicle number plate recognition, and image analysis for object detection. With easy integration and added features, you feel at home in monitoring the safety, security, and management and respond fast.
4. Architecture
In the current world, video management solutions have numerous architectures such as browser-based vs. appliance/PC-based and centralised vs. distributed. Further, a vendor like Vehant Technologies may offer a VMS in several distinguished variants, targeting SOHO/SME users, customers, and enterprise users.
In the selection, you must be very careful and keep the right architecture and flavour in mind. Further, you should look for pros and cons of each variant or architecture and keep the number of users in mind. You must value end-user facilities and avoid making any compromise.
5. Independence
The best and effective VMS is independent of hardware. It produces flexibility and freedom for users to choose the hardware that fits well with the application. Usually, vendors offer a complete system that is a combination of hardware and software. It could be useless and a waste of your money, as it can make you dependent on a particular vendor. You should go with the VMS that you can install with your existing system or allow you to select the components of your choice.
6. Modular solution
In today’s world, the business environment changes each day or month. The changes take place due to technical advancements, relocations, mergers, expansions, and regulations. And so, the demand for flexible solutions is on the rapid rise path. A solution that is flexible enough to adopt the changes taking place is an ideal option for you. It will help you have more ROI (return on investment).
7. Video motion detection
You can activate and raise an alert or alarm, apart from constant recording of images and video if your VMS has a video motion detection feature. Such a feature should be available in both server-based or programmable motion detection systems.
8. Remote access
Due to the implementation of low bandwidth, a VMS has features like adjustable frame rates and image-size reduction. These features facilitate sharing video streams to devices at remote locations. With this, remote access becomes more comfortable.
9. Multi-monitor operation
Usually, a VMS should have the probability to be operated on more than one monitor at a workstation. Some video management solutions have the support for multi-screen graphics cards. Due to which, you can see several different videos on a single screen or multiple screen. Multi-monitor operation makes your security & surveillance system more stronger and authentic.
10. PSIA and ONVIF support
The integration of PSIA and ONVIF IP cameras lowers the cost and difficulties of the installation of advanced security & surveillance systems. The basic integration level needed for hardware & software for the implementation of IP video becomes more comfortable. Some vendors are offering VMSes with this support.
Conclusion
It is not easy for business owners to choose the right video management solution, as the selection depends on several factors. The most important criteria you should focus on are architecture, flexibility, user-friendly interface, and integration with other allied systems. In case of help, you should talk to industry leaders and some business owners using the solution. Your careful and wise decision will help you get what you expect from a VMS after its installation. You will be happy and have successful management of your business premise and operation.