For medium and large scale enterprises, security strategies involve the deployment of a large number of cameras. These cameras are continuously monitored, and the streams are recorded for future reference. The device in which these recordings are recorded and stored is known as Network Video Recorder.
Among the various challenges that an organisation faces, managing various other security systems at a time is one. There are systems like POS, Access Control, Fire Alarm etc., which need to be managed regularly. Hence, the overall management becomes inconvenient for the organisation. The complexity increases when multiple locations are incorporated. Therefore, the need of a device which can centrally manage all the systems is inevitable.
To fulfill all the above requirements, Matrix NVRs are equipped with following features:
- Cascading: This is one of the most unique features any NVR can offer. It terminates the requirement of a server to operate CMS (Centralised Management System), saving a whole lot of money. With this feature, each Network Video Recorder can manage several others. For example, if an enterprise is spread across multiple locations, each NVR at every location can communicate with those present at other outlets. Among this, one of the NVRs can act as the master and control 19 others. Moreover, there can be multiple master NVRs monitoring different sets of other slave NVRs. For live monitoring of every camera at each location, the output of master NVR can be connected directly to a screen, completely bypassing the need of a server.
- Integration: Managing diverse security systems is daunting and tedious. Integration of NVRs with other systems in an organisation can boost the overall productivity as well as reliability. For example, NVRs can be integrated with Fire Alarm Panel, Access Control solutions, POS, Boom Barrier or any third party system as well, using the auxiliary input/output port. Integration with POS enables the IP camera facilitated at the exit to assess the crowd in a supermarket and open billing counters accordingly for smooth outflow of the customers. Likewise, input from fire alarm panel to the device can prompt cameras to start recording the happenings in area of interest, making rescue operations quick.
- E-map: In today’s Network Video Surveillance, maintaining coherency is a big challenge. Most of the enterprises are spread across various locations. To centrally monitor each camera, a tool is required where all these systems can be mapped. E-map is one such facility. Matrix NVRs have the option of multiplayer E-mapping, in which by mapping cameras, one can monitor all the cameras in real-time through a single window. This feature also has the flexibility of getting integrated with other third party sensors. Virtual camera icons are positioned on the JPEG map of the corresponding location and are linked with the actual cameras present on that location. During an incident/mishap or if a camera stops working due to some reason, these icons start blinking, making it straightforward to track the path of the camera.
The above three features, if put together, save plenty of time and efforts while centrally managing the entire Video Surveillance system as well as other security systems. While these are just some of the functions of Matrix NVRs, the whole product is a perfect package of modern technology and innovations put to good use.
