The University of Vermont Transitions to Qognify VMS

Qognify, a provider of video and enterprise incident management solutions, has announced that The University of Vermont has transitioned to Qognify VMS.

The next-generation enterprise-class video management system (VMS) has been deployed to improve how the university Police Dispatch team manages real-time emergency events, as well as post-incident investigation and daily on-campus surveillance.

Challenge

Many schools, colleges, and universities rely on their video management systems (VMS) as the hub of their surveillance operations.

However, as they look to the future and realise the benefit of taking an integrated approach to managing their campus-wide security plans, the road ahead can be unclear, with a variety of systems and solutions available at a wide range of price points. This was the challenge The University of Vermont had been facing.

CCTV monitoring via VMS

An extensive and expanding CCTV camera network positioned in and around the buildings by UVM for safety

An extensive and expanding CCTV camera network positioned in and around the buildings and grounds owned or controlled by UVM is a cornerstone of its safety and security operations.

This infrastructure is relied upon by the Police Dispatch Team, a group of on-site officers who monitor live camera feeds, coordinate the response to an incident, and use the footage to conduct investigations. This operation relies on the performance of the university’s VMS. 

For many years, UVM has entrusted its VMS requirement to Qognify, a provider of video and enterprise incident management solutions with a wealth of expertise in the education sector.

IP video surveillance solution

The university initially deployed its open-platform IP video surveillance solution, NiceVision, before migrating to VisionHub in 2017, taking advantage of continuous advances in VMS technology.

As a result, its estate of almost 500 cameras (predominantly IP cameras from AXIS) and CBORD CS access control system were integrated, with cameras mapped to entry and exit points around the campus. 

Qognify VMS

When Qognify eventually announced the launch of its next-generation enterprise-class VMS – Qognify VMS in 2022, UVM was excited about its capabilities to improve how its Police Dispatch team managed real-time emergency events, as well as for post-incident investigation and daily on-campus surveillance.

This is why UVM was one of the first organisations to make the transition to Qognify VMS. The university opted for an on-premise deployment, transferring UVM’s entire camera estate onto Qognify VMS.

Simultaneous working of VisionHub, QVMS

The university is required by the police to keep 30 days of recorded camera footage so that they can review it"

During the rollout, it was vital that the duties of the Police Dispatch team would be uninterrupted. Harlan Howard, Equipment Technician at the University of Vermont’s CATcard Service centre, states, “The university is required by the police to keep 30 days of recorded camera footage so that they can review it if an incident is reported."

Harlan Howard adds, "Together with Qognify, we decided to run VisionHub and QVMS side by during the deployment. The transition took place over 60 days and was very smooth. In fact, throughout the process, the Police Dispatch team was already using Qognify VMS as its sole interface for accessing the video.”

Benefit of QVMS

Create and conduct ‘virtual’ patrols

A major benefit for the Police Dispatch team that Qognify VMS delivers is the ability to quickly create and conduct ‘virtual’ patrols. A route around the campus is designed and the relevant cameras are selected. Live feeds from these cameras are automatically cycled and displayed on one of the monitors. 

Harlan Howard comments, “The feedback we have from the police is that this is one of their favorite features of Qognify VMS. In essence, this proactive monitoring has given them an extra patrol, which has resulted in them being able to catch more people in the act.” 

Video footage export, streamlined process

Another advantage is the ease with which video footage can be exported for evidence purposes. “It was quick before, but Qognify VMS makes it much easier for officers to share video regardless of their technical skill level,” notes Harlan Howard.

In addition to the improvements for the Police Dispatch team, the new system is also making life easier for UVM’s CATcard Service centre to manage its expanding camera network. “It is now a much more streamlined process,” said Harlan Howard. adding “It may take half an hour to physically install a camera, but it is the work of a few minutes to add it to the network via Qognify VMS.”

Remote management 

During the pandemic, the previous VMS enabled administrative staff to monitor live camera feeds remotely

This speed of installation and camera management has helped UVM as it grows the number of cameras in use around the campus.

A good example of this is the University’s Fleming Museum of Art, housing Vermont’s most comprehensive collection of art and anthropological artifacts. During the pandemic, the previous VMS enabled administrative staff to monitor live camera feeds remotely.

CAT card

With its doors open to visitors, the number of cameras has been increased to more than 30, and the live monitoring through Qognify VMS helps provide peace of mind to exhibiting artists that their work is being kept safe.

Cameras are also being used to monitor transaction points at unattended dining facilities around the campus, where students can purchase food using their CAT card (identification and debit card). Again, connected to the network and managed by Qognify VMS.

Result: quick and efficient management 

Looking to the near future, the university is looking to take advantage of a Homeland Security Grant to increase and improve camera coverage across the campus. 

Harlan Howard stated, “The positive experience of the Police Dispatch team in using Qognify VMS is driving the initiative to expand our surveillance operations. They recognise that more cameras integrated into the system will lead to them dealing with more incidents quicker and more effectively”.

Harlan concludes, “For us in the CATcard Service centre, Qognify VMS means we can provide better support to the police and be far more efficient in how we manage and maintain our core security systems.”