For both commercial businesses and residential properties, access control is crucial. While it’s important to keep unapproved people out to prevent security breaches, vandalism, theft, and other unwanted activities, it’s equally important to ensure that tenants, staff, and approved guests can enter the property easily.
To keep properties secure without restricting access to authorized parties, remote video monitoring services and remote access control technologies are your affordable and effective solution.
Remote video monitoring (RVM) is a security solution that utilizes surveillance cameras and other security devices and technology to proactively prevent and instantly respond to suspicious activity to prevent break-ins, vandalism, theft, and more. Remote access control management also utilizes security technology and devices to grant access to authorized people, and screen and verify vendors, contractors, and other visitors to decide whether to grant or deny access.
VirtuGuard™ remote monitoring can now integrate with and utilize 2N access control devices and technologies, enhancing remote access control management capabilities and creating a greater sense of security at VirtuGuard™ client sites.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about remote access control management, remote video monitoring, and how these solutions work together to protect commercial and residential properties.
What Is Remote Access Control Management?
Remote access control management (RACM) uses security infrastructure and technology to grant or deny access to parking lots, buildings, units, or other restricted areas.
Traditional Access Control vs. Access Control Management
Traditional access control management might include an onsite Security Officer or other personnel for screening and verifying visitors at an entrance gate or front lobby. RCAM is similar but requires less hands-on time and enables automatic entry for approved parties, like residents, employees, and approved vendors and contractors.
With VirtuGuard™, rather than requiring onsite personnel to verify and grant entry, these duties can be completed from a remote Command Center. Trained security professionals can verify a visitor’s identification and discern whether to grant entry based on protocols set by a residential or commercial business.
How It Works
VirtuGuard™ can equip an indoor or outdoor entrance with several cameras that will accomplish different things. For example, Virtual Guards can monitor and record face cameras and overhead cameras at check-in areas. Additionally, Virtual Guards can monitor and capture images of a visitor’s identification from an ID drop-slot camera to verify their identity before granting entry.
Going beyond traditional access control measures and other RCAM solutions, Virtual Guards can also monitor the activity and location of guests who are granted access to ensure that no breaches occur. If someone is denied access and does not leave the premises, Command Center Agents can track their activity and alert onsite staff or local law enforcement if the situation escalates and further response is required.
RACM Key Capabilities
Some key capabilities of remote access control management include:
- Remote gate and light control
- Virtual doorman services for residential and commercial businesses
- Visitor logging and tracking (phot capture, ID verification, timestamps, etc.)
What Is Remote Video Monitoring?
VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring is an interactive remote monitoring or virtual guard service. From Command Centers, VirtuGuard™ Agents have access to live video surveillance streams and recorded video from client properties through security cameras and other infrastructure installed on the premises. This security infrastructure, combined with AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies, alerts Agents in command centers to activity/events as they occur in near real-time. The Command Center Team then reacts accordingly to site-specific protocols.
Additionally, remote video monitoring services can replace or most certainly supplement on-site security officers by responding to AI-created events or by being proactive and conducting scheduled or random virtual remote video patrols of the property and people on-site.
Core Capabilities
- Live monitoring of multiple camera feeds simultaneously
- Real-time response to suspicious activity (verbal warnings, contacting authorities, alerting on-site staff)
- Integration with alarm systems, intercoms, and access control hardware
- 24/7 coverage without the cost of on-site guard staffing
Where RVM is Used
Remote video monitoring is often used in these verticals to secure a property:
- Apartment buildings, multifamily housing, and gated communities
- Automotive dealerships
- Manufacturing facilities
- Office buildings
- Parking decks and lots
- Almost any property equipped with security cameras and monitoring capabilities
VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring can keep properties secure 24/7 every day of the year. When supplemented with devices and solutions like 2N access control, VirtuGuard™ unlocks even more proactive protection capabilities.
Introducing 2N: A Leader in IP Access Control Technology
Founded in 1991, 2N specializes in advanced technologies that drive access solutions. 2N invented the world’s first LTE and IP intercoms and has continued to be a leader in developing and manufacturing intercom and other access control products.
2N products are built to integrate seamlessly with each other, as well as third-party technology. This is how VirtuGuard™ can connect their devices to our central station for proactive monitoring and remote control. They specialize in solutions for single-family homes, apartment buildings, and commercial offices.
Core Product Categories
2N carries a wide range of access control products so that there is a solution for a customer’s specific requirements. They offer these product categories:
- Intercoms
- Access Control
- Indoor Stations
- Management Platforms
- Elevator Systems
- Apps & Software
- Other Devices (speakers, microphones, etc.)
Access Credential Solutions
2N has devices that utilize different technologies to meet a customer’s tech capabilities and needs. There are devices that can read RFID chips, biometric access control (fingerprints), PIN codes, and mobile options. Their mobile access options include Bluetooth, QR codes, and mobile phone access through the patented WaveKey Bluetooth-based access technology.
Built-In Cybersecurity
2N readers feature encrypted communication and have cybersecurity measures built in, so a customer never has to worry about privacy violations or cyber breaches.
How VirtuGuard RVM and 2N Access Control Work Together
2N access control devices and technology can integrate with VirtuGuard™ Command Centers to deliver a complete, remotely managed access control solution. VirtuGuard™ conducts proactive, effective security while 2N devices keep premises secure and ease access for authorized people.
For Commercial Properties
For remote video monitoring and access control management in commercial properties (offices, retail, industrial, etc.), VirtuGuard™ can utilize 2N devices/technology in the following ways.
- Virtual Guards remotely monitor 2N intercoms at building entrances and verify and grant access to staff, vendors, and approved visitors in real time.
- Virtual Guards can grant verified delivery drivers and contractors temporary, time-limited access without anyone needing to be present on site.
- Any after-hours access events are flagged and reviewed live to determine the risk level and report abnormalities.
For Residential Properties
For residential properties (apartments, condos, HOAs, etc.), the dual solution enables:
- 2N access control systems can allow Virtual Guards, or even residents, staff, or hosts, to communicate directly with visitors before granting access. VirtuGuard™ Agents service as the 24/7 Virtual Doorman & Concierge.
- Residents who are locked out can be remotely verified and admitted.
- Package deliveries and vendor visits are recorded and documented.
- VirtuGuard™ can detect suspicious activity that could escalate to break-in attempts, theft, and vandalism, intervening in real time to prevent these unwanted activities.
Streamlined Access for Key Groups
With a VirtuGuard™ and 2N integration, access for key groups is streamlined. Customers can expect fewer disruptions, and onsite staff won’t be pulled away from their work to handle access control.
Staff/Employees: 2N and VirtuGuard™ can create pre-loaded credentials and access authorizations for employees so they can enter during their work hours easily. Entries and exits are logged for security, HR, and compliance reasons.
Residents/Tenants: Mobile access apps, keycards, key fobs, etc. can be provided for easy entry at any time of day or night. Additionally, video intercoms are monitored 24/7 by Virtual Guards for any access issues.
Approved Visitors: Create pre-authorized visitor lists with 2N and VirtuGuard™. Virtual Guards can conduct real-time ID verification at entry and document visitor access times.
Vendors/Contractors: Temporary access windows can be created and revoked remotely. Virtual Guards can screen and verify vendors before granting access. All entries are logged with times and images.
Why This Combination is the Future of Property Security
Implementing VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring and 2N products is a more cost-effective solution to manage commercial and residential access control. With this dual solution, there is no need to hire or contract full-time guards or other personnel to screen visitors and manage property access.
VirtuGuard™ and 2N access control are scalable. Whether a business has multiple properties across different states or only one location, these solutions can be scaled for each company’s specific needs. VirtuGuard™ Command Centers can proactively monitor multiple sites simultaneously to ensure access control is operating as needed.
The combination of VirtuGuard™ remote monitoring and 2N access control delivers a smarter, more adaptable, and more cost-effective security solution for commercial and residential properties.
If you have questions about remote access control and video monitoring, VirtuGuard™ is your resource. Complete the contact form below to request more information and learn how we can utilize 2N products to secure your property.