Wireless Security Cameras = Future Company Growth

Some companies take on change while others resist it.  Does anyone remember Eckerd’s drug stores?  If not, I don’t blame you.  Resistance to change is what ended Eckerd’s run as a strong force in the drug store market.  Meanwhile, taking on change helped keep Walgreens alive, with the addition of the drive through pharmacy, among many other things.  The point is, change is inevitable.  Simply put:

You can either change and progress, or resist change and fade away.

source: www.activerain.com

One area that is often discussed in the security camera market is wired vs. wireless security cameras.  Customers want wireless.  Installers want wireless.  Dealers want wireless. 

Question: What are RELIABLE and COST-EFFECTIVE wireless solutions?

Short answer: Hard to find.

They are becoming more readily available with time, but this is a change that WILL happen.  It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Being in the security camera industry for almost 6 years, I have not been too pleased with the variety of QUALITY wireless solutions available, analog or IP, until the past year.  This area promises significant growth in the coming years, since we are continually moving towards a wireless world.  Could you imagine your iPhone, Android device, Blackberry, or iPad being wired to another device?  Basically, NOT wireless?  Absolutely not!  This is the mindset that most end users are thinking with, as we are becoming a more wireless society.  On the dealer and installer side, there are some significant profit advantages to wireless security camera solutions, as well, such as ease of installation, increased range and reduced human resources.

Ease of Installation: Wireless solutions offer an ease of installation, when compared to wired solutions.  This can reduce the amount of time that installers are on the premises, making for less interruptions and a happier customer.

Increased Range: Wireless camera solutions offer an increased range, when compared to wired solutions. This can allow you to cover larger premises that previous wired solutions may not have been able to handle.  The increased range of wireless will allow installers to handle 30-40 foot ceilings, cement walls and multi-tenant installs, among many others.

Reduced Human Resources: Wireless solutions require a reduced amount of human resources, when compared to wired solutions.  Since there is no cable pulling, line testing, etc., this will allow installation companies to have more installers at more sites.

Here’s to wishing you a Happy New Year and continued success in 2012!

Home Camera Systems, Smartphone Control, and Soccer Moms: Just Tap the App!

The United States military uses cameras to insure the security of the country by protecting the borders and seeking out aggressors. All over the world, cameras on unmanned planes called “drones” are flown by pilots located in Tampa Florida. Their job is to gather information and even combat enemies if needed.

But now, a new breed of soldier is using this same type of technology to protect her home and keep a watchful eye on the kids while her husband is napping on the couch — she is the “Soccer Mom.”  In today’s advanced technological world, we find Soccer Moms becoming more and more prepared for the rush of a crazy weekend by keeping their homes in clear view with security cameras.

A trip to the lake, grocery shopping, and baseball games scheduled with three kids all at different times can be difficult to manage, but with the birth of the home security camera combining with the power of smart phones, it’s just as easy as “tap on the app”.

Kelly Morrison is a 24-hour soccer mom in Frisco TX, and while living up to the stereotype of racing her SUV all over town to get to a game, she now has a better view of what is going on while she’s away.

I asked Mrs. Morrison a few questions about the changes in her life with her new home security system.

• What is the biggest benefit of having home cameras? “Making sure my husband is not just watching ESPN, but instead feeding Conor before the baseball game!”  She jokes, but with a simple “tap the app” she can look in her kitchen, kid’s room, hall, den, backyard, front yard, front door, driveway and garage.

• Do the kids like the camera system? “Yes and no. I have a place where they do homework, and since I’m home when they are, it’s nice that their dad can see them while he’s on the road.  If they have any real issues they know it’s not only viewed by my husband but we can also review the information for any clarification to get the real truth out.  I am not saying that our kids do bad things, but ever since we added the cameras they know what the real world expects and how you should act even at home.”

• Does your husband like home security cameras? “Yes – definitely; he comes from a military background, and he travels all week.  It’s really nice for him to simply tap the screen to see if our dog Jeter is in the backyard or sleeping on our bed.  He feels comfortable knowing that if anyone did something to the home, then our evidence can be presented to local law enforcement to help catch the perpetrators.

• Do you see any drawbacks to having a home camera system, and what advice would you give others in the market for one? “We don’t think there are any drawbacks, but we would stress that when you purchase the main system, make sure you have room to add future cameras.  We started with a four camera system, but in less than one year we upgraded to a 16-channel system.  My husband bought a new Harley, and yes, that needed a new camera on it.”

• When did you decided to purchase your system? “We got the idea to do this from a special offer in a local supermarket, but when we realized that a good setup required professional attention, we called local experts that supplied the equipment, guidance, and prices we were looking for.  It kept my husband from falling out of the attic, and our cameras were tailored for our needs.”

As Kelly walked me out to my truck she took out her phone, and within a few seconds she showed me all the cameras up on one screen in real time.  “This is the best thing that a parent can have, and that is the ability to see their kids when they are just old enough to be home alone”.   Upon leaving, I didn’t just keep the phone number of the company they went with for the cameras — I made an appointment.  Kelly the “soccer mom” sold me on the system simply by showing it to me on her phone.

What started off as an interview on the benefits of home security cameras ended up being the best investment I could have made for my home and family.