IP-Surveillance technology is proving its worth in terms of real Return on Investment (ROI) in contrast to traditional, analogue-based CCTV systems. This was the conclusion of a study based on a large IP-Surveillance installation completed in the last month at Knowsley Community College, near Liverpool.
The bulk of the savings came from ongoing system maintenance costs. With a standalone analogue-based CCTV system the college's estates management team would have been obliged to purchase a system maintenance contract with a traditional CCTV specialist at an annual cost of £72,000 because they do not have the skills in-house to keep it running. However, because the new surveillance system operates on a data network the college could give its own in-house IT team responsibility for ensuring the system is properly maintained.
In addition, the college calculated that nearly £26,000 savings were achieved at the installation stage simply by delivering power to Axis' network cameras via standard Ethernet cabling (or Power over Ethernet) which was already installed throughout the two campuses to transmit computer data around the sites. Calculations made in discussion with wiring specialists indicated that it would cost a minimum of £80 per wired analogue CCTV camera to deliver the necessary 240 volts electricity via ‘fuse spare' boxes to each camera. A total of 324 Axis network cameras deployed across the college saved an estimated installation bill of £25,920.
The cost benefits don't stop there. Now that the college has the IP-Surveillance system running smoothly it could enable operatives in an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to easily and securely access its cameras remotely. Axis cameras can be configured to send alerts when movement is detected in their field of view. ARC operatives are then able to send verbal warning to intruders spotted on camera and only provide an onsite presence when absolutely necessary.
Mr Domingo Rodriguez-Baez, assistant estates manager, Knowsley Community College, commented:
A total of 324 Axis network cameras deployed across the college saved an estimated installation bill of £25,920 |
"Total identifiable savings today will deliver ROI on our £500,000 initial investment within six years, or earlier if more remote monitoring and vandalism cost savings are factored in."
Knowsley College is also convinced of the value of opting for a pure IP solution rather than traditional CCTV system in order to future-proof its investment. Mr Rodriguez-Baez again:
"Analogue-based CCTV has no future because it is not able to take advantage of technology developments such as wireless, Power over Ethernet, high definition and megapixel. It's basically standing still whilst its IP equivalent is benefiting from a great many innovations...I personally think CCTV systems will be obsolete within 10 years."
Phil Doyle, managing director, Axis Communications (UK) Limited:
"Knowsley College sends a clear signal to those approving investments in surveillance systems: IP-Surveillance technology offers a high quality, cost effective and future-proofed alternative to CCTV."
