The Setup
Before the Milestone software was installed, TCAPS completed Phase I of the security overhaul with an older, less effective technology. The resulting video solution did not meet the requirements of the designed system.
Phase II brought in Milestone’s engineering staff and XProtect VMS, which was successfully installed around the district. The software was implemented quickly and efficiently in the school settings, minimizing interruption or confusion with the installation team and administrators tasked with monitoring the hundreds of cameras.
A total of 685 cameras were set up in TCAPS, 397 of which in Phase II by NETech. Panasonic’s IP WV-Sw355, WV-SW395 and WV-SF366 cameras were installed throughout the entire district, in addition to two Arecont AV8185 IP cameras. XProtect’s open platform abilities allow end users to have a freedom of choice in choosing hardware devices. More than 1,500 models of network cameras, encoders and DVRs from nearly 100 different manufacturers are supported by Milestone.
Throughout the school district, 19 monitoring stations were established, each with an HP video workstation synchronized with Milestone XProtect Corporate. Four HP ProLiant video servers and an HP StorageWorks MDS600 with 70TB of space round off the system’s storage capabilities. This powerful capacity is important for so much video data: Milestone XProtect Corporate supports an unlimited number of cameras, users and sites, making it the perfect match for TCAPS, which also has plans for additional cameras when Phase III begins.
“Since Milestone’s XProtect integration into our school district, we’ve had instances on campus where having a reliable security system has easily reinforced our decision to upgrade. Our 700 cameras have been workhorses as we work to keep our students and staff secure,” stated Mahon. “Keeping in mind our plans to expand the system, the server and software were a very important aspect. As of now, our server has the ability to tack on additional cameras. Using X
Protect helps us maintain the work and educational environment when we decide to upgrade. It’s simple, fast and effective.”
“I’ve been working with Milestone and its software solutions for five years,” stated Emerson. “We came into Phase II knowing the system would eventually be expanded, and XProtect Corporate will completely support this addition. As Phase III takes shape, we can rest assured the expanding security plan will be easily achievable, adding any camera seamlessly that fits the budgetary or physical needs of TCAPS.”
Milestone solutions are future-proof, with a licensing model that offers upgrades with the freedom to add or integrate new technologies as they are developed,
Champions in Training
Select administration and staff, known as Champions around the school district, are being trained in waves by Luke LeaTrea of NETech to operate the security system. Champions learn the features of Milestone and the corresponding systems.
Technical training includes a slide show that focuses on the technical abilities of the cameras, from customizing views, zooming in and out and changing the focus to another area. Training in recording and archiving the video from the easy-to-use VMS system will ensure that staff are completely capable of dealing with any security-related occurrence.
“The software is amazing,” stated LeaTrea. “For the most part, the administrators in the technical champion sessions quickly learn and understand the Milestone software. Within the schools we’ve trained, there are rarely any post-training questions. It is by far one of the most user-friendly interfaces available.”
The Benefits
Since the security upgrade, there have been instances where school property was reported missing, and those trained to use the system monitored, reviewed and recorded the event. The digital evidence was quickly and easily exported from the Milestone system and provided to the local police department with a built-in viewer.
“At times, we have dealt with instances of theft or other security issues, regarding publicly owned property outside of the school environment or vandalism. We can easily show the footage to the accused and police to quickly turn around the situation,” continued Mahon. “We are extremely confident in our system and trust that we are keeping the school and all of those in attendance safe.”
Milestone XProtect Corporate is the strong backbone to the comprehensive security solution installed in the Traverse City Area Public Schools. With its ability to support an unlimited number of cameras, its ease-of-use and the reliability of the servers, Milestone continues to help keep students, staff and teachers safe on a daily basis.
”XProtect is really well put together, powerful software,” continued Mahon. “It meets our complicated needs and we have been very happy with the outcome.”
About COMTECH Design
CommTech Design is a technology design and consulting firm founded in 2005, CommTech provides planning and detailed design services to our clients when they upgrade their technology systems. The past five years have led to a considerable amount of design work in Video Security and Access Control systems. CommTech Design prides themselves in helping their clients find the best system at the best price. Bret Emerson RCDD/NTS is the owner of CommTech Design, based in Rockford, Michigan.
About NETech
NETech Corporation is a privately held, debt free, customer-focused company established in 1996, with a goal to provide clients with the best expertise in the field of network installations across the United States. The company has been committed to designing, installing and maintaining effective IP-based networks, carefully selecting the best partners to provide quality solutions with high customer satisfaction across the nation.
About Milestone Systems
Founded in 1998, Milestone Systems is the global industry leader in open platform IP video management software. The XProtect® platform delivers powerful surveillance that is easy to manage, reliable and proven in thousands of customer installations around the world. With support for the widest choice in network hardware and integration with other systems, XProtect provides best-in-class solutions to video enable organizations – managing risks, protecting people and assets, optimizing processes and reducing costs. Milestone software is sold through authorized and certified partners. For more information, visit www.milestonesys.com
