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"We had five different security systems from various companies, which made managing them challenging. My goal was to consolidate everything into one platform —something easy to access remotely from mobile and desktop and share with others when needed. Our previous solutions were outdated and limited to on-site monitors, which wasn't efficient."
The Client:
Northstar Access
Their security management was becoming increasingly complex and inefficient with a mix of outdated technologies and different platforms. To streamline their operations and enhance security oversight, Northstar Access turned to Solink’s cloud-based video management platform. This decision allowed them to consolidate their systems into a single, easy-to-use solution, providing better visibility, remote access, and cost savings.
Their challenges (before Solink)
- Unifying their security under one pane of glass
- Not wanting to replace their existing security equipment
- Being able to monitor the branches properly and keep track of inventory without on-site visits
Bringing all their security together in a single view
The company sought to unify all security operations under a single, cohesive platform to address these issues. The goal was to streamline management by consolidating everything into one system that could be accessed easily from mobile devices and desktops. This change aimed to improve visibility across all branches, reduce the time spent managing different systems and enable easier collaboration by allowing remote access to security footage.
Avoiding the need to replace their current security equipment
Another major concern was the rigidity of many cloud-based security solutions on the market. These often required businesses to use proprietary equipment and commit to lengthy contracts, limiting flexibility and driving up costs. For a company managing multiple branches and needing to adapt quickly, being locked into such agreements was not an option. They needed a solution that could seamlessly integrate with their existing systems while allowing the freedom to scale and adapt.
"What helped us to choose Solink was that we had invested heavily in our Toronto security system and didn’t want to replace everything from scratch. Our goal was to reduce costs and streamline operations by using our existing cameras. Many cloud-based solutions require their equipment and lock you into long contracts, but we needed the flexibility to move and adapt without those restrictions."
Monitoring effectively and tracking inventory remotely without needing on-site visits
They also faced challenges in maintaining consistent security practices across multiple locations. Without a unified system, managing security and responding to incidents was fragmented and costly. The lack of centralized monitoring and real-time alerts made it hard to ensure that all branches were being managed effectively. They needed a more streamlined process that would allow them to scan through footage quickly, set up alerts for specific events, and unify their security approach across all branches. This would not only enhance efficiency but also reduce costs by centralizing their operations under a single, cohesive system.
"The ability to quickly scan through events in the branch, instead of watching hours of footage, has been a game-changer. If something happened between Friday and Monday, we can find it in seconds rather than sifting through 48 hours of video footage. We can also flag and receive email notifications for specific events, unifying our process across locations. Plus, this approach is helping us reduce overall security costs and gives us leverage when negotiating, as we're now managing multiple branches on a single system."
Connect your cameras to smarter data
Their results (after Solink)
- Single platform integration with the Solink dashboard
- Seamless integration with existing equipment
- Remote monitoring and inventory management
Unified security management
This unification also meant that the company could eliminate the inefficiencies of managing different systems from various providers. By bringing everything under one pane of glass, Solink simplified the security process, reducing the time and effort required to oversee operations. The platform’s intuitive interface allowed users to quickly access and navigate through video footage, making it easier to respond to incidents and manage security protocols.
Compatibility with existing infrastructure
The integration process was straightforward, allowing the company to transition smoothly without significant downtime or operational interruptions. Solink’s platform is designed to be compatible with a wide range of security equipment, which meant that the company didn’t have to worry about whether their existing cameras would work with the new system. This compatibility not only preserved their previous investments but also made the upgrade process more efficient and cost-effective.
Remote access and oversight
This remote access was a game-changer for the company. Instead of having to physically be on-site to check inventory or monitor yard activities, they could now do so from their mobile devices or desktops. This not only saved time but also reduced travel costs and increased efficiency. The ability to quickly scan through video footage and receive real-time alerts for specific events allowed the team to respond more promptly to any issues that arose.
"I don't use the mobile app often, but our yard supervisors do. They can access it remotely to check in on their teams and ensure work is being completed. For me, the value is in quickly checking cameras across the country and verifying our inventory levels visually without needing to be on-site. It reduces unnecessary travel expenses since our branches are spread out geographically, allowing us to monitor everything remotely and focus our in-person visits for critical business activities."
See your security cameras in a whole new way
In Northstar Access’s words:
"It’s been great. Everyone I've worked with at Solink has been phenomenal and supportive throughout the transition. I appreciate the quick turnaround from receiving information to executing the camera installations and the technical support provided by the team. We're nearing the end of our current integration, and we'll be adding another branch by the end of Q1 next year."
"For training staff, showing the features and cameras takes a few minutes vs. hours on the antiquated systems. I can quickly demonstrate how to flip through linked cameras and navigate the portal easily. Onboarding has been quick compared to my last company, where the old DVR system was clunky and required an hour of training and a user manual just to understand how to access recorded footage. This setup is much more straightforward and fully managed online."
