GB Monitoring Go Live with ESI Open Protocol Management Platform

GB Monitoring have gone live with the ESI Open Protocol Management platform to integrate both intruder monitoring and video monitoring to a single front end platform.

The system is an extensive integration featuring intelligent communications, web portal access, multiple communication gateways and full telecoms recording.

Neil Jackson, director at GB Monitoring says, “Automation to drive operator efficiency within the central station was a key objective for us. The ESI platform delivers tools and features that have streamlined the operation allowing automated communication to our customers through E-mail and SMS. Remote engineer access to systems has also delivered major time savings to the operator staff.”

“We have worked extremely closely with Neil and his team over the last year to deliver a bespoke solution to specifically meet the needs of GB Monitoring”, says Paul Dodds, Managing Director of ESI (UK). He adds, “Neil’s huge experience has provided tremendous feedback to also ensure that the solution fits within the BS8418 and BS5979 environment of their central station.”

“The installation provides a major enhancement to service levels offered by GB Monitoring in terms of customer access via web portal. The ability to monitor site accounts, maintain key holder information, remote test and extensive reporting for audit trail fills a major area of demand for our end users,” concludes Neil.

Paul Dodds, Managing Director ESI (UK) concludes: “We are pleased to be working closely with GB Monitoring to provide the specific solution that they need to deliver market leading service and differentiation. GB Monitoring’s decision to choose ESI is further endorsement of our product depth and reliability as well as our forward thinking approach to the remote monitoring industry”.

For more information visit www.gbmonitoring.co.uk.

Improving Detection Standards with BS 8418:2010

Neil Jackson, Director at GB Monitoring, looks at how the new code of practice for remotely monitored CCTV systems which is designed to increase detection standards is expected to put pressure on non-compliant operators.

GB Monitoring has been a longstanding contributor to the development of industry standards and the company’s NSI ARC Gold remote video response centre (RVRC) was one of the first NSI ARC’s to gain BS 8418 approval.

BS 8418 is the Code of Practice used for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. It has recently undergone a review and the 2003 version will be replaced by the 2010 version.

There will be a “dual running” period of one year, which expires on 31st July 2011. This allows installers to use either version of the Code of Practice and is subject to availability of compliant manufactured equipment.

GB Monitoring Director Neil Jackson, who is a regular contributor to BSIA developments including this updated BS 8418 Code of Practice, commented: “I welcome the new standard as it will certainly improve detection standards.”

“It will also increase the divide between those working to BS 8418 and non-compliant remote monitoring providers. There are too many unreliable remote monitoring systems out there and the aim of the standard is to bring CCTV monitoring up to the mark. It’s a similar situation to the intruder alarm market 25 years ago, and the insurance companies are pushing to get compliance to a measurable standard.”

He added: “At GB Monitoring we are already implementing the new Code of Practice. It’s an important set of changes and demonstrates once again the high standards that are needed to secure a police response to any activation.”

For more information on our CCTV monitoring services from GB Monitoring contact Neil Jackson on 01775 823024.