Video surveillance systems are increasingly being used in security systems and with good reason. Even the presence of video cameras acts as a deterrent to potential criminals. Possible dangers are also detected at any early stage. Appropriate and rapid intervention will enable damage at least to be contained. Given the ever-growing sources of danger and increasing losses, video systems are an extremely valuable and economical means of improving the security of people, buildings and valuables.

Video surveillance systems perform valuable services, not only in companies but also in numerous other areas. They help to optimize procedures, detect dangers in good time; they make it possible for the emergency services (police, fire brigade etc.) to intervene rapidly and appropriately and they prevent or reduce damage of all kinds.

With a video surveillance system, you are always in the picture – 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. And you don’t even have to sit in front of a TV screen. As soon as an unusual incident occurs, an appropriate signal is automatically transmitted to a predetermined location (e.g. to a mobile phone). Appropriate steps can then be taken immediately to minimize damage.

With the market trend moving rapidly over to digital, Siemens is proud to have over 20 years development experience on the SISTORE^TM range of Digital recording systems. Digital systems are enjoying increasing popularity for two main reasons. One key reason for this is the almost unlimited flexibility. This means rapid and trouble-free adaptation in the event of changes of use or if new security needs arise. The other is the flexibility that digital offers in terms of easy searching of video, the fact that digital never degrades and with latest digital signatures, is even more secure for evidential purposes.

• Video surveillance systems can be used for a wide variety of jobs and functions:
• Protection against shoplifters, pick-pockets and luggage thieves.
• Protection from aggressive visitors, passengers etc.
• Monitoring entire building complexes or individual properties, such as multi-level car parks, parking garages, railway platforms, waiting rooms, reception areas, swimming pools, fitness rooms, lifts etc.
• Prevention of vandalism.
• Any criminals and criminal acts are recorded for evidence.
• Monitoring of access to buildings or individual sectors.
• Observation and monitoring of stationary and moving traffic on car parks, road networks, in towns and cities, in tunnels.
• Protection of grounds and perimeter fence surveillance.

With the addition of a video surveillance system, the speed and quality of intervention of security installations (fire alarm systems, intruder detection, attack and theft alarms; access control systems, systems for monitoring technical installations etc.) are considerably enhanced.