OPTEX visual monitoring solution integrated with Sentinel platform

Posted to Cctv on Thursday, June 17, 2021 Share:

DEVELOPED BY the British company Monitor Computer Systems (MCS), Sentinel is an alarm and video handling software application used by a significant number of Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC) in the UK. It’s also adopted in many monitoring stations across Europe, North America and, indeed, Australia.

When OPTEX launched its Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution for monitored alarm systems, the business engaged with MCS to ensure that all of the contact ID (alarm codes) generated on site could be integrated and interpreted by the Sentinel platform.

Michael Askew, managing director of MCS, wanted to provide ARC operators with the best possible experience when handling a customer’s alarm activation, especially so when a person is identified on site. By integrating OPTEX and Sentinel technologies, operators are given instant access to the event video and are able to share that video with the end user or site manager, who can then instruct on how to handle the event (ie dismiss or respond).

The instruction given by the customer is automated within Sentinel and provides the operator with detail around any follow-up actions required. This process, which stores all actions in a clear audit trail, enables a quick and efficient response to alarm activation and, importantly, avoids unnecessary security or police attendance due to user error or false alarm. This helps businesses in maintaining their Unique Reference Number.

“Thanks to Michael and his team,” stated Ben Linklater, commercial director at OPTEX, “the integration of the OPTEX solution and Sentinel software is seamless. It allows the ARCs adopting our solution to offer a unique visual verification service and handle activations within the Sentinel interface. We’re delighted to see the level of partnership between the two companies.”

The OPTEX Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution enables indoor and external sensors to be integrated with any ONVIF video device and then connect to a cloud portal to generate an easy and cost-effective way in which to add video to a monitored alarm or personal attack system. The solution simply requires the installation of an IP gateway (ie The OPTEX Bridge) on-site, followed by connection to the cloud portal and also to a participating ARC.

*OPTEX and Monitor Computer Systems will be running a joint webinar on Wednesday 23 June. The presenter is Neil Foster, senior business development Manager at OPTEX, while Michael Askew is set to demonstrate the solution live. For more information and to sign up for the webinar visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2509777542814719758