It's not just businesses that benefit from Tensor's integrated security solutions — private homeowners can make good use of the features as well.
One such individual in Bedfordshire has been using Tensor CCTV since 2020 at his late 18th Century, Grade II* listed residential property with some outbuildings and a long driveway entered through electric gates.
The owner decided he wanted to improve the security around the property with a simple CCTV setup, as well as be able to see any visitors — expected or otherwise — at the gates. He says: "I've met Nigel Smith [the Chairman of Tensor] socially and I reached out to ask if that kind of security was something Tensor could help me with. He said yes, so there was no big tender process or anything."
Despite some initial concerns from the owner about the Listed status of the property, the Tensor CCTV cameras and related hardware were installed without significantly impacting the aesthetic or historic nature of the building.
"The installation was pretty painless, and it's easy to use," the owner says. "I think it's such a simple system. It's two sets of cameras — one lot of four, and one of five cameras — at each end of the drive."
A convenient and easy way to set up security cameras is via IP CCTV, which is an arrangement of cameras linked via the internet or network connection to provide high-definition video and audio, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. IP cameras are a highly cost-effective and easily scalable solution for affordable but secure and high-quality security cameras.
The setup for this property includes eight static turret cameras and a bullet camera, as well as the mountings, cabling and software from which to monitor, record and view live or archive footage.
"The display screen I've got in my office is reasonably intuitive — I can search through the footage and do what I need to do. It's really there so I can see who's ringing the doorbell at the gate, and if there's a noise in the night I can see if there's anyone outside the house.
"There may be other functionality that I've not needed to use but I just use it in a very vanilla way. I know you can set up an alarm so your phone will chime. I don't do that because I know it would go off all the time!"
In addition to alerts, Tensor CCTV systems can also be linked to other parts of the full security suite, including Access Control and Automatic Number Plate Recognition, both of which can be utilised for residential properties to provide more convenient access for approved vehicles and people at a main entrance, without needing to buzz through an intercom or fumble around for keys.
Following installation, any issues that do need to be addressed can be done so via the Tensor Helpdesk, which is contactable by a support portal, email, or telephone, something which receives praise from this homeowner: "It's great, very responsive. There have been a couple of issues over the years, but it's kind of been very low maintenance. There's not a lot to go wrong!"
While CCTV is most effective when combined with a full suite of integrated security including access control, visitor management, and ANPR, the modularity, simplicity and scalability of the Tensor system means that it is ideal for any size of premises, from large multi-site businesses to smaller setups such as residential properties.
For this listed domestic property, the Tensor system does exactly what it needs to: "It's very easy just to see who's at the gate and if I want to let them in or not. I can see all the barns and my house, with 360 degrees around that — so it works just fine."
Find out more about Tensor's options for homeowners by getting in touch with our team today.