A study based on the installation said the ROI benefits came in contrast to those from traditional, analogue-based CCTV systems.
The bulk of the savings came from ongoing system maintenance costs.
With a standalone analogue-based CCTV system the college’s estates management team would have been obliged to purchase a system maintenance contract with a traditional CCTV specialist at an annual cost of GB pound 72,000 because they do not have the skills in-house to keep it running, Axis said.
However, because the new surveillance system operates on a data network the college could give its own in-house IT team responsibility for ensuring the system is properly maintained.
Major savings
The college also calculated that nearly GB pound 26,000 of savings were achieved at the installation stage by delivering power to Axis’ network cameras via standard Ethernet cabling (or Power over Ethernet) which was already installed throughout the two campuses to transmit computer data around the sites.
Calculations made in discussion with wiring specialists indicated that it would cost a minimum of GB pound 80 per wired analogue CCTV camera to deliver the necessary 240 volts electricity via ‘fuse spare’ boxes to each camera. A total of 324 Axis network cameras deployed across the college saved an estimated installation bill of GB pound 25,920.
The Axis cameras can be configured to send alerts to an Alarm Receiving Centre when movement is detected in their field of view. ARC operatives are then able to send verbal warning to intruders spotted on camera and only provide an onsite presence when absolutely necessary.
CCTV systems obsolete
Domingo Rodriguez-Baez, assistant estates manager at Knowsley Community College, said: “Total identifiable savings today will deliver ROI on our GB pound 500,000 initial investment within six years, or earlier if more remote monitoring and vandalism cost savings are factored in.
“Analogue-based CCTV has no future because it is not able to take advantage of technology developments such as wireless, Power over Ethernet, high definition and megapixel. It’s basically standing still whilst its IP equivalent is benefiting from a great many innovations…I personally think CCTV systems will be obsolete within 10 years.”
Phil Doyle, managing director, Axis Communications (UK) Limited, said:”Knowsley College sends a clear signal to those approving investments in surveillance systems: IP surveillance technology offers a high quality, cost effective and future-proofed alternative to CCTV.”