National Monitoring Center Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

/0 Comments/in /by

National Monitoring Center proudly announces the 20th anniversary of the company’s founding. In those years, NMC has evolved from a single 10,000 square foot facility to two fully redundant leading-edge monitoring centers located in California and Texas.

“We are thrilled and honored to have reached this milestone,” said Woodie Andrawos, President, National Monitoring Center. “Our longevity in the monitoring business is testimony to our continuing investments in technology, personnel and relationship-building. Our customers have always been our first priority, and this objective has informed every step we have taken as an organization.”

NMC was founded in June 2001, shortly before the events of 9/11 changed the country and the security industry forever. Beginning in January 2002 with their first 150 accounts operating out of California, the company continued to grow rapidly over the next several years. 2007 marked one of many significant milestones, when NMC built a second central station in Texas mirroring the California facility and allowing for full redundancy and geodiversity to better serve their customers.

Over the next several years NMC continued to update and evolve their facilities and offerings, building a new center in California in 2013 to house monitoring, support and education operations. In 2018, the company merged with Netwatch, opening up new business opportunities and bringing a vital new offering, Proactive Video Monitoring, to their customers.

In 2021, with the business having grown to hundreds of thousands of accounts, NMC continues to lead the industry in delivering monitoring services that proactively protect users while supporting business development objectives for dealers.

“This continues to be an exciting industry, with fast-moving technology that helps people and organizations maintain a lower risk profile,” said Andrawos. “We’re looking forward to our next 20 years.”

Micro Key Solutions Partners with The New DICE Corporation to Offer an Integrated Matrix Interactive Video Platform to Millennium Monitoring Central Stations

/0 Comments/in /by

Micro Key Solutions and the New DICE Corporation have partnered to provide central stations who are using Millennium Monitoring automation software with the ability to add interactive and advanced video services with AI analytics.

While the two companies both offer monitoring and video solutions currently, the partnership allows central stations powered by Millennium Monitoring to take advantage of interactive video services offered by Matrix Interactive.

With the overabundance of cameras and recorded video, the industry is seeing a greater rise in video monitoring. By integrating with Matrix Interactive, Millennium Monitoring meets that demand in a new way.

 The Matrix Interactive engine uses several third party multi-billion-dollar technologies embedded into the platform, providing true AI analytics going beyond motion detection and basic video verification. These technologies include object detection, human behavior detection, and object filtration.

 Verified automated scheduled video tours are another service made possible through Matrix Interactive. The platform analyzes, understands, and prioritizes the video stream in real time. If nothing is detected during the tour, there is no need for operator intervention. The priority level determines if the video is sent to an end user, a central station operator, and/or recorded.

“The change in focus from our video partners, including DICE’s Matrix Interactive, has positioned video monitoring into a more useful and sellable security offering. With analytics being right at the core, DICE’s solution embraces the changing needs in the market and delivers actionable information when dispatchers need it most, separating that data from the deluge of video information that floods a monitoring center,” said Chuck Speck, Executive Vice President of Micro Key Solutions.

“Micro Key continues to partner with best-in-class solutions to provide real revenue and growth opportunities to our customers and help them separate themselves in their competitive markets. Solutions like this fit solidly in that mission and we’re excited to add them as a partner.”

“We are proud to partner with Micro Key Solutions and are enjoying a great working relationship,” said New DICE Corporation Co-President Avi Lupo. “Thanks to an open and generic platform DICE developed for industry players, the solution is an opportunity to add value for Micro Key central stations and their customers by providing them with advanced interactive video monitoring. Plus, it is an excellent new RMR generator with initial minimal investment for Micro Key central stations. The platform is scalable, but they can start off with the entry level package that provides ROI in no time and then add more cameras, services, and modules when ready.”

For more information on the Micro Key Solutions monitoring platform and adding interactive video services, visit www.microkey.com or call 407-870-0040.

Calipsa’s Video False Alarm Reduction Platform Selected By Sirix

/0 Comments/in /by

Calipsa, a market-leading provider of deep-learning-powered video analytics for false alarm reduction, announced Sirix, a leading Canadian remote monitoring station operator, is using its False Alarm Filtering platform. Calipsa’s artificial intelligence-based analytics reduce false alarms by more than 90%.

Quebec-based Sirix offers public and private organizations solutions for remote video monitoring, cloud-hosted access control, remote intercom response, alarm video verification and infrastructure uptime monitoring. Calipsa’s video analytics software is deployed in the Sirix operations center, providing an added layer of intelligence to protect its customer’s sites.

Calipsa’s cloud-based analytics use deep learning technology to focus on human or vehicle movement within live video feeds. Nuisance factors, such as wind-blown foliage, are filtered out, significantly reducing false alarms and improving Sirix agents’ response times to genuine security threats while improving their overall efficiency.

“After evaluating and testing the different solutions on the market, we found the Calipsa AI engine was the most powerful but also simple and intuitive,” said Daniel Cyr, chief executive officer, Sirix. “Even though almost all cameras connected at our operation center have built-in advanced analytics, Calipsa was able to reduce multiple false alarms, which allows our operators to be even more efficient in their work. It was important for us to get the best AI technology on the market and we have that with Calipsa.”

“Sirix became a leader in the Canadian video monitoring market by constantly looking to integrate state-of-the-art technology that exceeds industry standards,” said Brian Baker, chief revenue officer, Calipsa. ‘We’re excited to help support Sirix’s growth and I’m confident we’ll have a successful partnership for years to come.”

Click here to learn more about how the Calipsa false alarm reduction platform can make central monitoring stations more effective and cost-efficient.

COPS Acquires Wholesale Monitoring Business From Security Partners

/0 Comments/in /by

On June 8th, COPS Monitoring announced that it has purchased the wholesale monitoring assets of Security Partners LLC at auction on May 27, 2021.

Upon completion of the acquisition and subsequent preparations, the alarm companies and their 100,000+ subscriber accounts will be migrated to COPS and monitored by its network of six UL listed and TMA Five Diamond certified monitoring stations located throughout North America.  The migration of the Security Partners dealer accounts is scheduled to be completed by early fall and will bring COPS’ total monitored account base to more than 3.5 million.

“We are extremely excited about welcoming the Security Partners dealers to the COPS Monitoring family,” said COPS Monitoring’s president Jim McMullen. “We look forward to contributing to each company’s success by delivering exceptional service and a stable foundation on which they can continue to grow their businesses.”

Alarm Detection Systems Appoints Amy Becker as Chief Operating Officer

/0 Comments/in /by

Bob Bonifas, Founder and CEO of Alarm Detection Systems, Inc. (ADS), is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Becker as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.

As COO, Becker will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, which includes responsibility for all of the functions at the Illinois and Colorado locations.

Bob Bonifas notes that “Amy brings proven leadership both within the alarm industry and at ADS. She has worked tirelessly alongside industry veterans to establish best practices and offer the highest service levels to our customers.”

“With her great balance of leadership and business skills, we look forward to Amy Becker guiding our company to an even more successful future,” he said.

Amy started with Alarm Detection Systems in 1997 as the Accounting Supervisor for the Company and progressed to the position of Controller. Amy accepted the responsibility of Vice President of the Company in 2015 and Chief Financial Officer in 2019.

Amy is a graduate of Aurora University with an Accounting Degree. She is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. While with ADS, Amy’s ever-increasing responsibilities have included oversight of the company’s financials and executive leadership.

“Daily, our employees display expertise and commitment to our operations. I am proud to be counted among them. In my new role, I can draw from the best traditions ADS has established over the past 53 years. At the same time, our goal is to work as a team to achieve even greater success. We are a resilient business group who has a passion for delivering outstanding customer service,” says Amy Becker, Chief Operating Officer of Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.

Cyber-attacks – Are you prepared?

/in /by

Over the past few weeks, TMA has virtually hosted its 2020 Annual Meeting and the first portions of its OPS-TECH 2020. Cyber attacks and ransomware has been a thread through both programs.

When it comes to cyber-attacks, it’s no longer “if”; it’s when

Our Annual Meeting cyber panel of experts definitely got the hearts and minds of attendees racing with the news that it isn’t “if” your company is attacked; it’s when. The incidents of ransomware has more than doubled in the period between the end of 2019 and Q3 2020. According to the panel’s moderator, Sacha Kylau, Director Business Development, OnTel, “It is getting worse and worse. Plan for the day you will be hit.” Plans should include a business continuity plan and a disaster plan. The panel stated that company and customer data must be protected, but emphasized that it is impossible to 100% secure data. The panel advised attendees to implement a multi-layered approach. Staff training in accordance with the plans is imperative. Be proactive. It is too late when something happens.

US FBI offers tools and assistance to businesses

On Tues., Nov. 17th, FBI Special Agent Brian, the third portion of our OPS-TECH 2020 kicks-off with a keynote address by Brian Cyprian, a Special Agent for the FBI and Supervisor of the Charlotte Cyber Task Force. Special Agent Cyprian will deliver a cyber threat update, explaining the latest trends in current and evolving cyber-attacks with guidance and best practices for managing these threats.

He’ll share strategies for preparation, prevention, and responding to cyber-attacks in partnership with the FBI. Learn how your IT teams can benefit from access to the tools and assistance that is available from your local FBI office.

Learn more about the technology portion of our OPS-TECH 2020 meeting, opening tomorrow, and register to take part in the topical, timely subject matters impacting your business today and in the future. Go online to http://tma.us/events/operations-technology-seminar/

Access Recordings of TMA Fall Meetings – Save 25% on 11/30/20

/in /by

TMA’s 2020 Annual Meeting (10/20) and OPS-TECH 2020 (11/20) offered monitoring center and security industry professionals multiple days of valuable, virtual learning. Our attendees rated all sessions highly for content, value, and speaker quality!

If you were not able to attend, or if you did, but would like to share some sessions with colleagues, TMA has uploaded all available recordings for on-demand viewing. And, for just one-day (Monday, Nov. 30th), TMA is offering 25% off access fees on both full meeting packages and individual sessions.

It’s an opportune time to purchase sessions for colleagues and peers who did not attend!

For full details, go to http://tma.us/eve…/tma-fall-2020-events-session-recordings/

Session Topics Include:

  1. 2020 Annual Meeting: http://tma.us/events/annual-meeting/#toggle-id-4
    1. Home Security Market
    2. Working from Home
    3. Attrition Study
    4. Finance/M&As
    5. Cyber
    6. More!
  2. OPS-TECH 2020 : http://tma.us/events/operations-technology-seminar/#toggle-id-4
    1. Operations
    2. Video
    3. Technology

A friend in need…

/in /by

A member and valued friend of TMA, industry consultant Bob Harris, Attrition Busters, has been hospitalized with COVID-19 for the last month and has been on a ventilator in recent weeks. While his condition has slightly improved, he remains in very critical condition.

Bob and his family need our support at this time in the form of positive thoughts, prayers, and financial donations.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to collect donations for the family. Please take a moment to visit the page and make a donation of any size. https://gf.me/u/zan2y2

Thank you for your support.

Our holiday gift to you – Save 20% on TMA's operator training

/in /by

As this year comes to a close, all of us at TMA wanted to say, “Thank You!” We are so grateful for your membership and participation in the professional monitoring community. It’s been a year of unforeseen obstacles for all of us—personally and professionally. 

To show our appreciation, we are offering a 20% discount on all operator training delivered through our training portal at TMATraining.org, now through Dec. 31st.  

While we couldn’t solve every challenge 2020 threw our collective way, we’ve worked hard to support you virtually through our Town Halls, Annual Meeting, and OPS-TECH events curated to make your job easier.  

Next year, we’re focused on making access to collaboration even easier, by continuing with our virtual education platform, expanding our training resources, and enhancing your ability to apply industry best-practices.  Here are just a few items we’re excited about delivering in 2021:

  1. MYM, April 20-22
  2. Online Operator Candidate Assessment Tool
  3. Proprietary Member Users Forum
  4. Upgrades to TMATraining.org
  5. Annual Meeting, October 9-13, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Maui
  6. OPS-TECH, Charlotte, NC – Hosted by CPI Security (Dates TBD)

We’re committed to delivering content you’ll love in 2021. Make sure to keep an eye on TMA.us for registration information and other updates.

TMA’s Operator Online Courses

To learn more about TMA’s Operator Online Training programs, visit the TMA website (Links below). When you are ready to purchase, contact our helpdesk (8 AM- 8 PM) by calling (502) 254-1506 or emailing support@TMATraining.org. (Note: Special pricing only available for a maximum of 10 course purchases.)  

Just remember…this special offer expires December 31st at midnight!

  1. TMA Operator Online – Level 1
  2. TMA Operator Online – Level 2

Giving back to your professional community

/in , /by

As we begin a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on how we can give back to our professional community. The past year demonstrated what can happen when we come together and share our resources with one another. Knowledge and experience are two of the most valuable assets that professionals possess. Giving back is often as easy as connecting with peers and sharing your knowledge and experience. This can take many forms, including, writing and speaking. As we begin to prepare for our 2021 Mid-year Meeting, we’re reaching out to TMA members in search of speakers.

Our 2021 Mid-year Meeting will be presented virtually, April 20-22, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing your experience and expertise with your colleagues in the professional monitoring industry, we would like to hear from you!

The three-day event will offer monitoring center professionals a series of educational sessions on best practices and trends in leadership, operations, and technology.

Start off the year with your commitment to give back and make a valuable contribution to the profession’s field of knowledge.

The deadline to submit your proposal is COB, Friday, January 22, 2021. Go to https://lnkd.in/eaF8huS

Questions? Contact education@tma.us.