American Security Systems introduces Video Doorman for condos and co-ops in a tough economy

"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others...I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent." - Thomas Edison Thomas Edison's words about the nature of invention continue to ring true, and particularly when difficult times require creative thinking and innovation to drive growth. With 30 years of leadership in the security industry in the New York market, American Security Systems shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the company continues to innovate, delivering security products and services with tremendous value for building owners, managers and residents. "During these challenging times it's particularly important to provide innovative systems like Video Doorman that differentiate buildings from the norm, add value, save costs and improve quality of life," said Larry Dolin, president and founder of American Security Systems. Over the years the company has grown from a basic residential central station alarm provider into one of the leading total security systems companies in New York. Growth has come from insistence on developing and installing quality products, reinvestment into infrastructure, personnel and acquisitions, and providing exceptional service. Video Doorman Introduced two years ago, Video Doorman has impressed residential building owners and tenants wanting the security and convenience provided by doormen. Video Doorman provides most of the functions of a doorman at a small percentage of the cost, about $1 per tenant unit per day, and increases the value of buildings' units when it comes time to sell. The technology also provides owners and managers of doorman buildings with the flexibility to staff some shifts with Video Doorman, and can provide a tremendous upgrade in service and security in buildings where no doorman coverage currently exists. Tenants in buildings without doormen are currently unable to receive packages, UPS, Fed Ex, dry-cleaning, gifts or other deliveries from local merchants. In effect, they are cut off from the many time-saving benefits that tenants in doorman buildings enjoy. Forty percent of all Americans now order on the Internet, and Video Doorman solves the dilemma caused when residents can't receive these deliveries at home. A video intercom panel is installed on the outside of a building for deliveries when tenants are not home. When someone presses the button, trained central station operators answer and the visitor comes up on American's screen. The person is asked for identification and remotely allowed entry, while all activity is recorded via voice and video. Through a series of cameras in the hallways and elevators with speakers/microphones, the central station operators 'escort' the delivery person to a secured package room, open it, and watch as they deliver and leave. The tenant is emailed to notify them of the delivery. HID access control readers are installed on the front door and package room door, insuring only authorized tenants enter. Cards are managed over the Internet. "Another feature owners like is the ability to call up our 24-hour UL Certified Central Station late at night using a remote transmitter," said Dolin. "Our operators connect to the tenant upon entering the building. With a camera and speaker/microphone in the elevator, American Security Systems can 'escort' the owner right up to their floor." The system is a combination of video intercom, CCTV, access control and high security locks. Cameras are always recording and access control working, even when the Video Doorman feature is not activated. "You can't get better security than this," said Dolin. For more information about Video Doorman visit www.amsecsys.com/Products/videodoorman.asp.