Designing a security solution can be a cumbersome and lengthy process. From the initial step of assessing the solution’s needs, to eventually going live with a system that’s not only operational, but also configured for optimal performance, there are many steps along the way. Refining this process and reducing the time it takes offers clear benefits to all stakeholders. By using a system design tool that integrates every aspect of the design process, you can save valuable time and effort and ensure efficient solutions tailored to specific needs.
There are many challenges when designing a system. For instance, understanding the use cases that need to be supported, determining the operational requirements, selecting the right products, and planning their placement and coverage needs. You also need to estimate the solution’s bandwidth and storage requirements and select recording solutions that meet these needs. After that, all the information needs to be compiled and presented as an offer.
An intuitive system design tool can help you create a solution that fits the exact operational requirements and needs of the end customer, while also making projects faster to create, revise, and implement. This can make life easier for all involved and helps ensure you efficiently follow the process and consider each step. An advanced system design tool offers a one-stop shop supporting all aspects of the system design. For instance, instead of browsing websites, you can use product selectors, access data sheets, and manually create a system proposal—all from within one tool. And the tool helps ensure the design is well documented throughout.
Capturing the requirements
A system design tool can provide great convenience and can easily be accessed on mobile tablets and laptops for use on-the-go. So, you can directly collaborate with the end customer while on-site and input specific requirements that meet their specific needs. Building floorplans can also be uploaded, with cameras and other devices dragged and dropped into the design. This allows you to immediately show camera coverage as well as blind spots using different types of cameras. And together with the end customer, you can review the setup and make any necessary adjustments. This makes it easy to clearly present the proposed solution and create an understanding of how the design fulfils the requirements, all without having to resort to using additional CAD tools.
Tailored recommendations for every need
It can also be challenging to find all the devices that meet the solution’s operational, cost, and performance requirements. An advanced system design tool can help with this. For instance, it’s possible to get automated recommendations for camera models that deliver the level of forensic detail needed in different areas of a building or site. And recommendations for specific models that work particularly well under challenging light conditions, or other use cases and requirements.
Likewise, many customers require a solution that’s designed with sustainability in mind. Again, a design tool can support this, for instance, by specifying devices that meet certain criteria, such as devices that are made from PVC-free plastics or ones that use recycled materials. And with surveillance cameras being installed in an increasing variety of environments, you also benefit from the ability to choose the most aesthetically pleasing option from directly within the design tool.
An advanced system design tool can also automatically highlight options for mounting and installing specific products. For instance, if the customer wants to install a device in a ceiling, the tool can provide a selection of compatible mounts. This saves a tremendous amount of time and also ensures the entire solution is accurately specified with a complete bill of materials.
Documentation that’s always aligned
System design is an iterative process. An advanced tool can streamline this process and help you quickly respond to changes requested in discussions with the end customer. When a part of the design changes—for example, you might need to change products, accessories, or mounts—all related elements within the design tool will be automatically updated—no manual adjustments needed.
Using an intuitive system design tool, you can also estimate storage needs based on the specified cameras, required resolution, and recording settings. So, you can determine how much storage will be needed and add the relevant number of recorders, servers, and switches. And you can experiment on-the-fly by selecting different camera models and adjusting their settings to find the optimal storage products to meet project requirements.
More efficient process from proposal to installation
The solution quotation can also be generated within the design tool, saving valuable time and effort when creating a system proposal. That’s because a design tool can keep track of all selected products, and again, any changes made in discussions with the end customer will be instantly updated in the design tool. This ensures that the documentation and proposal stay accurate and up to date as the project evolves.
Once the solution has been approved, you can begin the installation process. Here, your system design tool can create the configuration specification and output detailed installation instructions to help ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Gathering all customer needs in one place
An advanced system design tool helps ensure efficient solutions. It integrates all aspects of the design process and offers a time-saving, accurate, and transparent way to help you design and install your solution. It can make tailored recommendations for optimal surveillance solutions, and help you find products that meet your customers’ specific needs. For instance, using AXIS Site Designer, you can easily select devices from our extensive product portfolio including cameras, speakers, access control devices, recorders, and accessories.
