The IDEAL Solution

The IDEAL Solution

Thanks to the SecuriTEST IP multi-function CCTV tester from IDEAL Networks, JPR Engineering is saving time and improving cost effectiveness on CCTV installation jobs.

JPR Engineeringโ€™s specialist Fire & Security Solutions Division had previously considered, and used, various brands of CCTV test equipment.

However, following a positive experience participating in the Beta testing phase for SecuriTEST IP, the company added two multi-function SecuriTEST IP CCTV testers to their fleet.

Konrad Rubery, Fire & Security Department Manager for JPR Engineering, explains: โ€œCCTV installation and maintenance jobs are unpredictable which makes it particularly important to have the right testing and troubleshooting tools to hand.

โ€œAround 90% of our new installs are for IP systems and, at any one time, we might be working on multiple smaller domestic or retail installations, or a single commercial installation where hundreds of cameras are required.โ€

SecuriTEST IP is mostly used by JPR for fault finding, call outs to repairs and for final commissioning and reporting.

From the outset, the CCTV tester proved much more user-friendly and intuitive than other brands.

Konrad Rubery continues: โ€œThe icons are simple to understand and the tester guides the user through the process which helps save time.

โ€œUnlike other testers, we have never had to get the manual out; instead weโ€™ve discovered the different helpful features as weโ€™ve used it.โ€

Global Marketing Manager for IDEAL Networks Tim Widdershoven further explains: โ€œA key challenge for JPR was that, for installation and commissioning jobs, engineers would ordinarily need to take multiple items of kit to each job โ€“ up to 3-4 test tools plus a laptop.

โ€œThis proved cumbersome and inefficient, with time spent going back and forth to the van to get the next piece of equipment.

โ€œNow, JPRโ€™s engineers can achieve the same result with just one small tester hanging around their neck. The varied functionality of the tester saves hours per job and keeps costs down.โ€

For instance, the HDMI In feature means the engineer can simply plug in to the NVR, conduct the setup, perform tests and see the results rather than needing to take a monitor and recorder on to site.

Similarly, two engineers are no longer required for CCTV installation jobs with SecuriTEST IP โ€“ one engineer can see and access all the information they need.

The tester, therefore, reduces labour by half, allowing engineers to be scheduled to undertake other work, making each job more cost effective. These cost savings can then be reflected in the price to the customer and ensure JPR Fire & Security remains competitive.

Konrad Rubery adds: โ€œAs we have been able to keep our costs and prices low, we have won many more CCTV installation jobs compared to this point in the previous year. I believe it has helped business grow in our Fire and Security Division.โ€

To further enhance productivity and free up engineersโ€™ time to undertake other jobs, the PoE and 12V output features of SecuriTEST IP have enabled JPR Fire & Security Solutions to carry out complete installations, and prove they all work, before power is even available on site.

This avoids conducting installation during the rushed final days on site when power goes live, while it requires fewer visits to the site overall, as the engineer only needs to return to the site to re-confirm the system is working as reported.

Plus, when called to a fault on an IP CCTV camera installation, engineers can now use SecuriTEST IP to quickly prove if the fault lies with the network instead of the camera.

Likewise, engineers can easily prove to the customer if the problem is because of changes made after installation.

In either scenario, this avoids time wasted on trying to diagnose a camera fault and helps make work required on call-backs chargeable.

Konrad Rubery explains: โ€œSecuriTEST IP provides comprehensive reports which incorporate time stamped photo images to prove the field of view and data, such as the IP address and gateway.

โ€œAs these can show what has changed since installation, weโ€™re able to charge for more of our call-backs.โ€

The tester has even proven useful to JPR Fire & Security Solutions before an engineer has even gone on site.

For instance, thanks to the HDMI Out capability, SecuriTEST IP can be taken to presentations and demonstrations with customers to clearly display the view they are going to get following the installation.

Konrad Rubery continues: โ€œWe have other brands of CCTV testers in the office, but none of the engineers want to use them now that we have SecuriTEST IP.

โ€œThe tester is an invaluable tool for us, helping us to look professional and setting us apart from the competition, so we are planning on getting another tester.

โ€œIn fact, it works so well that I have already recommended it to others in the industry.โ€

For a free demo of SecuriTEST IP, or to find out more about how it can support your business with testing, troubleshooting and certifying CCTV installations, visit: www.idealnetworks.net.

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