Anavon Technology Group

Monday, 24 July 2017

Benefits Of A Video Security System For Your Business

Video surveillance has become a controversial topic even as privacy issues continue to loom. Video surveillance in your business has become a necessity. Your company is vulnerable to physical and financial dangers. Here is why you need digital surveillance in your enterprise.

Reduce Theft

Theft remains a major problem for many businesses. In fact, incidents of retail theft could be as many as 275 million across the world. Of these, only one arrest out of 46 incidents of retail theft has been made. Surprisingly, about 1/6 of those arrested are employees. Non-retail enterprises face the risk of theft as well. It could be theft of intellectual property or company assets. Entrepreneurs should; therefore, weigh all these factors.

Boost Productivity

Recent studies suggest that video surveillance can increase enterprise productivity. With electronic surveillance, managers spend less time monitoring employees. That way they spend much of their time in other more productive ways. Video surveillance in a restaurant not only reduces incidents of theft but also leads to an increased productivity and profits.

Remote Monitoring

Remote surveillance might be one of the most overlooked benefits of video surveillance. A highly integrated surveillance system can help you monitor your enterprise from anywhere in the world. All you need is a connection to the internet. You could use tablets, laptops, and mobile devices to monitor activities in your enterprise. You can use your smartphone to log into your surveillance system, and access archived footage or view live streams.

Distributed Intelligence

With analog surveillance systems, you have to keep a sharp eye on every activity in your enterprise. You have to watch every hour of footage captured by your surveillance system. However, digital surveillance use distributed intelligence technology to bridge the gap in security coverage. It saves you the time spent viewing every minute of security footage captured by your CCTV cameras. Again, these systems have software programs that can recognize movement patterns. That helps monitor video feeds, specified behavior, and activities. Subsequently, alerts are generated and sent to the surveillance team.

Cost-Effective and Scalable

Digital video surveillance is economical compared to analog systems. CCTV cameras require less physical infrastructure to operate. Besides, digital cameras have a wider viewing angle. As such, you need fewer cameras to cover your compound. Again, they produce higher quality images than analog systems. Interestingly, you can compress digital feeds and store them using less space than analog videos.

As your coverage area grows, so do a digital surveillance system. That means a digital monitoring system grows with your business needs. You can easily integrate new digital cameras into the network as your coverage area grows. It can be more costly to integrate analog cameras into the system because of its wiring needs.

Improved Shopping Experience

The reason to install digital surveillance systems is not only about safety. You can use digital cameras to improve the shopping experience. Customers feel secure when a shopping mall has surveillance systems. Entrepreneurs could also study consumers’ shopping habits by viewing footage captured by surveillance systems. That helps optimize traffic pattern in the shopping mall as well as improve product placement.

Overall, video surveillance systems bring an impact to your company. If you don’t have sufficient funds to install new surveillance systems, you can always upgrade your current system. That will significantly improve security in your workplace.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

We install Security Systems, Hosted PBX Phone Systems, Premise Phone Systems, and Service & Repair in these and MANY other cities in Michigan:

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Friday, 21 July 2017

Benefits of HD Meetings

Why HD Meetings are Right for Your Business

A decision that many small and large businesses must make is whether or not to use teleconferencing, in-person meetings or HD meeting software to transmit their meetings. It almost every case, video meetings are a significantly more effective way to meet and conference. If you are unconvinced, here are just a few reasons why HD meeting software is the better choice.

Travel Time and Costs

Travel time and the costs related to travel and probably the most straightforward detriment to using in-person meetings. With in-person meetings, the business may have to spend precious funds to reimburse employees for gas and lodgings. This issue is negated through the use of HD meeting software. With this type of software, employees need not leave their local office or their home in order to participate in the meeting. Secondly, when in-person meetings are replaced with digital meetings, employees could spend the time that they would generally spend traveling working on important company tasks instead.

Engagement Through Eye Contact

During any basic public speaking course, the instructor will assuredly tell you that one of the most important parts of a successful conference or speech is audience engagement. One of the biggest details associated with engagement is eye contact. Generally, when a person is being spoken to, they tend to pay more attention and become more engaged if the speaker is maintaining eye contact with the audience members. With teleconferencing, this is simply impossible. Due to the audio-only nature of a teleconference or meeting, the only way that those who are not speaking can engage is through listening. However, when a meeting is done through an HD conferencing service, everyone is able to make eye contact with the speaker. This makes sure that when individual members of the meeting are not speaking, they can stay engaged with the current speaker by being able to make eye contact.

Engagement Through Visual Aids

While staying on the topic of engagement, generally one of the most important ways to keep the meeting attendees engaged and digesting information is through the use of visual aids like tables and charts. When taking part in a teleconference, the lack of the visual medium makes it rather difficult to use visual aids unless they have been sent to the attendees beforehand. This is not the case with HD meetings. Much of the existing landscape of video conferencing software allows members of the meeting to use their computer to display their screen, including visual aids and tables, to the other attendees of the meeting. Not only does this make video meeting significantly more interesting, but it also helps the other members of the meeting retain the quantitative information associated with the points of your presentation or meeting. In addition, the use of video aids in HD video conferencing also makes your meeting more memorable as the attendees will be able to remember more than just the voices from the meeting.

As you can see, HD meeting software is the better solution in almost every situation. It not only creates savings, but it also makes meetings more engaging and interesting. Stop wasting your time and money by having unnecessary in-person meetings and telephone meetings; Start having digital HD meetings for your business’ sake.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

We install Security Systems, Hosted PBX Phone Systems, Premise Phone Systems, and Service & Repair in these and MANY other cities in Michigan:

The post Benefits of HD Meetings appeared first on Anavon Technologies.

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

VOIP Vs Landline vs PBX: Phone Systems for New Businesses?

The Facts About Business VoIP versus Landline and Traditional PBX Systems

Not that many years ago, you would call your local telephone company and have them install land line phone service for your business that equaled a significant investment. Before 1984, most of the telephone system was under the control of AT&T, and your phone equipment was likely made by Western Electric, a subsidiary of AT&T. Court settlements in 1982 resulted in the divestiture of the largest monopoly that ever existed in America, changing the landscape of business and home telephones. Nowadays, with the advancement of high-speed internet, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the new standard for clear low-cost telephone services for businesses like yours. Here are some details to consider for VoIP, landline and PBX phone systems for business.

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

This is the regular land line system that used to be the most common way of getting telephone service. It has been around longer than electrical service to homes. This is why the poles outside lining the street are still called “telephone poles.” The wires are still there, but that gigantic infrastructure is fading fast and being replaced by internet-based and cellular telephony products and services. Land-based phone lines are quite expensive, and fewer subscribers are using them. AT&T just got a bill passed by the General Assembly to begin the process of ending this legacy telephone service in Illinois. Nationally, this service seems to be discouraged based on the exorbitant pricing charged for a legacy service.

Private Branch Exchange

This is the equipment that turns your business phone into a full-featured system. It used to require really big phones with mechanical buttons and a lot of square feet dedicated to the cables and control systems. Today’s systems are streamlined, state of the art and reliant on software rather than any proprietary hardware. A small computer can run the entire phone system of a large corporation. It can operate your business voicemail, auto attendants, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, route calls based on customer menu selection and so much more. Asterisk, by Digium is the open-source software behind most of the major corporate and government phone systems from small establishments to giant call centers worldwide. It is one example of why business Voice Over Internet telephony is so affordable in comparison to traditional POTS.

Voice Over Internet Protocol

This is telephone service over existing broadband internet connections. To get an idea of the power of this service, imagine your regular POTS lines coming into your business. They are literally physical pairs of wires for each telephone number. If you have five lines of service, you have 10 physical pairs of wires to connect each line. Using your business high-speed internet service, you can have as many incoming and outgoing “lines” that you need. The system is also instantly scalable. If you need to add lines to make or take calls, there is no need to change the physical infrastructure of the wires coming into your business. For example, the old way of adding lines to initiate a customer support section to your small business required physically dropping new cables from the telephone poles to your business. Now, the new lines, or numbers, can be added instantly and even from a remote location with business class reliability and call clarity.

The true power, scalability, reliability and bottom-line savings on telecommunication costs goes to VoIP. With the POTS phone lines being declared a legacy product, there really is no competition between the two. Voice over internet also allows you to have a full-featured PBX without the traditional huge investment in hardware as the functionality is now all software controlled.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

We install Security Systems, Hosted PBX Phone Systems, Premise Phone Systems, and Service & Repair in these and MANY other cities in Michigan:

The post VOIP Vs Landline vs PBX: Phone Systems for New Businesses? appeared first on Anavon Technologies.

Monday, 17 July 2017

Why Should Entrepreneurs Use VOIP instead of their cell phone?

Why Entrepreneurs Should Use VoIP Instead of Their Cell Phones

As an entrepreneur , you understand the importance of good communication with employees and customers alike. However, a staggering amount of options exist to solve your telecommunications needs, and it can sometimes be a challenge to pick the one that is right for you. Often, entrepreneurs are tempted to use their personal cell phones for business purposes as well. There’s an alternative, though, that can be a much more advantageous choice. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a way of making and receiving calls over an internet connection. It is a great option for business owners who want to provide a solid means of communication for employees and customers while still having the features available from traditional or cell phone services.

How VoIP works

VOIP takes traditional analog phone signals and digitizes them to send over an internet protocol. This can be done in several ways. Users can either purchase a VoIP enabled phone, or they can add a small specialized box to their existing phone giving them VoIP capability. In addition, VoIP can be used via an app for your smart phone or directly from your computer. This wide variety of methods makes VoIP a versatile telecommunications approach.

VoIP separates your business and personal life

Many business owners know that work can take up a lot of time, and it is important to be able to set it aside when you need to attend to your personal life. A work and family balance is imperative, but it’s sometimes difficult to achieve if you use your cell phone as your business contact as well. With VoIP, you can have a dedicated business telephone number which is separate from the one you give out to friends and family. You can still take those important business calls whenever you choose through one of several VoIP apps available on your smart phone, but you’ll be able to screen them as well. In addition, you won’t have to worry about business contacts calling your personal cell phone after business hours. You can maintain boundaries between your employees and customers and your home life. VoIP is a smooth and professional way to satisfy your business communications needs while keeping your personal number for personal use.

VoIP travels

A further advantage of VoIP is that it can travel with you wherever you go. You can take your business number with you via an app on your smart phone so that colleagues and customers can reach you even when your out of the office. This is especially useful on business trips or when you need to work remotely for any reason. You can also choose to take a VoIP enabled telephone with you as it will also work from any location where it can be plugged in. It’s a good option if you’ll be staying in a hotel while traveling.

VoIP is a beneficial way for entrepreneurs to meet the telecommunications needs of their businesses without having to give out their personal cell phone numbers. It cuts down on costs, separates business and family life, and travels with you when you’re out of the office. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about VoIP services and what they can offer you, please contact us today.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

We install Security Systems, Hosted PBX Phone Systems, Premise Phone Systems, and Service & Repair in these and MANY other cities in Michigan:

The post Why Should Entrepreneurs Use VOIP instead of their cell phone? appeared first on Anavon Technologies.

Friday, 14 July 2017

Customer Analytics

One benefit you may not have considered in regards to video surveillance is that of analyzing your customers. With the ability to play back footage of your customers traversing your store, you can be on the lookout for a variety of things. For example, you’ll be able to see what your customers first see when they enter your store. What do they tend to look at when they’re checking out?

The overall customer experience can be difficult to gauge as the owner because you cannot simply follow people around to see what they’re doing. However, with a video surveillance system, you will be able to do something rather similar in order to gain valuable customer data. This kind of deeper insight into what your customer experience is like can be extremely beneficial for your future plans.

Increased Productivity

When it comes to running a shop equipped with employees, a major time sink for any owner is the need to monitor the activities of the people who work for you. However, a high quality video surveillance system can eliminate the need to constantly monitor employees during normal store operating hours. After your operating hours are done and employees are off the clock, you’ll be free to review your surveillance footage for any employee-related issues that may have arisen during the day.

With a video surveillance system doing the monitoring for you, you’ll be able to focus on more important matters such as operating your shop and ensuring things run smoothly. As the owner, you’re not going to want to have to micro-manage your employees. Luckily, video surveillance can be your ticket to eliminating micro-management.

Theft and Conflict Reduction

Most importantly, a video surveillance system will provide you with an added level of security. Post signs all around your store that let your customers know that they’re on camera. People are far less likely to do something illicit if they believe they’ll be caught or punished for it. Seeing a video surveillance camera pointed at them as they shop will help to curb any urge to steal from or harm your store.

In addition, the urge to start general conflicts will be quelled by the video surveillance system as well. People feel pressured to behave themselves when they see a camera pointed their way. It creates this element of doubt in their minds that they could get away with doing something they could be punished for. As such, video surveillance is the way to go if you want to secure your store.

Overall, a video surveillance system has a variety of benefits. Whether it be securing your store, eliminating micro-management, or simply increased access to data about your customers, video surveillance has something to provide for everyone. If you’re looking for the next step towards small business success, video surveillance might be just what you need.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

We install Security Systems, Hosted PBX Phone Systems, Premise Phone Systems, and Service & Repair in these and MANY other cities in Michigan:

The post Top Reasons To Have a Video Surveillance System appeared first on Anavon Technologies.

Friday, 7 July 2017

Employee Theft: Are You Watching?

Worried About Employee Theft? Our Monitoring Systems Have You Covered

In a perfect world, employers would need no background checks, credit reports or drug tests because everyone passing through a company’s Human Resources department would come with a guarantee that there are no shenanigans in a candidate’s past prohibiting him or her from being hired.

But the world is less than perfect, which is why private investigators, cyber security professionals and those who undertake credit background checks are in such demand on the job market at the moment. That stated, not every business owner needs nor desires high-priced experts to keep tabs on merchandise or cash in the care of workers with sticky fingers. All you need is the right business security monitoring system.

Numbers don’t lie

Not much has changed since “Fortune” magazine investigated workplace theft a couple of years ago. The U.S. remains #1 on lists of nations experiencing this crisis. Merchandise disappears from stock rooms, retail shop shelves, inventories and anywhere else a wily worker can target if the urge to steal strikes.

October through January may be holiday consumer sales nirvana, but this four-month period is also pilfering season. Estimates put the cost of vanishing merchandise at around $403 annually per U.S. household. Cash? It’s just as vulnerable—-more so since it’s harder to sneak a computer out of a workplace than it is to snatch $20 bills.

Why employees steal

Is it personal? Could be, says Terry Shulman, author of the book “Biting The Hand That Feeds: The Employee Theft Epidemic.” When caught, explanations come down to a mix of disgruntlement and compulsion. Status and class differences contribute. Sometimes all it takes is being embarrassed by the boss in public to trigger the urge for revenge. Factor in availability of items to which an offended employee feels entitled, and circumstances align.

Even humane practices like extra holidays, sick days, employee assistance programs and the other perks of employment won’t necessarily make a dent in the problem—which is why the best you can do is protect yourself against loss by putting checks and balances into place. Whether your business employs half a dozen workers or a warehouse full of them, electronic surveillance systems simply make good sense.

6 great reasons to get a security monitoring system

1. Monitoring systems are discreet. Position as many cameras as you like around your facility and they won’t stand out.

2. Monitoring systems are economical. A one-time set-up, hardware and software installation is all it takes to start monitoring.

3. Monitoring systems can be upgraded. Add to your system over time so it’s more expansive and sophisticated.

4. Monitoring systems capture proof. Choose a system that captures worker theft footage and take your proof to court.

5. Monitoring systems use space efficiently. Ceiling-mounted cameras don’t occupy a foot of precious floor space.

6. Monitoring systems are affordable. You don’t have to add features you don’t need so your bottom line stays healthy.

Our products and services surpass competitors

In addition to understanding the security monitoring system industry more the most, we’re also well-versed in legalities attached to the installation of workplace surveillance equipment so you can feel confident everything about your installation is by the book.

According to FindLaw.com, as long as you have legitimate justification for needing a video system and you make employees aware of it, you won’t violate federal, state or local laws. We keep tabs on workplace privacy issues and labor laws as they are enacted because we want to be on the forefront of new legislation and regulations that impact our clients. Find out how our video surveillance solutions can work for you by contacting us now.

Anavon prides itself in offering only the best security monitoring for your business. Confidently protect the things that matter with Anavon’s professionally designed security systems.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

Traverse City

Clare

Grayling

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Water Damaged Your Smartphone? Do This To Recover It | Traverse City

Dropping your smart phone into water can be devastating. It seems like there is nothing you can do other than get a new phone. Losing all your pictures, contacts and data can seem like the end of the world, but there are a couple things you could do to fix it. These methods may or may not work, but it is worth a shot to save your phone.

What to do:

First things first, get your phone out of the water! The longer you let the phone sit in water, the more damage it will receive. If the device is plugged into another power source when it falls in water, disconnect it from the power source before reaching into the water to retrieve it.

If your phone isn’t already turned off when water is inside of it, turn it off. Do not try to restart it. Take off any cases that are on the phone and take out the battery as soon as you can to avoid shorting out any other components.
To help with the recovery process, take out any microSD or SIM cards that are in the phone.

Try burying the phone in a ziplock bag full of uncooked rice for a day or two. Sometimes rice can help draw water out of the phone.

If your phone has time to dry out for a few days and it turns on afterwards you may be lucky and everything will still be there and it will be fixed. If it will turn on but it isn’t quite working right, you could try debugging your phone.

Try to use a data recovery service to possibly retrieve your photos, contacts, music, etc from your phone.

Try visiting a repair store to ask about questions or recommendations for things you cannot find online.

What NOT to do:

If your smart phone turns off when water gets inside of it, don’t try to turn it back on. Turning it back on causes electricity to run through the water that is encasing the circuits and it can ruin your phone beyond repair.

Do not shake your phone! Shaking it allows water to move through the phone into places it might not have reached while sitting still.

Do not take your phone apart by any means because if you have a water damage warranty on it, disassembling the phone may void that warranty.

Do not try to dry your phone out with a hair dryer or other drying devices. Rather than drying the phone out it may just push water further inside which could possibly cause more damage.

Do not set the phone in sunlight to dry and do not heat it up in any way to avoid any further damage.

If none of these solutions work to recover your smart phone or data, please consider contacting our team of experts at anavontech.com to help you! To be prepared for any accidents in the future it would be best to buy a waterproof phone and/or case, and purchase a warranty that specifically covers water damage. Also it would be useful to have a backup file made so if recovering information directly from the device is not an option, it is already saved on a file that can be accessed from anywhere.

Sounds great! What areas do you service?

Michigan’s most trusted and referred repair center! We specialize in all Apple and Samsung devices, but are capable of repairs on most models and makes of cellular phones. We also specialize in game system repair (retro and new!), along with computers and tablets in Traverse City and MANY other cities in Michigan:

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