Are There Cost-Effective Communication Solutions for Schools?

Schools are complex environments. Even with the best planning, they are usually chaotic places, where curriculums demand that young people literally play with fire. Schools sometimes need to be rapidly evacuated, and, if there has been an accident, the emergency services need to be instantly alerted. Thankfully, this is something that today’s integrated technology can achieve. A series of Halo Smart Sensors sensors, Avigilon cameras, and Motorola Solutions two-way radios can create a panoramic view of the premises combined with automated alerts. With support from CSE Crosscom, the setup can be tweaked to your unique budget requirements.

The cost of a communication solution will vary depending on multiple factors. These include the size of your school, its location, and aspects such as your current security system. For instance, if you already have Avigilon CCTV cameras, these can be integrated with Motorola Solutions’ two-way radio system. This will reduce the cost. However, there are other ways to keep costs down. For instance, some Motorola Solutions two-way radio systems have in-built AI, which can offer proactive advice, maintenance, and pattern recognition. For instance, it can alert you to which times of day an incident is most likely to occur, enabling you to put measures in place to prevent a risk from becoming an expensive event.

Potentially, yes. For instance, the average cost per school due to each arson event is £128,000. Some of this will be covered by insurance, but if you are unlucky enough to fall through a loophole you may be footing the bill. Equally, you may find that your insurance premiums drop if an approved insurance system is in place. The same is true of potential cases of liability, such as if an accident occurs. Parents often sue schools if a student falls down the stairs, or is injured playing sports, and it can be very helpful to have clear, indisputable evidence of who was responsible. Being able to demonstrate that you have a robust and resilient security system can be both reassuring to parents and caregivers and powerfully persuasive. As such, even on a budget, security systems can be a wise investment for schools.