How Syracuse Community Health Enhanced Security with Our Advanced Systems: A Testimonial
May 29th, 2024 |
Chimera Integrations had the pleasure of speaking with Mohammed Mere, the Director of Information Systems & Technology at Syracuse Community Health. In this exclusive testimonial, Mohammed reveals how our cutting-edge security solutions have transformed their facility. From tackling initial challenges to enhancing response times and receiving glowing feedback from staff and patients, discover how our seamless integration and dedicated support have made a significant impact. Read on to learn more about Syracuse Community Health's journey to a safer, more efficient environment.
Can you describe specific security challenges your facility faced before the integration and how they have been addressed?
MM: “This is a new build, and so ensuring that we got it right from the beginning is critical because the cost of retrofitting is higher than planning and implementing a security system for a new building from scratch. Also, in a healthcare facility, fire stopping needs to be done, code needs to be followed, and Chimera does a great job at understanding the requirements in healthcare and following them. I will say that the installation crew, not just Ryan, but all of the installers are very skilled at making the modifications in a way that's unobtrusive. The installation is seamless. That also is important because we don't want to give our patients an impression that we're monitoring them.”
How has the integration of security technology impacted the response time to security incidents or emergencies within your facility?
MM: “It’s vastly improved our ability to investigate incidents because of two important factors. The first is the technology is searchable, so we don't spend a lot of time reviewing footage. The AI reviews the footage for us. And the second is that the smartphone applications allow us to begin those investigations immediately wherever we are. We don’t have to go to a computer or even a website — we have apps that are constantly connected to our system.
You're expanding your ability to surveil and control your physical plant with technology that's facile and frankly advanced in a way that saves you time and human resources. Let's consider a simple yet significant improvement in security. In our old facility, we relied on metal keys. We couldn't track who might still have master keys from previous employees who have since departed. And where are these keys now? They're likely misplaced and never returned. With Avigilon, it's like this: If someone leaves the company, do you have their badge? It doesn't matter. You can deactivate it instantly with the press of a button. That's why we're eager to implement ARFID technology at our other facilities that still use metal keys. The OpenPath system allows us to centrally manage user access across all our locations through the web using ARFID technology. Avigilon really allows us to manage and control access in a way that's far superior to traditional metal keys.”
“How else do you leverage technology in order to improve your safety? Every incremental measure that we can use to automate technology to provide us with information about our environment is a way that we enhance our ability to project more security than we actually have human-wise. Leveraging technology to enhance our scope and breadth of coverage of our physical planet is essential.”
What feedback have you received from staff and patients regarding the changes in security measures since the integration?
MM: “Staff really enjoy being able to access the facility using badges. The fact that we can allow timed access to the facility for staff is a major plus. In our old facility, security had to open the doors on a set schedule for staff to enter monitored areas. Now, we can allow staff to enter through an employee entrance and control access to specific doors. This is a major satisfier for staff, as they can control their entry to the building. From a security perspective, it's also beneficial because we can time access to prevent staff from entering the facility before scheduled times.
The virtual keypad is also really beneficial because we can disarm the alarm without needing to go up to a physical keypad. Having a virtual keypad is another great technology; it's a real lifesaver as well.”
How would you describe the level of support and assistance provided by Chimera Integrations' team throughout the integration process and ongoing maintenance?
MM: “Not only do you get a lot of support from the staff at Chimera but Casey himself provides a lot of support to us, his quotes are prompt, the services are prompt.
Chimera really understands the importance of security and the speed and quality of implementation are evident.”
How satisfied are you overall with the performance and results achieved with Chimera Integrations, and would you recommend it to similar healthcare institutions?
MM: “I would recommend Chimera to healthcare institutions unconditionally. The service, support, design implementation, and after-sale service are beyond reproach. We are satisfied and can confidently say that the security technologies implemented have improved employee safety and satisfaction. Additionally, these technologies are nearly seamless and imperceptible to our clients and patients.”
