COMPARE
VDS vs. the
status quo.
Side-by-side comparison of VDS Mobile Surveillance Units against manned guard rotations and traditional fixed camera systems.
A monitored mobile surveillance unit covers a full site perimeter 24/7 and deploys in under 20 minutes, while guard rotations cover one post per shift and fixed cameras take weeks of trenching and permits. Most VDS customers cut traditional security spend substantially — guards are best reallocated to interior and interaction roles, not replaced outright. Deep dive: VDS vs. security guards.
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Three approaches. One clear winner.
| Category | VDS MSU | Manned Guards | Fixed Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost per site | 5–10× less than guard rotations | Highest — three staffed shifts per post | High build-out, plus a separate monitoring contract |
| Deployment time | Same day | 1 – 2 weeks | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Relocatable | Yes — trailer-mounted, move in minutes | N/A | No — permanent install |
| Coverage area | Up to 30 acres per unit (PTZ + fixed cameras) | Limited to patrol route | Fixed field of view only |
| 24/7 monitoring | 24/7 SOC included | Requires staffing 3 shifts | Separate contract required |
| AI analytics | Cloud AI with up to 98% false-positive filtering | None | On-prem, limited models |
| License plate recognition | Built-in LPR option | Manual only | Separate hardware required |
| Live talk-down | Two-way audio from SOC | In person only | Rarely available |
| PD dispatch | SOC dispatches with live video | Guard calls 911 | End-user calls 911 |
| Power requirements | Solar-autonomous, no grid needed | N/A | Requires grid or PoE infrastructure |
| NDAA Section 889 compliance | NDAA 889-compliant — zero banned components | Not applicable | Varies by manufacturer |
| Mobile app access | iOS + Android with push alerts | None | Varies by VMS provider |
| Scalability | Add units on demand, fleet-wide dashboard | Linear headcount increase | New infrastructure per site |
| HR / liability risk | None — fully automated + SOC | High — workers comp, turnover, training | Low — but no active deterrence |
Monthly cost per site
VDS5–10× less than guard rotations
GUARDHighest — three staffed shifts per post
FIXEDHigh build-out, plus a separate monitoring contract
Deployment time
VDSSame day
GUARD1 – 2 weeks
FIXED4 – 8 weeks
Relocatable
VDSYes — trailer-mounted, move in minutes
GUARDN/A
FIXEDNo — permanent install
Coverage area
VDSUp to 30 acres per unit (PTZ + fixed cameras)
GUARDLimited to patrol route
FIXEDFixed field of view only
24/7 monitoring
VDS24/7 SOC included
GUARDRequires staffing 3 shifts
FIXEDSeparate contract required
AI analytics
VDSCloud AI with up to 98% false-positive filtering
GUARDNone
FIXEDOn-prem, limited models
License plate recognition
VDSBuilt-in LPR option
GUARDManual only
FIXEDSeparate hardware required
Live talk-down
VDSTwo-way audio from SOC
GUARDIn person only
FIXEDRarely available
PD dispatch
VDSSOC dispatches with live video
GUARDGuard calls 911
FIXEDEnd-user calls 911
Power requirements
VDSSolar-autonomous, no grid needed
GUARDN/A
FIXEDRequires grid or PoE infrastructure
NDAA Section 889 compliance
VDSNDAA 889-compliant — zero banned components
GUARDNot applicable
FIXEDVaries by manufacturer
Mobile app access
VDSiOS + Android with push alerts
GUARDNone
FIXEDVaries by VMS provider
Scalability
VDSAdd units on demand, fleet-wide dashboard
GUARDLinear headcount increase
FIXEDNew infrastructure per site
HR / liability risk
VDSNone — fully automated + SOC
GUARDHigh — workers comp, turnover, training
FIXEDLow — but no active deterrence
BY THE NUMBERS
The math speaks.
5–10x
cost savings vs. guards
Up to 98%
false positives filtered
24/7
SOC monitoring
0
banned components
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