COMPARE
VDS vs. the
status quo.
Side-by-side comparison of VDS Mobile Surveillance Units against manned guard rotations and traditional fixed camera systems.
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Three approaches. One clear winner.
| Category | VDS MSU | Manned Guards | Fixed Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost per site | $1,500 – $3,000 | $15,000 – $25,000+ | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| 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
VDS$1,500 – $3,000
GUARD$15,000 – $25,000+
FIXED$5,000 – $12,000
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
Ready to compare?
Get a custom cost comparison for your sites. We'll show you the 12-month savings against your current security spend.