Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas

Cloud video surveillance provides security and support for families who are away from home and caring for critically ill children

Business Challenge

Parents want the best medical care for a sick child, even if that means traveling hundreds of miles to get treatment and spending days or weeks away from home. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMCH CTX) is built on the idea that families should be able to focus entirely on supporting their children and not have to worry about a safe place to stay, the cost of hotels or meals. The organization has provided comfortable lodging and services for families with a critically ill or injured child since 1985.

The highest priority of RMHC CTX is the safety and security of their guest families, staff, and volunteers. Derrick Lesnau, RMHC CTX Chief Operating Officer, wanted to upgrade the existing security system, which comprised 32 security cameras and a DVR, for more comprehensive coverage of the facility. He also wanted to be able to remotely access video when offsite. However, for non-profit organizations, like RMHC CTX, that are funded entirely by donations and staffed primarily by volunteers, budgets are always tight. Expensive upgrades and replacing dozens of security cameras was not financially feasible for the organization. 

Business Solution

Eagle Eye Networks transformed the facility’s old-fashioned on-premises NVR and 32 security cameras into a cloud-based video surveillance system. Because of Eagle Eye’s open platform, the Ronald McDonald House was able to maximize its existing camera investment, seamlessly integrating their legacy cameras to the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS (video management system). All video is now stored in the cloud, bringing substantial cost savings to the organization, and making the operations smoother for the small staff and RMHC CTX volunteers.

Successful Results

Derrick Lesnau, RMHC CTX Chief Operating Officer, said the new Eagle Eye Networks cloud video surveillance system brings cost savings as well as new functions and features. The security system offers centralized management of cameras and user permissions, secure video retention in the cloud, and remote access to security cameras. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, RMHC CTX began to rely even more on the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS. Lockdowns and COVID-19 protocol meant fewer volunteers could be in the Ronald McDonald House at one time, and meal drop-offs and other donations needed to be carefully coordinated. As a result, the increased security and remote access to the video surveillance system became even more important.

“It’s robust and user friendly; it’s so easy to dictate user privileges and to monitor the system,” said Lesnau. Reliable mobile access to video has helped Lesnau improve operational efficiency. “The ability to access video from my phone means I can quickly solve a security problem from across town. This is not something I could do before.” 

Lesnau praises the flexibility of the system and scaled the system to include a camera with Eagle Eye LPR (license plate recognition), to help streamline guest access, increase security in parking areas, and provide Lesnau with occupancy and traffic data that he can use to further optimize operations. 

Lesnau said the Eagle Eye Networks system is also helping the organization fulfill its mission of keeping families together when they have a critically ill or injured child. 

“When you have a first-time mom with a baby in NICU staying at the house, and the dad has to go back to work, our Eagle Eye system allows us to give the dad confidence and peace of mind that his family is safe and secure,” he said. “There’s nothing more important than that.”  

INDUSTRY

Non-Profit/Hospitality

LOCATION

Austin, Texas

FEATURED SOLUTION

Eagle Eye Cloud VMS, Eagle Eye LPR

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

“It’s robust and user friendly; it’s so easy to dictate user privileges and to monitor the system. … The ability to access video from my phone means I can quickly solve a security problem from across town. This is not something I could do before.” —Derrick Lesnau, RMHC CTX Chief Operating Officer

“When you have a first-time mom with a baby in NICU staying at the house, and the dad has to go back to work, our Eagle Eye system allows us to give the dad confidence and peace of mind that his family is safe and secure,” he said. “There’s nothing more important than that.”—Derrick Lesnau, RMHC CTX Chief Operating Officer