Welcome to the Virtual Doorman: Foxsys ushers in remote security for smart buildings

Foxsys faced the challenge of reducing high security costs while maintaining effective security services for residential and commercial buildings. They needed to incorporate new technology and centralize multiple security functions to provide cost-effective solutions — without compromising quality of service.

Foxsys deployed a central command center model called the "Virtual Doorman" to provide remote security services. By integrating Milestone's open platform video management software with a mix of cameras, access control, analytics, and other sensors, Foxsys monitors multiple properties from a single location with a Milestone XProtect Smart Wall. This innovative approach enabled cost-effective, scalable and efficient security while maintaining a high level of service.

In just two years, the Foxsys Virtual Doorman solution has proven its effectiveness.

The system has also enhanced building access control and quick resolution of technical issues, setting the foundation for broader smart city deployments across Uruguay.

Founded in 2011 as a traditional systems integrator, Montevideo-based Foxsys changed its business model in 2017 to focus exclusively on smart residential and commercial building services. They aimed to reduce security costs by combining video management, monitoring, access control, perimeter detection, and concierge services across multiple properties — all from a centralized command center.

Foxsys coined the term "Virtual Doorman" or "remote concierge" to describe its centralized command center model. Instead of a security guard staffing the front desk of every building, Foxsys monitors video feeds, access control, and other sensors from its remote, central facility using the XProtect open platform VMS from Milestone Systems.

The Virtual Doorman solution consists of three core components:

• Perimeter protection. Customized cameras on building exteriors detect motion and intrusions to see people loitering in unauthorized areas, sending an alert to the Milestone XProtect VMS which immediately displays alarms for operators to activate a high-powered horn and deter crimes in progress. They can also address potential intruders through loudspeakers on the properties.
• Access control. Visitors, guests, and delivery drivers are remotely granted entry by Foxsys operators via intercoms and mobile credentials. Garage and parking barriers open automatically for residents’ vehicles, detected by cameras equipped with license plate recognition (LPR). Door events and alarms are synchronized in the VMS for fast response and investigations.
• Maintenance monitoring. Equipment failures, including elevator malfunctions, relayed over intercoms, are rapidly detected. The VMS ties video to alarms for visual verification. Foxsys initiates work orders so issues are promptly resolved.

Foxsys has deployed over 6,500 IP cameras across Uruguay, all streaming live to its video management servers. The centralized XProtect installation brings together video data from approximately 18 cameras per building to achieve economies of scale. Alarm events also trigger video pop-ups on monitoring workstations.

The open platform architecture enables tight integration with leading technologies:

• Specialized cameras provide high-quality night vision video. Dual lens cameras simultaneously overview wide scenes and capture zoomed-in details.
• Cameras equipped with LPR scan garages and auto gates, automatically logging residents entering and exiting.
• SIP-enabled video intercoms allow remote communication, unlock doors via dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF), and link access events with video.