OverviewWebcams can be integrated with BuildingLink in a variety of ways. They are useful for keeping a photographic record of visitors and contractors, and can also be used in combination with the Dymo Label Printer to create physical photo badges or passes for visitors and contractors. You can use your web cam to create a photo directory of residents, and you can also choose to require photos when packages, keys, or other items are picked up (if you'd like to maintain photographic records of the people picking up these items). To purchase a webcam, please use the following link: Equipment Order Forms. |
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Installing a Webcam
The web cam should be configured through our Connector app. To configure your web cam, visit Installing and Troubleshooting Peripherals with Connector. Once configured, be sure to connect your web cam to the computer by plugging it into a USB port. For best results, plug the camera directly into the computer, not through a hub or splitter.
Selecting the Camera
If your computer has more than one camera (you may have a camera built-in to the monitor, for example) you will need to specify the correct "default" webcam. Open the Connector app and select the appropriate camera under "Model Name."
You can also choose the Select Webcam link when capturing a photo in BuildingLink (shown below.) This will take you right to Connector, where you can then select the webcam as shown above.
Troubleshooting the Web Cam
Step 1: Open the Connector App to check whether the web cam is configured correctly. If further troubleshooting is needed, unplug your web cam and plug it into another USB port. If the web cam is currently plugged into a USB hub, unplug it and plug it directly into the computer. Also be sure that any USB hubs you are using for BuildingLink equipment are powered USB hubs. If you purchased your webcam from somewhere other than BuildingLink, you may need to install or reinstall software that came with the camera. Check for a CD or follow any instructions that may have been supplied with your webcam.
If you are still having difficulty, call our Support Line at 877-501-7117 x0.
Using Your Webcam to Add a Photo of a Resident
To add resident photos in BuildingLink, bring up the unit in the Quick Search field. Under the gray "No Photo" image, click the small button that says Add Photo in green, and follow the instructions (below) for capturing a photo.
Capturing a Photo
As soon as you click "Add Photo," a window will appear with options for adding a photo. The first option, Select Input Method, allows you to choose between taking a new photo with your webcam, or adding a pre-existing photo from your computer's hard drive. To take a new photo, make sure that Web Cam Capture is selected (this is the default setting.)
Adjust your webcam so that the subject's face nearly fills the rectangle. Click Capture Photo to capture a frame from your webcam and preview the photo in the Preview/Save Photo box. If you are satisfied with the photograph, click Save Photo to permanently store the photo. This photo will override any previously captured photo for this resident/employee/visitor.
If you are not satisfied with the photograph, click the Capture Photo button again to retake the image; then click Save Photo.
Using your Webcam to Add a Photo of an Employee
Adding a photo of an employee is very similar to adding a photo for a resident.
First, click the Manage tab and select Employees. Select Employee List. This list allows you to easily see which of your employees may already have photos uploaded. Find the employee that needs a photo, and click Edit. This brings you to the "Edit Employee" page.
Under the gray "No Photo" image, click the small button that says Add Photo in green.
Now, follow the instructions above for capturing a photo.
Enabling Photos for Specific Event Types
BuildingLink can help track contractors or visitors in your building by combining your webcam with the functionality of the Event Log.
To set whether or not a photo can be added to a particular type of event, click the blue Settings tab, and select Event Types. You'll see a list of all Event Types currently active for your building, along with their corresponding colors and details. To edit a specific event type, simply move your mouse over it (the entire stripe will turn blue) and left-click.
The "Edit Event Type" window will appear. Here, you can completely customize how the Event Type functions. For more on this, see Event Type Settings.
To set whether a photo can be added to an Event, look for the setting that reads "Upon opening a new Event of this type, prompt for:" If you'd like the photo to be optional, simply check off "Photo (via Webcam or Upload)"or if a photo is mandatory, be sure to check the "Required" box next to "Photo (via Webcam or Upload)." If the "Required" box is checked, the system will not allow the Event to save unless a photo is attached.
NOTE: Photos can be added upon Opening an Event or upon Closing an Event, but not both.
Adding Photos to an Event
Photos can be an effective way to track contractors or visitors at your building. Adding photos to a specific event works much like adding a profile photo.
When recording a new event that requires a photo, look for the Add Photo button on the right side of the page. (If this button does not appear, that means one of two things -- either photos are not enabled for the Event type (see Section 7), or the webcam is not being recognized by the computer.)
After clicking Add Photo, follow the instructions above for capturing a photo.