Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) has been providing health insurance to Kansans since 1942. Headquartered in Topeka, BCBSKS is the largest insurer in the state and serves hundreds of thousands of members across Kansas. As a trusted leader in healthcare, BCBSKS not only focuses on delivering excellent insurance coverage but also ensures that the safety and security of its employees, visitors, and facilities remain a top priority. Recognizing the growing need for stronger physical security, BCBSKS partnered with Sound Products, a TSI Global company, to modernize its healthcare security systems. The project focused on deploying a high-definition video surveillance system designed to increase clarity, reliability, and coverage both inside and outside its headquarters.
Healthcare organizations face unique challenges when it comes to security. Facilities must balance protecting sensitive work environments with providing safe and accessible spaces for employees and visitors. Like many large organizations, BCBSKS found that its existing surveillance system was no longer sufficient to keep pace with today’s standards. The insurer needed a system that could deliver clear, high-definition video evidence to support investigations of both indoor and outdoor incidents, provide comprehensive coverage across large parking areas where vehicles and visitors move constantly, and utilize modern, efficient video storage solutions capable of handling the heavy data demands of a healthcare security system. For BCBSKS, the goal was not just to upgrade outdated technology, but to build a system that would scale with future needs while providing peace of mind today.
To meet these needs, Sound Products designed and deployed a state-of-the-art solution using Avigilon’s advanced surveillance technology. The system was built to deliver reliability, performance, and clarity where it matters most. Key elements of the solution included 29-megapixel Avigilon cameras strategically installed in parking areas. These cameras offer wide-angle coverage without sacrificing detail, making it possible to capture clear images of vehicles, license plates, and individuals. High-definition cameras were also placed throughout the interior spaces, ensuring comprehensive visibility and eliminating blind spots inside the headquarters. To improve storage and reliability, Avigilon Network Video Recorders (NVRs) replaced seven outdated units with just two premier NVRs. This not only streamlined the system but also improved storage capacity and boosted overall performance. By consolidating hardware and upgrading to a modern platform, BCBSKS received a system capable of handling large amounts of data with fewer devices and reduced complexity.
The project unfolded in multiple stages, ensuring that operations at BCBSKS headquarters were not disrupted. During the design phase, the TSI and Sound Products team worked closely with BCBSKS to identify risks, define coverage needs, and design a healthcare security system tailored specifically to the organization. This collaborative process ensured that every camera and recording unit served a clear purpose. The installation phase spanned several months to accommodate the size of the headquarters and its operational demands. More recently, the NVR upgrade was completed on a much shorter timeline, giving BCBSKS the benefits of modern recording technology with minimal downtime. What truly sets this solution apart is the ongoing service. With the Sound Products team based in Topeka, BCBSKS has the advantage of responsive, local support. Whenever maintenance, troubleshooting, or system adjustments are needed, help is just minutes away.
The completed upgrade has given Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas a healthcare security system that is both powerful and future-ready. Among the most notable outcomes are unparalleled video clarity, allowing staff and security personnel to quickly respond to incidents with reliable evidence; consolidated, scalable video storage with two advanced NVRs taking the place of seven older units; and increased peace of mind knowing that employees, visitors, and property are protected by a modern surveillance system designed for today’s challenges. By investing in advanced healthcare security systems, BCBSKS has strengthened its commitment to safety while also preparing for the future.
This project demonstrates how healthcare security systems can evolve to meet the complex demands of modern organizations. From high-definition cameras to efficient storage and responsive local service, BCBSKS now has the tools it needs to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. For healthcare organizations everywhere, the lesson is clear: security is not just about monitoring—it is about creating a foundation of trust and protection that supports both people and operations.
