Futuraskolan

Key Metrics

• 90–95% faster incident investigations

• Footage retrieved in under 5 minutes (sometimes instantly)

• 15–20 IT hours saved per month

• IT support requests for video retrieval reduced to almost zero with self-service access for administrators

Background & Motivation

Futuraskolan is a Swedish school network with 14 campuses, ranging from preschools for children as young as 18 months to middle schools through grade 9.

“We have had some threats in our schools and incidents among students, so we needed a system that would both protect people and prevent unauthorized access.” – Teresa de Freitas, Head of IT & GDPR

While existing solutions included a mix of CCTV and door monitors, the systems were fragmented, difficult to use, and unreliable. Retrieving footage was slow and required IT involvement, while access control was limited to a local server.

GDPR regulations also shaped their decision-making. With new directives allowing schools to more easily adopt surveillance for safety, Futuraskolan sought a unified, GDPR-compliant platform to better protect staff and students.

Why Verkada

Futuraskolan chose Verkada for its user-friendly design, cloud-based access, and ability to unify cameras and access control on a single platform. A key factor was the intuitive admin portal, which makes it easy to manage users across multiple campuses.

The AI-powered search filters have also proven invaluable, enabling staff to quickly narrow down incidents and resolve investigations in a fraction of the time. Principals and IT staff especially value mobile access and real-time alerts, which allow them to respond instantly to potential issues wherever they are.

Just as importantly, Verkada provides one secure and scalable system that can be standardized across all schools, reducing complexity and creating consistency. As Teresa de Freitas noted:

“Verkada is an easy system to use, and our staff seem happy with it.”

Deployment & Rollout

Futuraskolan deployed Verkada cameras and access control across several schools, beginning with preschools and select campuses.

• Access Control: Used daily to ensure only authorized staff can enter. Parents and visitors must now make appointments or ring the bell.

• Cameras: Principals and VPs can review incidents directly, with IT retaining oversight.

• Alerts: Notifications for propped doors and after-hours motion help strengthen security.

• Lockdowns: The ability to issue lockdown warnings and automatically lock doors was an important factor in the decision.

“The installation went smoothly overall, and today each school has a designated staff member who manages the database while principals can review footage when needed.”

Results & Benefits

Since introducing Verkada, Futuraskolan has seen a dramatic improvement in both efficiency and safety across its campuses. Where staff once had to rely on IT to retrieve footage—a process that could take hours—they can now access the video they need in under five minutes, often instantly, from a laptop or phone. This has made investigations up to 95% faster, with footage reviewed 10–15 times per month when disciplinary matters arise.

Access control has also become much more reliable and proactive. In the past, a lost card required office intervention, and there was no way to monitor if doors were left open. Now, lost cards can be deactivated immediately, and both IT teams and principals receive instant alerts if a door is propped open. This has reduced unnecessary risk and strengthened day-to-day security across all schools.

The workload for IT has dropped considerably as well. Administrators and principals can now search footage and access logs on their own, cutting video retrieval support tickets to nearly zero. In total, IT teams save around 15–20 hours every month, freeing them to focus on more strategic tasks.

Most importantly, the system has created a safer learning environment. Students are more accountable knowing cameras are visible and accessible, while entrances are more secure since only staff and authorized individuals can enter.

“It’s not just cameras or access controls — it’s peace of mind, faster investigations, less IT workload, and better protection for students and staff.”

Feedback & Next Steps

Staff have responded very positively to the new system, highlighting both the improved sense of safety and the ease of use. Parents have not raised any concerns, while school leadership particularly values the efficiency gains the solution has brought. Looking ahead, Futuraskolan plans to expand Verkada to additional preschools and continue broadening its use across campuses.

Teresa sums it up:

“The investigation tool is one of the best and easiest I’ve seen around schools. Having everything in one portal makes life much easier.”

Advice to Other Schools

“Think of it as an investment in safety and efficiency. The savings in time and risk management more than justify the cost.”

For Futuraskolan, the value has gone beyond financial savings. The system has empowered staff to act quickly and independently, reduced reliance on IT support, and given administrators greater confidence in handling incidents. By improving both safety and efficiency, the investment has strengthened trust among staff, parents, and students—while creating a safer environment for learning.