Intelligent integration now a non-negotiable in security industry

With criminal activity in this country threatening to get worse before it gets better, individuals and businesses are turning to ever-more sophisticated technology to keep them safe. In the past few years there has been a steady increase in the use of IT in the security industry - such that the two disciplines can no longer really be separated.

Centralising facilities

The main benefit that this convergence delivers is the ability to implement the relevant technology to integrate the management of disparate security facilities into one management console. This enables the centralised management of these facilities, reducing the costs and increasing the efficiency of operators.

In the past, centralised facilities were generally part of building management and/or environmental control solutions. A single operator was able to manage the light, heat, ventilation and other factors in a building and would be alerted if the system detected any anomalies to predefined norms.

Natural progression

In today's security environment, adding security to the mix is a natural - and intelligent - progression.

An integrated security solution also makes economic sense at a time when many are searching for ways to reduce all costs.

The benefit of having an integrated system is that it maximises the use and the control of resources and lowers the cost of controlling all these systems. It does this by centralising the information. Businesses can also reduce costs by having a single service provider capable of integrating security, safety, ICT and building management.

Single user interface

The current infrastructure in most companies has each security component - be it access control, surveillance or any other facility - running on its own platform with its own database and management application.

However, to be effective, operators need to deal with a single user interface containing only essential information. In other words, security providers need to be able to integrate these various silos of security into a cohesive whole that works in the same way as, or even hand-in-hand with, building management and environmental control systems.

Range of subsystems

An integrated system can include a broad range of security subsystems, like access control, fire detection or CCTV. Each of these can make use of exciting new technologies that are literally changing the face of security on a daily basis - for example, Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID), proximity card readers or even biometric access control.

Staying at the forefront of technology is vital for any security provider and the ability to be product agnostic is also important.

If technology is applied correctly, it is possible to reduce the number of incidents requiring a response from security personnel. Technology can do much of the valueless drudge work, leaving human resources free for more value-adding operations. More effective technology use therefore leads to more effective resource usage and a better return on investment.

More than just safety

Technology can also provide more than just safety from intruders or thieves. It can also improve efficiencies and deliver lifestyle benefits.

This is easily evident in the estates sector where systems that enhance the security and comfort of the estate are increasingly common. The newly commissioned Blair Atholl estate near Johannesburg, for example, has over 100 dwellings and the with one single optic fibre cable it is possible to carry all the security and service information to or from one central point, providing not only connectivity for the security sub-systems of the estate but delivering all the services that include DSTV, telephone and intercom networks as well.

One size does not fit all

However, the strength of the system lies not only in the quality or the “high-techiness” of each subsystem but also in knowing how to use them in a particular context. Each sector has different risks, thus each client has a different requirement. In the modern world of security there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Understand different risk sectors

Understanding the risks associated with each vertical sector - be it mining, retail, estates, education or manufacturing - within clear business parameters is therefore a non-negotiable. Each has its own unique risks when it comes to securing its assets, people and information and with that knowledge it is possible to provide an integrated solution that is also intelligent.

Action no longer a response

In the end, the overarching benefit of integrated security is that it can produce a wealth of information that allows individuals and organisations to not be reactive in the way that they deal with crime. In the past security was always reactive. Something had to happen before a response was decided upon and action taken. With integrated hi-tech security it is possible to gather information over time and prevent crimes, protect people and reduce losses - by acting before things have even happened.

Retail register monitors

For example, in the retail sector, a point-of-sale trends analysis system - software that allows the surveillance of all the cash registers and cash register operators - can monitor each and every transaction that takes place and record any suspicious transactions. If any unusual behaviour is suspected, the camera takes snap shots of the cash register operator and gathers this information, over a period of time it produces a graphical representation of the information recorded and the person monitoring the events may decide on an appropriate course of action.

Such systems are so intelligent in nature and so results-driven that they can rapidly bring a return-on-investment for retailers who know and understand that it is at the point of sale where many losses occur.

No more sitting ducks

In the same way as the march against Parliament is an attempt by ordinary South Africans to pre-empt and act against crime, so too can an integrated security system assist in making businesses less of a sitting duck when it comes to protecting against crime.