Everything You Need to Know About Integrated Security Systems
An integrated security system allows all of the tools and applications of a business to work together seamlessly. Sales are boosted, customer service is improved, and efficiency is optimized.
Integrated security systems use a multi-layered approach. Multiple security layers will make it harder for cybercriminals to break into it. If you want to integrate all of your systems, then you need to work with a reliable security vendor.
You should never pay for more than you need. Not all businesses need all of the bells and whistles that are available in the market. Depending on your business type, logistics, and assets, a custom-tailored solution will need to be provided.
The Benefits of Integrated Security Systems
Integrated security systems result in a more rapid return on investment as fewer workers will be needed to monitor your cameras and manage the system, saving you time and money. Theft and vandalism can be a huge expense for any business, not only in lost items and damaged property but also when it comes to employee retention and training.
An integrated security system is quite easy to update and easier to maintain, once you have set it up correctly.
Real-time monitoring will also allow you to catch and eliminate threats far quicker. With real-time tracking, you will have trained operators watching the entire area for any suspicious activity. As soon as something happens, they will immediately notify you and contact the police.
Security guard costs and liabilities will also be reduced. A video surveillance system can monitor a far-greater area and is a more cost-effective security measure. Fraud and theft will also be greatly deterred.
Security guards and internal employees know the building and its systems very well. Remote video surveillance will deter guards, employees, and former employees from trying to sabotage company efforts, sell company data or steal assets.
You can also boost efficiency with an integrated security system. For example, live video monitoring can do more than just capture thieves and deter crime. It can also reduce fraud, customer and staff liability risks, minimize damages from gas leaks, flooding and other natural disasters, and highlight bottlenecks to augment operational efficiencies.
Before investing in an integrated security system, you need to determine your internal and external needs. What are your system vulnerabilities and limitations? What can you afford? What services do you need to protect your business completely?
An efficient security system custom-tailored to the needs of your specific business is paramount to fostering long-term success.
The Main Features of Integrated Security Systems
Surveillance will usually involve the installation of leading-edge high-definition CCTV cameras in and around the facility. Examples may include tilt and pan, fixed network, positioning, axis, and dome cameras.
Access control will serve as your first line of defence against a company breach. You may be able to install it within every subsystem in your building. Your integrated security system will also rely on a central control system.
It can be manual or automatic and can be tied together via cutting-edge software managed and updated by a specialized security team. Software-defined networking is designed for network automation and control.
SDN implemented using vendor-neutral standards will simplify a business's network design by allowing several applications to work together seamlessly.
How to Convert Existing Security Systems Into One Integrated Solution
You need to audit your security system by identifying vulnerabilities and gaps. You need to determine what your security needs are, as well as evaluate your current system to determine how well it works and make changes accordingly.
A cohesive strategy must be devised and implemented. If multiple layers are currently struggling to work in unison, your system needs to be upgraded so that all elements work together seamlessly.
You also need to test your new system to ascertain just how efficient it truly is. Devices that fail to meet your needs must be upgraded or replaced.
Comprehensive testing may take a few weeks, especially if your project involves several devices and locations, so you must be prepared to invest time and effort.
The Future is Now
An integrated security system will help improve the safety of both clients and employees. A centralized and user-friendly design that can be customized to your liking can also provide peace of mind and reduce downtime in the future.
Moreover, by monitoring several locations at once and in real-time, you will significantly reduce the risk of corporate misconduct, fraud, security breaches, and other internal and external threats to your business.
It is important to remember that the priorities and needs of each location or institute will be very different.
One of the chief benefits of an integrated security system is that it allows clients to amalgamate what they need without paying for extra services or products they don’t need.
Photo: iStock