dec 02 - 2016
What is integrated security and what are the benefits?
With integrated security, you can access video surveillance images of any specific area, such as the exterior of a building or wall of parking garage, from a central location or workstation, enabling you to remotely have a higher degree of proactivity and effectiveness in responding should an incident occur.
With integrated security, you can access video surveillance images of any specific area, such as the exterior of a building or wall of parking garage, from a central location or workstation, enabling you to remotely have a higher degree of proactivity and effectiveness in responding should an incident occur.
What is an integrated security system?
Firstly, let’s begin by clarifying just what we mean by an integrated system. Take CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software as an example. Before a company implements one of these systems, none of the functions it performs are ‘talking’ to one another. The sales department doesn’t know what the marketing guys are up to, the marketing guys aren’t aware that some of the business’ customers are getting their deliveries late, and management isn’t aware that there’s a looming (but entirely preventable) PR crisis on their hands.
The same is true of traditional, non-integrated security systems. You have several different ‘departments’ – CCTV cameras, access control systems, PA systems, intruder and fence alarms, etc. – but they are all working in isolation. Because you don’t have one single overview of all the components, your security system isn’t working as efficiently as it could be. As a result, you're opening yourself up to avoidable risk – just what you're trying to prevent with a security system in the first place.
In contrast, an integrated security system allows all these different parts to function together as a single, more sophisticated entity. Any authorized person with access to your integrated security system can be alerted when there’s a potential problem, check for themselves across various cameras or sensors to see if the danger is real, and take immediate action to protect your employees and property.
What are the benefits of security system integration?
These are just some of the advantages of an integrated security system:
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Real-time monitoring means faster response in an incident – because you can see multiple inputs simultaneously, it’s simple to identify when a threat is real, and instantly alert all parties who need to be made aware.
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Remote monitoring – even outside of business hours when your premises is empty (or at least should be!) you can keep a virtual eye on it.
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Fully customizable – every organization is different, and faces different hazards. An integrated security system can be designed specifically for your needs and challenges.
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Simpler to use – rather than juggling multiple systems, one integrated security system is easier to manage, and train employees on.
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Cost-effective – because an integrated system streamlines processes and improves efficiencies, you’ll find your investment quickly pays off.
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Augment your loss prevention and monitoring services.
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Increase prevention of internal theft and a reduction of vandalism or destruction.
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Improve access control and intrusion detection.
How does security system integration work?
Easy to access, cameras are automatically triggered by movement, and images can often be retrieved wirelessly or over the internet. High-resolution pan, tilt, and zoom, along with low-light or no-light vision, make viewing video recordings from digital and network recorders (DVR/NVR) easy on the eye: results are much more discernable and sophisticated than ever before.
Adding these additional “eyes” to any security system can be invaluable in high-profile areas or during specific times of year—such as right now, as we enter into the holidays and theft can be a problem. Nowadays, many of our clients are utilizing a single-camera closed-circuit (CCTV) system or multi-camera options to give an additional safety boost to their existing security.
What types of buildings or property can benefit most from an integrated security system?
Hospitals, corporations, private businesses, and apartment complexes or condominiums alike can all take advantage of these systems, as can parking garages or lots. Whether you want to monitor or secure a well-trafficked (or, conversely, isolated) expanse of space or make sure packages and mail are being delivered, an integrated security system can be a great complement.
Partner with SYSTCOM and enjoy all the benefits of integrated security.
We’ve partnered with some of the most trusted manufacturers of integrated security, and are constantly evaluating new systems to bring you the latest in technology capabilities.
Could your property benefit from any of these integrated security solutions? We can work with you to review your current security, and recommend how best to implement additional enhancements as your business grows or changes.
To learn more about integrated security and how it can help protect your business or property, please contact us.
