6 Underutilized Security Technologies to Implement Today

People are the linchpin of any effective security approach, but today's security technology is poised to provide powerful support. It can drive faster, more informed decision-making that can keep individuals safer. More importantly, modern security technology is poised to serve as a cost-effective force multiplier - in many cases using technology already installed in your building.

As we and our buildings become increasingly more connected, there's a greater opportunity to have existing security solutions do more. Below are just a few underutilized security technology solutions that can be implemented today without breaking the bank.

1. Video Analytics

Within the last two to three years, cloud-based computing and AI-driven processes have helped video analytics become more affordable and reliable. Video analytics technology continually monitors large volumes of video. Thanks to machine learning and advanced algorithms, today's sophisticated solutions can be tasked with carrying out specific processes and trigger an alert or notification if that action occurs. By monitoring your video feed, video analytics shifts video surveillance systems from a reactive forensic tool to a proactive security solution.

Video analytics can monitor scenes in real time for a range of reasons, from slip and fall to object detection, occupancy estimations, and detecting people in prohibited areas. Rather than relying on a human to watch cameras for suspicious behavior - or review footage for information around a qualifying event - AI-supported security technology can be used to identify specific behaviors or events that might trigger an alarm and drive human action.

Moving your organization from reactive to proactive monitoring drives a mindset shift that can be felt across an organization.

2. Audio analytics

As with video analytics, audio analytics technology has at last caught up to the hype. Today, the now-ubiquitous home assistant devices have sound detection functions that can trigger a programmed routine based on the sound of breaking glass, a smoke alarm, or a carbon monoxide alarm. These solutions are gaining ground in commercial applications where they can trigger alerts based on car alarms, gunshots, shouting, or other verbal forms of aggression. Audio analytics' long-promised security potential is now ready.

3. Mobile credentials

Mobile credentials can replace badges as a cost-effective, frictionless solution for authentication and access control. While personnel gain a convenient, easy-to-remember access solution, building owners alleviate the cost of providing badges and time spend managing lost credentials. Bluetooth integration enhances security by ensuring the individual is physically present at the door, while the increasing use of biometric authentication means that the person unlocking the door is the credential holder. In some cases, commercial property owners are finding they can use that same biometric authentication technology as an even more seamless access control solution.

4. Remote mustering solutions

Another solution that can be integrated into an access control system is remote mustering technology. Remote mustering solutions range from smartphone apps to facial recognition solutions to wearable RFID tags and more. It's used to track an individual's location in the event of an evacuation. It can ensure employees or students all make it to a designated safe place or speed first responders to the right location.

While remote mustering has been used in industrial facilities, it's still largely underutilized in workplaces and educational institutions. Yet existing access control systems may already have this capability ready to go.

5. AI-supported software integrations

Many of the security technologies listed above can work in alignment with one another. That's where AI-driven integrations come in. Today's AI technology can gather information across a range of devices or channels, identify potential patterns, and drive a more proactive response.

For example, if shots are fired across the street from your building, with an AI-supported security system, the 911 call driving action within the designated geofence could trigger the locking of your exterior doors and a notification sent to you and your security team.

We're just starting to explore the types of functions that can be automated. Connecting with local partners may provide fresh opportunities to share information.

6. Security system lifecycle management

We all know that a security system's biggest weakness is the people operating and responding to it. Too often, a bright and shiny security system is installed and then not touched again. But any software solution requires maintenance. With security system lifecycle management, security managers get proactive reminders about firmware updates, critical maintenance, or end-of-life notifications.

Create a more proactive approach to security

We expect our devices to perform a range of tasks in our personal lives. It's time to expect more data-driven power from our security solutions. With the right approach, building owners will often find that an advanced security solution doesn't have to break the bank.

If you're ready to turn your missed opportunities into possibilities, contact CRUX today.