What role does technology play in tackling security risks and improving business operations?

Most organisations have standard security practices and technology in place for the usual processes – installing heat or gas detectors, fire alarms, physical CCTV cameras etc. – but what is often missing is how to bring these disparate systems into one centralised platform. This would make it possible to monitor the entire site from a single location on one screen, so that operators can quickly look into any unusual or potentially threatening activity and act upon it instantaneously.

Technology is critical to enhancing security. Without cameras, detectors and alarms, businesses would be unable to identify threats and respond appropriately. For today’s organisations that face a number of threats on a daily basis, it is essential to have a complete view of their operations and the local area at all times. They need to programme their systems, so that it can detect unusual activity or behaviour and notify the relevant operator. For instance, setting specific algorithms for CCTV cameras such as signalling an alarm if an individual is hanging around a certain area for too long or being able to analyse and identify unusual or unexpected car registration plates in car parks will all help detect threatening incidents before they even happen.

Another important application is using technology to enhance health and safety for employees. For example, fire drills and tests can be simulated through the system on a regular basis. By using 3D mapping technology it is possible to match problems to designated areas and sound the relevant alarm. This might mean evacuating several floors of a building or the entire area depending on the scale and location of the problem. Learning how to clear a building quickly is critical and it needs to be practiced regularly to ensure best practice is adhered to.

It’s also about making sure that day-to-day activities don’t obstruct incidents as they occur. For example, retailers might use cameras and analytics to check that fire exits aren’t blocked for overly long periods of time during deliveries of goods. This safety measure can also be applied to more corporate environments, but many haven’t even begun to think about this level of detail.

It’s impossible for security professionals to monitor all parts of the building at all times. Having a unified system which includes cameras, alarms, detectors and analytics tools means that these individuals can be immediately notified if an incident occurs that requires their attention.