Three Ways Security Apps Are Optimizing the Next Wave in Physical Security Today
by Maureen Carlson
The landscape of physical security has changed dramatically over the last few years. Between the mass migration to the cloud and development of artificial intelligence-enabled solutions, it’s safe to say security systems will never look the same. Hold on to your seats! There is also likely more change ahead.
While AI/machine learning and IoT innovations often dominate the headlines, the software used to integrate, design and manage the lifecycle of systems plays a prominent role as well.
After the dust settles, it cannot be overstated how important it is that integrators help their customers select and retrofit the right technology, implement it and manage it effectively. Especially as security technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial that integrators help their customers stay ahead of the curve.
How Software Applications Help the Industry Adopt & Scale
More than a decade ago, our industry leaped forward from analog (e.g. CCTV) to digital (e.g. IP Video), where every device became a part of a network of interconnected devices and IoT started to spread. This was a turning point in the technology upgrade cycle, and many security manufacturers entered the market to capitalize on it.
As these systems’ (i.e. video surveillance, access control and other technologies) data storage and user interfaces migrated to the cloud, intelligent AI applications and analytics platforms helped IoT-based systems skyrocket in popularity, because of their scalability, flexibility and accessibility.
For the physical security leader, this latter development has required the most significant round of upgrades and investments.
Looking forward, the pace of change required to retrofit older systems and implement new technology to support AI/ML, IoT and other advancements will be rapid. However, the business software used “behind the scenes” to design, adopt, implement and manage the newly integrated systems may prove to be the unsung heroes of the next generation of physical security systems.
After all, software is needed for everything from a site survey to system design, device management and long-term maintenance.
As new technologies continue to emerge, it will be critical that system integrators adopt leading software solutions to manage their business in order to provide excellent service to their customers.
3 Ways Software Applications Are Supporting Integrators
To better understand how security apps are helping upgrade the next generation of physical security systems, we’ve broken down three ways security apps are streamlining system design, integration and maintenance:
Simplified System Design
For universities, school districts, corporate buildings and other distributed facilities, security apps are playing a pivotal role in simplifying collaborative system design.
During the site survey phase, mobile-ready security apps enable users to upload a floor plan or access Google Maps instantly, visualizing device placements and area of coverage on or offline, allowing integrators to capture and incorporate customer input in real time.
Most importantly, leading software platforms allow integrators to demonstrate the area of coverage of cameras or the footprint of an access control system clearly to the stakeholder, which helps streamlines the initial system design phase and expedite the approval process.
After the site survey, the mobile app synchronizes data to the cloud, allowing users to work at their desktop to refine digital floorplans, select products and accessories, collaborate with others for input and automate a bill of materials and design proposal.
Accurate, Timely Implementations: On Time and On Budget
Once a design and budget are approved, the next role comes in for software applications. There are tens of thousands of products available for low voltage and physical security systems, including accessories. For a project to arrive on time and on budget, the software ideally integrates from the design to an estimation or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Just like a home under renovation, all the pieces need to be ready for implementation or the project gets stuck on hold. For a security system, time and accuracy is of the essence and going over budget is really not an option. Streamlining this process with software applications is vital to its success.
Optimized System Lifecycle Management
At the end of the day, an electronic or physical security system is also only as good as it is maintained and updated. The ability to keep track of device placement and inspection periods, in order to plan for maintenance upgrades is key. To do so, digital or living as-builts help security directors with knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up their system for more effective resource management. After all, physical blueprints and even PDF markup tools aren’t dynamic enough for large security installations featuring dozens or hundreds of buildings and thousands of devices.
Relying on institutional knowledge about systems in the minds of a team or spreadsheets is risky. People move and change roles regularly. For security directors to stay ahead of the innovation curve, end users and integrator need a dynamic system of record that is kept up to date so that when change occurs, the system does not go out of commission. This is where purpose-built software can shine and ensure the best confidence around the investments in the technology.
The Next Upgrade Revolution is Here
Someday, we’ll look back on this moment in time and reflect on the ways software changed the industry for the better. Where the technology developments of the past alienated those who couldn’t keep up, leading software providers today expand access to the latest evolutions of security technology, helping integrators deliver end-to-end security solutions and end users reap the benefits of smarter technology.
Looking forward, these apps are poised to be the vehicles through which the security industry implements future innovations to build a safer and better-connected world for all.