A security solution cannot work alone. If a system contains only one layer of security, then it can easily fall victim to savvy criminals. Adding multiple layers puts up barriers that can slow down crooks with insidious plans. That’s why security professionals advise having a multi-layered security system.
Many companies don’t think about having an integrated security system that delivers multi-layered security, while they may use integrated systems for other aspects of their business. As an analogy, most businesses integrate their business applications and tools. This allows them to work together seamlessly.
A good example is Microsoft Teams. It integrates chat, email, meetings, notes, applications like Word and Excel, and more. The platform incorporates security, compliance, and privacy. This allows companies to boost efficiency and worker productivity.
Think about a time when you started shopping for an item. You might have started looking on your phone, desktop, tablet, or laptop. Then, you switched devices to finish shopping. Many websites ensure you can seamlessly switch devices and pick up where you left off, but the experience wasn’t always like this.
In the past, you had to complete your order on one device. If you switched devices, you had to start over. This is what it means to lack integration. If you needed to contact customer support, it wasn’t always possible to get answers from the system. Sometimes it took a lot of phone calls.
Integrated security works in a similar way. It drives efficiencies, saves time, and requires fewer resources than siloed systems.
What Is Integrated Security?
Integrated security systems communicate with each other and work together. Everything is centralized, making it possible to stay on top of all security functions in one place. You don’t have to use one system for security cameras and another system for access control. Instead, you can combine them as the access control system will add a time stamp to the video for easier tracking of what happened and when it happened.
Someone who is monitoring the video cameras can grant and revoke access in real-time as someone comes to the building entrance or as an employee quits their job. Integrated security also allows people to watch the cameras from any connected device wherever they are.
An integrated security system may contain some or all of the following:
- Security cameras
- Video monitoring
- Video analytics
- Video review and analysis
- Access control
- Audio speaker
- License plate recognition
What a company needs in an integrated security system depends on its security and access requirements.
Imagine how much more work it would be if the multi-layered security systems weren’t integrated. Perhaps, the access control system shows someone entered a limited-access area at a specific time. If the security cameras and access control weren’t integrated, then the person searching the video recordings will take much longer to find the exact time someone entered the secure area.
An integrated security system increases efficiency, simplifies monitoring and reporting, and fortifies security by having multiple layers. A security system that integrated video analytics with human monitoring greatly enhances its effectiveness.
Keeping an eye on the cameras for hours on end is a wearisome task. Video analytics eases the trained monitor’s workload with its many preprogrammed scenarios. When it identifies a match to one of the scenarios, it alerts the monitor. They work in concert as the human gives feedback to the video analytics to help it learn and improve.
4 Advantages of Integrated Security
An integrated security system comes with many benefits. Here are the top four.
1. Helps deter theft and fraud
Companies need to take steps to prevent external threats as well as internal threats. Employees may find themselves desperate and decide to commit theft. They know about the security setup and any gaps, which is why they may attempt internal theft.
According to the Kroll Global Fraud and Risk Report, more than 80% of executives have experienced fraud at least one time. In more than half of the fraud cases, the suspect turns out to be an employee, former employee, or third party.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has found that 75% of employees have stolen from their company at least once per this Forbes story. Additionally, one-third of business failures have been due to employee fraud and abuse. Integrated security with remote video surveillance helps close the gap and prevent internal theft.
If someone enters the business without permission, a trained monitoring operator will issue a verbal warning over the remote speaker. If this doesn’t deter the suspect, then they contact law enforcement and follow the intruder’s movements. These operators are not on your property. They’re located off-site in another city or state. They can also monitor for shifty employee behavior. You don’t have to worry about them partnering with on-site employees to plan a crime.
2. Helps stop suspicious activity early
An integrated security system that combines security cameras, trained monitoring operators, video analytics, and an access control system make it possible to catch something fishy quickly. This is why it’s a proactive security system. Traditional passive security systems don’t act until the crime has already happened. For example, an alarm system won’t go off until someone breaks into the building. By the time someone calls 911, the crime has already occurred, and the suspects may be long gone.
Video surveillance can catch the perpetrators as soon as they enter the perimeter, and before they reach the building or asset. The sight of video cameras alone can deter some suspects.
However, the number of brazen thieves is growing. They’re not easily deterred. They think the cameras will never figure out who they are. This is why you want to find a security company that has high-quality cameras with identification capabilities.
There are security cameras that can make out faces, license plates, and other important information to help catch intruders. However, not all security vendors have this kind of technology.
This proactive security technology helps mitigate risks and damage while limiting business disruption. With an integrated security system, the company can view any part of the property and even multiple buildings. Real-time monitoring can catch suspicious activities early. In doing so, the damage can be avoided or minimized.
3. Enhances operational efficiencies
An integrated and centralized security system streamlines processes, workflows, and reporting. Anytime a business has a question about security, they have one point of contact. This could be a request for footage or license plate information. It saves you time in reaching out to the security vendor to make the request.
If an operating monitor finds a problem, they will know what to do and who to contact. They won’t waste precious minutes figuring out how to respond and who to contact.
Here’s an example of improved efficiency with a centralized system. Someone calling 911 may need the police, fire department, or ambulance. The person calling 911 only needs remember one number: 911. They don’t have to call one number for the police and a different number for the fire department. The 911 dispatcher will take care of making sure the right first responders head to the emergency.
4. Delivers a fast return on investment
Inflation has made theft more expensive for companies. Many of the assets were less expensive when the company purchased them. Getting a replacement may cost a lot more. In the last few years, the cost of materials has climbed to record numbers. If there is any building damage, it will be more expensive to repair.
An integrated security system is easier to keep updated and maintain. Since the system is integrated, it requires far fewer people to manage it and monitor the cameras. This saves time and money. Thanks to security technology advancements, security cameras and remote monitoring are cost-effective solutions that can get a return on security investment within months.
The integrated security system with video cameras and monitoring saves all recordings for accessing and analyzing as needed. The footage gives you the proof you need to protect your business from expensive fraud, injury, and liability claims. These cases are difficult to win without evidence.
The integrated security system is a powerful way to show your insurance company that you’ve reduced your company’s risk. It speaks volumes about your company taking precautions to create a safe and secure environment for everyone. That said, it is possible your insurance company will lower your premiums. Be sure to contact them about this.
How to Get an Integrated Security System for Your Business
The right security vendor will design and implement an integrated security system based on your specific needs and budget. Some security vendors may try to sell you more than what you need. Here are the best questions to ask a security company.
Adding remote video monitoring in your integrated security system can improve the safety of your business while offering the aforementioned advantages. It can increase the likelihood of catching issues early and nipping them in the bud before they become expensive problems.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, contact security companies and ask questions. A ECAM security consultant can analyze your requirements and your property to develop an effective integrated security solution that delivers what you need without the extras.
In choosing to work with Stealth, you’ll be able to tap into the brainpower of security professionals who have experience in securing businesses like yours. To learn about integrated security systems, get your free guide “Live Video Monitoring: More Than Just Catching Criminals” or contact us.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187.
