Many businesses tend to overlook security planning until after they’ve already designed and begun building their facilities. They may only consider installing security measures like alarm systems and access controls once construction is complete. However, by this point, it may be too late. To avoid this, security planning should be prioritized from the outset before any blueprints are created.
In an increasingly connected world, physical security has become a paramount concern. Companies often focus on cybersecurity and neglect physical security. The lack of physical security can lead to vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Both are crucial. Whether designing a new office building, multifamily residential building, or any physical structure, integrating physical security measures during the design phase is vital.
A company can yield many benefits when security planning is done early and is not an afterthought. It can save on costs, enhance sustainability, and ensure effortless integration with business systems and processes.
Why Security Planning in Design Matters
Security planning during the design process, often referred to as “security by design,” means that the company views security as an inherent component of the project’s development. It is not an afterthought. This approach helps ensure that your business is built with security in mind from the very beginning. What other benefits are there for doing security planning in the design process? Here are the top five.
1. Saves on construction time and costs
There’s a saying “Prevention is better than a cure.” It rings especially true in the realm of physical and cybersecurity. When security is a postscript, businesses often end up adding security later. This can be much costlier and time-consuming than addressing security concerns from the get-go.
For example, the business wants to add an access control system throughout the entire building as well as the parking lot. This involves wiring and installing the system. It’s more work in a completed building than it is when it’s part of the blueprint and business information modeling (BIM) process.
It can save costs because the wiring system will be built-in and part of the construction process, as opposed to doing it after and having to take things apart and treat the security as an add-on.
Inflation, supply chain snarls, and the higher price of construction materials have added a lot to the overall cost of construction. It can all put profitability at risk. A building designed with security in mind can greatly reduce waste of materials and double work.
For example, a door has to be replaced to support an access control system. This means the task of installing a door happens twice. However, if you consider security planning during the design and BIM phase, then the door may only be installed once and with proper support for security.
BIM offers a lot of advantages because a change can instantly update the plans. Therefore, designers and engineers can integrate security into the design to see how it works. If it doesn’t work, they can easily update it. All this happens before construction. If they find these problems during construction, it could cost more to fix. Additionally, BIM can be integrated with an accounting system to keep stakeholders informed of current costs.
All this can save time because nothing is being done twice. BIM can help identify problem areas. Engineers can fix them before breaking ground. Before BIM, these types of problems typically didn’t get spotted until the middle of the construction project.
2. Helps mitigate risk
Risk mitigation refers to the strategies and actions taken to reduce or minimize the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with a physical structure. The goal is to reinforce security. It involves identifying potential threats, assessing their potential impact, and then implementing measures to reduce the likelihood and severity of these threats becoming real problems. The goal of risk mitigation is to help protect occupants, assets, and the integrity of the physical space.
Dealing with security vulnerabilities post-launch can lead to significant financial losses, damaging the company’s reputation, and potentially legal issues. It’s far more cost-effective to invest in security planning upfront. It reduces the likelihood of vulnerabilities in the completed building.
Risk analysis during security planning in the design phase plays a pivotal role in risk mitigation. It involves assessing the potential consequences of identified threats and vulnerabilities. For instance, in the case of a multifamily residential project, risk analysis might consider the potential consequences of unauthorized entry, such as theft, vandalism, or harm to residents. Understanding the impact of such events helps in prioritizing the most effective risk mitigation measures.
By identifying potential threats, assessing their impact, and implementing strategic security measures, property owners and designers can greatly reduce the risks associated with physical structures. Risk mitigation is an ongoing process that adapts to changing security landscapes and evolving threats, ensuring the enduring security of the physical space.
3. Build trust with clients, employees, residents, and occupants
Whether it’s residents of a multifamily residential building or companies occupying a commercial building, people want to feel secure. Demonstrating a commitment to security from the outset helps build trust with your user base and fosters a positive relationship.
Building user trust in a physical space contributes to creating a secure and welcoming environment. Trust not only enhances the overall experience and well-being of people but also acts as a deterrent to potential security threats. Incorporating security planning during the design process can make this possible.
By prioritizing transparency, education, accessibility, and responsive support, physical spaces can create an environment where people feel safes, more valued, and part of a more secure community. This trust is essential for the success and long-term sustainability of buildings, whether they are residential, commercial, or public.
4. Enhance sustainability efforts
More and more stakeholders are requiring buildings to be built with sustainability in mind as part of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. Installing cameras, sensors, and other technologies later can increase waste.
When security planning comes after construction is complete, it can create waste that does not have to happen. BigRetnz quotes BTS data that states 23% of waste comes from construction and demolition. Therefore, including security planning early in the project can cut waste, which supports sustainability goals.
5. Integrate building systems
A huge advantage of security planning is the ability to integrate all the business-critical systems. Integration alone can save a lot of time and costs. For instance, incorporating an access control system during the BIM process can make it easy for individuals to allow people into the building as they’d be able to unlock the doors remotely from anywhere. They may not even be in the building.
This is one of the benefits of cloud-based building management. There won’t be a need for physical keys as they can all be electronically managed. But if it’s not considered during planning, then it could add significant costs and waste.
Integrating Video Surveillance in Security Planning
Security planning that includes remote video surveillance helps ensure the building has integrated proactive security technology. This system can boost safety and productivity because it can watch over the building and its surroundings including the parking lot.
Video surveillance with remote monitoring can be proactive and help avert crime. The visibility of security cameras could drive away intruders. If that fails to stop them, then a trained monitoring operator who is watching security cameras in real time can issue a warning over an onsite speaker. There are more brazen thieves out there that will stop at nothing. Fortunately, the monitoring operator can also call the police and provide them with updates until they arrive on the site.
Another benefit of remote video surveillance is that it can record and save video data seen on the cameras. Analysts can search video footage and provide it to the police, lawyers, and insurance companies for investigations and lawsuits.
The trained monitoring operators watch the facility from a remote location. Their lives are not in danger. This allows them to focus on helping deter theft and crime, as well as minimize damage and risk.
It’s important for the trained monitoring operators to have help from video analytics. This pairing helps close many security gaps that come from relying on one or the other. They work in tandem to help spot potential problems before damage occurs.
Video analytics and monitoring operators can do more than watch for potential crime. They can also monitor the cameras for safety problems, and productivity bottlenecks. They can help verify operational priorities from the client or report concerns like lighting issues and overgrown landscaping.
Including Video Surveillance in Security Planning Can Speed ROI
Some video surveillance systems come with a system health check. This is becoming essential in the industry to validate the system is working properly or to fix it. Many of these fixes can be done remotely. Many old-fashioned companies do not offer health services of previously installed camera systems.
While remote video surveillance can deliver a fast return on investment, it can help speed this up if it’s considered when doing security planning during the design phase. The key will be to work with a security vendor that has experience in your industry.
You’ll also want to partner with a company that offers video analytics and human intelligence. This collaboration can save hours of time when pouring over the feeds and greatly increases the chances of catching a problem.
Remote video surveillance offers flexibility in that you can scale up or down as needed. Check out this case study that explains how video surveillance helped lower crime and save money.
A ECAM security specialist can help you with security planning during the design process. They can review your requirements and property to design an effective surveillance camera system that seamlessly integrates with the building design while fitting requirements and budget. Many clients will consult with Stealth before acquiring or designing a new asset. To learn more, pick up your free guide “Live Video Monitoring: More Than Just Catching Criminals” or contact us.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
