One of the most important decisions owners make in their construction, farm, grow facility, or other industry site is selecting a security system that addresses location-based requirements. There are different types of security systems to choose from and not all are created equal. While large-name security providers cater to corporate businesses, remote-location job sites are at a disadvantage as they contend with a lack of infrastructure. As technology transforms security-focused tools, rural and desolate worksites can reap the benefits of the same protection as corporate buildings.
Many factors may influence the selection of a security system including the sophistication and size of the worksite, the budget, and the assets that require proper surveillance. Let’s review the different types of security systems that may address an organizations’ needs.
Security Industry’s Digital Transformation
In today’s technologically-inclined world, businesses are continually searching for ways to incorporate smart features into systems that protect the organization's most important assets.
Since the 1990s, alarms have been standard features in commercial security. The first wireless alarm systems came on the market shortly after revolutionizing alarm technology. As technology progressed, the advancements of business security options enabled security companies to build solutions that fit an organization’s specific needs.
Understanding the different types of security systems is not always clear-cut, however. Advancing technology, like artificial intelligence, is adding another layer for industries to consider. This is particularly true for large operations that are vulnerable to security breaches given their sheer size, complexity, and remote access locations.
Onsite Security Services
Many industry sectors rely heavily on security personnel to provide asset and property protection. There are a vast number of security professionals that are tasked with patrolling scrap yards, agricultural lands, oilfields, etc. While security patrols deliver round-the-clock oversight, companies are still exposed to potential loss. In remote locations especially, it can be difficult to cover all grounds making the possibility of crime, theft, and vandalism much more probable. Security guards are also prone to fatigue due to long shifts and monotonous work, which can lead to error.
Technology seeks to address these gaps by utilizing systems that can trigger alerts and provide real-time data without the use of physical bodies patrolling yards.
Coronavirus: Transforming Different Types of Security Systems
In the wake of a worldwide pandemic, digital transformation across industries has forced the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence. Globally, organizations are beginning to more routinely leverage AI-enabled cameras to mitigate risks. Advanced technologies do play a crucial role in reshaping security for companies in nearly every industry. In fact, businesses are experiencing a 20% increase in physical security incidents since the start of the pandemic, with another one-third anticipating even more activity in 2021.
So, what are the different types of security systems available today?
Different Types of Security Systems & How to Choose
For businesses of any size, security should likely always be top of mind. High-quality systems are advancing how operations conduct day-to-day security and can help organization leads manage concerns.
New, well-rounded security systems should offer burglary prevention, round-the-clock support, remote access control, smart learning, and more. However, not all do and it’s important to understand these features and how they may work to enhance existing security measures and policy.
Video Surveillance
Likely the most fundamental way of installing a security system is to adopt some video tools. Video systems serve a two-fold purpose. On one hand, they can serve as a deterrent against crime. Burglars and other criminals may feel less inclined to approach property that is heavily guarded by video equipment. Also, in the event a crime does take place, video footage has proved to be paramount in identifying suspects and providing proof in an insurance claim.
Video transformed security options since the 1980s and 1990s. That’s not to say that today’s camera systems are even remotely similar to its predecessors. In fact, high-tech surveillance offers seamless connection through:
Speed and efficiency
Low-contact solutions
Clearer imagery
Smart feeds
Priority monitoring
Anymore, video equipment can offer real-time visibility without the need to be physically present onsite.
Intrusion Detection
When examining the different types of security systems, intrusion detection is a more modern approach. Rather than requiring memory upgrades from 24/7 surveillance feeds, intrusion detection is activated when an incident is occurring. ADT and Brinks security may have been the first to pioneer these systems with alarms triggered during a forced entry, plus carbon monoxide detection.
Intrusion detection can alert local security and emergency services. These systems are effective, too. A study published in ScienceDaily showed that 60% of burglars would seek out another business if they detected an alarm. However, these systems didn’t answer the remote businesses where theft is still abundant, but local dispatch is difficult to come by.
Access Control
Modern security companies may market to the term access control. But what is access control in security systems, and how is it helpful in securing properties?
Access control provides authentication and authorization to lead personnel, granting access to high-security areas of any organization. The concept is to minimize risk to a business or organization by restricting access to certain employees.
There are two types of access control: physical and logical. Physical access control refers to any physical area including security for entry/exit points of property, buildings, rooms, vaults, and storage areas. Logical access control, on the other hand, refers to limiting personnel accessing computer networks, systems, and other sensitive data.
System Monitoring
In the case of video surveillance and intrusion detection, alarms almost always play a key role. Alarms on-premise may trigger upon forced entry. Additionally, intrusion detection systems also alert the proper authority. System monitoring adds an extra layer to this functionality. It ensures that, even in remote areas, an alarm will reach someone at all times and trigger an appropriate response.
Systems monitoring can be connected through phone lines, the internet, or even a network that is managed from a central hub or software. For remote areas, this means that local authorities are still reached and a businesses’ security needs are met quickly and efficiently. A high-quality security system should offer remote monitoring that safeguards property for 24/7 and off-hour support, further reducing security costs.
Automation
Companies that have operations in secluded areas frequently need a way to monitor and automate their equipment and assets without being physically present. New surveillance systems make this possible. The reality is that in any large organization operation, equipment errors, process failures, and maintenance issues are abundant, leading to expensive repairs and dangerous conditions.
Regardless of the electrical infrastructure, companies like Twenty20 Solutions can provide systems, technologies, and services that automate operations for harsh, isolated, and off-grid locations. This can help reduce the likelihood of equipment failures that expose the organization to crime.
Artificial Intelligence
When you take a first look at security that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), it can seem like an over-the-top and premium service, unnecessary for most locations. So, what makes AI critical for advancing security technology and improving overall safety?
AI-enabled technology solutions analyze video data 24/7 and can call attention to security breaches and threats without the need to sift through hours or days of video feeds. Through machine learning algorithms that can be trained and customized to a unique environment, these security systems are able to detect actions or incidents that do not follow a usual pattern. AI can enhance efficiency that reduces business loss and improve efficiency as it reduces false alarms.
Filtering out irrelevant information is critical for the future of technology in the business world.
Want to learn more about which security system is right for you? Contact us today for more information on how we can help you secure your business.