In recent years, there have been so many new and innovative strategies within the commercial security space. This is especially the case considering how commercial security systems and Smart Building features can now be integrated together to better secure your facility.
Here at Wittenbach, two of our foundational pillars are electronic security and physical security. With nearly half a decade of security expertise, we have supported a wide range of commercial settings and their unique security needs, including government buildings, hospitals, manufacturing plants, retail shops, schools and educational campuses, warehouses, financial institutions, and so many more.
Since we are able to leverage the strategic partnerships we maintain with leading electronic security manufacturers, we are able to recommend, install, and help maintain systems and processes that will keep your employees, clients, assets, and information completely secure.
What are Smart Buildings?
As defined by Nexus Integra, Smart Buildings (also referred to as Intelligent Buildings) “…put technology at the service of people to create more comfortable, safe and productive environments.” Moreover, the “ability acquired by IoT devices to collect, process and analyze data from different elements and areas,” allows facilities to “obtain automated control of the real-time operation of a building.” These innovative services can optimize efficiency through the following features…
- Measurement Sensors: A key building block to all Smart Buildings is the use of sensors. Sensors and detectors which can transmit alerts to the central management system, and then be used for visualization, analysis and performance improvement. Information collected by these devices can include capacity, temperature, energy consumption, supplies, and much more.
- Predictive Maintenance: Once the monitoring sensors collect the proper data on the building status, this data can then be interpreted by software that is capable of resource optimization predictions. Thanks to advanced control systems like this, any issues or incidents are immediately identified and addressed to avoid future problems.
- Eco-efficiency: Smart Buildings are designed specifically to be more eco-friendly. This is done through the use of materials and technology which optimize energy efficiency while reducing the environmental impact.
- Comfort: By implementing proper HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, which can then be easily controlled through Smart Building infrastructure, the facility’s humidity rate, air purification and temperature can be easily managed to provide the ideal conditions for employee and consumer well-being, product storage, or any other needs particular to your business.
- High security: By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Building can offer streamlined security systems capable of controlling the most advanced security devices available on the market.
Smart Building can also help to increase energy efficiency, usability, accessibility, and safety throughout a building. While Smart Buildings can be applicable across a wide range of industries, be it residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
Three ways security systems and Smart Buildings work together
Smart Buildings are especially useful from a security perspective as it pertains to access control, intrusion alarms, and video surveillance systems, like NVR systems, or network video recorders. Here’s how each of these three security systems can work well with Smart Buildings.
1. Access Control In Smart Buildings
As mentioned in a previous blog post, access control systems are used to guard entire buildings or particular zones of high security within them. These systems can control the main entryway to the building, safe rooms, cash-in-transit (CIT) delivery zones, and much more.
By implementing access control through biometrics, portable cards, and advanced reporting, access control systems integrate seamlessly with Smart Buildings, allowing facility managers to properly track everyone who enters and/or exits the building, at what time, and for how long, to ensure all those coming in and out of a building or particular section of the building are authorized to do so.
2. Intrusion Alarms and Detection In Smart Buildings
Intrusion alarms are used to detect any unauthorized entry to your facility’s premises. This is done with contact switches and motion sensors, which trigger a noise alarm that draws attention to the building and especially the location under potential threat. These systems can also be monitored by highly trained professionals who can address the alarm, determine whether it was a legitimate or false alarm, and contact emergency authorities if necessary.
These systems work very well with the sensors and monitors within a Smart Building’s system. Whether it be to deter criminal activity the moment a door is opened without permission, alert employees and authorities that someone has broken into the building, or even just to prevent employees or customers from propping open a door for too long that requires identification to enter and therefore avoid any undetected unauthorized entries.
3. Video Surveillance Systems Implemented In Smart Buildings
Simply by having them visibly on your building, Video surveillance systems can provide an added layer of crime deterrence, by serving as a clear sign to potential criminals that they are being electronically monitored. The industry-leading surveillance system is the NVR (network video recorder), which is the modernized version of the DVR (digital video recorder).
With video surveillance, Smart Buildings can record real time footage both within and without the building, and properly storing this footage. Some of these systems can even utilize facial recognition software. This innovative capability can help authorities find any potential criminals who may have broken into the building or have posed a threat in any way to the safety of its customers, employees, and assets.
Featured products
Here at Wittenbach, we have alarm monitoring partnerships with Security Central and CheKt. These two services provide video monitoring and entry statistics for your branch around the clock. Their innovative approach to intrusion detection and prevention can integrate well especially in a Smart Building setting.
Additionally, the Verint EdgeVR 300 NVR system is an especially good fit for Smart Building surveillance. This system can be centrally managed through Verint’s user-friendly EdgeVMS Op-Center and Video Investigator. These features allow for NVR administration and viewing which can be made available across multiple locations. While our services at Wittenbach do not include the installation of FaceDetect software specifically, we do offer these products which can be easily integrated with such software and any subsequent hardware maintenance.
Our partners at Honeywell provide commercial buildings with a range of different access control products. This can include control panels which manage access control solutions implemented to allow for locking and unlocking of buildings across multiple locations. They also offer remote video monitoring to record both approved and denied accesses, seamlessly preventing and tracking any attempts at unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Having a clear understanding of these security systems which integrate well with Smart Buildings can help you find the absolute best options to protect your staff, assets, and security investments. Contact Wittenbach to see how we can help support your security systems and better protect your business.
