Securing just one aspect of your home or business is no longer an option in a market where criminals are seemingly always one step ahead. As a direct result of this, local infrastructure supplier BT-SA notes that the popularity of integrated security systems is on the increase, particularly as a smart home or office solution.
“Just to secure the perimeter of your home or business but neglecting to monitor access control is not an option these days,” states Erik Jordaan, MD of BT-SA. “Security needs to be viewed as an onion concept, where multiple layers make up the whole, and only one layer does not make for an entire solution.”
“By applying these layers of security, management challenges do arise, particularly when it involves various security products and devices. Which is where an integrated security line of action to smart homes really come into play,” adds Jordaan.
Taking an integrated approach
A key problem for consumers is that many vendors build complicated systems that are simply impossible for the home or business owner to manage themselves. By adding IoT (Internet of Things) devices, the problem gets even more complicated. Not to mention the security concerns.
“You don’t want to be constantly feeling anxious about your security devices – it should give you peace of mind. This is why you turn to security infrastructure providers in the first place. They should have a proven track record and only support reputable vendor technologies,” states Jordaan.
There is no doubt that applying a layered approach to your security environment, and then linking these components into a centrally managed environment, is the way to go. By linking your CCTV cameras, electric fence, access control and then your intruder detection systems to a single management unit that you can review remotely from your mobile device, enables you to respond to threats more effectively.
Let’s take this a step further and integrate it into your smart home solution to have a birds-eye view of your home – all from a mobile platform of your choice, accessible at any time and from anywhere.
“Security solutions shouldn’t baffle you. They should empower you. If your alarm goes off at home and your armed response calls – how many times have you rushed home to find that a window was open or a domestic pet has triggered one of the sensors? With a mobile integrated solution, you can make a calculated and informed decision on how to react to each incident,” he says.
Smarter technologies
According to Jordaan, the technology exists today to ensure that your smart home also boasts smart security. Alerts can be tailored to advise you of a perimeter breach, a gas leak, a power outage or even a fire.
By linking these systems to a central management unit that sends notifications via the Internet is where the real magic happens.
For commercial businesses, CCTV cameras are nothing new. But now, linking cameras to video analytics, facial or license plate recognition, adds real value to the business. Traditional fire alarms are great, if you have someone on the premises at all times. By adding thermal sensors and integrating it to your overall security management system, you can react to a fire before it takes hold of your premises, and causes costly damages.
“Connect your fire detection and suppression devices onto a power management system, and be alerted of anomalies in the environment. This also allows you to remotely switch off the power to avoid potential problems,” urges Jordaan.
Security has for many years been a grudge purchase – you acquire systems purely for insurance purposes. However, with integrated smart security solutions you take back control and you can make smart decisions for your home, small office or business.