Every business owner must make security a priority today or risk losing customers. This includes both physical and digital security, as the world is connected in ways it wasn’t a few short decades ago. New threats emerge daily, and business owners might find it hard to keep up.
One way a business can do so is to integrate its access control and video surveillance systems. While it is important to integrate the systems, unifying them produces better results. Integration is a cost-effective measure, but unification produces a better return on investment while boosting the operational efficiency of the organization. In addition, unification offers cost savings. What should a business know when it comes to these two options? Genetec shares the following information with business owners who want to know more about their options.
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Why Might Video Surveillance and Access Control Systems Need to Be Integrated?
Integrating video surveillance and access control systems ensures a company has comprehensive security coverage. These systems complement each other. When the organization integrates them, they create a security infrastructure that is more robust. The video surveillance elements of the infrastructure record activities in real-time, so they can be monitored. The access control portions of the system ensure only those with the proper credentials can access restricted areas. When these two elements are combined, there will be fewer security gaps within the organization. There will be comprehensive coverage, so security risks decrease.
In addition, by integrating the two systems, the business owner can streamline operations. Less time would be needed to manage and monitor tasks, as the systems would do a lot of the work. Security personnel benefit from having centralized control. They can see both systems using a single platform, so they only need one login. In addition, having centralized control reduces the odds of miscommunication or oversight. Business owners appreciate this, as human error is always a cause for concern when it comes to security matters.
Companies always need to be proactive when it comes to preventing threats. Integrated systems are of great help with this. The access control system will pick up on any attempts by unauthorized parties to enter restricted areas. The security team may then use the video surveillance system to focus on that particular area of the building or premises to see what is going on. They can then take action based on what they see. As the security team won’t be going in blind, there is less risk to the team members as well.
In addition, if an incident does occur, the integrated systems are of great help in getting to the bottom of the matter. The access control data can be used with the video footage to see who was in the area at the time of the incident to help narrow down a pool of possible suspects. It may even be used to find out who the culprit is. Law enforcement can then use the information to either investigate the matter more fully or make an arrest if needed. Having the two systems integrated increases the likelihood of the company successfully resolving the matter.
Are Integration and Unification the Same Thing?
One thing many business owners ask is whether integration and unification are the same thing. They are not. Integration is when two separate systems are combined so they can work together. When a business combines an access control system and a video surveillance system, for example, the two systems will be able to share some data and certain functionalities. However, this is not the most efficient way of doing things and it doesn’t allow the business to get the most from the two systems.
Unifying the two systems involves merging them into one platform. The access control system and the video surveillance system work seamlessly as a single unit when they are unified. They synchronize data in real time and this platform allows for advanced features. Businesses that choose this option benefit from increased operational efficiency and get the best return on their investment, as both systems can reach their full potential by working together as one.
Why is Unification the Preferred Option?
Unified systems increase operational efficiency in several ways. They eliminate those tasks that are redundant, which streamlines operations while reducing the burden on the security team. The data coming into the system is synchronized in real-time, so they can make decisions faster and respond more rapidly to security incidents.
When the video surveillance system and access control system are unified, the business spends less on hardware, software, and maintenance. They no longer need to invest in and maintain two systems, saving time and money. The company’s IT team can focus on other tasks that add more value to the business.
A unified system provides better security coverage while streamlining operations. The money saved means the business sees a higher return on its investment. Furthermore, the risk of a security breach decreases, which means potential losses decrease.
How Will a Business Benefit by Investing in a Unified System?
A business sees several benefits when it makes the move to a unified system. Business operations improve as these systems offer more than security applications. The data gained from the access control portion of the system gives the business owner insight into occupancy rates within the building, how employees move through the building, and things of that nature. This allows them to better allocate resources while using the space wisely.
Furthermore, the use of a unified system enhances the decision-making process. The data collected from the unified platform can be analyzed when making a decision. The owner can identify bottlenecks and correct them, enhance the customer experience, and more thanks to the data they receive from the system.
Every business today should make the move to a unified system. Doing so unlocks the potential of video surveillance and access control systems, which allows for increased operational efficiency and a better return on the company’s investment. Security improves when a unified system is used, and decisions can be made using data rather than best guesses. This is one purchase every business owner needs to consider, as it will drive sustainable growth.