The Battle To the Top Of The Reining TechnologySecurity

[SKnightInc]

"The Battle To The Top For The Reining Security Technology"

Thinking about security technology, I think about how beneficial it can be to those it’s meant to protect. There are numerous forms of new technology that seem promising, and can possibly help advance security. I looked into some of the more popular modes of security, and three of them stood out to me.

Security Cameras- These are typically what you would see pretty much anywhere you go. They can be those domes you see on the ceiling, or they can be the obvious cameras that are mounted on the wall. They’ve been in use since the earlier part of the 20th century. They’re great for monitoring areas, and preventing theft, in part because they have an eagle-eye view of the surrounding area. When most people see them, they KNOW that they’re being monitored. They have a great intimidating factor for those who see them! You can see many buildings that are furnished with security cameras; professional as well as non-professional buildings use them. Many retail stores rely on security cameras as well. These can be hooked up to DVR systems, and kept on record.

Security Guard Tour Systems- These systems are used by security guards to monitor areas to make sure that they’re being patrolled. This helps monitor the activity of guards ensuring that they’re keeping up with their posts. These work by placing RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chips in specified areas. When the person patrolling the area scans the RFID, the information is sent to a main system and logged. This documents activity marking down who was the one scanning, at what time it was scanned, and if there were any problems at that location. These can also be utilized in construction sites, factories, or other industrial sites. It can also serve as tool for maintenance crews, ensuring that they’re maintaining their areas.


Global Positioning System (GPS)- When most people think about GPS they usually think of navigation systems. Although that’s one part of GPS, they are also used for tracking and surveillance purposes. For areas of greater outdoor exposure, GPS systems have are used to help monitor, and keep track of different localities. This offers status position, and location.


Ideally, a combination of the three would be great. But realistically, not too many people can afford such a luxury. Which method is best to ensure safety?

Chris Lara
Website: http://www.KnightSolution.com/

[Rooney]

Security technology is like beauty, it's in the eyes of the beholder. What fits for some may not fit for others. The main objective is to secure something as much as is needed within the budget or value of what is to be protected. I wouldn't spend $50k to protect a $10k shed. Nor would I spend a mere $50.00 to secure $1 million. As far as technology, there are many technologies to protect literally anything.

For example: I had a salesperson stop by a couple weeks ago to try to get me to buy thier products for our integrated systems. While here he wanted to know if we had a need to secure sd cards,flash drives or other small items. We don't use them so we don't need anything for that. He had a small chip to place on the item. With a small reciever within 200' line of site, if anyone moves whatever the chip is attached to, an alarm sounds with the chip number on the display. I could see where that may come in handy say, in a jewelry store or a money holding facility, etc.. Maybe even in someones home if the nanny seems to move things around or steal. ( O.K that lamp was stolen. According to the time the chip moved it was 8:53 a.m.. Bring up the nanny cam for that time, ah HAH! Busted. It was Mr. Mustard in the den.)

[SIW Editor]

As this discussion moves forward:

Please keep in mind that Star Knight left the forums last time after being recognized for attempting to carpet the site with links to their guard tour technology. They later had a Better Business Bureau complaint file filed against them, in which they responded that their mass linking strategy was favorable to their company. Since then they have abandoned that account and have registered a new account. Star Knight: I hope only that this is not a repeat of the same.

So, to consider your question, I would say that the top 3 reigning security technology areas wouldn't include guard tour systems or GPS. Rather the list would be (in no particular order):

1. Video surveillance
2. Access control
3. Intrusion detection alarm systems.

-Geoff/SecurityInfoWatch.com

[IP-Alarms]

Security technology is like beauty, it's in the eyes of the beholder.
I like that. Very true.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter too much what dealers and integrators like, it is the customers that will drive the market. Our job is to try and predict what they will want ;)

[integrator97]

Expanding on Rooney and SIW's comments:

An Intrusion Detection System (alarm system) would most likely be best if your concern is after hours break ins, or protecting your home and family.

An Access Control System might be most important in a building not open to the public, with a large amount of employees, both to track who enters certain areas, and to keep the public out and safeguard employees.

A Video Surveillance system may be most important if it is actively monitored, but should generally be of less importance for after hours protection than an alarm system. Better to scare them off or catch them, than to have perfect video of someone your can't identify.

IP, for profit purposes it may be that "Our job is to try and predict what they will want". But as professionals, our job is to guide them to what they need.

[IP-Alarms]

But as professionals, our job is to guide them to what they need.
Now this has always been a difficult one.

I spent 15 years specifying security systems and guiding Customers to what I thought they needed, but I always listened to what the Customer wanted and would do whatever I could to accomodate them. Many professionals in the same position simply do not listen. Their Customers either accept what they are told they need, or they are told to go elsewhere :eek: