How Remote Monitoring and Analytics Software Can Improve Security

In today’s threat environment, business owners, school administrators, and other facility managers want to make sure they’re doing everything in their power to protect their organizations and their people. But many traditional solutions, such as hiring more security guards or installing expensive infrastructure, can be cost-prohibitive. That’s why many organizations are turning to remote video monitoring and analytics software to efficiently augment their current security strategy – increasing safety, improving response times, and acting as a force multiplier for onsite staff.

This innovative security technology enhances security in a range of applications.

By analyzing a video image with algorithms, analytics software takes into account the varying positions of thousands of pixels in order to come to an intelligent conclusion about a situation. While previous generations of analytics software could only identify the most obvious threats, today’s tech is significantly more refined – letting personnel customize algorithms to their specific needs. Instead of just detecting motion, modern software looks at shapes and forms of movement. It can differentiate between a dog, a piece of debris, and a potential intruder.

Facilities in urban and high crime areas can use video analytics to detect and prevent suspicious behavior.

Preventing loitering, vandalism, and theft can be especially problematic for structures located in urban areas, and video analytics software can provide a solution. For businesses that are open to the public during late hours or have restricted access areas (especially those that may contain valuable merchandise), digital tripwires drawn onto the screen of a computer are an especially effective tool.

Much like a physical tripwire, you and your security team will be notified if an individual passes a specific line. This alert can be accompanied by the activation of an alarm, remote speakers, and/or a spotlight to warn the individual to exit the area. These digital tripwires may also be tied to an access control point, such as the opening of a door, and they can be set to operate at certain times.

Other kinds of analytic algorithms have the ability to detect additional, specific actions that may be considered suspicious, such as a car coming into view during late hours in a restricted area or an unattended box or bag. Analytic algorithms also do people counting – identifying how many individuals walk into a store or business during a specific time period. This software is even more effective when paired with a remote monitoring service; a trained security specialist can verify whether the video indicates a potential threat whenever the software triggers an alert.

Here are some examples of this technology’s application in different scenarios:

Construction site security

For construction companies, real estate developers, and businesses with property under construction, theft is a serious issue. In 2008, the National Association of Home Builders estimated that the annual cost of theft to the construction industry had reached $5 billion. Customized analytic algorithms along with appropriately placed cameras protect construction sites, safeguarding high-risk inventory such as copper wire and valuable tools and equipment. In addition to improving security, the software can help lower costs, reducing the need for additional security guards during the graveyard shift.

Schools & Campus Security

Schools, which prioritize student safety above all else but face the vulnerabilities created by high foot traffic, particularly benefit from security analytics. The software helps schools prevent after-hours trespassing by students or members of the public, especially during events like nighttime football games and community gatherings. Digital tripwires will alert guards when people enter a prohibited section of campus, such as a specific hallway, classroom, or any other off-limits area.

Enterprise commercial sites

For enterprise commercial sites and large corporate campuses, it can be difficult to secure a large square-footage area on a fixed budget – but analytics can help. Most often, the software is used to increase the efficiency of guards by altering them to potentially troublesome areas. Dealing with potentially hundreds of security cameras is streamlined by algorithms that tell guards where to focus their attention.

Hotels and residential buildings with amenity spaces

Hotels and residential buildings are high-traffic areas that frequently deal with loitering or after-hours trespassing in communal spaces like pools, gyms, and roof gardens. A loitering analytic can come in handy in these scenarios, alerting onsite staff or remote monitors that a person or group is in a restricted area after hours. In order to avoid offending residents or guests, the analytic can also be linked to a non-aggressive warning, such as a pre-recorded message or a concierge politely restating the appropriate hours to visit the area.

No matter the industry or application, remote monitoring and security analytics can increase the efficiency of your security strategy

Whether you manage a school, a manufacturing firm, or a retail establishment, improving security has never been easier with the help of technology. Today’s remote monitoring services and analytics software empower your current security staff while streamlining your strategy – enabling you to spend less, respond to threats faster, and keep your customers, employees, and property safe.

About POM Technologies

Since 2002, Peace of Mind Technologies has delivered over 2000 security solutions across six industries in the greater New York Metropolitan area. We’re specialists who work with you to provide comprehensive site-specific security from implementation to post-installation support. To discuss your needs, please call (212) 688-2767, email at info@pom-tec.com, or complete this contact form.