Remote Security Management: A New Age Of Connectedness

The connectedness brought on by the Internet Of Things and evolving security technology has increased organizational visibility tremendously. The ability to monitor and control security through an integrated security solution has enabled institutions to be smarter about their security and their operating procedures.

These connected technologies, when backed by remote security management, also allow institutions to be smarter about how they spend their money.

Defining Remote Security Management

Remote security management is the ability to utilize existing technology at a site, and to enable remote access to an offsite staff focused on monitoring your facility’s security needs.

Marrying remote monitoring with an integrated system improves the proactive component involved in effective security by streamlining efforts for faster responses. For example, a surveillance camera outfitted with motion detection is connected to a remote agent’s monitor, where the agent is able to voice down via an intercom to a potential intruder. The agent may warn the intruder to leave or that authorities are on the way. These agents may call the authorities themselves or alert your onsite security guards to take action. In this example, and in all remote security management scenarios, the technology acts as a force multiplier and complements your onsite security as opposed to eliminating team members.

Preserving The Human Element In Your Security

While remote video monitoring or visitor management greatly reduce costs associated with staffing onsite guards, these services are best implemented in collaboration with your current security team. “These intelligent capabilities are not replacing security officers or monitoring personnel,” wrote Security Magazine, “but instead are making them more effective and capable of securing larger areas with fewer personnel, which can appeal to enterprise security leaders’ budgets.” Instead, the cost-saving benefits of remote security management are seen in the elimination of hardware, expanded storage abilities and reduced break-fix system maintenance.

Remote monitoring enables a fresh set of eyes to view your site and support your security team when they need it. For example, many New York City schools operate on an open-door policy throughout the day and night while hosting a variety of events for students and members of the community. Remote video monitoring is often used during high-traffic times, or drop-off and pick-up hours before and after school, to ensure every student is picked up, no strangers loiter on the premises and nothing is dropped off or left unattended. In this scenario, one set of eyes watches cameras from an offsite location while guards on the ground remain ready to respond to an issue as necessary.

In other scenarios, there may not be a guard on site. For example, construction sites and car dealerships effectively combine surveillance cameras with remote monitoring to alleviate theft and discourage vandalism. Yet, if eliminating the amount of onsite security guards is a goal for your organization, be sure to develop a strategic plan that covers gaps and results in optimized – not reduced – security.

A Cost-Effective Route To Creating A Safer Facility 

Upgrading old security technology is an expensive endeavor. Plus, it doesn’t create the foundation for a scalable security solution.

More facilities are switching from analog to IP-based security technology to satisfy growth goals, better leverage their security investment and create a safer environment through proactive security measures. When paired with remote monitoring, these systems optimize building security and management.

Learn more about the benefits of managed security services – from tighter security to more efficient building management – by watching our webinar, Managed Security Services: Removing The Hardware below.

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