Crime is a daily reality for South Africans. The high crime rate, power outages, and rising number of cyberattacks strain security teams. And with Cape Town ranked as the 19th most dangerous city in the world, a strong business security system is a must.
Security products have rapidly evolved from what they were just a few years ago. Smarter security solutions with leading AI analytics have become mainstays in business security systems. Today’s cameras can detect multiple types of threats in seconds. Traditional CCTV systems made this difficult as they left gaps that compromise security:
Slow responses
Security products working in isolation delay response times. This creates danger. Actions such as activating lockdowns and updating access control should be rapid.
Grainy camera quality
Camera footage isn’t helpful if it’s a struggle to identify people and vehicles of concern. It’s a problem for traditional CCTV cameras – especially at night.
Slow investigations
Investigating groups of people or vehicles is a logistical and time-consuming nightmare. It’s slow work that demands concentration while pulling security officers away from current threats.
Blind spots
Fractured systems create blind spots that harm monitoring and investigations.
Tampering
Career criminals know how to sabotage outdated security equipment. Unless systems are built to withstand common tricks, security is easy to compromise.
Weather & atmosphere
Extreme heat and atmospheric conditions disrupt the quality of systems or shut them down entirely.
Off-grid compatibility
Most security products aren’t built to operate off-grid. Dips in internet, power and Bluetooth control must be accounted for.
Higher insurance premiums
Insurance companies are hot on the heels of the latest security technology. Any gaps in business security are likely to increase insurance premiums.
The top-level business security systems that companies need
New advances in security systems overcome the known flaws of traditional CCTV systems to help security teams spot threats early. Cutting-edge systems buy officers time and provide critical information to make better decisions under pressure.
AI-powered video and audio analytics
New AI-powered security cameras provide HD coverage to detect threats in the toughest conditions. Multisensor and dual-head cameras help eliminate blind spots and rapidly identify threats.
Enhanced video and audio analytics detect weapons, gunshots, shouting, loitering, large crowds and threatening behaviour.
Security officers can make sense of chaotic incidents in seconds and take action. And all incidents are recorded in HD, even in challenging lighting conditions, to provide strong evidence.
Mobile-enables access control
Managing access controls can be a logistical headache, which worsens with every member of staff. Key cards and fobs are inconvenient and become dangerous when mismanaged. Many security breaches are due to ex-employees using old access cards/fobs or handing them to others with malicious intent.
A mobile credential gives staff/visitors access control via their smartphone or mobile device. Issuing, adjusting and revoking access to users can be actioned remotely.
Unified video and access control
Security breaches need immediate investigation. 60 seconds could be the difference between a successfully deterred attack or a devastating incident. Officers can’t afford to waste time logging in and out of systems to investigate alarms. It should be instant.
Unified video and access control show security teams’ activity from the entry point that triggered an alarm. They can see whether it’s a hostile attack or a cleaner has left a door open. Security teams can see what’s happening in seconds. They know when to send an officer to intercept, activate the lockdown system, or ignore it as a false alarm.
Integrated security systems
The strength of security products is only as strong as the level of integration. Gaps appear when products don’t talk to each other. Switching between alarms, sensors and cameras should be seamless.
Plus, every security product that sends/retrieves information is part of the Internet of Things (IoT), which presents cybersecurity risks. An integrated approach puts internal and external teams in a stronger position to mitigate threats. Only consider products that were built with integration in mind.
Top-level security systems keep companies safe
Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalism, theft and common security concerns are rampant in Cape Town. A top-level business security system helps security officers deter and detect threats. Spotting threats early puts security officers in a better position to protect people, premises and assets.
Every company and building has unique risks to mitigate. Speak to a security expert to ensure that you are closing the gaps in your security systems.
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Picture: Supplied
