Recent years have seen major technological breakthroughs that have contributed to the betterment of many types of physical security systems. While the industry has sought to integrate video, access control, automated license plate recognition, communications, intrusion, and analytics, the result is often a set of heterogeneous systems with minimal contact and interoperability. A unified security solution offers the integration often sought in the security industries.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about Unified Physical Security Systems.
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Unified Security Solutions
Unified platforms are a practical security solution that can assist organizations in addressing their short and long-term security needs. Video surveillance, access control, intercom, license plate recognition, and intrusion detection systems can all be linked together through this platform, giving security managers centralized access to the data they need to run their operations effectively.
Unification is the key to facilitating the clients’ management of their physical security operations. Harnessing data flow across security operations is made possible when all physical security activities, functions, and data are generated from within the same system. This makes it simpler and faster to safeguard people, facilities, and property.
Leveraging the products, services, and solutions offered by Genetec, a leader in intelligent and innovative networked physical security, Network Cabling Services offers comprehensive, unified security solutions.
Comparing Unified and Integrated Security Solutions
It is essential to distinguish between integration and unification, which commonly get used interchangeably yet have distinct meanings.
For starters, integration occurs when two or more entities get brought together. Connections are the backbone of every physical security infrastructure. If one link fails, the others may follow suit. When you integrate, you will have to use a wide variety of security products from different providers, buy and manage a large number of servers and systems, and take part in a wide range of trainings tailored to each vendor.
Conversely, unification refers to the state of being united or merged into a single platform. Products in a physical security platform’s suite are designed to work together seamlessly. This state means you can switch various elements of the software on and off, but you cannot sever any connections between them. Unified solutions are designed from the ground up to centralize your collected data, making it simple to manage security policies, monitor incidents, and conduct investigations.
Why Unification Is Your Next Best Course of Action
Integrating your company’s physical safety and management systems will help you save time and money.
Regarding security, no two businesses or systems are the same. Therefore, there is no universally correct response to whether integration or unification is preferable in a given deployment. However, it has been proven and the data supports the clear advantages to Unification from a people, process, and technology management/maintenance perspective.
However, your operations might reap long-term benefits from the increased connection provided by the unification of your core security systems. You can supplement your unification strategy at any point by incorporating Genetec technology partner integrations into the same platform. Because of this, your operators can become proficient in utilizing a platform from a single provider while still having access to various cutting-edge options.
The Four Stages of Unification
A solid security plan is like any other long-term investment: Most businesses recognize that it makes sense to make one. Here are the four stages of unification that will help you maximize your return on investment in the long run.
Decide to Adopt a Unified Security Solution
While integrated solutions may seem like the obvious choice when problems arise, it can be costly and inefficient to manage your security operations with them over time as the company needs to evolve. Conversely, a unified physical security platform may prove to be all that is required to meet current needs while paving the way for simpler, more effective expansion in the future.
Choose the Solutions You Desire
Your system’s ability to integrate with third-party offerings is crucial. Unfortunately, this is a common area of difficulty for integrated systems.
With a single security platform, these limitations are no longer an issue because all crucial parts are designed to connect seamlessly. Operations, updates, and maintenance are simplified since applications integrate into a single platform with a user-friendly interface.
Centralize Your Data
When all system data is in one place, operators can do their jobs more quickly and effectively.
You may, for instance, aggregate your security data into daily, weekly, or monthly reports that adhere to a common format. This option provides a high-level overview of your surroundings, saving you the trouble of navigating between various devices and sensors to gather the required data.
Reap the Benefits of Unification
The capacity to leverage investments and broaden operations beyond security is another key distinction between unified and integrated security.
You can gain invaluable insights into your operations and streamline non-security-related procedures with the security data you collect. But as was previously noted, integrated systems have inherent constraints that prevent you from incorporating new technology or applications.
On the other hand, a unified system combines all your technologies — security included — into a central hub from which you can derive insights and improve your operations. Leveraging the potential of consolidated data enables numerous departments to transform raw data into actionable business knowledge.
How a Unified Security System Can Save You Money
One solution to physical security concerns is a unified security system, which integrates multiple technologies into a single framework. Having your operators work from a centralized security platform guarantees that their security work gets handled uniformly. This option encompasses monitoring and investigating alarms, their upkeep, and any necessary updates to cybersecurity software.
In the end, this presents the most cost-effective choice for your organization. Below are just a handful of the most important ways consolidating your services saves you money:
- Reduced effort required for repairs and improved efficiency
- Reduced time and money required for operator training
- Improved corporate value and return over the long term
Conclusion
With the help of a unified system, you can get important insights and enhance company processes. Over time, your company will benefit more from your system, and more chances will present themselves due to the increased intelligence.
The physical security solutions branch of Network Cabling Services (NCS) is pleased to announce its partnership with Genetec, the industry-leading provider of unified physical security solutions.
Get in touch with Network Cabling Services if you want to know more about a unified security system’s advantages to your business.
