Staying Safe by Staying Ahead

Staying Safe by Staying Ahead

Taking a quick look at emerging technologies and other issues

Security and safety in a fluid world of potential threats will always be a work in progress – an effort that requires our industry to be ever-vigilant, constantly leveling up and proactive in the development of even better solutions.

Currently, there is an intense focus on cybersecurity, AI, and access control. As technologies advance, it is increasingly critical to ensure connected physical security solutions such as electronic access control stay hardened against cyber-attacks and other breaches.

Another critical issue is data protection and governance. Concerns about how data is used and shared continue to grow as we learn more about how tools like Google, ChatGPT, or other resources that use generative models are potentially using and storing data in unsafe ways. As a result, it is necessary to use extra caution when querying about something that could involve personally identifiable information, proprietary data, or classified content.

What is Emerging?
There are several technologies and issues that will have the biggest impact on electronic security over the next few years. Topping that list right now are mobile computing, the cloud and more integration among various devices and technologies, which will provide synergies from the combination of different datasets.

The cloud. People can manage costs in a very linear way by reducing or eliminating the need to build another new data center. It provides elasticity so organizations can expand or reduce computing capacity as needed.

That nimbleness is why movement to the cloud has greatly accelerated. Whether it’s a publicly or privately hosted solution, an on-premises cloud, or a hybrid, there’s now a huge push to use this technology in the security industry due to its clear scalability and cost-efficiency benefits.

Mobile. This method influences the security marketplace more than ever, especially in electronic access control solutions where mobile credentials provide a new level of security and convenience. Not only do mobile credentials offer an added layer of protection because of their devices’ built-in biometric verification ability, but they’re also far less likely to be lost, forgotten, loaned or even stolen compared to cards and fobs.

As mobile wallets become more widely used for payment and access for other applications like flights and other ticketed events, there are growing expectations to use them for everything, including door access. This can range from traditional doors to package delivery and workplace lockers and file, medication, and server cabinets.

There is also the possibility of temporary mobile access control functionality that allows people to delegate rights to phones which can access their personal cars or even a rental, much like many of us currently can at our offices and homes. There is also the potential opportunity for better sensing technology and GPS integration to recognize when a vehicle is traveling at an unsafe speed for the road, weather, and traffic conditions of a particular location. That connectivity could then automatically trigger the vehicle to safely slow down.

Integration of data. Access control, sensors, and other devices into applications like building management systems continues to be a growing need. It probably presents the biggest opportunity for innovation in the security industry. Using the data that we create from all the sensors and devices allows us to make better real estate space decisions, improve energy efficiency, and take security data beyond security.

Wireless. Another technology that continues to grow in the security industry is wireless. Wireless electronic locks and access control solutions are now helping end-users to overcome budget constraints because the technology streamlines the installation process, significantly reducing labor and time, requires fewer materials, and is more cost-effective to adopt.

Biometrics and more. There will likely be a fusion of access technologies in the very near future. It could be advanced touchless/contactless opening solutions that incorporate improved biometric access credentials like approved facial recognition. In addition to the prospect of more individualized security and easier access, facial recognition offers another level of hands-free assistance for those with disabilities and mobility issues where using phone or card credentials can be cumbersome.

Incorporating biometrics complements our company’s already growing array of solutions specifically designed for more inclusive and equitable access: paddle trim that can be easily pushed with a forearm or elbow to open a door instead of levers or knobs that have to be turned; wave-to-open sensors for automatic door openers; and hold-open sensing and devices to make sure people have enough time to pass through.

Voice and video. These solutions are expected to play a larger role, especially in building and security management. Consider instances where a contractor, dog walker, or guest is expected to arrive when a resident is unable to be at home. By being able to converse and see who is at the door remotely, that resident can then confidently and securely grant access. This also creates yet another opportunity to use security data. For example, it allows companies like us to leverage sensing data and analytics to inform our door security solutions and building management.

Sustainability. As our industry moves forward with innovating new security solutions and products, it’s important to do so with a strong focus on sustainability. As awareness about the impact of the built environment grows, there is an ever-greater demand for green building materials and lofty expectations for transparency about what goes into our products.

Just like staying ahead of emerging technologies, innovating sustainable solutions is an essential part of ensuring a safer, more secure future and providing resilience for our customers’ installations.

This article originally appeared in the September / October 2023 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.