Ask the Expert

This month’s expert looks at four up-and-coming technologies

• By Bill Burgess
• Jul 01, 2007

RISK management is a key focus for nearly all business owners and also is the motive behind the decision to invest in advanced, top-of-the-line physical security systems. Some of today’s new technologies in the security industry seem to come straight out of a James Bond movie. Forward-thinking manufacturers have made improvements in technologies like Web-based access control, biometrics, intelligent video and asset tracking to stay a step ahead of end users’ security needs.

ISSUE: How do Web-based access control systems work?
SOLUTION: Employing wide-area, Web-based applications, authorized system users can add or delete cards, change the time the alarm system is enabled and what time doors lock and unlock—all remotely. Application service providers (ASPs) provide facility access control and video surveillance without the need for end users to purchase access control software or video monitoring and storage gear.

This type of system appeals to users under the right set of circumstances, such as those in a multi-tenant facility. Such a system can be separated to give the building manager control over common areas, such as lobbies, elevators and parking garages, while building tenants can use the Web to control access to their own spaces.

ISSUE: How can biometrics be used for security applications?
SOLUTION: As important documents and passports are stolen and counterfeited, and passwords are forgotten, it’s become increasingly difficult to confirm an individual’s identity. To overcome this, manufacturers have developed biometrics, a security technique that protects identity by measuring what makes people different, such as their fingerprints, their face or iris patterns. In a typical system, a person’s biometric measurements are scanned, the information is processed by a numerical algorithm and then stored in a database. Later, when that person tries to enter a door or access a computer, he or she presents the chosen biometric to the reader, which processes the information into a digital template. Access is granted only if the template matches database information.

Biometrics is effective for areas that require a high level of security. A person’s biometric measurements are unique and cannot be easily duplicated, and no one has to remember PINs or passwords, which can be stolen or given out.

ISSUE: What are some of the advantages of intelligent video?
SOLUTION: Intelligent video is an advanced security solution that automatically tracks and identifies objects, analyzes motion and extracts video intelligence. This allows customers to detect suspicious or unusual events, such as objects left behind or removed, and vehicles or people moving the wrong direction in real time, enabling them to respond effectively. Intelligent video is used largely by government agencies and corporations that have vast perimeters to secure. Although intelligent video is still a young and developing technology, and takes fine-tuning and high costs to accomplish dependable performance, it is growing tremendously from only a few providers three years ago to more than 20 providers today.

ISSUE: Why is asset tracking becoming more widespread?
SOLUTION: As asset tracking is becoming more effective, its uses are becoming more widespread. Today’s active tags, which transmit a radio signal, can cover wider exits and may be successfully hidden in computers, printers or other expensive items. With readers placed throughout a facility, the tags can help locate shared portable equipment. RFID also is becoming more popular among retailers to help monitor products moving through the supply chain. Even school districts now are using GPS units to track their most valuable asset: their students. By installing tracking units in school buses, school district officials can identify the vehicle location, direction and speed in real time.

READER QUESTION: Our small business is finally ready for a video surveillance system. I called a local security dealer and was given a quote for an analog system using a VCR for recording. It was a good deal, but I keep reading that digital systems are the future. A digital system will cost more. Is it worth it to bite the bullet now or purchase the analog system and upgrade in a few years?
SOLUTION: While there are no hard and fast answers, ask yourself: How long do I expect to keep this facility/system? What is the likelihood of expanding this system? What are my specific surveillance and recording requirements?

An analog system will usually require dedicated cabling infrastructure—probably coax. This cable will serve no purpose apart from transmission of the analog CCTV images back to the monitor/VCR of the system. In the not too distant future, this cabling, these cameras and especially the VCR will become obsolete and more expensive to maintain, as digital cameras and recorders become more prevalent.

With a digital CCTV installation, you may be able to use your existing network cabling for surveillance transmission, depending on existing bandwidth capabilities. If you do need to install a new network cabling infrastructure for the digital TV system, it will be adequate for your expansion and replacement needs for years into the future, and it will allow you to take advantage of emerging digital technologies.

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This article originally appeared in the issue of .