Technological innovations have a way of changing pretty much every industry they touch, and security is no different. Today, we’re looking at some of the new technology in 2021 that’s influencing the security industry.
We’ll be considering how new technologies and applications are beneficial for job site managers, homeowner's associations, apartment complexes, and even major retail sites. From more advanced imaging to a growing level of connectivity and communication speed, there are more tools than ever for protecting assets.
Choosing the Right Technology
Security technology includes updated versions of classic security features and several new additions. In particular, we’ll be looking at improvements to security through tech like:
- Advanced cameras and imaging
- Solar-powered security systems
- 5G and other connectivity advancements
- Improved tools for remote operations
By adopting any or all of these advancements, property managers can create a more secure environment for employees, assets, tenants, and anyone or anything else they want to protect.
Let’s dig into how these particular advancements can help people safeguard investments against theft, vandalism, or other unexpected damage.
More advanced cameras and imaging
If you’ve ever watched shows that depict CCTV footage or near sci-fi levels of image capture and recognition, you might have a skewed view of realistic cameras.
The truth is that a solid security system relies on cameras somewhere in between grainy footage from your corner gas station and anything that uses the term ‘enhance.’ In 2021, however, camera and imaging tech is getting pretty advanced.
- More Convenient and Reliable: Not only are cameras getting smaller and more affordable, advancements in solar power, battery life, and construction methods now make it easier to situate cameras throughout an entire job site. There’s also the fact that digital video and image storage is significantly increased compared to a few years ago so that you won’t lose vital evidence owing to a lack of space.
- Better Digital Imaging and Software: Add in the fact that digital cameras combined with image processing software can produce a significantly clearer image compared to older security systems, and it’s easy to see how the security and surveillance industry is stepping up its game.
- Advanced Imaging Options: For more advanced security systems, you can also find imaging options that are making their way into regular, commercial use. For example, thermal imaging software or facial recognition tech aren’t brand new in 2021, but they are easier to access commercially.
Generally speaking, modern cameras are simply more reliable across every significant security metric. Looking specifically at the technological improvements to imaging, we’re moving away from grainy, unreliable footage and are developing commercial options for countering obstacles like inclement weather, night environments, and more.
Solar-Powered Security Systems
Solar power and more effective batteries solve one of the most common issues regarding construction site security, namely the lack of power.
Most construction sites have generators or a basic electrical system setup. However, generators may not run while personnel is off-site. In addition, some construction sites may not even have lines set up to provide adequate coverage for every area that cameras, alarms, and warning lights need to cover.
Fortunately, with equipment that’s designed to run on both solar power and standard DC power inputs, you’re covered no matter what. Security teams can now expand their coverage by adding cameras to more remote sections of the job site. Meanwhile, the solar power and battery options provide a failsafe in case of power outages.
5G and Other Connectivity Advancements
People often overlook the value that improved connectivity brings to the security sector. With faster connection speeds and more accessible cellular or wireless connectivity, you can increase the overall security coverage of any job site.
Improvements in the connectivity area also extend to:
- Faster response time by security personnel and local authorities
- Less disruption for video feeds from weak signals or interference
- Wider coverage options within individual sites or across several locations
Thanks to advancements in signal processing and wireless technology, security teams can see more and respond faster. Compared to the limitations of older internet infrastructure and wireless signals, 2021 sees an upward trend in more successful remote security operations as well.
Improved Tools for Remote Options
Along with improved communications and connectivity, 2021 is seeing a continuation of expanding remote options across all industries. Remote functionality may not be brand new, but there’s been a surge in part thanks to the technological developments driven by COVID as early as 2019.
Essentially, these tools provide additional channels for security providers to keep tabs on your properties and other assets. While you won’t necessarily find your security team lead on Zoom, the increased focus on remote development enhances remote operations that have already been developing in the security field.
- Centralized surveillance is now more effective
With improvements to remote software and communication, security teams can create a centralized surveillance hub that monitors and manages every aspect of security for your construction site.
In addition to outfitting your job site with updated technology, it offers a similar benefit to live video monitoring. But instead of simply hiring someone to watch camera feeds and call the police if they recognize a threat, centralized surveillance is a more involved and comprehensive method of security.
It includes live video monitoring and incorporates several layers of on-premise security and off-site elements like recording, thermal imaging software, experience and software-driven security layout optimization, and more.
Practically speaking, for site managers and people considering security, it also allows access to a reliable security service and technology that might otherwise run outside budget restrictions if you were trying to apply the same level directly or through individual contractors.
- Opportunities for more efficient security coverage
Similar to the benefits of the improved signal application in surveillance technology, additional remote options can improve security coverage across wider and more diverse settings.
This could provide several benefits, particularly if you’re looking to hire a security team for several construction projects that overlap each other. Beyond that, it may also help integrate in-house security personnel and external security teams for better communication.
- Reduce overall risk
Finally, by reducing the overall need for on-prem security personnel without sacrificing actual effective security, you can reduce the risk to personnel or property. That extends to limiting potential physical or legal damages that could be incurred by on-prem security responses going wrong in a worst-case scenario.
In less extreme cases, continuous connectivity and remote monitoring also allow construction managers to survey the job site during working hours as well.
In this application, the security provided is less about preventing theft and more about preventing or better understanding accidents. With access to recordings and constant live video, it’s easy for a trained surveillance team to spot and record accidents, malfunctions, or other on-site mishaps for future evaluation and prevention.
Better Tech = Better Construction Site Security
Overall, the continued growth of the tech sector is a good thing for construction and security teams. As we find new ways to apply developing technologies to security, it gets easier to protect your investments against loss, theft, or damages.
Current trends suggest that throughout the final leg of 2021 and into 2022, we’ll see continued growth in security software. Centered around detection, image recognition, and improved AI or automated applications, we’re moving closer and closer to reducing capital losses due to theft, damages, and other criminal or negligent activity.