Why considering a remote security solution now will lead to increased business profitability

Remote cctv and access control
June 18, 2020
Why considering a remote security solution now will lead to increased business profitability

Up until the coronavirus pandemic hit the world back in the early spring of this year (March 2020), cloud-based security solutions were a steadily growing market.

Now, they’ve taken on a whole new meaning as businesses rapidly re-assess how they operate in light of COVID-19, re-evaluating everything from security management and occupancy control to space requirements, social distancing, and health & safety practices.

So what do we mean by ‘cloud-based’ or ‘remote’ security solutions exactly and why has it become imperative for companies to consider them right now within their overall business management solution?

A very, very short history lesson

Before we dive in, it’s helpful to take a step back and consider where the security industry has come from.

Less than 10 years ago, almost every SME and large organisation or office building would have had a physical security system of some description in place. This usually involved access keypads/security doors, numerous video surveillance cameras, network video recorders, and at least one management terminal/display screen. On top of this, there would also have been a security manager, maybe security staff, IT managers to keep the system ticking over and perhaps a receptionist. The systems generally didn’t talk to each other across different sites and there was no straightforward way of compiling information for facilities management or a building management team.

Whizz back to the present day with the advancement of the cloud as a data repository: now businesses can outsource these aspects of their security solution. Individual companies don’t need to have dedicated security management, the cloud allows it all to be managed remotely – a huge plus in the current environment of minimising infection risks to staff, contractors, and customers

Focus on your core business

Having a remote solution allows businesses to put in place an agile video, access control, and intruder detection solution without the need to invest heavily in IT infrastructure or to become security experts themselves. The solution can be managed off-site with data held and accessed from a secure data centre.

Remote technologies also provide a way of enabling your security company to offer you a lot more than just the annual onsite check-up required by your insurer – with a remote solution, they’ll be able to run regular health checks across all or parts of your system, execute requested changes swiftly and diagnose issues, all without setting foot on your premises.

With more system issues resolved remotely, there’s a reduced requirement for someone to be onsite to provide engineer access, which is more convenient for you, particularly with increased home working.

This allows organisations – large and small alike to focus on their core business, whilst also providing the opportunity to streamline and future-proof your security solution.

And there can be significant cost savings too, removing the need to install, maintain and upgrade an on-site IT infrastructure and replacing it with a scalable, flexible ‘Service as a Solution’ managed offering.

Not only that, management can benefit from the information generated via these solutions, presenting opportunities to increase profitability and efficiency.

Imagine a security solution so integrated with how your business operates that it points out additional revenue stream opportunities, helps you cut down on shrinkage or waste, and enhances customer experience!

Taking a large, out of town showroom as an example, you could monitor how many people had entered the store, understand the demographics of your visitors/actively deter undesirables, track their route around the showroom, identify hotspots, reduce shrinkage and tell how many staff you’ll need on the tills in 20 minutes time!

But there’s been one concern which pops up time and again for business owners and security installers alike. Cyber Security. How can a cloud or remote security solution actually be more secure than traditional physical security systems?

How safe is any cloud-based solution?

It’s a common misconception that data stored on the cloud is less secure than on a physical NVR. Cyber security protocol means that the cloud-based solutions available offer a flexible, layered security perimeter against multiple types of attacks on your data and overall solution.

With a remote security solution, since there is no physical recording device onsite, it can’t be physically stolen, making your surveillance system more secure. It also means that the data is easier for you, or any authorised individual, to access – wherever and whenever is convenient.

Remember also that you oversee who has system access – you or your security management partner grant the access rights and can easily monitor users and activity.

If someone has tampered with entry/exit points or cameras,  your remote cloud based security solutions won’t finish at 5.30pm, it will alert you at any time if there is an attempt to bypass or break it, allowing you to react instantly.

By the same token, a cloud-based system is ‘self-monitoring’ so will tell you if there is an issue with a camera or video feed that you can then resolve promptly.

And with the expectation that being in the office vs working from home will become more fluid, it’s becoming increasingly imperative to have a cyber secure solution that can tell you who’s on your premises in addition to who’s on your network.

Benefits of a remote security solution

There are several other key advantages of a remote solution that an end user should consider:

  • Reduced Initial investment: There is the potential to minimise your initial capital outlay with a remote based security system
    Simplified Security Management: Intruder, access control and video can be managed through one security provider, so once the system is set up and configured, it’s less bother ongoing.
  • Scalable: A remote solution is normally easier to scale up as you grow or to adapt in times of change. No need to buy additional NVRs or hard drives as you add more equipment.
  • Easy to upgrade: You can easily upgrade your system with new features, applications and services to support your business and its changing needs. This prevents your solution from becoming outdated.
    Flexible: Remote Solutions are flexible and can work with existing networks, routers, screens, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Reduced contact: Reduces the need for site visits as most requirements can be monitored and assessed offsite.
  • Easy centralised management: Allows you to access and manage your devices & users easily and efficiently – from a single interface, whether you prefer that to be PC, smartphone, or tablet.
  • Self-monitoring: A cloud-based system will alert you when there is an issue.
    The possibilities are almost endless, with peace of mind for end-users and confidence in a fully operational system.

In Summary

The reasons for considering a Remote Security Solution are numerous. But with the changing landscape of how businesses will operate as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic and its effect on how we live and work, it’s prudent for all businesses to consider such systems right now.

Whether we like it or not, how we do business has changed forever, with many considerations being catapulted into view. And so our security solutions must also adapt to ensure we’re fully protected in this new normal with the upside being the multiple opportunities for the better business management that they bring.

Although Norbain doesn’t work directly with end-users, our experienced and knowledgeable security team can offer advice and support on what solutions are available to suit most businesses’ needs. We also understand that every business is unique and some solutions can’t be delivered in a box. That’s why we have Solutions Specialists to provide you with ongoing support as your key technology partner, help define project roadmaps and work with you in optimising technology investments.

Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements