Updated: Oct 2020
We’ve all read and heard the devastating effects of the coronavirus globally. The economy has taken a huge hit, and we’ve had to change our ways of life drastically. Business continuity plans have kicked in with some businesses implementing remote working measures, otherwise known as Work From Home (WFH). A lot of companies have cloud-based systems that allow them to access files and software remotely. Staff can access Work emails anywhere via Google suite or Outlook. Yet, not many companies realize they can adopt cloud-based systems to manage their security remotely.
These same companies then go on to hire extra security to manage their premises while their staff are away. Extra security workforce adds additional costs upon already hard-hit businesses. It’s not too late for these organisations to change and adapt with just a few tweaks to their existing security infrastructure. Here we’ve listed the three security system must-haves to operate security operations remotely.
Cloud-Based CCTV / Video Surveillance
CCTV / Video Surveillance Cameras
Many organisations have CCTV cameras that are recording vigilantly and storing these videos for use in case of criminal activities or safety breaches etc. Most organisations usually record and store videos in a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR). The NVR or DVR is generally sitting somewhere inside an office or command centre. It is impossible to access the videos remotely unless there is an internet connection to the recording device. In this situation, cloud-based video surveillance comes in handy. Such systems store recorded videos in the cloud. Anyone with the proper access and authority can access the videos remotely.
Some systems are so advance they give real-time notifications of unauthorised activities. Such features allow swift action or response. Eagle Eye Networks is an example of such a system. It even comes with analytics such as people counting and unauthorised entry.
Cloud-Based Access Control
Access Control is the way organisations control and manages access by authorised personnel into their premises or certain high-security areas. Some even have time attendance features and scheduled access. With cloud-based access control, your organisation can manage the access control system remotely. You can cancel and issue new cards if your colleague has lost theirs. Remotely check attendance logs and change access schedules as well. These features are essential during this Circuit Breaker period. Imagine if you’re unable to travel to the office. However, your colleague, who’s is an essential worker, needs access to a server room or plant room. The ability to remotely unlock doors or grant access is essential.
Brivo On Air is a revolutionary cloud-based access control system. It can work with a myriad of popular brands of readers and cards such as HID, Suprema, Fairpointe etc. Brivo also works with biometrics and even has a nifty mobile pass feature to allow access with your smartphone.
Biometric / Fingerprint Security
Cloud-Based IP Intercom
2N Mobile Video App
Door intercoms have come a long way from a simple voice transmitter between a door station and a base station. These days intercoms allow video transmission as well to further aid in the identification of the “caller”. A cloud-based door intercom has tons of benefits. The usual door/video intercoms are usually stand-alone and generally only allow a limited no of base stations to answer the door.
With cloud-based intercoms, any smartphone can become a base station. This feature comes in handy during safe distancing and circuit breaker measures. A delivery person can call and identify himself and drop off a package without any of the staff being physically present at the door. 2N offers a great cloud-based intercom solution. Answer doors from your smartphone, unlimited users, unlock doors remotely and integrate with other systems through APIs.
Bonus Tips for the New Normal
You can integrate the systems mentioned above into one holistic solution for your remote operations. Some organisations can also consider a visitor management solution such as Envoy to enhance their remote management of receiving deliveries and vendors remotely. Eventually, when this circuit breaker period is over, some organisations should consider IP Temperature Scanning Cameras. These can be deployed in areas of heavy human traffic, especially when the “crowds” return. D-Link has a camera that can scan the temperatures of up to 30 people per second in real-time. Features include real-time alarms and remote notifications sent to mobile apps.
A vaccine for Covid-19 is not yet available, and the end is nowhere in sight. Organisations should overhaul their security operations and embark on initiatives that will eventually improve productivity as we continue to work from home. Contact us for more information on ways to improve your organization’s remote security operations and other cost-saving measures during this circuit breaker period.
