Navigating the Future of Commercial Property Security

As commercial property management ventures into an era of technological evolution, the combination of advanced tools and methodologies is shaping a future for security. It is no longer just reactive. Today’s commercial security is also predictive and adaptive.

Traditional security guards are proving more and more to be an unreliable and often ineffective security solution. While they have been a staple in helping to safeguard commercial properties for decades, their limitations have become glaringly apparent in the face of advancing technology.

Security guards are human, after all. As such, they are susceptible to fatigue, distraction, and lapses in vigilance, making them unreliable in maintaining effective security. Not to mention, their inability to be in multiple places simultaneously poses a significant constraint on their effectiveness.

In contrast, modern technologically driven monitoring solutions offer continuous, efficient, and cost-effective security coverage. These technologies are capable of detecting and responding to threats with precision, reducing the margin for human error.

Here are eight ways in which commercial property security is changing:

1. Integration of IoT Devices
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
3. Mobile Solutions
4. Cloud-Based Security Solutions
5. Integration with Building Management Systems
6. Advanced Video Analytics
7. Resilience and Redundancy
8. Sustainability

1.   Integration of IoT Devices

In 2022, more than 1.5 billion IoT devices were installed in smart commercial buildings which indicates a growing trend in the integration of IoT for commercial property security.

Embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized commercial property security. It has created an environment where security devices – from security cameras to access control systems – work together seamlessly, sharing data and insights in real-time. This not only helps security personnel respond to potential threats more quickly, but it also helps ensure they stay one step ahead.

The integration of IoT devices in security management extends beyond the physical boundaries of a property. This enables remote monitoring, management, and response capabilities and helps ensure that the security management team is always connected to the security infrastructure, regardless of their geographical location.

IoT also opens new avenues for property owners and managers in commercial real estate (CRE) to enhance operational efficiency, cut costs, and improve tenant satisfaction​.

Key benefits:

• Enhanced Predictive Maintenance: Identifying and addressing issues before they become critical.
• Improved Decision-making: Utilizing a wealth of data to inform and enhance security decisions.
• Smart Monitoring: Creating an ecosystem that continuously evaluates its own integrity.
• Enhanced Safety Protocols: Adopting automated, data-driven responses to emerging threats.
• Adaptive Security Networks: Forming a cohesive, intelligent network that learns and adapts.
• Proactive Vulnerability Management: Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
• Perpetual Security Oversight: Ensuring that security management is continuously connected to the security infrastructure.
• Agile and Responsive Protocols: Enhancing the responsiveness and adaptability of security protocols through remote management capabilities.

2.   Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

End-users with security demands are seeking faster and more intelligent systems that are cost-efficient and better suited for integrated solutions. They require more than just technology that detects and deters, but systems that can digest large amounts of data and process autonomous responses at lightning speeds.

Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), inseparable parts of modern security solutions. These technologies can sift through large amounts of data to analyze patterns. The result is the ability to predict and identify potential security threats, automate routine tasks, and improve decision-making. For example, AI-powered video analytics can examine every frame to help detect actual threats and alert security personnel in real-time helping to minimize false alarms and ensure that interventions can be made before any significant damage occurs.

Key benefits:

• Proactive Threat Management: Identifying and managing threats before they escalate, utilizing intelligent analytics to scrutinize video data, and ensuring that interventions are made before significant damage occurs.
• Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities: Employing AI to identify and prioritize potential threats, coupled with monitoring regular patterns and triggering alerts for deviations.
• Behavior Analysis: Engaging in monitoring regular patterns, triggering alerts for deviations, and employing AI to scrutinize every video frame for potential threats.
• Automated Incident Reporting: Generating and prioritizing incident reports based on real-time data analysis, ensuring that threats are identified and managed before they materialize.
• Data-Driven Security: Utilizing data analytics to inform and enhance security protocols, creating a security framework that is adaptive and proactively managed.
• Intelligent Threat Identification: Utilizing intelligent analytics and AI to identify, prioritize, and manage potential threats in real-time.

3. Mobile Solutions

Mobile solutions have become an integral part of security management. They provide agility, responsiveness, and adaptability to effectively deal with security threats in real time. Smartphones are everywhere so security personnel can easily stay connected. This allows for real-time monitoring, alerting, and remote control of security devices, regardless of location. This allows for seamless oversight of security operations and on-site activity around the clock.

One of the main benefits of integrating mobile solutions in security management is real-time remote monitoring. The result is often a swifter response to security threats. Mobile solutions go beyond security management, providing valuable insights into employee behavior, customer service, and productivity. They send alerts and provide video clips, offering a holistic approach to business oversight.

Key benefits:

• Global Accessibility: Accessing and controlling security systems from anywhere in the world.
• Enhanced Response Time: Facilitating immediate response to threats and incidents.
• Adaptive Security Posture: Adapting security protocols in real-time in response to emerging threats.
• Remote Accessibility: Managing and monitoring security infrastructure from anywhere.
• Perpetual Connectivity: Ensuring that management and security personnel are always connected.
• Real-time Alerting: Providing real-time alerts and data to ensure instantaneous response.

4. Cloud-Based Security Solutions

Cloud-based security solutions have emerged as a key player in safeguarding and managing security data with unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and resilience. There has been a notable trend of increasing growth and investment in cloud-based security solutions. According to GlobeNewswire, the global cloud security market was valued at more than $20 billion dollars in 2022 growth expectations to exceed $97 billion by 2030.

The technology uses servers located in the cloud to manage and safeguard access control, video management, and monitoring. With cloud security, systems can be monitored remotely from anywhere with internet connectivity.

Cloud-based security offers more than traditional security management. It provides a platform that is not only protected from local hardware failures but also ensures that essential security data is always accessible from any location. This creates a smooth and reliable security management experience.

Automated alerts can notify security teams of any suspicious activities, allowing for quick responses to potential threats. In addition, cloud storage minimizes the need for on-site storage or backup systems, which can lead to long-term cost savings.

Key benefits:

• Enhanced Scalability: Easily adjusting to the changing security needs of the property.
• Data Protection: Safeguarding critical security data against local hardware failures.
• Data Integrity: Ensuring the integrity and availability of critical security data.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Providing uniform access across various devices and platforms.
• Data Availability: Ensuring that critical data is always available and safeguarded.
• Scalable Data Management: Providing a data management solution that can scale according to needs.

5. Integration with Building Management Systems

The Building Management Systems (BMS) market is valued at more than $19 billion. With continuous advancements in IoT and artificial intelligence, BMS capabilities will contribute to more intelligent environments.

Incorporating security into BMS is a wise move for commercial properties. It offers numerous benefits that go beyond traditional security setups. One significant advantage is the centralized control it provides over various building functions and security systems. This allows for real-time monitoring and quick responses to incidents.

By taking this integrated approach, the security of the property can be significantly enhanced by strengthening defenses against unauthorized access, vandalism, and theft. This creates a safer environment for occupants and helps protect valuable assets. Additionally, it proves to be a cost-effective solution in the long run by streamlining operations, reducing the need for multiple systems, and minimizing maintenance costs.

Key benefits:

• Unified Building Operations: Integrating and harmonizing various building subsystems.
• Efficient Resource Management: Optimizing energy and operational efficiency through smart management.
• Holistic Building Management: Managing building subsystems through a unified platform.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Optimizing operations through integrated communication and control.

6. Advanced Video Analytics

Video analytics is a technology that utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze video feeds, transforming them into meaningful insights and actionable data. This technology is a cornerstone in enhancing the security of commercial properties. When combined with AI and ML, video analytics has transformed the way surveillance works, making it proactive, dynamic, and intelligent.

The process starts with capturing data. A commercial property is equipped with surveillance cameras that record video footage from strategic locations. The captured video data is then processed and analyzed using advanced algorithms tailored to identify and recognize a range of objects, behaviors, or events, such as unauthorized entry, loitering, or even pinpointing specific individuals or vehicles.

In case of any unusual activity or a pre-defined event, the system is designed to alert security personnel in real time. This rapid notification and action protocol is crucial in mitigating potential threats and helping to ensure the security of the premises.

In addition, the video data can be stored for future reference. This archival system enables easy search and retrieval of specific footage based on various parameters like time, date, or type of event. This video review and analysis process is not only helpful for analysis but also serves as a reliable source for investigating incidents and verifying compliance.

All this to say: video analytics goes beyond traditional surveillance, making commercial property security more robust, responsive, and intelligent.

Key benefits:

• Intrusion Detection: Video analytics can identify unauthorized entries into the property, thereby acting as a robust intrusion detection system.
• Perimeter Protection: By continuously monitoring the perimeter, video analytics helps in early detection of trespassing or other suspicious activities, enabling prompt response.
• License Plate Recognition: Video analytics can also read and recognize license plates, aiding in vehicle access control and tracking.
• Incident Investigation: In the event of an incident, video analytics facilitates swift investigation by easily retrieving relevant video footage based on the analysis.
• Operational Insights: Beyond security, video analytics can provide insights into visitor patterns, occupancy levels, and other operational aspects, aiding in better facility management.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, like wearing masks or maintaining social distancing, can also be monitored using video analytics.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Continuous real-time monitoring and instant alerts ensure that security personnel are always informed and ready to respond.

7. Resilience and Redundancy

Peace of mind regarding the flawless functionality of your surveillance system should never be compromised. After all, discovering a malfunction after an incident has occurred can be an unnerving scenario you never want to encounter.

This is precisely why a proactive, uniquely tailored system health-checking program, is needed to perform a rigorous analysis of cameras, NVRs, hard drives, internet capabilities, and additional vital on-site equipment, all to enhance and assure optimal performance.

A robust system health check doesn’t merely operate as a diagnostic mechanism but emerges as a holistic, preventive strategy, crafted to elevate system uptime and fortify the dependability of your security framework.

In addition, incorporating redundant backups into the security system can help ensure that even in the face of unforeseen disruptions, whether technical or environmental, the surveillance of your assets remains intact.

Key benefits:

• Unbroken Security Posture: Maintaining an operational security posture even during system failures.
• Data Redundancy: Ensuring that critical security data is backed up and safeguarded.
• Continuous Operation: Ensuring that security systems remain operational during unforeseen incidents.
• Data Safeguarding: Implementing robust data backup and recovery solutions
• Continuous Operation: Ensuring security systems remain operational during failures.

8. Sustainability

Integrating sustainability into commercial property security is a responsible and forward-thinking approach. It combines environmentally friendly practices, cost-effectiveness, and social responsibility.

Sustainable security systems are often designed to consume less energy, which can substantially cut operational costs. For example, the use of solar-powered security systems can reduce dependence on grid electricity, resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Additionally, sustainable security practices are crucial in maintaining or even increasing the asset value of a commercial property. By ensuring that the property remains modern, efficient, and compliant with evolving sustainability standards, owners can safeguard their investment in the long term. Not to mention, the scalability and flexibility inherent in sustainable security solutions provide a robust framework for easy upgrades and adaptations as technology advances or as the needs of the commercial property evolve.

Key benefits:

• Reduced Energy Consumption: Employing energy-efficient devices and practices.
• Corporate Image Enhancement: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• Green Practices: Adopting energy-efficient devices and sustainable operational practices.
• Operational Cost Reduction: Reducing energy usage and operational costs through sustainable practices.
• Global Goal Alignment: Aligning security operations with global sustainability goals.
• Energy-Efficient Operations: Employing energy-efficient devices and operational practices.

The Union of Technology and Security Management

The integration of all these technologies with live video monitoring can significantly enhance commercial property security. Stealth Monitoring takes the best of each of these technological advancements and delivers a robust security infrastructure that not only helps increase the safety and security of apartment communities, automotive dealerships, construction sites, shopping centers, office buildings, transportation and logistics facilities, and any other commercial property with outdoor assets but we can also enhance their operational and management efficiency.

No longer are security systems simple surveillance tools. Today’s commercial property security solutions are intelligent platforms that are capable of real-time monitoring, seamless integration with building management systems, and swift responses to security issues.

Commercial properties can now reap the benefits of a higher level of security, improved cost-efficiency, and a more data-driven approach to safeguarding assets and premises.

To learn more about the many benefits of Stealth’s live video monitoring, check out this free guide, Live Video Monitoring: More Than Just Catching Criminals. If you have questions, contact us.

Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704