If you’re rethinking your approach to office management in the coming years, you need to know about the cloud-based security revolution. Cloud-based tools are providing more manageable physical security and improving office management.
So, is your office smart? Keep reading to learn about the latest technologies and trends shaping the new approach to office management – providing more convenient and accessible building management.
Mobile-First Access Control
One of the key priorities in your security strategy is protecting your office and its resources from unauthorized individuals. To do this, you need to rely on access control technology. Standard key and lock systems will not prevent a motivated individual from lock picking their way into your property.
On-premise access control systems are quickly becoming redundant due to cloud-based access control. Cloud-based access control is a smart security solution that provides the following benefits for your security strategy:
- Reducing wiring infrastructure – cloud-based security uses remote communication methods to reduce reliance on complex systems. Less wiring makes your security system easier to deploy and improves the potential for scalability.
- Over-the-air updates – service engineer callouts can quickly burden an on-premise system. A cloud-based access control solution allows over-the-air updates, allowing your service provider to perform software updates and troubleshooting remotely.
- Open API integrations – when you equip your security strategy with cloud-based technologies, you can integrate them to make all security information readily available on one user-friendly platform.
- Cloud data storage – you don’t need to rely on multiple servers to store your security data, which will take up valuable space in your office. Instead, you can keep your security data in a cloud-based location.
- Remote management – your security team will be able to manage door locks from anywhere, viewing door lock status and locking doors remotely. They can also easily view access logs from anywhere using a cloud-based control center or mobile app.
Most appealing of all, cloud-based access control enables mobile access credentials. With frequent onboarding and offboarding, using keycards and fobs for entry can become inconvenient. You may also end up spending more on keycard and fob replacement. Mobile access credentials solve this issue. Your employees can download digital access cards to store on their mobile devices.
When they need to use the building, they can enter by waving their hand over the access reader. The motion will trigger remote communications with their mobile device, allowing them to enter smoothly. This sophisticated and modern entry method allows for more hygiene and convenience regarding daily building operations.
Cloud-Based Security Cameras
Business surveillance systems are necessary to ensure that every incident on the premises is recorded. Having records of incidents will strengthen your case in an insurance claim and help you find the culprit.
Cloud-based security cameras present many of the same benefits as cloud-based access solutions. The remote management features of cloud-based security cameras allow your security team instant visibility of security events from anywhere.
In an on-premise system, your security staff must travel to the control room to investigate an incident using building surveillance. By making security footage remotely accessible, you can ensure your security staff is always up-to-date and aware of security incidents.
Smart Building Management
One of the significant ROI benefits of implementing cloud-based security technologies is the potential for smart building management. You can integrate IoT-connected devices to automate building management, saving energy without increased manual input.
For example, you can integrate your access control system with your HVAC, heating, and lighting systems. By combining the two technologies, you can ensure that these systems shut down when the building, or spaces within the building, are empty. This way, you will cut your monthly overheads without implementing manual strategies for energy conservation.
Given the recent energy crisis, this technology is exceptionally appealing to help your business keep profit margins stable.
Software Integrations For Security Hardware
One of the main advantages of smart solutions in security is the potential to expand your system with software integrations. By leveraging the open API integrations of cloud-based technologies, you can maximize ROI on security tools. Below are some examples of the best security software integrations for security hardware.
Visitor Management Systems
You need accurate visitor logs. You need to know who has accessed your building, the time of their visit, and the time of their exit. Instead of employing additional reception staff to manage visitors, you can implement visitor management software to automate the process. The tool uses access control to log visitor entry and exit times, providing accurate visitor records.
Video Analytics Software
Your security team will be unable to monitor your surveillance feed all day. This means that they will likely miss important security events and threats. By implementing video analytics software, you can ensure your team receives an alert for every potential security threat on your security camera feed. The tool uses object recognition and behavior analysis AI to alert your team to suspicious activity.
Summary
If you’re considering ways to improve office management, consider the benefits of cloud-based security. Cloud-based technologies are revolutionizing every facet of business operations – including security. Consider whether there are any flaws in your current system that you could improve with the easy management of cloud-based tools.
