Increasing Workplace Safety

Threats are increasing, and so are Security Systems such as AI-enhanced Cameras and improved Access Control Systems

Workplace Safety
Workplace Safety

Businesses and other establishments are increasing security measures as a result of recent shootings and targeted high-profile incidents. Organizations have added more security personnel, surveillance camera systems, door access control, visitor management systems, and even enlisted the help of gun-detection dogs.

This article reviews the measures that many organizations are taking to improve their security.

The Washington Post recently published an article, With Gun-Sniffing Dogs and Safe Rooms, Workplaces Tighten Security. It mentions the increased security emphasis because of the increased rate of targeted high-profile companies, especially in New York City. This year, organizations are seeking help from security professionals to design safe rooms and bring in dogs to detect guns.  

Improved Security Technology Increases Safety

Security Technology Increases Safety
Security Technology Increases Safety

Following the shooting incidents in Manhattan, organizations increased their safety personnel, but after a few months, they reduced the extra security due to the increased costs. The cost of a security guard varies between $25 to over $100 per hour. Some organizations, located in high-cost areas, are spending over $ 100,000 per year for security personnel.

There are alternative approaches to addressing the security challenge that don’t involve the ongoing burden of personnel costs. Instead of employment costs, many organizations are investing in capital equipment. Depending on the size of the IP camera and access control systems, organizations can see a return on investment in 6 to 8 months.

Many organizations are taking advantage of the latest AI-enhanced surveillance cameras. After all, an intelligent camera system can detect a person carrying a gun and notify security immediately. They have also added more sophisticated visitor management systems that integrate with the latest Door Access Control systems. There have been other technical innovations that have also contributed to increased safety, such as portable metal detectors and sophisticated software to manage multiple security systems, which help notify the proper personnel when an alarm occurs.

AI-Enhanced Security Cameras

AI-Enhanced Surveillance
AI-Enhanced Surveillance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances IP Camera Systems to boost safety and security. AI systems are defined as those that can learn from experience. Physical crises are automatically detected and trigger alarms to prevent threats from escalating. This technology represents a paradigm shift in how IP Camera Systems are used.

AI enhancement software can run on the camera or on a PC. The PC software offers more powerful functions than the camera’s capabilities. AI software enhances the IP surveillance system and works with your video recording system

Scy-AI software is an example of intelligent software that detects various objects and behaviors, including:

  • Guns
  • Intrusions
  • Vehicle counting
  • Parking area monitoring
  • Person search and recognition
  • Human behavior anomalies.

To learn more, read our article IP Camera Systems with AI Protect People.

Integration of Access Control and IP Camera Systems

Access control systems provide increased safety by controlling who can enter the organization. IP Camera Systems provide surveillance of the organization. Together, they offer a synergistic method that dramatically improves the organization’s safety.

Several systems support both access control and IP camera systems.

One example is the Enterprise Access Control System, from Hartmann Controls. This is a full-featured system that supports the Hartmann hardware and allows you to control a large number of doors and the people who use them. It provides advanced functions such as logic if-then functions, and will enable you to control elevators, visitors, and integrate with many IP camera systems.

Integrated Security Software
Integrated Security Software

Another specialized access control system, called Fusion-DNA, is more flexible. It is not locked into one access control manufacturer but supports various brands of access control hardware. It also supports a variety of Video Management Software and IP Camera Systems, making it an ideal choice for mixed hardware environments. 

Integration of Visitor Management and Access Control

Visitor Management Systems
Visitor Management Systems

Access Control systems allow registered people to enter a specific door at a pre-determined time. Visitor management systems control people who are not registered. Together, they provide increased safety and security. The latest visitor management software systems provide sophisticated features that also offer integration with surveillance camera systems.

The most significant change in visitor management tech was the move from traditional (but quite outdated) logbooks to automated solutions that make it easier to track visitors from the initial appointment to when they leave the facility. When Visitor Management and Access Control management tasks are integrated, it increases the safety and security of the organization.

To learn more, please read our article, Door Access Control and Visitor Management Integration.

Walk Through Metal Detectors

Portable Magnetic Scanner
Portable Magnetic Scanner

There are full-featured walk-through magnetic detection and portable units.

Portable metal detectors provide increased security where you need it most. They are less intrusive and can be relocated to whatever location requires attention. They cost about half the cost of permanent metal detectors.

The portable metal detection unit fits in the trunk of a car, making it easy to share between organizations. The two hockey puck-sized sensor units can be placed on a set of barrier poles (not included) and are almost unnoticeable to the public. 

Full-function walk-through metal detectors are designed for more permanent locations. These metal detectors are used not only at airports but in office buildings, theaters, and schools.  The full-featured walk-through multi-zone metal detectors are designed to keep you safe from the threat of metal weapons. They not only detect the metal objects, they also help you locate where the object is on the person.

Summary of How to Increase Workplace Security and Safety

The challenge of workplace safety has increased because of recent attacks on organizations. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and government organizations are increasing their security budgets to meet these threats. Organizations are hiring additional security personnel and investing more in security equipment.  

If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s security. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425 or email [email protected], or use our contact form.