The world is changing rapidly. Companies spend thousands, if not millions, of dollars on electronic security infrastructure and monitoring equipment only to find that updates and integrations are tedious and costly. In the worst-case scenario, systems can even become obsolete, which leaves businesses with burdensome equipment and unusable software. More commonly, organizations have numerous, disparate systems that operate independently of one another, which increases the risk of missed opportunities for security interventions.
Work continues to move toward remote environments across a global landscape with vulnerabilities to everything from hackers to corporate theft, to the monitoring and tracking of pandemic exposure. Business leaders should mitigate these risks by performing routine security system audits to identify gaps in security coverage, reporting, and monitoring. Security risks are frequently caused by antiquated or defunct equipment or the inability of their software systems to effectively monitor and identify a triggering event. Software system inefficiencies and failures can occur as a result of insufficient upgrades and uninstalled patches. With the security industry growth expected to continue, the right technology is vital for businesses to grow with it.
Your Alarm Monitoring Is Only as Strong as its Weakest Link
Now more than ever, companies need to protect their physical and digital assets. Most large companies gladly secure line items in their budget for technology systems and infrastructure where it relates to internal efficiencies and customer-facing products, but those same companies aren’t always willing to invest to ensure their own security. Some businesses are complacent because they invest in advanced cybersecurity intrusion detection solutions but then don’t install updates or recommended patches. Outdated systems provide multiple entry points where cybercriminals, external threats, and rogue employees will all capitalize on vulnerabilities with often minimal effort.
The ability to effectively monitor your corporation’s assets is arguably the most important piece of electronic security infrastructure. Without monitoring, all your investment into the system itself is for nothing. Thus, it is imperative that monitoring software is fully-integrated and up-to-date. As today’s technology environment evolves and products increase in complexity, it is common to use multiple systems and third-party applications. As a result, updates and upgrades often require full operational support and decision making.
The Benefits of Alarm Monitoring System Upgrades
The complexity of a full system overhaul by modernization may seem like a daunting task. Indeed, the change is far-reaching and must engage all areas of the business. However, the cost is not as great as the patches often required to force-fit antiquated systems. Many systems can be fully integrated with new alarm monitoring software and simply require some training in order to effectively leverage the software. The benefits are appealing:
1. Centralize Assets
Reduce your footprint by centralizing all your assets under one central monitoring system. Integrate smart technology that allows you more features and functionality without the physical space required to store and maintain it. You will find you make better use of your time as you limit troubleshooting, maintenance, and oversight to a single centralized system.
2. Provide remote support
Many older systems require a physical presence to interact with the system and its monitoring through the push of buttons and system commands. Smart systems and monitoring software allow your assets to be protected and monitored remotely from anywhere with network connectivity.
Remote access will only become more relevant as the workforce transitions to this type of work. Depending on your system, you can also incorporate smart technology to remotely monitor and control things like temperature settings and building access.
3. Easier to scale
An updated, integrated, centralized monitoring system not only brings your company into the present, but it also positions you for growth. The right software that integrates well with other platforms is easily scalable. Scalability allows you to grow without the growing pains that come along with additions to capital expenditures and equipment.
4. Automation
As previously discussed, manual updates can be time-consuming and burdensome. Manual processes can also be overlooked and leave too much room for human error, but automatic updates apply immediate fixes to the system without delay. Automation allows for easier add-on’s and system upgrades while also ensuring your system is protected.
5. No downtime
Digital modernization of your security alarm system and alarm monitoring provides greater redundancy and business continuity. The system is not dependent on human touchpoints. Built-in redundancies, contingencies, and smart features allow for decision-making, monitoring, and escalation on their own.
Better Positioning for Ongoing Technology Evolution
In addition to the enhanced features and protection delivered by quality alarm monitoring, upgraded electronic security infrastructure will position you for the explosion of technology that continues to drive the security industry. Many projections are on the horizon. According to a July 2020 report from the Global Alarm Monitoring Service Industry, here are three projections:
- Cities will become smart and require greater security infrastructure
- Remote video monitoring will increase in demand
- Alarm monitoring for vehicles is expected to grow.
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