Fast forward to 2020, and the pandemic is causing another quantum shift in how the world thinks about security. This time around, businesses are responsible for protecting their workplaces and people from an invisible intruder. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to disrupt businesses and economies, video intercom systems are once again on the frontline of security. But this time, the intercom has the force of modern technology on its side.
UK Police just announced that crime has fallen by 28% over lockdown, in fact from 12th April there has been a 37% drop in burglaries. As well as the financial worries lockdown prompted, we were also worried about our office and storage spaces, as we didn’t know how long they would be left unattended. Of course, working in security and safety we made sure specific measures were in place to help prevent vandalism, theft, arson or property damage. However, it appears that many businesses are left susceptible to such crimes, by not having many or sometimes any security measures in place.
The health, safety and security challenges that business owners and managers have faced in 2020 have made one thing very clear: COVID-19 has acted as a catalyst for a flurry of investments designed to spur the reopening of retail stores, commercial office space and public venues. Such investments don’t need to be singularly focused on opening the doors, but instead can be part of a more sustainable solution that can offer long-term value and flexibility that can be applied to a variety of situations.
This is where smart security cameras connected to the IoT can help.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced many people and businesses to reconsider biometric technology. With the COVID-19 virus spreading easily through touchpoints, fingerprint scanners can quickly become a source for infections, especially in public spaces. Offices and ATMs contain many points of contact, and maintaining cleanliness on surfaces is nearly impossible. Unfortunately, these high traffic areas are also frequently the ones that would benefit the most from increased security.
Los Alamos Public Schools, N.M. has been awarded a state match of $305,974 for school safety and security upgrades from the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC). LAPS will pay $478,572 for these improvements at all school sites.
When is the last time your facility was subjected to an electrical power surge? Chances are, you have no idea – for two very good reasons. First, power surges are typically very brief – lasting only a few milliseconds. Secondly, most power surges are relatively small and go unnoticed, unless they are significant enough to make the lights flicker. Even so, they remain dangerous to your systems and should not be ignored – they are a silent killer of your critical electronic equipment.
“We wanted a partner who would look out for us as a district,” says Ron Ehlers, WCHS Network Administrator. “We wanted to invest in a futureproof system that could grow along with us.”
