Page 18 - Security Today, September 2019

“While there is no sure-fire way to stop a tragedy before it happens, the use of advanced security technologies allows schools to greatly minimize risks.”
of Things is an ever-growing network of physical devices, each with a unique IP address for internet connectivity. While connectivity is often the first trait that comes to mind when considering IoT, the technology has much more to offer.
When applied to school security, IoT solutions enable real-time security alerts, which can greatly improve physical security protocols. The interconnected nature of IoT means that environmental data can be processed and relayed much faster than would be possible by hu- man means alone.
When access control modules can communicate with video sur- veillance cameras and other security devices, administrators are given a more comprehensive overview of the happenings in their facilities. This technology can also negate common limitations that physical security measures face, such as improved access to a digital trail of events, making them that much more intelligent.
Thanks to their robust capabilities, IoT-enabled solutions are often made up of powerful Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). PLDs may be less commonly known by name but are frequently used in deployments, especially those requiring advanced function- ality. These devices can take many form factors and utilize a variety of sensors. While such a device may look like a surveillance cam- era, it performs more like a computer with a lens than a traditional video camera.
A PLD is exactly what it sounds like: a device that allows for the programming of a logical function. Think if “this” input, then “that” output. This means that if the camera sensor detects motion long after hours on a campus, then it will immediately alert administrators and possibly law enforcement depending upon severity.
The devices themselves have the ability to make logical “decisions” that have been pre-programmed into it to say what actions must be taken depending upon the input. These pre-programmed outputs can be tailored specifically for a school’s unique emergency response pro- tocol and include automated escalation workflows as well.
Together, IoT-enabled PLD solutions not only gather data but un- like traditional security equipment, they take it a few steps further. These powerful systems work to interpret, analyze and convert data into valuable and actionable information for a higher degree of in- telligence. Thanks to their connectivity feature, this all takes place in mere seconds and improves overall situational awareness through real-time insights and alerts.
Integrated Solutions
Today, most schools use some basic forms of access control, video surveillance and emergency communications, each providing stand- alone benefits. But when combined, they allow for precise and strate- gic security measures.
PLDs can do just that. With the ability to provide multiple func- tionalities within a single device, PLDs can easily serve multiple roles providing a more holistic approach to safety.
When installed, a single IoT-enabled PLD can deliver many features. For schools that have a sprawling open-design campus, it can be a challenge to immediately reach all faculty members and students in a crisis. For these scenarios, a single device may be equipped with a camera for surveillance, a keypad RFID mod- ule for access control and an emergency duress button for two-way
communications and mass notification.
Merging the technologies into a powerful unified solution not
only creates a more efficient system but also aids with budgetary re- quirements by cutting down both hardware and installation costs.
IoT-enabled mass notification systems allow administrators and responders to provide crucial campus-wide instructions during cha- otic events where evacuation may not be the best plan. Creating emer- gency messaging templates helps administrators strategically prepare for any situation that may arise. These messages can then be sent out immediately when needed, providing important information to initi- ate safety procedures.
Multi-functional devices also allow for the transmission of mis- sion-critical information to first responders who may not otherwise have that insight. By providing law enforcement with live video and a digital trail of events leading up to the incident, officers have im- proved situational awareness and can better plan their next steps.
As an added bonus, emergency mass notification systems have an abundance of day-to-day applications, helping schools to maximize their ROI and operational efficiency. Given the numerous ways they can be used, from school event updates to PTA announcements and reminders, they can be easily justified in any school’s budget.
Strategic Automation
It is an unfortunate fact that in times of crisis, the human element of security can often be the weakest. It’s natural for even well-trained administrators to panic and lose focus, degrading even the most well thought-out plan. In emergencies, everyone knows that the first three to five minutes are the most critical for minimizing damages. In these crucial moments, PLDs become invaluable, proving themselves to be dependable when time is of the essence.
When considering your campus’ emergency communications pro- tocol, it’s important to analyze whether your current efforts are pro- active or reactive. In the event of an incident, fast response time from law enforcement is crucial for intervention. Do you plan to wait until you can locate specified administrators prior to contacting authori- ties and sending through an approved mass notification? This is reac- tive—and not as effective.
Using advanced IoT solutions means that technology can not only monitor but also proactively recognize trouble in real-time. On a campus without IoT-connected solutions, an administrator may be ignorant of a potentially dangerous situation as it unfolds, only rec- ognizing the issue after it is far too late to intervene. At this point, the process of calling law enforcement, initiating a lockdown and notify- ing parents, faculty and students becomes damage control. Thank- fully, this isn’t the only way this scenario can play out.
For schools equipped with IoT-enabled PLD solutions, a student or faculty member close to the emergency can trigger an emergency alert button. This button not only connects the school to law enforce- ment, providing a near-immediate police response, but it can send video from incidents to provide real-time updates to specified faculty members. Simultaneously, the system can send out a pre-approved campus-wide text notification, reaching all key faculty members re- gardless of their location on campus. All of this can take place within a span of 20 to 30 seconds.
While there is no sure-fire way to stop a tragedy before it happens, the use of advanced security technologies allows schools to greatly minimize risks and take proactive measures to
strategically protect everyone on their campus.
With the ever-evolving threat landscape, there is
no doubt that the future of physical security will
include IoT in one way or another.
Joe Byron is the vice president of sales, Americas, at MOBOTIX.
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