Page 25 - Security Today, March 2021

“All that touching, clicking and pointing includes putting your hands on more objects and surfaces. All that extra touching could result in an elevated risk of spreading the virus.”
to the facility and ensured our client’s safety inside the premises. Schedule changes. Managing building closures, changes in staff hours, across multiple offices can be done by the security ad- ministrator remotely. The ability to make real-time changes keeps
access available and facilities secure.
Real time alerts. Workers can get notified immediately about
potential security threats such as nearby protests, or interior physical security threats like a critical door propped open, so that the facility is secure when workers aren’t there.
Integration critical. Depending on the legacy system, there are many integration opportunities to streamline a current sys- tem with other tools, offering an enhanced security experience. For example, we work with many clients who integrate video monitoring with remote security management so that the system administrator can remotely access and monitor real-time video feeds in conjunction with access events.
What is the “gold standard” for pandemic access control? Powered by artificial intelligence and Bluetooth, the access con- trol system is integrated with a video platform which weaves med- ical safety technologies into the security practice.
As more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations and the world begins to normalize again, it is likely that society will experience
a seismic shift in what is considered acceptable when it comes to health and hygiene. Everyone is extremely aware of all the things we touch during the day – from door handles to light switches. We all wash our hands much more regularly and use hand sanitizer as we are reminded not to even touch our own faces lest are hands are clean.
Innovating new ways to reduce contact is essential in a post- coronavirus world, especially in the workplace where we spend the majority of our time. Ensuring that the access control pro- gram includes comprehensive hands-free options will be impor- tant to ensure safe business in 2021 and beyond.
It is important that facilities managers work with a trusted system integrator to assess the systems and processes currently in place to best understand where they are at risk, allowing you to make informed, and personalized decisions when they begin implementing changes to their security platform and processes.
A well thought out access control solution gives you the flex- ibility to tailor the system to suit the unique needs of your busi- ness, whether you’re building a complete access control solution from the ground up, or if you have a legacy system in place and need to add new capabilities such as cloud hosting/management and GSOC.
Few people predicted a global pandemic, so let it serve as a reminder that we never know what’s next. We need to constantly, plan and prepare for any and all eventualities. It
is important to build a robust and flexible access
control solution that will best serve and protect our most importance resources, our people.
Jim Lantrip is the senior vice president, Operations, at Allied Universal.
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