Page 43 - Security Today, July/August 2022

“Demonstrating how that investment contributes to a safer work environment is key to securing future funding.”
authorized to enter? The security guard needs to hear and to communicate with that individual.
Second, improved situational awareness. Audio amplifies awareness, which leads to a better response and improved out- come. For example, listening to live audio from the scene helps the security officer better understand what is happening and de- termine if the incident requires first responders. The officer can get more details, such as languages spoken, names said or orders given. The officer can then give that information to first respond- ers to be fully prepared with the response. Adding an IP speaker to the security mix means that security teams can also have a two- way conversation to potentially de-escalate the situation.
Third, minimize false alarms. Audio can provide real-time confirmation on whether the alarm is valid or not, which pro- vides cost savings in reduced fines and improved response time. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 90 per- cent of emergency alarms are unnecessary for multiple reasons, and those false alarms can be a threat to public safety.
Fourth, audio has reach. Consider a facility’s perimeter that is far away from the facility itself, such as an airport, or a utility or a manufacturer’s warehouse. IP speakers are easy to install and of- fer two-way communications, and they operate in all conditions.
Security teams can use video surveillance to see an individual try- ing to enter the perimeter, and then use audio to determine why they are there or direct them to leave. If the person is simply lost, security staff can talk to them and provide direction and reassur- ance, and the individual can hear and talk back to them.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Sometimes we don’t know what we are missing until someone points it out to us. That can apply to your security systems. An effective security approach requires a multifaceted suite of tech- nologies, and a platform that provides clear audio must be one of them. Each component plays an integral role in supporting a unified security system, and without all of them, the security system is not complete.
Success in any business depends upon a strong ROI – secur- ing the Return on Investment while protecting against the Risk of Inaction. The value of audio can sometimes be overlooked, resulting in inaction, but that should not be the case. Action means understanding how audio can help mitigate risk and im- prove response, no matter who or what is be-
ing protected. Ensuring your team can hear, be
heard and be understood in virtually any envi-
ronment will contribute to a successful ROI for
your security organization.
Kelly Lake is the director of strategic alliances at Zenitel Americas.
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