We’ve all seen that a lot can change in 12 months. So, as businesses get ready to welcome back customers and office desks are dusted off, it’s not surprising that many are finding that their operational needs have changed and that their access and security systems are either out-dated or no longer fit for purpose.

With some Covid-19 restrictions such as social distancing predicted to last well into 2022[1], even the smallest businesses now need to consider how to keep their people, and their customers safe – not just their property.

We’ve put together a quick guide summarising some of the latest options:

Access Control

Access control is about far more than just locking and unlocking doors. Entry systems can be configured to allow businesses to control who can access which areas of the premises, and when. For example, they can:

• Control the number of people that can access any one area. This can either be pre-programmed and automated, or controlled manually and remotely via video entry systems (see below).
• Funnel people via a particular route by controlling entry and exit points.
• Stagger break times by controlling which groups of employees or individuals can access break areas at what time.
• Choose from code, contactless proximity tag or biometric access (e.g. iris scanner) to allow easy staff access. Each can be programmed in minutes to control which individuals can access which areas at what times (this is ideal for suppliers such as cleaning contractors). This also allows businesses to identify who entered the premises at what time.
• Use video entry systems to identify visitors before allowing access (even when not on site or unable to answer). A snapshot of the caller along with a date and time stamp will be recorded on the system.

CCTV Systems

AI and Machine Learning have massively accelerated security system innovation, with almost limitless options to meet any need – from cameras that can detect if masks are being worn, to cameras that can track, identify and differentiate individuals and vehicles. While this technology sounds sophisticated, it is now widespread and surprisingly affordable. Some of the options available to businesses include:

• Number plate and facial recognition enabling businesses and authorities to quickly identify and trace perpetrators.
• The ability to identify breach of Covid-19 rules such as group gatherings or social distancing not being maintained. By combining speakers with cameras, users can speak directly to those concerned. Similarly, speakers allow users to remotely issue a warning to suspect visitors or trespassers.
• Push notifications to alert owners to an intruder, combined with flashing strobe and warning message.

Finally, all CCTV camera systems can be controlled remotely, allowing businesses to monitor almost every corner of their premises, 24/7, wherever they are.

Intruder Alarms

Intruder alarms remain central to most security systems. While businesses start to open up, many still have mothballed premises – be it spare office space or storage units, leaving them vulnerable to break-ins (50% of small firms have been victims of crime in the last two years[2]).

As well as an effective visible deterrent, alarms can be armed/disarmed via fob, code or remotely via an app (allowing businesses to identify who interacted with the system). System notifications (including an intrusion alert) can be sent to almost any device, anywhere in the world. Businesses can also request a police response service (often required by insurance companies) for added peace of mind.

Whilst the fundamentals of the intruder alarm haven’t changed substantially over the last few years, the level of sophistication and reliability has increased massively. This includes, for example:

• Real time monitoring of the system combined with direct interaction from any location.
• Live reports on any chosen event (e.g. mains failure, low battery, tampering etc.)

Health Check

Finally, if you haven’t had your system serviced for a while, it is critical you book this in as soon as possible (many companies like ours are experiencing high demand, especially for system health checks and upgrades). When systems are not regularly used or serviced, it can affect their reliability, for example, intruder alarm batteries can run down and cause false alarms, or a detector can appear to be working on visual inspection but be defective and fail to trigger during a real break in.

To book a free survey, contact us on 01202 798017 or email info@redsecuritysystems.co.uk.

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56475807

[2] https://www.fsb.org.uk/resource-report/calling-time-on-business-crime.html