For systems integrators involved in physical security, 2023 was transformative with new technology, integrations and cloud services. In 2024, systems integrators will need to focus on new ways of delivering services to end-users to make their properties safe, secure and intelligent.

The path forward in 2024 means change: learning emerging technologies, embracing cloud services, leveraging surveillance in innovative applications and focusing on delivering added value to the end-user through integrated systems.

A.I. gets real

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) and analytics grabbed headlines in 2023; this year will see continued emphasis on expanding security into business operations, compliance, safety and overall processes that make organizations more efficient.

ChatGPT and other generative A.I. solutions have muddied the waters, and people are decrying the technology with regard to privacy and safety concerns. This will be a recurring theme in 2024: privacy advocates will continue to face off against biometrics, facial recognition and other technologies that delve into personal identity. For more on A.I. in the construction industry, check out “Advancing Through Emerging Tech” on page 56. 

A.I. applications in physical security are not new. They focus on deep-learning neural networks and capabilities such as object and motion detection/tracking and license plate recognition. Integrating A.I. and machine learning with other systems enables proactive detection based on A.I. parameters that continuously learn, rather than taking reactive security measures.

For the systems integrator, A.I. brings additional value to security projects and the ability to target specific end-user problems and challenges. Deep-learning A.I. filters out and reduces false positives over time, which significantly cuts down on labor required to monitor intrusion, as well as turning video systems into intelligent deterrence solutions.

Video turns to multitasking

Video continues its meteoric rise, transcending security and moving into proactive detection and intelligence that enhances business and operations. Users want to do more with their systems than simply secure the premises, and that’s how they’ll justify budgetary spending. Networked, high-resolution video with analytics allows additional capabilities from their surveillance systems.

For example, video is used to assist in warehousing and logistics, compliance, point of sale and employee training and safety. In retail, video analytics assist with marketing, pinpointing different areas of interest for shoppers.

It verifies transactions and flags discrepancies automatically, alerting management to illegal practices. Video can also be used to identify inefficient and costly processes, including supply chain issues, by monitoring deliveries.

Access control means mobile

Mobile credential use is rising exponentially. Customers are looking to deploy smartphones for access control, citing convenience and ease of operation. Mobile credentials are cost-effective to deploy and manage while erasing the high cost of owning and replacing physical access cards, as well as employing two-factor authentication for inherent cybersecurity. 

According to HID’s State of Physical Access Control Report from IFSEC Global, increased demand for mobile initially came from the desire to reduce touchpoints during the pandemic, but it didn’t stop there. As of 2022, 24% of respondents had already upgraded to mobile access control, and 42% more plan to upgrade in the future.

Cloud gains more clout

The cloud has become the perfect enabling technology, allowing integrators to add new services and manage and control systems remotely for labor savings and better uptime and historical data. With the cloud, users have enhanced connectivity, real-time monitoring and seamless data management. 

Even fire solutions are moving to the cloud, and fire alarm control panel manufacturers are embracing internet connectivity. A.I. and machine learning could soon be incorporated into fire systems, further improving detection accuracy and predictive maintenance.

Cybersecurity starts from within

With the internet of things, open systems and A.I., cybersecurity is top of mind. Organizations are taking a proactive approach, with 42% of end-user respondents indicating their organizations are deploying cybersecurity-related tools in their physical security environments, according to research from Genetec, Montreal.

A successful path forward in 2024 comes from learning about and embracing new technologies while focusing on the customer and solving their problems. Progress is certain, with the caveat that systems integrators carefully choose manufacturer-partners also focused on the future.

stock.adobe.com / klyaksun