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With the advancements in cloud computing progressing faster than ever, we have entered a new era of surveillance that is powered by artificial intelligence, raw computing power, and advanced hardware.
In this guide, we will take a deep dive into how remote monitoring is slowly but surely taking over traditional surveillance standards and what you as a business owner need to keep in mind when implementing remote monitoring technologies for your business security.
Building the Future
Burglar alarm systems have evolved from simple bell systems (that are still in use today) to high-tech modern alarms that are integrated with other security systems to provide a more holistic level of security.
In the early days, burglar alarm systems used a bell mechanism that would detect intrusions using a trip wire. For example, to monitor a doorway, the alarm would be set up just above the door. When activated, the alarm would ring loudly whenever the door would open.
This simple mechanism of the humble door alarm provided the blueprint for other similar alarm systems over the years. As technology progressed burglar alarm systems began integrating sensors that could detect pressure, light, smoke, and other external stimuli to trigger the system.
Modern technology also allowed burglar alarm systems to pair with other security systems like the iconic CCTV system to provide comprehensive security. With this pairing, both systems would work together to secure a premises.
For example, even if intruders are able to circumvent the burglar alarm system, the CCTV system may pick up movement, and the system would automatically trigger the burglar alarm system! This is why CCTV and burglar alarm systems are often used as the foundation of any business security system.
Surveillance technology similarly has come a long way since its inception in the late 1940s. Back then, CCTV cameras were the only surveillance technology available to keep an eye on valuable assets. The humble CCTV camera was a simple but marvellous invention that combined the best of wired broadcast technology and video technology.
Closed-circuit television was developed in contrast to broadcast-capable cameras where instead of broadcasting a video signal to a large network, the CCTV camera would simply route the video signal to a specific place or a limited set of monitors.
This technology proved to be quite futureproof as the fundamental technology behind CCTV cameras remained the same – just the storage medium and playback technology changed over the years. It wasn’t until the age of the internet that we started to see a profound change in both burglar alarms and surveillance tech in general.
Surveillance and the Internet
The internet has fundamentally changed society in almost every aspect known to man. Even in surveillance, the internet has proved to be an important catalyst that has pushed the industry forward, and that too, in the right direction!
Thanks to the internet we now live in a connected world where data is transferred to and from multiple geographic locations in a blink of an eye – this feat of human engineering has truly expanded the practical uses of surveillance technology, especially when it comes to remote monitoring.
In a nutshell, remote monitoring is when a team of professionals monitors a premises via the internet without being present near the business where the surveillance tech is installed.
This effectively means that you don’t need to have a dedicated space on your premises to monitor threats. If you have the right equipment installed, then this might also mean that you may not need the physical presence of security personnel on the ground as well (more on this below).
Here is how remote monitoring and online technologies are ushering in a new era for business burglar alarm systems:
Cloud-Enabled Services
In the context of surveillance, cloud computing has to be one of the biggest leaps in technology for the industry. Cloud computing enables computer systems to shift computational resources online. This means that instead of the system performing operations locally on a machine, the entire process is shifted online with the system using resources from a far more powerful machine connected to the internet.
The most prominent advantage of this technology is that it can greatly cut down on the hardware requirements at the customer’s end. For example, instead of the customer investing in server hardware and storage hardware, they can simply opt for an online surveillance service that provides everything remotely.
Burglar alarms make use of cloud-enabled computing by shifting the processing power online. This means that motion data collected from the sensors in the alarms are sent over a secure server online. This data is processed in real-time where a team of remote security personnel oversees the status of the alarm. In some systems, this process can also be completely automated with the help of Artificial Intelligence (more on this below).
All the customers will have to do is connect their burglar alarm system to their server and have a solid internet connection. This effectively means that all the security data will be available online at all times, regardless of where you are. All you need is an internet connection to access your surveillance equipment.
Cloud computing is an excellent way to bring down costs because this Software as a Service (SaaS) model usually offers a Pay-as-you-go service where the user only pays according to their usage.
AI-Enabled Surveillance Services
Combined with cloud computing, AI-enabled surveillance services have truly changed how we perceive security. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the rage ever since the advent of ChatGPT. OpenAI, the company behind the chat service proved the usefulness of this technology and how far AI technology has come since its inception many decades ago.
Today, AI is profoundly impacting ourselves – and we might not even know about it! The biggest example of this is how AI is working behind the scenes in modern surveillance technology. Advanced burglar alarms are smarter than ever thanks to online computing.
Instead of the hardware dealing with the computation, the alarm system simply pushes the data in real time to a server where it is analysed using algorithms. The online system can then make sense of the data and figure out whether there is a potential threat.
For example, AI-enabled computation has a lot of applications in facial recognition. Using AI, the system can discern faces and can even pick up new faces that are not already registered in the system. If an unauthorised person accesses your business, the system will automatically detect the threat in real-time and activate the alarm – all remotely!
AI services have also enabled better remote monitoring by improving sensor data. That’s right, even with old hardware, Artificial Intelligence can be applied to improve motion data by increasing the sensitivity of the sensors or applying an algorithm to better detect certain types of movements.
Exclusive Remote Monitoring Services
Remote monitoring isn’t a new concept. The concept of remote surveillance has been around since the early days of wireless technology. However, it has become much more widespread, and more importantly, reliable than ever before.
Now that we have next-generation wireless technology in almost every business and home, we can stream live footage and send sensor data without experiencing server lag.
Server lag or “high ping” is when there is a delay between the transmission and receiving of a signal. If you experience server lag, then you might not be viewing live footage, but rather footage that is out of sync by a few seconds (or milliseconds). This might not mean much for most users, but for high-risk businesses, every millisecond counts.
Similarly, if a burglar alarm system is completely dependent on online processing, then a delay in the detection due to server issues may cause problems!
This is why serious surveillance companies invest heavily in dedicated servers that can provide the best server response possible – and this is what makes modern remote monitoring possible.
A team of professionals can be located in another country and still be able to effectively monitor your premises for threats. If they detect a possible threat, then the remote security personnel can easily take action by activating certain alarms, locking access keypads, and alerting the relevant parties of the threat.
Remote monitoring is by far the best option for business owners who do not want an “on-ground” security team at all times. Business places already have limited real estate and most business owners want to utilise every corner of their store to maximise their business. This is why allotting a separate space for security can be tough – but thanks to remote monitoring, you can have the same level of security without anyone being present at the store.
Case in point: Amazon GO Stores
These stores are the pinnacle of modern technology and are the perfect showcase for AI-enabled technology with machine learning. These stores use advanced monitoring systems to detect the user via a mobile application as they enter. You can then simply shop and leave without interacting with any person.
Amazon was able to achieve this feat by using advanced cameras and sensor technology – much like the tech behind self-driving cars! Together with advanced monitoring and security systems, the company has been able to develop a modern store that is built with both business security and customer convenience in mind.
Web Security for Online Monitoring
One of the biggest concerns of business owners when deciding on implementing remote monitoring services is the security of the service itself. How secure is your data over the web? Can others access your security footage? Is it easy to access or “hack” your data for nefarious purposes?
These are common but highly valid questions that have taken centre stage in the modern remote monitoring era. The truth is, that web services require their security! Just like you would secure your business from thieves, online data also needs to be protected from remote thieves.
Data-related crimes are at an all-time high, however, with the help of modern security best practices, companies are more than well-equipped to handle online threats.
This effectively means that your data will be safe over the internet at all times, especially if you go with a modern security company like Calder Security that follows all the legal and technical requirements for safe and secure monitoring services.
Please keep in mind that even if you have all the latest and greatest hardware, your data feed can be compromised if the company that you opt for doesn’t provide the right protection at the server end!
Real-Time and Automated Actions
Using remote services, you can get notified whenever the burglar alarm system detects movement, noise, or unrecognised faces. As explained above, these features are made possible using all the technologies we have explained above – but perhaps the most important aspect of this tech for business owners is the transparency and accountability that it provides.
Unlike traditional systems where a team would physically monitor your premises and only notify you of possible threats when needed, remote monitoring technology can automatically send out notifications to both the security team and the owner (if they opt for this).
What does this mean for the business owner? Well, it increases transparency and provides far more accountability. For example, if the security team misses a threat but you get a notification of it on your phone, then you can take immediate action. This also means that you can indemnify yourself and always have proof of all the potential threats around your business premises!
However, this type of situation is quite rare since if you go with a professional company like Calder Security, then you will seldom have to worry about missing threats. Furthermore, using the right equipment, we can also set up AI-enabled detection when the burglar alarm can automatically detect and take action on threats without wasting time.
This type of detection is usually preferred in remote monitoring setups because they allow for comprehensive security where even if there is a rare human error, the advanced system can fill in the gaps effectively!
Cost Effective and Upgradable Security
Many business owners are usually on the fence when it comes to upgrading their current security setup. The setup costs, replacement costs, and set-up timings all come to mind – however, with modern remote monitoring systems, upgrading has never been easier.
Since modern remote monitoring systems have a software-first approach, they can continually get better over time with better software. Remember how Artificial Intelligence is being used to upgrade the footage of old security cameras? In the same way, the latest software upgrades can potentially keep on improving old hardware to a point that you might not have to upgrade for a long time.
This means that going with remote monitoring services will be able to help you cut down costs associated with replacements and hardware upgrades. Not to mention, since the monitoring will be happening online, you will not have to deal with the costs associated with having additional physical hardware or personnel!
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.
We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards.
We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.
We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.
We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.
We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts right away!