We live in a connected age, where IoT (the Internet of Things) dominates our interactions with how we carry out our daily tasks, interpersonal communications, and the way we use common household appliances. It makes sense that also applies to our physical security and how businesses protect their assets.
For many, the practical way to embrace modern corporate security is to make the most of buildings that rely on smart building technology.
In a 2019 post, IoT World Today outlined the many benefits of smart building design in ensuring a businesses’ safety.
For example, state-of-the-art temperature sensors might detect unexpected temperature spikes in a data center, sending forth an immediate automated alert to administrators who can fix the problem. The tech website highlights Everbridge, an emergency communications company that enabled a pharmaceutical customer to use sensor data to assess whether or not a drug lot was overheating.
“We were able to save millions of dollars because we sent out an automated notification and [the customer was] able to quickly resolve the issue and not let the drugs go bad,” said Annie Asrari, director of product management at Everbridge, as cited by IoT World Today.
In these examples, corporate infrastructure outfitted with Internet-connected security technology could ensure that physical disasters — not to mention significant financial losses — were averted.
Smart building technology means more than just physical infrastructure — it means keeping your company’s employees constantly connected, aware of threats as they occur in real time. The website recommends giving your employees access to wearable devices that can automatically receive these security notifications.
This could be as simple as a mobile app with a “virtual panic button,” or in the case of one particular product from Everbridge that IoT World Today cited, a wearable panic button that a nurse could carry at all times, when a smartphone might not be allowed during a shift.
All of these are examples of security infrastructure that integrates both a corporation’s physical headquarters and the employees — on and off site — who need real-time updates to ensure safety protocols are maintained.
Of course, as Fortinet cites, this can only work if all security personnel at a company receive the most stringent training on how to use this technology safely. Cybersecurity breaches occur and physical accidents take place when proper training hasn’t been enforced, when everyone at a company isn’t fully compliant with how to make best use of these security tools.
Keep these points in mind:
Make the most of smart infrastructure.
If your company is still relying on methods of the past, please invest in smart building capabilities.
Ensure everyone on your security staff — and members of the company culture at large — receives training on how to use this technology and keep the firm safe.