A guide to the technologies and trends shaping the market
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incredibly important. If a complaint is taking longer to address, but the tenant is not being kept up to speed, then they won’t know what’s going on and will likely become increasingly frustrated. For some, just having the knowledge that their issue has been acknowledged and is being worked on is enough to assuage their concerns.
For example, if maintenance issues are a common complaint, then property management should have professionals prepared to perform the necessary repairs and upkeep work. Most often, delays in complaint resolution are due to a lack of availability of relevant industry workers who can solve maintenance-related problems. Once tenants feel their concerns have been heard, and a system has been established for tracking the status of issues and the resolution, property managers can design a comprehensive maintenance plan.
Maintenance
If proper and regular maintenance is performed, your building’s safety, structure and security will be improved. Failure to conduct proper maintenance can lead to not only tenant dissatisfaction, but a decrease in building security. If aspects of building security, such as lights, intercoms, access units, locks, or answering units are not correctly maintained, they could malfunction and put the safety of a building’s tenants at risk.
If tenant feedback is properly and swiftly addressed, maintenance is regularly scheduled and performed, then remaining responsibilities for the property manager are around building security measures. Modern building management technology can make security simple and centralized for property managers and allow them to focus on the other important aspects of running their building effectively and within budget.
Modern building management solutions
Leading companies in the building management industry offer complete portfolios for MDU installations, including intercoms, answering units, access units and more. An entire building could be outfitted with a single company’s high-quality offerings or could instead integrate new products into their existing building management sys-
“Modern building management technology can make security simple and centralized.”
tems.
One of the most effective ways to increase building security is through the installation of a robust access control system. Modern systems limit who can enter the building and can enforce specific limitations for different entrances and timeframes.
For example, they might lock the service elevator entrance overnight, even for registered residents, but allow access during the day during reserved hours. All kinds of people come and go through condos, such as guests of residents, repairmen, deliveries and other services. A professional property manager must maintain a careful balance between security and hindering the lives of residents.
Intercom systems
Modern, premium intercom systems are making residents’ lives easier than ever. They are also efficient for property managers, as they are easy to install, easy to configure and easy to maintain.
Top-level offerings are water-resistant, dust-resistant and vandalism-resistant. Necessary software updates can be provisioned through a centralized application, and there is no longer the need to run proprietary analogue cables of all different types throughout a building. Modern solutions can be connected via regular ethernet cable, which will provide power and connectivity on an IP network. Even if running cable is too difficult, perhaps in an older building, there are now LTE solutions which can be installed, granting residents access to crisp, two-way voice communication with visitors without the complications posed by cable installation work.
Intercom systems can be compatible with a dedicated mobile application, which enables residents to see who is requesting entry to their unit, even on the go. If a resident is expecting a visitor, but is away from home and running late, they can still receive notifications from their building’s intercom
system and remotely allow guests entry. A resident could be in another country, and still grant unit access to a delivery courier bringing them an important package. Since they receive a high-definition video feed on their mobile device, they can clearly see who is trying to gain entry and turn away unfamiliar faces if necessary. Modern intercoms also come equipped with video cameras capable of infrared night vision, enabling residents to recognize visitors even in total darkness. These advances offer increased security over simple buzzer or callbased intercom systems, as they can easily identify exactly who is requesting access to their unit and turn them away accordingly. Even if an MDU has a modern intercom but chooses to forego installing modern answering units for every resident, an image of a visitor’s face can be seen through a mobile companion application or delivered via email to the resident.
This freedom of choice, while still offering powerful security solutions and convenience for residents, is what makes modern building security solutions more attractive than ever. The ability to install LTE units to avoid running ethernet cable has already been touched on, but it is possible to upgrade the intercom system without installing answering units, or just install secure access units along with an intercom, and so on. The flexibility provided by modern building security solutions is one of their biggest selling points, as it grants property managers of new and old properties the ability to increase security incrementally. If a building already has answering units installed, they can upgrade their existing intercom and secure access systems and integrate them with existing solutions. The concept of upgrading an entire building using a complete portfolio of products initially sounds like a daunting and expensive task but being able to pick and choose what is most important and achievable for a MDU at a given time is invaluable.
Answering systems
Modern answering units and systems have evolved far beyond receiving a phone call and inputting a button press or rushing to the front door to respond to a buzz from the lobby. Current, high-quality products offer luxurious displays that can receive calls, connect to a video intercom to show residents who is trying to gain entry, and even integrate with home automation systems.
Video from answering units can be viewed as needed, allowing residents to review missed calls along with an image of the caller. Modern answering systems come equipped with touchscreens which enable simplified setup, use and configuration. Units provide high quality audio and video, allowing residents to carry out clear conversations and accurately identify visitors.
Installation of modern answering units is a breeze, with top-level offerings connected and powered via a single ethernet cable. If new cabling can’t be installed, certain companies offer Wi-Fi enabled versions which can accommodate older buildings and allow for quicker installation processes.
Units can come equipped with Android OS support, which allows for easy installation of third-party applications, such as smart home control or monitoring applications. This means a resident can control lights, blinds, thermostats and other smart home devices, all from their answering unit. They can also, through a mobile companion application, access their answering unit remotely to utilize all its features, including watching past video footage and reviewing missed calls, from anywhere in the world.
Secure access systems
As a property manager, who can access the building and when they can access the building are two of the most important factors in keeping a building secure. Traditionally, this took the form of hundreds of physical keys, which must be catalogued and kept track of to ensure an uninvited guest does not gain unauthorized access to the structure. Modern access systems have begun utilizing RFID cards which can grant access to the building and be remotely deactivated if lost or stolen. This offers better security but is still bogged down by the need
to physically distribute credentials and replace them if an authorized user loses them. This could also lead to situations where authorized users are unable to enter their unit, if they happen to forget their card at home, for example.
The emerging trend in secure access systems is the transition to mobile access systems, which can open doors much faster through pre-authentication technology, detect when an authorized user is approaching a door as opposed to leaving a door or simply sitting near an entrance, and operate on secure Bluetooth channels using AES-128 and RSA-1024 encryption keys. These access units eliminate the need to
and security of all devices. The software will grant access to detailed logs and instant alerts which can be sent via email or appear in the software itself. If an incident has taken place, relevant figures can be granted full access to camera logs at specific timestamps to review footage and better understand chosen events. Visitors can be granted credentials or time-limited access to individual areas remotely, and an audit trail can be kept for compliance purposes.
Streamlining operations with end-to-end solutions
Ultimately, if a property manager chooses high-quality, intelligent technologies that
“If security is supported by integrated network solutions, then property managers can devote more time to maintaining the quality of a building.”
distribute physical credentials or RFID cards, as they can be opened with fingerprints, PIN codes and mobile devices. If a contractor is coming to perform repair work, their mobile device can be authorized before they arrive, and deauthorized after the work is done to maximize convenience and minimize security risk.
Complete control and monitoring
The biggest benefit to modern building security solutions is their centralized quality. From one station, and one piece of software, an entire building can be managed and overseen, down to each individual intercom and access unit. Top companies offer software solutions that are available as a virtual machine, which means they can be easily scaled and deployed to any server regardless of operating system.
Centralized device management enables a property manager to manage access to the building and monitor the status of access control units in real time. Firmware updates can be pushed in bulk with just a few clicks, ensuring continuous optimal performance
can be easily installed, maintained and integrated then they’ve made their job more straightforward, and the lives of their residents more comfortable. In the case of upgrading an entire building with brand new devices in every residential unit is too expensive or complicated, then reputable surveillance companies may offer solutions which can be easily integrated with existing hardware and software.
The total security of the building can be monitored from a single server running administrative software, with the ability to allow specific individuals access to areas at certain times, and remotely allow visitors access to the building. If security is supported by integrated network solutions, then property managers can devote more time to maintaining the quality of a building and quickly responding to tenant concerns. Both are conducive to a safe living environment. | CS
Jason Chiu is the Professional Services Group Manager, Canada, with Axis Communications (www.axis.com).
WOMEN IN SECURITY
Simplifying Security One Business At A Time with Active Witness
As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. The last thing you want to worry about is the hassle and headache of administering physical keys and keeping inventory every time an employee leaves your organization.
We want to simplify your security to make it convenient. Our access control solution is designed to streamline facility access for small to mid-sized businesses. We offer a userfriendly interface that makes it easy for businesses to manage access control from anywhere, anytime on any device.
Our cloud-based software eliminates the friction associated with traditional key management. With Active Witness, businesses can administer keys digitally, and avoid the hassle of physically handing them off to new employees and contractors. This means no more lost keys, no more wasted time, and no more security breaches.
What really sets us apart is our customizable access credentials. Our system leverages mobile credentials and facial verification which allows businesses to customize access based on your preferences. If you have a high traffic area with lower security requirements, go with the mobile solution. If you’ve got an inventory room that needs a little more security, turn on multi-factor authentication. You deserve peace of mind without sacrificing your convenience.
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Practical tips for commercial real estate property security
The security of Class A commercial real estate is a major concern for property owners and managers in Canada.
Office towers are a constant target for loitering and criminal acts such as theft and vandalism. To ensure the security of employees, visitors, and assets, it’s crucial that commercial properties owners and managers stay ahead of ahead of any security risk to protect their property members and assets.
What components are essential to an office tower security program?
The first step in creating a robust security program begins with a risk assessment to evaluate threat levels, access points and possible types of attack.
Several factors will influence threat level, such as property location. Buildings located in high-risk neighborhoods or densely populated urban areas generally require a higher level of security than those located in quieter areas.
The type of businesses operated by the office tower’s tenants will also have an impact on what type of security is needed. Companies that store high-value products or handle sensitive information will often need to employ additional safety measures beyond the basic protection elements.
Finally, the physical characteristics of the property itself must also be considered. Properties with multiple access points such as entrances and exits, elevators, stairwells, and so on will require higher security measures to prevent unauthorized intrusions.
What security measures should be implemented in office towers?
A combination of on-site security guards, concierge services, as well as leading-edge surveillance and access technology are key to an effective security program. Jared Diamond, Director of Business Development in the Pacific and Northern Regions for GardaWorld, says “Guards not only act to patrol the property and respond in emergencies, but also to provide a visible presence that deters wrongdoers and criminal acts from occurring in the first place.”
For Class A properties that require an additional level of customer service, Jared explains, “There are also concierge security guards who will be uniformed in a suit jacket for a high-end look. In addition to providing core security services
such as controlling entrances and exits, these guards provide additional customer services such as greeting visitors, accepting parcel deliveries, and directing visitors within the property”.
No building is complete without an intrusion and fire alarm system in place. Doug Sales, Senior Director, Commercial Systems Sales Ontario and West for GardaWorld Security Systems, emphasizes the importance of fire alarm monitoring. “The primary concern for commercial real estate owners and managers, and a key requirement for them in attracting tenants to their property, is a fire alarm system. Not only should the fire alarm system be monitored by a monitoring centre with 24/7 live agents who can send emergency services when needed, but the fire equipment on site should be inspected regularly to ensure it complies with local regulations.”
Access control technology remains one of the most important aspects to manage the flow of traffic. Doug continues, “In commercial real estate such as a large office tower, a number of businesses may be located inside the building. Magnetic access cards, proximity cards and biometric readers will usually be used at main entrance for each individual tenant, as well as for protected areas such as data rooms.”
“Security cameras and remote monitoring are a key component of a commercial property’s security system,” adds Doug. “Cameras should be strategically placed in the property, covering entrances and exits, parking areas, entrance halls, stairwells, elevators, etc. Not only do cameras lend a deterrence presence, but they can be useful during off-peak hours when guards are not on-site. For example, a visitor can be guided remotely through parts of the building through remote video monitoring and access control.”
In conclusion, when these measures are combined, they effectively increase the level of security of the Class A property. Commercial property owners and managers must protect their commercial properties from the threats they may face.
To learn more, please contact our commercial property security experts.
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Furniture Makes a Difference
For security professionals around the world, the control room is arguably the most important tool needed to successfully complete the job. A well-built control room is an extension of the operator, providing optimal support through purposeful design and advanced technology.
Comfort, durability, ergonomics, technical features—these are all important considerations that need to be assessed when selecting security control room furniture. Engineering an effective control room takes knowhow and support.
Office Furniture Versus Technical Furniture
When building a control room, it’s important to understand the difference between technical furniture and run-of-themill office furniture.
Quality, durability, cable management, easy access, and ergonomics are key differentiators between average office desks and technical furniture.
Quality and Durability: Typical office furniture is used 2,080 hours a year, where control room furniture is used 8,760 hours a year.
Technical furniture is built for durability and is typically found in intensive, operational environments, such as emergency dispatch centers and control rooms, which utilize the workstations 24/7, 365 days a year. This type of furniture must be up to the task; the quality of its surfaces, hardware components and accessories must perform at a level that exceeds the expectations of a typical desks.
When regular office furniture is exposed to atypical use, such as in 24/7 operations, you can expect premature wear and tear, resulting in additional costs.
Cable Management: Traditional office furniture typically only has keyboards, a mouse and monitor cables to house and manage. On the other hand, a continuous workspace has very large cable challenges.
Technical furniture is best suited for housing and managing large quantities of computer, audiovisual, communications or medical equipment and the associated peripherals. Unlike traditional office furniture, technical furniture is equipped with advanced cable management systems. This
helps reduce clutter in your control room and makes it easier to access and move equipment.
Easy Access: With so much technology and peripherals being packaged into technical furniture it’s imperative that there is easy access to cables, plugs, CPU’s, monitors that are essential to running the business. This is often overlooked and without easy access valuable time can be lost trying to add new piece of technology.
Ergonomics: The most significant difference between office furniture and technical furniture is ergonomics. Traditional office furniture is designed to support users during a typical eight-hour workday. Technical furniture, on the other hand, is built specifically for 24/7 environments and is engineered to support operators in industries where focus and productivity are critical. Proper ergonomics leads to superior situational awareness, allowing operators to keep their mind in the game.
Finding the Right Console
When building or updating a security control room, you must assess room size, number of operators and technical needs (e.g., monitors, table space, etc.). You can start this assessment and your design process by using tools such as Winsted’s free WELS software. WELS is a user-friendly program that lets control room managers quickly design a solution that meets their needs.
Winsted’s new Vue Workstation is easily configurable for all environments and comes in static or height-adjustable options. These configurable workstations offer different widths and connecting cabinets for multi-operator solutions.
The Sightline Console is the ultimate in configurable and modular design and is offered in static or height-adjustable versions, as well as two different console depths. These configurable consoles come with concave and convex corners to create solutions that fit any room size.
Both the Vue Workstation and Sightline Console offer multiple work surface options, cable management, and open or closed design.
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