Trends in Community Security Technology

by Nathan Varn www.EnveraSystems.com.

We hear and see the word ‘remote’ frequently; often in relation to employment or other services. Community security is not an exception. In fact, the need for remote security at communities has only accelerated throughout the past decade. This is in large part because of cultural and environmental shifts, but simultaneously, there have been vast technological advancements that are presenting communities with more cost-efficient and effective methods.

How does a community employ remote security systems? What does that actually mean? On the surface, it means connecting equipment at a community’s location to a provider’s operations center, an agent (or group of agents), and/or a team servicing the site. This connection is generally accomplished through two primary components – power and internet. From there, how the area is truly secured remotely depends mostly on what that location is.

It could be a gated neighborhood entrance intending to prevent unauthorized vehicles form entering. It might be a pedestrian gate or door that should only open for those with appropriate access. Or it might be a community pool, clubhouse, or Pickleball court that is susceptible to trespassers and vandalism when closed. Twenty years ago, it may have seemed that an on-site security presence would be needed in these areas, but today’s remote security systems give many communities more options.

Gated communities tend to have two versions of gated entry points for vehicles. There is a point for visitor entry and a separate point for resident entry. For visitors, a gated community must employ a type of visitor management system. Anyone recognizes a call-box or guard inside of a guardhouse, but more recently, remote guarding is providing associations with a visitor management solution that combines technology with human interaction.

Remote guarding at a gate, sometimes referred to as virtual guarding, allows a trained agent or guard located at a different location to greet visitors arriving at a gated visitor entrance. Typically through a camera, or series of cameras, and two-way voice capabilities, the remote person is able to see and speak with a visitor for processing or screening. If this is a new concept to you, then you should also know that this trend has already advanced.

Technology-based systems today, for gated communities, often include features to expedite entry for approved visitors or vendors. The most common features are license plate verification, ID verification, or QR code verification; any option that provides instant verification for a visitor or vendor that is already known and approved by a community. For those that are not automatically verified, there is still that remote connection to a real person.

Other community areas that are updating to remote solutions include amenities. The costs and frustrations typically associated with damage to community assets can be burdensome for property managers, board members, and residents. While access control methods and video surveillance have been and are frequently used, more associations are looking at trends to have remote, proactive protection.

When a video surveillance system is connected to a center for monitoring, it can become an active and preventative solution. This type of remote system often includes a smart camera (or multiple cameras) that are programmed to identify after-hours activity at a location. When triggered, an alarm is sent to a remote center or person to view the amenity and confirm if trespassing is taking place in real-time. If the system includes a two-way voice component, that person can also speak with the trespassers to inform them that the area is closed and actively being watched. It takes standard video surveillance to an advanced level, and provides communities with the ability to respond to incidents before damage occurs. Depending on a community’s size, design, and other needs, there are many other forms of remote security systems. It’s not always the system that a community needs though, but rather the solution or service that remote providers have the ability to provide. For example, database management or video retrieval; everyday tasks that can be time-consuming and daunting to property managers or other community members with various other responsibilities.

Trends in technology and for community security will continue to evolve, and they will in every industry. While it is imperative to take this into account when a system has truly become antiquated or reached its end-of life, it’s more important to note that remote solutions and advancements are providing associations with new opportunities to cost-effectively secure their property. For some, that may not have been an option previously, and for all, new methods can improve the community value and quality of life in the neighborhood.

Nathan Varn is the vice president of sales and marketing for Envera Systems. He manages the sales, sales support, marketing, and account management teams while working closely with all of Envera’s departments to provide information, education, and best-in-class service for the communities that Envera secures. Envera Systems is an all-inclusive security provider that focuses on the unique needs of communities through technology-based solutions. Using trained virtual guards, Envera is able to verify visitors at entrances, monitor video, manage community databases, and more. Contact info: (855) 380-1274 or www.EnveraSystems.com.