Disjointed and separate security systems that don’t work together create security gaps and vulnerabilities. Effective and comprehensive facility security relies on security systems that work together; integrated security systems combine multi-layered systems and integrate them into one solution. Here are some of the big benefits of integrated security systems:

1. Integrated systems provide the seamless, multi-layered solution that modern security demands.
2. Proper integration eliminates gaps between systems.
3. Integrated security systems are easier to manage.
4. They provide effective crime prevention.
5. Integrated security systems assist with more efficient operations.
6. They help protect against false claims.
7. Integrated security systems improve productivity and safety.
8. They can be customized for your needs.
9. Integrated security systems provide financial benefits.

1. Integrated Systems Provide the Seamless, Multi-Layered Solution That Modern Security Demands

One of the biggest benefits of integrated systems is that they provide the seamless, multi-layered security solution that modern security demands. Security threats and risks are always evolving.

Not only does your security solution need to be able to adapt to keep up, but it also needs to provide full visibility and real-time monitoring. This requires a seamlessly integrated, multi-layered security solution that comprehensively covers every aspect of your facility and operations effectively and efficiently.

2. Proper Integration Eliminates Gaps Between Systems

The largest security gaps often live in the gaps between systems. This is a security lesson colleges & universities cannot afford to ignore that applies to security for any facility. Any gaps between systems are areas that increase risk and leave your facility exposed to threats.

When systems are properly integrated to create a single solution that includes all of those security layers, security gaps that might have existed between systems are eliminated. This means that you have a security solution that gives you full protection, monitoring, and visibility, and one that facilitates better communication and faster incident response.

3. Integrated Security Systems Are Easier to Manage

When security systems are integrated seamlessly, they work more efficiently, cover more comprehensively, and are easier to manage. These are all qualities of good security systems. Usually, you can integrate systems so that they can be accessed, monitored, and managed from a centralized dashboard. All of this can help reduce false alarms and provide other benefits.

Not only does this allow for remote access and real-time monitoring, which are some security features your business needs, but it also means faster and easier identification and resolution of security incidents. Integrated security systems are usually also easier to update and maintain. Plus, you can identify patterns and trends more easily and efficiently.

4. They Provide Effective Crime Prevention

Often, the presence of visible video surveillance or an alarm system alone acts as a deterrent. They send a clear message that your facility is not an easy target. A mix of visible and concealed security layers is recommended because the concealed layers make it more difficult for bad actors to plan around them, while the visible layers act as deterrents, simply by existing. In fact, about 60% of burglars in one study indicated the presence of an alarm would make them pick a different target altogether.

This is just one of the reasons to consider a wireless alarm system for your business, in addition to other security systems and measures. Integrated security systems that cover all gaps and vulnerabilities for your facility only offer a bigger deterrent and effective crime prevention.

Although some security concerns are common, specific security threats and risks will vary from facility to facility, depending on the facility itself, surrounding property, physical environment, location, operations, and other unique features. Using a building vulnerability assessment checklist and partnering with a good security systems integrator can ensure you end up with the right mix of security products and systems your facility needs.

5. Integrated Security Systems Assist With More Efficient Operations

The right mix of integrated security products and systems can help you improve the efficiency of your operations as well. Many integrated security solutions provide extra features, upgrades, and integrations, in addition to already integrating well with automation or other connected systems that help you manage your operations. Integrating systems and customizing configurations are key ways to improve nurse call workflows & increase staff efficiency.

Smart thermostats can usually integrate with security systems, especially those that have environmental monitoring features built-in. In addition to temperature monitoring, integrated systems can also detect open doors or windows, movement, changes in the number of products in an area, etc., and then send calls or alerts appropriately. This type of seamless integration and efficiency is something to look for to choose the best nurse call system for your facility and other systems you may need.

Not only do integrated systems provide automation opportunities that give time back to your staff and allow them to focus on higher-priority items, but it also helps align processes and workflows across systems and teams. This is an operational imperative facility managers need for better physical security, better security overall, and more efficient operations.

6. They Help Protect Against False Claims

Although they tend to be rare, false claims are still a liability and potential vulnerability for businesses and operations of all kinds. Gaps in your security can mean a lack of evidence when it comes to proving or disproving a claim.

On the other hand, integrated systems that comprehensively monitor and secure your facility provide clear evidence to support or deny any claims regarding an incident inside or on your premises. This can be helpful for any facility, but is particularly helpful for large areas with a lot of people like campuses, outdoor shopping centers, and more.

7. Integrated Security Systems Improve Productivity and Safety

In addition to helping to improve efficiency in operations, integrated security systems also help improve productivity and safety overall. Wireless call systems or alarms integrated with security cameras, access control systems, and more can limit access and help create a safer workplace for your employees.

Not only can this help reduce and prevent violent incidents in the workplace, but it can also help improve security, efficiency, and more overall. Plus, removing worries regarding safety and providing tools to help your employees can also help improve productivity. This only becomes more important in high-stress areas and high-security facilities like secure hospitals, restricted areas, etc.

8. They Can Be Customized For Your Needs

Another one of the benefits of integrated security systems is that they tend to be able to be customized to suit your specific facility, operations, and needs. There can be one-size-fits-all packaged systems. However, usually, even the defaults can be customized to work with a variety of other products, sensors, systems, etc. your facility may have.

This is one of the automation ideas for hospitals that can also work for a variety of facilities. Depending on your needs, your integrator may be able to develop specific configurations to support your operations exactly the way you need. Hospitals need comprehensive security solutions, and so do other facilities; those security solutions need to be customized to each facility. With the right mix of security products and solutions along with integrated systems, you can get the security you need for your facility.

This type of integration and customization is something to look for in incident management software, and it should be something you require of your other security systems, too. An experienced security systems integrator can help you work through your needs and narrow down the options to what will best meet your needs, and they will often be able to assist with installation, integration, and even ongoing maintenance and updates.

9. Integrated Security Systems Provide Financial Benefits

When it comes to security budget planning, the security of your facility is an investment that provides returns in a variety of ways. Although integrated security systems can have a higher upfront cost, they more than pay for themselves over time.

Avoid Costly Consequences

Integrated security systems improve the security and protection of your entire facility and premises, which can reduce overhead. In addition to avoiding costly litigation and preventing expensive damage or theft, the efficiency, protection, and extra benefits of integrated security systems provide overall savings over time. These are all also benefits of a comprehensive video surveillance system.

Reduce Risk For Insurance

You may even be able to see savings on your insurance premiums because of the added protection and reduced liabilities. This is one of the reasons why property managers need commercial building security solutions, and it’s something that can be applied to other applications as well.

Invest in Regular Maintenance

Not having enough security and a lack of regular maintenance are some of the biggest security mistakes businesses make. When systems become outdated, or components break, it can limit monitoring and visibility, cause other issues with how things function, limit communication, result in missed alerts, and more.

In these ways, forgoing maintenance on your security systems can leave your facility and your staff vulnerable. This makes the initial investment in security system integration and the ongoing maintenance of security systems a necessary investment for any facility, in addition to an investment that provides financial benefits as well.

Get the Comprehensive, Integrated Security Solution Your Facility Needs With NEPPS

These are just a few benefits of integrated security systems. If your systems do not integrate and work together, it’s one of the big signs your security technology needs an upgrade. The right mix of products, systems, integrations, and configurations will vary based on the unique needs of each facility.

Working with an experienced security systems integrator ensures your facility gets the comprehensive, integrated security solution that your facility needs. If your current security systems are leaving your facility vulnerable, contact NEPPS at (800) 736-1456 to schedule a free site assessment.