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Networking best practices

Historically, IT specialists and installers have rarely worked together when it came to security systems. However, as technology has developed, the industry has demanded products that are innovative and efficient which has meant a shift towards IT managed security systems, within a fully integrated security infrastructure.

Dan Drayton, sales manager at international designer and manufacturer of electronic access control and door entry systems, Paxton Access, shares his view on this shift in the market and how this is shaping future product development.

As IT technology has developed, the industry has undergone significant changes which have had a transformative effect on how security systems are managed. IT managed security systems have become increasingly common as part of broader security infrastructure and have enabled IT specialists and instal-lers to deliver a more integrated service.

Security technology has evolved so that it can integrate with existing networks, ensuring efficiency, less external cabling and less dependency between security experts and installers.

Companies installing a building’s IT infrastructure are keen to maximise the value of their projects, by fitting the equipment and systems that will run off the existing infrastructure. In terms of the security industry this trend began with IP cameras and recording software. This is now spreading to IP based access control systems like those from Paxton.

It is often assumed that security installers need to be IT savvy to work with IT managed security systems, and that IT experts must have a background in security. More traditional security installers need not be wary of the shift, and embrace the benefits that using the network will bring them. Paxton’s offering has been specifically designed so that installers, whether IT trained or not, can use the products with confidence.

The Net2 product range is designed to ensure systems are simple to install, use and maintain. This approach reduces the amount of time an installation takes, which in turn allows installers to do more installations and focus on business development opportunities. It’s also of huge benefit to the customer as it minimises disruption to the business.

As the industry develops and embraces the shift in focus to IT, product offerings have expanded and we are witnessing different competitors and skillsets being introduced to the market. Following our first phase of training seminars we have certainly seen evidence of an increasing number of IT technicians moving into the role of installer within the security market. This demonstrates that skills are now interchangeable across both industries and are being utilised in a way to deliver the best solutions for the end user.

This move towards IT will ultimately provide more competition in the market place, bringing more choice to customers, as they benefit from operational benefits and more integrated security systems.

For more information, contact Paxton Access, +27 (0)21 427 6691, www.paxtonaccess.co.za

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