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A tangible return on investment

We have enough megapixels to see minute detail and an assortment of low-light and thermal cameras to see in the most challenging conditions. Perimeter protection and intrusion verification technology is undergoing constant advances. Solutions to trace, monitor and manage the movement of staff and visitors to our facilities and residences is at the cutting edge of innovation. Why then, are so many security solutions still viewed in a negative light?

The answer does not only lie in the technology itself, but in the experience of true business value. Whilst we have technology that can deliver on our most complex requirements, when it comes to specifying the solution, the objective is often from a single-function security perspective. Generally, the misnomer of the more devices or manpower one engages to resolve the issue applies. The objectives should rather be the maximisation of the investment and the ability to extract and deliver tangible value from the solution.

Adding value to security

We all know that traditional security solutions are often regarded as grudge purchases. We have to have some form of security to feel safer and somehow protected – especially in South Africa. Bidvest Protea Coin is determined to change this perception though a combination of innovative design and the application of traditional security systems to deliver a significant and tangible impact on its clients’ business as a whole.

Today it is possible to have a state-of-the-art security solution that delivers results that can be measured, as well as adding value beyond just the security function

If we look at the financial sector, Bidvest Protea Coin has a proof of concept in one particular institution where the business is integrating the concept of customer experience into its security surveillance installation. On arrival at the organisation, the client will be recognised via facial recognition and be personally greeted by name by the receptionist.

This level of personal attention creates an overall enhancement of the client’s experience and allows for the effective conduct of their business within the organisation. Frustration which usually accompanies queuing or delayed service is mitigated and the client is left feeling valued and satisfied.

More than that, the system will also provide business intelligence to the organisation, allowing management to understand how many and which clients are in the branch at any particular time of day, and what they are there for. This will allow for the more efficient allocation of resources and even provide indicators as to what can be added to online or mobile apps to make dealing with the organisation more convenient for the clients.

Within a factory setting, the security cameras can be used to monitor access to the facility, directional flow of processes and the immediate identification of safety risks. Thermal cameras can detect overheating machines, allowing supervisors to respond so as to avoid a breakdown or production interruption and thereby avoiding the resultant financial loss.

A number of Bidvest Protea Coin’s clients have implemented biometric clocking, not only for access control, but also for time and attendance purposes. This delivers an accurate payroll at the end of the month, avoiding discrepancies and possible disruption

You don’t have to be on site

Another benefit of security is that the communication options we have today means that you don’t always require guards on your premises 24x7. In the evening, for example, cameras can monitor the property and the video analytics (and increasingly, video analytics enhanced by artificial intelligence) can alert a remote control room when there is an irregularity or movement within a shutdown, vulnerable or high-risk area.

The advances in AI and analytics mean that recognition is much better than ever before and the system can determine if the movement is a positive event or a false alarm. On receipt of a positive incident, an alarm is triggered in the control room and the operator will react in accordance with the pre-determined SOP (standard operating procedures).

It’s an IoT world

The ability to link many different products and make so many unique solutions is one of the benefits of the IoT (Internet of Things). Security is part of this revolution and the value that integrated solutions can add to your security operation and your business in general – whether marketing, operations or facilities management, etc. – is almost infinite.

The catch to realising this value, however, lies in retaining the right solutions partner that is able to understand its client’s particular needs and determine the best strategy to meet and exceed those needs.

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