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Remote monitoring in view

As more analytical and automated security functions become available, many of them suited for use in the real world, more organisations are looking at using remote monitoring services to handle some or even all of their security responsibilities. Kobus van Deventer, Nerve Centre manager at Vox expands on some of the issues around remote monitoring in South Africa.

Kobus van Deventer.

What is the prevalence of remote monitoring systems in South Africa, and what are the growth prospects?

Van Deventer: There has been tremendous growth in remote monitoring and control rooms in South Africa, both for residential purposes, especially in estates, and for business across a wide range of industries. The uptake in such services has been made possible through advances in technology, and especially the availability of high-bandwidth connectivity.

What are the requirements of an effective system? What must customers take into account before choosing a provider?

Van Deventer: Individuals or companies need to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that in turn informs a detailed security plan. The aim is to reduce risk to as close to zero as possible for the budget available, in order to ensure a return on investment.

Such plans should not only address current requirements, but also provision for future growth and upgrades. If not done properly right from the start, making changes at a later stage can become an expensive process.

Companies or individuals need to carefully outline what the requirements and responsibilities are (having a detailed service-level agreement), and ensure that the provider is capable of carrying these out.

Where does automation fit in? What are the benefits?

Van Deventer: We can now use technology to increase operational awareness by creating alerts and pushing specific video footage for operators to view – rather than having them watch several screens for hours on end without knowing what they are really looking for.

This analytical capability helps develop proper business intelligence. Rather than viewing and storing all footage gathered, operators can use video synopsis to easily identify patterns and trends, and predict problems that might occur. This then helps security companies plan cost-effectively, with data-driven decision making on where and when to allocate guards or patrol vehicles.

What are the major benefits of turning to remote systems?

Van Deventer: Technology allows for users to centralise the remote monitoring of multiple locations and cut down on costs, including for the resources required, ranging from staffing, the training of the operators and hardware required for the data management aspect. This all makes it easier to manage everything from a single location.

What are the challenges to switching to remote systems?

Van Deventer: Given the increase in automation of many functions, there is a change in the type of personnel who are responsible for manning control rooms. Where previously control room operators were mostly security guards, advances in technology means that operators need to have a certain level of IT skill to utilise these newer monitoring systems to their fullest potential.

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