Security has always been a serious concern for facility managers; they need to keep company data safe from hackers and their physical premises secure from intruders. Fortunately, technological advancements have helped address major office threats. Facility managers looking to create safer spaces that are more resilient to breaches should consider investing in these security tech options.
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Loss of power in a facility can hinder employee productivity and leave a company vulnerable to external threats. Having backup power that doesn’t directly rely on the grid is a crucial component in avoiding these risks. Facility managers can turn to backup generators, which can provide hours of power after a blackout occurs.
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are also important as they can mitigate sudden stops or surges in power, allowing you time to properly shut down critical equipment.
While backup generators and UPS systems can be used together, facility managers should keep potential compatibility issues in mind. Before choosing a system, FMs should check their facility setup to ensure no serious problems will come up.
Cameras have long been a staple of physical security, and for good reason.
Visible cameras discourage threats and can record key information when a breach occurs.
Network or IP cameras can be monitored from online systems and backed up offsite. Recording is crucial, as cameras that observe but don’t record provide little benefit in catching threats after they occur. Managers will need to consider different physical and software setups with these cameras—including the risks that come with using digital technology (such as hijackings). However, such issues can be avoided by deploying cameras behind firewalls and restricting access to trusted IP addresses.
Sensors coupled with an alarm system can help facility managers quickly detect and respond to intrusions in their spaces. What’s more, sensors that immediately trigger sound and light responses can deter trespassers, making this technology especially useful while a breach is happening. There are many ways to implement this system, with options ranging from DIY setups to robust services provided by security firms.
When considering options, facility managers will need to keep in mind the costs, initial setup, necessary features and complexity in using the system.
In order for sensors to be most useful, they should be placed in high-risk areas like entrances, windows and critical spaces including equipment storage or server rooms.
Access control systems like biometric scanners and key cards help keep intruders out of your space, but these tech options also address a tougher challenge: maintaining security within the facility itself. Security breaches caused by people within an office may occur accidentally or intentionally, and differing between the two can be difficult. Access controls allow you to avoid the issue entirely by dictating which people are allowed entry into specific areas. This is especially helpful when working with external contractors or large facilities.
Managers should opt for systems that can update in real-time to ensure access can be provided and removed in a timely manner.
Security technology must be combined with intelligent planning to be effective. The key to a safe space is a layered security setup that doesn’t rely on any individual measure, which will make it much more difficult for threats to subvert a company’s system. With a balanced security system in place, managers can help keep their workplaces well-protected.
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