20 Nov 2017

Wireless comms in the security sector: unlocking efficiency

Keeping people and premises safe is often a thankless task, with considerable pressure to keep costs as low as possible. Sam Fenwick looks at how wireless comms is helping security firms get the most from their staff and equipment

A company’s security function is much like our immune system. Both are tasked with keeping invaders outside, distinguishing between those people (or cells) who should be there and those who should not, and dealing with any incursions. Not surprisingly, then, the business of security has three main components: passive/physical security, surveillance, and the use of security guards.

One of the biggest challenges with passive security is that no matter how formidable a building’s structure is, for it to function staff need to be able to enter and exit at will, and this issue has led to a wide range of access control methods.

The humble access card has had a long history, but times are changing due to the growing use of smartphones leading to new forms of access, and this is unlocking new businesses models. While the first thing that might jump to mind is Amazon Key – a ‘secure’ way in which Amazon employees can gain access to your home to drop off parcels – which has attracted a considerable amount of scepticism, under the radar other companies are already making use of this kind of technology.