Security technology and applications are evolving at an accelerating rate, driven by the recognition of the need for stronger security measures to create safer environments. Still, in every facility there will be a large number of physical keys that are in use and they must be considered when implementing or upgrading a security system. 

Security managers have many responsibilities and concerns. While keeping their buildings safe and secure is certainly one of them, it need not be a complicated matter. 

Security Officers may be some of the most difficult employees to motivate. Many, by their own admission are either finishing out their careers, waiting for a better opportunity, or just plain lazy.

Today’s vital business information now fills datacenters instead of file cabinets. These facilities are critical to the operations of almost any company or government agency. 

Today, security is of utmost importance at the nation’s colleges and universities. Events such as the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 remind administrators, parents and students of the stark reality that considering the safety of all individuals who visit, work or attend classes at college campuses is essential. 

Hospital and healthcare settings offer many ways to use video surveillance. The security needs of these institutions reflect the life-or-death work they do and also a volatile environment where emotions can run high.

The traditional notion of security systems operating independently of various building systems started becoming obsolete several years ago, as many end users developed the expectation that their security systems should work in conjunction with other building systems such as their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), secondary fire and lighting.

In December 2010, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) issued a proposed regulation that would require all inbound cargo containers, regardless of whether the container was shipped from a company located in the United States or from a company located in a foreign country, to be scanned for contraband.  If enacted, the proposed scanning regulation would increase costs and result in supply chain delays.  The cost would range from $58 to $70 per container (depending on the size of the container).  

As video surveillance systems continue to grow in size and functionality with new technologies driving even higher levels of performance, there’s still one basic premise that applies to each and every one of them: if the power goes down, your system is of little practical value.