The nuance between unified and integrated can become confusing when describing the connection between systems. The two industry terms are often used synonymously when referring to the interrelatedness of facility systems. In actuality, the two terms have their own meanings and refer to two different types of relationships between systems.
Integrated
Integrated describes the relationship between systems that were originally designed to operate independently. By integrating the systems together, it generates a connection to where information can be exchanged. It is simply a link between systems to allow the flow of data. It is less comprehensive than unifying as the systems can still remain independent.
Unified
The term “unified” generally refers to several systems that are combined to operate as one. The systems are uniquely designed to work together and seamlessly share data. This complex system streamlines the information into one single dashboard. The consolidated systems work interdependently to deliver the information to the shared interface.
Streamlined Building Systems
Streamlining key building systems can significantly improve security and efficiency. Whether it is a hospital or a university, technology systems are absolutely essential for everyday operations. This can include access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, lighting control and much more. Ensuring facility systems are working properly is crucial, by consolidating the systems together it can streamline this process and significantly ease the role for building managers.
Virtual Reality (VR) can open the doors for new opportunity in the integrations space. Playing a vital role in each end of the project, VR can increase client satisfaction and user experience. It does this by creating a supportive platform that allows clients to become well- versed in their new solution prior to application. Further, it creates a unique opportunity to train and familiarize employees on the new systems before the project is completed. This can create a smooth transition into the newly updated facility solution. It also assists as a great training device for future new employees. On the other side, the technology acts as a visual tool for the integrator when presenting different mockup alternatives to the client. This can help foster seamless communication between the integrator and the client. As technology expands the possibilities in the integrations space, VR takes a front seat when it comes to increasing client experience.
Mockups
While utilizing virtual reality, clients can have a greater influence on the design of their solution. Mockups allow the integrator to visually present to the client what their facilities will look like prior to installation. Rather than having the client envision their future solution, the VR mockups can fully capture it. This lets the client experience an immersive and dynamic version of their facility and provide essential feedback on user experience, usability and more. By interacting with their solution they can better determine what needs to be changed and what they like. As a result, clients are able to receive a solution that exceeds and satisfy expectations.
Communication and Feedback
VR has facilitated the opportunity for clients to provide feedback on critical design features. This is especially noteworthy as it can be done before investing in the infrastructure. By being able to communicate essential feedback on design methods and choices, it leaves the client happier with the end result. It fosters transparency and ensures the client makes the most informed decision regarding their facility. Furthermore, it makes it so the client doesn’t have to visualize what the end product will look like, they are able to see and interact with it. This will also generate greater client- integrator trust as they will be able to see exactly what they are paying for with no surprises. In the end it will cut down the cost of changes done to the design and eliminate the need for modifications once the project is completed.
Training
The significant advantage of VR-based training is that skills and knowledge can be delivered in a consistent and repeatable manner within the parameters of the facility. This is particularly helpful as it helps cover a range of standard operating procedures for both normal and abnormal conditions, providing the freedom to fail without any risks involved. Future new employees can also be trained on the virtual version to avoid shutting down essential systems. This results in increased safety, less risks, and less costs. Additionally, the technology gives building stakeholders the chance to ensure their staff is well versed and trained on the new systems before the project comes to completion. Using the immersive platform for training can decrease stress and allow employees to learn at their own pace. Since it is a living entity, the VR platform can be reused and visited at a later time, which means any new upgrades or retrofitting to your facility can be easily added.
VR in Summary
Virtual reality is an immersive tool that can better the client experience. From ensuring they get the solution they want to training their employees on a virtual platform, it is a supportive tool for the client. It assist in all ends of the project and plays an important role pre and post installation. It allows for the integrator to visually share dynamic mockups and involve the client on critical decision making. By being more involved, the client is perfectly positioned to provide informed feedback on their solution. The technology eases the complex processes that are essential when integrating new facility solutions.
Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for many new developments in the security industry. Video surveillance is turning a corner in terms of how it can capture incidents and monitor buildings. Using video surveillance for the mere purpose of obtaining video records post incident, is not as productive as it once was. Companies like icetana are using AI to completely transform the value of video surveillance into a multifaceted risk mitigation tool. Furthermore, it directly effects the efficiency of the video surveillance equipment, as it is capable of performing several functions at once including detection, prevention, environmental learning and liability protection.
Machine Learning
Machine learning technology is the main driver of the movement from forensic to live video. This surveillance tool is made possible through motion detection and environment learning technology. Furthermore, it is a technology that learns its own environment so that it can constantly monitor designated areas for anomalies. This differs from forensic video as it allows for automatic detection of incidents and instantaneous alerts of irregular occurrences. The machine learning technology completely eliminates the need for a security personal to monitor the security cameras in real time.
Risk Mitigation
Video surveillance is a crucial component in buildings security efforts. It is without doubt, that the numerous cameras residing in facilities produce large amounts of footage daily. This means that in the case of an incident, several hours of footage needs to be examined. This method is not only a unproductive use of time but does not prevent the occurrence from potentially escalating. Subsequently this creates a demand for AI driven surveillance that can help building managers control a vast area without the need for a security team monitoring live footage. With the help of AI surveillance, irregular activity will be automatically flagged and an alert will be sent out. This allows building managers to mitigate the situation as soon as it arises as well as easily find the flagged footage. This is important as it can save the stakeholders from potential risk, by catching incidents before they have a chance to escalate. To conclude, risk mitigation is at the forefront of the movement and holds the capacity to transform how incidents are being detected and mitigated.
ROI
A noteworthy benefit to AI video is the versatile nature of this surveillance method. The machine learning technology can detect anomalies like a human would, first identify abnormal movement in a specific area and secondly alert the security team to take care of the situation. From learning its own environment to surveilling 24/7, AI videos efficient nature provides a greater return on your investment in surveillance equipment. The money invested in the equipment goes further as it can protect against potential liability as well as crime prevention. By automating surveillance, it eliminates human errors, decreases the need for physical security, all while increasing the efficiency of the security measures. Investing in security systems that will not only mitigate foreseeable risks but also combine and automate mundane tasks is what the future of security looks like.
In conclusion, the automation of threat detection works to make managing buildings safer and more efficient. Utilizing artificial intelligence is a great way to incorporate innovative efforts and can assist in transforming the security industry into a more efficient and secure future. Video surveillance can exemplify the effect AI technology has on security and can show case how the growth of machine learning can help the security industry evolve.
Your next security system will not just be a security system. The potential of security equipment has come a long way and can now be leveraged to perform more than one function. For an example, your video surveillance hardware can not only perform regular security functions such as surveilling for anomalies but also can be programmed to resource manage or people count. The unique part about this is that the hardware can stay the same but the software is the element that changes. Installing new security infrastructure is expensive. That being said, you can leverage the hardware to be utilized to its fullest potential. As a result you gain a greater return on your investment and end up with less physical equipment to manage.
Retrofitting is a method that can be used to gain more output from your security equipment. An integrator can take your old or new security equipment and transform it into a multifaceted system that works beyond the scope of just security. As a result, your expensive facility systems will not be limited to a singular solution. For example solutions for communication, security, and much more can all derive from the same hardware. Retrofitting is a crucial part in leveraging your facilities equipment.
When it comes time to upgrade your next security system, it is important to remember that it is setting a critical foundation for so much more than just security. Integrators have made it increasingly easier to leverage your equipment for multiple different purposes. This can result in a few different advantages. For one, the obvious reason could be increasing the return on investment for your facilities security equipment. Though that is true, it can be so much more than just leveraging and ROI. By utilizing your equipment for various solutions, it makes it significantly easier on building managers to track their systems via unified dashboard. Furthermore, this can create a streamlined process for managing facility systems.
License plate recognition, real time locating services, real time incident detection, are a few of the solutions that your security system could be leveraged to perform. Video surveillance equipment is a great example of how a buildings security infrastructure is not limited to its original function. To illustrate a better picture, imagine a CCTV camera located in a secured parking lot. This single piece of security equipment can be leveraged to manage access control via license plate recognition or facial recognition while at the same time use machine learning surveillance to detect anomalies in real time. With the help of an integrator, camera equipment can be used for so much more than just its original use.
To conclude, integrators have found a way to leverage your equipment to receive the maximum amount of return from it. As a result it can save you time, money and, ease the stress of having to simultaneously manage numerous types of facility systems.
What Technology as a Service Looks Like in the Integration World.
Technology as a Service
Technology as a service, or TaaS, is a subscription-like program that combines hardware, software, and services into one package. The design stage, installation and maintenance can be purchased and consumed as a service. This allows the client to enjoy the benefits of the latest technology without having to sacrifice their time and budget as they are not directly responsible for the technology itself. TaaS is a shift away from a business model that involves ownership of the technology, towards a model that entails technology solutions consumed as a service.
Before it is at risk of becoming obsolete, the average life of technology is five years. TaaS is a unique way to integrate innovative technology into your building without committing several years to the same technology that has become or will be obsolete. As a result, TaaS allows you to gain the benefits of a well integrated solution without worrying about the logistics. This model allows facility managers to leave the technology to the experts to ensure buildings are equipped with all of the necessary systems to keep their facility secure and connected. As a result, this program provides a peace of mind to the facility stakeholders by allowing them to rely on the experts to take care of the building needs.
Maintenance comes with Technology
Unlike an ordinary integration model, TaaS allows opportunities for greater involvement from the provider. This means that the integrators not only install the new systems, but develop, maintain, and leverage their client’s existing technology. It is a unique way to enjoy the benefits of the latest technology without having to understand the complex systems that are associated with it. Due to the challenging nature of maintaining constantly evolving systems, this plan is suited for any facility that wants a seamless technology experience
Why it is Different?
Traditional integrators provide systems and technology to their clients without maintaining the relationship. Their main priority is to deliver a well-integrated solution that works for their client at that specific point in time. The TaaS model differs in the sense that it provides a continual service over a period of time. In other words, integrators take it one step further by maintaining the relationship with the client while catering to the needs of the facility and technology. The technology is maintained and updated by the integrator, facilitating a hands-on approach for the duration of the program. Typically, the continued services include the software, hardware, on-call technicians, necessary service appointments, along with tracking updates and maintenance. Furthermore, as the TaaS program nears the end of the period, the clients are left with a choice of either continuing with the technology, or easily upgrade to a newer system without being tied down by their existing system.
Financing Options
A conscious budget goes hand-in-hand with the continuous nature of the TaaS model. As it works like a subscription bundle, where you pay periodically for the services, the total cost gets spread out over time. Furthermore, the integrator owns the technology, which relieves the facility owner of the financial liabilities of investing in new technology.
Unified Solutions and the IoT Movement in Healthcare
Advancing technology has created a need for complex computer infrastructures. As a result, strong network systems are required to create a stable foundation for IoT systems. IoT, or Internet of Things, is a concept where physical “things’ have sensors, software, and other technologies that allows them to connect with other “things”, creating a well-connected environment.
The market for portable and remote patient monitoring has increased over the past few years. Additionally, the increase has accelerated considerably by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Digital Optometrics, more than half of the hospitals in the United States have a remote patient monitoring system.
Taking this into consideration, now more than ever it is important to have a strong network system to support remotely connected systems in the healthcare environment. Along with integrated systems, IoT creates a unique solution for increasing efficiency and connectivity. With the help of a strong network, connected systems such as climate control, access control, communications and more, can be unified.
Control All Systems from a Single, Unified Dashboard
A notable benefit of connecting systems together, is a unified dashboard. This allows building managers to control several facility systems from a single dashboard. This creates a convenient and efficient solution to managing high-paced facilities such as a hospital. Furthermore, this allows for systems to be controlled and monitored remotely, anytime, anywhere.
Increased Security without Increasing Cost
Designated building authorities can track activity in specific areas directly from their dashboard. This facilitates a safer environment without having to increase the number of guards. Additionally, integrating access control with video motion systems alerts authorities to anomalies such as wandering patients.
Predictive Maintenance
Maintenance costs can pose as a huge liability for many organizations. To avoid extra costs linked to system break downs, sensors can detect building performance and send alerts to the dashboard. As a result, building managers can schedule maintenance procedures before a system breaks down, mitigating the risk for unexpected maintenance costs. In addition, building managers can also track how the building is operating and implement maintenance procedures based on the building data.
Future-Proof your Facility
As mentioned, buildings are becoming increasingly reliant on a strong network foundation. IoT has paved the way for the next biggest trend in the healthcare sector, remote patient monitoring. For an example, robots can deliver the necessary medication while the doctor focuses on diagnoses and following up with patients. This allows doctors to spread out their time, serving more patients and creating a more efficient way to treat patients.
For instance, in 2020, a long-term care facility did not have a strong enough network system to handle the increased amount of video calls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, patients could not contact their loved ones, creating distress. This solidified how crucial it is for long-term care and healthcare facilities to have enough bandwidth to sustain the amount of usage in any circumstance.
Conclusion
The benefits of a unified solution goes beyond just keeping up with technology movements such as internet of things. It facilitates a more reliable healthcare environment by increasing the nodes of communication between systems. Furthermore, unified display, increased security measures and predictive maintenance are only a few valuable additives that unified solutions can bring to your facility. To conclude, IoT creates a necessary foundation for connected systems. To achieve unified solutions it is crucial to first have a strong base network for IoT, which then can transform into a seamlessly unified facility.
Reasons Why Smaller Companies Do Better than Large Corporations
One of the biggest misconceptions about smaller businesses is that they aren’t able to do the same things as larger corporations. People often think that it is better to do business with larger corporations as they may have more credibility and reputation. However, it is important to recognize that smaller businesses can not only keep up with the work of larger corporations cannot. Here are some reasons why smaller businesses are superior to larger corporations.
Consistent Service No Matter Where You Are
You may have heard people talk about a large corporation offering amazing services in one area, but when you try it in another city, you find yourself majorly disappointed. Because large corporations have many locations, it is very hard for them to stay consistent with how they operate. Smaller businesses, however, are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure that each transaction yields a happy customer. As well, it is easier for them to stay consistent with providing good service as they have less people to coordinate with, making the process less complicated.
More Flexibility for a Better Fit
As a company becomes larger, it becomes more compartmentalized and bureaucratic. As a result, large companies are not able to change as easily as small businesses as they have more generalized products and services to appeal to a larger market. If you want personalized services from a big company, your request would have to be filtered through multiple managers across different departments. Smaller businesses on the other hand, can be flexible, ensuring that their products and services fit your company better. Smaller businesses can do what big corporations do but they can also fill an area in a niche market that isn’t being covered.
A Better Connection for a Better Experience
The ability to have a one-on-one connection with clients is an advantage that smaller companies have over large corporations. With a smaller company, you are never getting a generic response as there are real people behind the personalized reply to your questions, concerns and comments as opposed to a generic response from a larger company. Smaller businesses are aware of their larger competitors and will always strive harder to make their clients happy.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Healthcare Facility’s Wireless Technology
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, has changed how the world operates. Day to day operations have transitioned into a unfamiliar pace and environment. People started to realize that they could work from home without affecting productivity, individuals began to prioritize health more and many businesses had to change the way they operated and the increase of wireless technology have increased all over the world.
Long term care facilities were negatively affected by not only the virus but the drastic change of pace the world has taken. Due to the unprecedented affects of the virus, visitors were not allowed to enter long term care facilities to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although this was devastating to many families, the use of video calling through platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, Messenger, and Teams were popularized and utilized as the only source of contact with loved ones. As the transition occurred to video calling, it became apparent that some facilities and homes network systems could not handle the current form of social communication. This was because people and organizations were late to update their hardware and network systems to adjust to the new normal.
Unfortunately, in Calgary, Alberta, long term care patients were a victim to this. They were unable to remain in contact with their loved ones due to the facility’s significant underestimate of the importance of having a strong WI-FI system. Wireless technology is not only vital for virtual communication, but it also has the ability to improve the efficiency at the workplace. Efficient network systems allow for broader possibilities within a healthcare facilities such as being able to write charts at the patient’s bedside evidently saves time and money. Staff can save a significant amount of time while having to search for patient records such as scans and forms. Portable devices such as smartphones and tablets can reduce the equipment cost as they are cheaper to invest in than a computer. There are more reasons for an adequate network system beyond the pandemic, however, the lack of ability for virtual communication during the pandemic has accelerated a large need for updated network systems.
Utilizing wireless technology allows for patients to have access to their own medical records such as lab results. It allows staff to properly allocate time to the patients who need to be tended to and patients who want to check their results can save a trip to the doctor’s office. Staff do not have to look in various places to access different patient files, it can all be done from one location. WI-FI technology can also track medical equipment such as monitors and wheelchairs, reducing instances of lost equipment. Healthcare facilities that have outdated technology are becoming obsolete. Utilizing cutting edge technology allows others to view your organization as one that embraces innovation, thus presenting yourself as a leader in your industry.
To inquire about wireless technology in your facility, please contact us.
How Artificial Intelligence has Interrupted Industries
Australian company icetana has revolutionized video surveillance technology
As the technology continues to grow and evolve, the use of artificial intelligence technology is creating unprecedented possibilities for various industries. Many tech companies are capitalizing on the benefits of machine learning technology and are utilizing it to enhance their products and services.
The security industry has found a way to make buildings safer and more productive for it’s occupants by integrating artificial intelligence software into new or existing hardware. This can be exemplified through a company called icetana. The Australian company has been able to revolutionize how video surveillance systems monitor a facility by strengthening and enhancing the ability of the product, making it an increasingly valuable asset to have in a facility. icetana’s technology allows for full autonomy when it comes to surveilling for anomalies. It has the capacity to learn its own surroundings in order to self detect real-time abnormalities. The company has used machine learning technology to eliminate operator’s fatigue and increase the value of video surveillance which illustrates a unique example of how AI has interrupted the security industry.
As seen through icetana, the growing nature of machine learning technology has decreased the need for constant human monitoring, reducing human errors caused by operator’s fatigue, and allowing for the operators attention to be directed to the most important issues at hand. Another solution that has been highlighted by icetana, is AI’s ability to allow for the autonomous learning of its own environment. This can lead to quick detection of real time abnormalities, allowing for an efficient and reactive response.
AI technology is solving issues that were previously not even perceived as industry problems. It has opened the door to more solutions that were not previously in the realm of possibilities, single handily revolutionizing industries capabilities. As a result, AI is taking the security industry by a storm and has created unique solutions to problems that have once been inevitable and unavoidable.
To learn more about artificial intelligence, you can contact us
What does it mean to be a master system integrator? The job title can be synonymous with problem solvers, connectors, collaborators and organizers, however, this particular job entails a very complex version of each. This job facilitates communication but not just any communication, system communication. Master System Integrators have considerable amounts of knowledge within the realm of IT networks, software, systems and necessary protocols. They are the true experts at unifying systems and customizing facility systems.
MSIs have in-depth knowledge of integrated building systems. As buildings become increasingly complex, that expertise is really important.
Optigo Networks, 2021
MSI’s number one goal is to ensure seamless connectivity of all of the systems that are crucial to making a facility function and thrive. They strive to integrate the systems in a way that adds efficiency and organization to a facility, making the occupants lives easier.
Different facilities serve different audiences and therefore, have different needs. For example, a long-term care facility may rely more heavily on communications systems such as nurse call buttons. A football stadium’s priority is the security of the people who watch a game, so they would have to focus more on things like video surveillance to keep everybody safe. The differing nature of these buildings require different systems, this is where Master System Integrators come in. MSI’s are a unique type of technician, their whole job is dependent on having the ability to think outside the box and consider different ways to manage systems. Standardized solutions are not an option when their job requires them to be working with various clients in differing industries. They face many different types of facility requirements that are all made up of a collection of critical systems that require a solution.
To put it simply, MSI’s create solutions, they solve complex puzzles that are fueled by the particular system needs of a facility. They carry the knowledge to approach any project while utilizing the right technology with the right tools in order to rearrange, unify, install, and connect crucial systems within a facility.
To learn more about what Delco Security does and why we’re a Master System Integrator, click here or contact us.
