One of the hardest aspects of managing building security is ensuring access to your property is simple, secure, and convenient. But how can you manage all these systems without being overwhelmed? You might need a security system integration.

In this post, we dive deep into security integrations and their benefits. Then, we help you pick the type of security integrator you should hire, which depends on your property’s specific needs.

This post covers:

• What is security system integration?
• How security system integration works
• 3 benefits of security system integration
• Common types of security system integrations
• Who can help you integrate security systems on your property?
• What is the best solution for security system integration?

 

What is security system integration?

Security system integration is the process of connecting all of your security systems together so that you can manage them all from one central hub. So for example, you can integrate various systems including security cameras, access control devices like keypads or intercoms, and emergency systems like fire suppression.

Security system integration also connects other security technology devices — such as smart thermostats and sensors — to the hub, allowing staff to manage every building process from one place.

Many buildings make the mistake of adding security systems one by one over time. The problem with this approach is that these systems can’t “talk” to each other. And when your security systems all operate with different software over different networks, managing security at your building becomes complicated and overwhelming.

As a result, your property’s physical security suffers — and maintaining security becomes a headache.

But don’t worry: Security system integration can solve this.

 

How security system integration works

Security system integration works by using the Internet of Things (IoT), which empowers security systems to exchange data and talk to each other. Instead of juggling separate databases and management platforms, you’ll only need to use one after an integration.

What’s more, security system integrators can unlock the potential of the IoT on your property, ensuring that building management can seamlessly control every system.

Integrators can help you simplify management for these systems:

• Smart locks
• Intercoms
• Keypads
• HVAC
• Elevator controls
• Lighting
• Appliances
• Alarms
• Security cameras

These integrated security examples can benefit properties of all ages, sizes, and development stages.

For instance, in an existing property, security system integration will help connect and simplify systems you’ve acquired over time. On the other hand, a property in its early development stages can integrate its security systems from the beginning, ensuring maximum efficiency from day one.

 

3 benefits of security system integration

Still wondering if security system integration is right for you? In this section, we go over the benefits of integrating your security systems.

Here are three reasons you should consider security system integration:

1. Simplify property staff’s workload
2. Increase building security
3. Give your tenants access to more security features

 

1. Simplify property staff’s workload

The top security systems don’t just have resident safety in mind. They also use technology to simplify the entire building management experience while upholding essential privacy laws.

Security system integrations make it easier and less time-consuming for your staff members to make updates across multiple systems. Easing this burden on your staff gives them more time to deliver personalized services to your tenants.

And when the workload is simpler for staff, tenants also benefit — in more than one way. With integration security, your staff will spend less time on administrative duties, which means tenants won’t have to wait long to be attended to and get their requests fulfilled. Overall, integration improves the tenant experience on multiple fronts.

 

Learn why WSS Integrated Technologies chooses ButterflyMX for its clients:

 

2. Increase building security

By making it easier for your staff to update every security system at once, you prevent any clerical errors, such as a staff member accidentally forgetting to deactivate a former tenant’s security credential.

You’ll also make it easier for staff to resolve any alerts that go off. And these aren’t just alarms that deal with break-ins — some security integrators are fans of smart pipes that automatically notify staff in the event of a pipe blockage or failure!.

By augmenting your property’s security and damage prevention capabilities with smart technology, you fill in blind spots. And in doing so, you’ll enhance building security for both tenants and staff.

 

3. Give your residents access to more security features

Integration security solutions unlock new possibilities for tenants. Remember that security integration also encompasses other systems, like temperature controls and lighting.

With the right integrations, individual units on your property can automatically regulate their own temperatures or turn their own lights on and off by detecting when a resident comes or leaves.

Furthermore, in a building with an integrated security system, access control and security systems can work together.

You might have a connected gate opener, front door lock, and elevator controls. When all these systems are connected, a tenant only needs to press one button to activate all devices. With the click of a button, the gate unlocks and signals the front door and the elevator to open.

The end result: Your tenant only needs one credential to navigate the building.

 

Common types of security system integrations

You can use security system integrations to upgrade:

• Smart locks
• Alarms
• Lighting systems

 

Smart locks

A smart lock that’s integrated with the rest of the access hardware on your property is much easier to manage.

In the worst case, separate smart locks on your properties require separate software platforms that staff have to spend time individually updating if a resident moves in or out. But if you hook each smart lock up to one central system, staff can make sweeping changes with only a few keystrokes.

Plus, you reduce the security risks of a resident’s credentials accidentally being left on one smart lock.

 

Alarms

Integrate alarms into your access control system for safety and convenience benefits.

For example, you can integrate a fire alarm system with your access control system to ensure that crucial doorways open in an emergency.

You can also set intruder sensors and alerts to turn off as soon as a resident enters a valid credential so the resident doesn’t have to spend time manually disengaging every alarm.

 

Lighting systems

By integrating your building’s lights into your access security system, you can ensure your residents’ safety — and save some money, too.

An automatic timer system can ensure that you don’t waste any money lighting your property after hours. Or, better yet, integrations with light-detecting sensors can give your lights the power to automatically dim if there’s enough natural sunlight in a room.

After all, there’s no need to spend money lighting a room that already receives plenty of light.

 

Who can help you integrate security systems on your property?

Now that you know the benefits of integrated security solutions, you might be wondering how you can integrate your property’s systems.

You should consider hiring one of two people:

• Security integrator
• Physical security consultant

 

What is a security systems integrator?

A security integrator is somebody who will work to link all of your existing hardware together. Security integrators also guide you to consolidate, organize, and maximize the utility of existing security hardware.

Unlike a physical security consultant, the primary job of an integrator isn’t to install entirely new security systems at your property. So, consider hiring an integrator only if you’re focused on saving money while still getting the benefits of integration.

 

What is a physical security consultant?

A physical security consultant is a specialist who advises you on upgrading, integrating, and installing new security systems. They’ll also connect you to vendors and installers as needed.

However, these consultants won’t necessarily work to integrate your existing systems. They’ll instead advise you on choosing an effective security system — but you might have to install entirely new security systems that an integrator wouldn’t insist on.

Simply put, hire a physical security consultant if you’re ready for a top-down redesign, even if it’s an expensive option. You might also consider a physical security consultant in the earlier stages of property development. That way, they can help you make an informed decision on your security system needs before you spend money on non-integrated systems.

 

What is the best solution for security system integration?

Whether you’re talking about integrating with existing systems or being able to manage a whole access ecosystem with the same platform, the ButterflyMX Access Control System stands out as the best way for you to take advantage of security system integrations.

Our Video Intercoms and Security Cameras enable simplified access, increased convenience, and greater visibility into your property. Also, ButterflyMX also enables property managers and owners to remotely monitor people who are coming and going on their property.

ButterflyMX offers a robust catalog of products and software including:

• Video Intercom. The ButterflyMX Video Intercom has cloud-based software that stores information and conducts system updates automatically. You can even grant access codes to delivery personnel and allow visitors to two-call tenants to request access. Furthermore, you can store time- and date-stamped photosof all entry events.
• Front Desk Station. The ButterflyMX Front Desk Station is a type of software you can install on any computer that allows you to manage visitor access and communications remotely. You can use it to live stream video, speak with visitors remotely, and grant access to gates and doors from anywhere.
• Vehicle Access. Gated vehicle entry is streamlined with the ButterflyMX Vehicle Access Control System. Each user places a Windshield Tag on their vehicle. Then, they’re granted entry when the ButterflyMX Vehicle Reader scans their tag, providing hands-free access.
• Security Cameras. Choose between our Dome and Bullet Cameras to maximize security on your property. Plus, view real-time footage and look back on a record of events with our powerful ButterflyMX OS.

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