The Benefits of a Unified Critical Communication platform
In today’s risk environment, a robust security and communication system is critical for any business to operate. Security technology is needed, due to the number of sophisticated risks that security teams face each day. Every area of a facility, inside and out, including doors, rooms and open spaces, and the fence-line at a perimeter, is necessary to successfully operate a business and keep employees, visitors, and vendors safe and secure.
Technology to mitigate risks has adapted through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Even more, technologies such as metal detectors, facial recognition, panic buttons, and software that can be used to analyze key words in social media feeds are becoming more commonplace.
Critical communication solutions such as intercoms and IP speakers help to ensure the overall security of a building. When integrated with other security solutions such as video surveillance, access control systems, and perimeter detection systems, audio can enhance an enterprise’s overall security posture. The ability to see a situation is one thing; seeing and hearing it is better.
Bringing it Together
Today’s intercoms, public address, IP speakers, help points, radios, phone systems, background music systems, and more are used in facilities for safety and security, but also for broader communications needs for operational and entertainment.
However beneficial they may be to an enterprise, if those multiple systems are disparate, that can lead to many challenges, such as a high total cost of ownership, with multiple vendors and inventory, overlapping technologies, and multiple systems to onboard staff. It can also mean slow response times due to siloed operations between security and life safety, in addition to the complexity with upgrading and maintaining multiple systems. It’s also difficult to keep every system up to date with security needs, in addition to navigating multiple system failures that can be caused by a multiple architecture.
What if there was a way to connect all your disparate audio systems – safety and security, operational, and background music communications together? If you could connect your audio solutions – your intercoms, voice alarms, public address, IP speakers, and more – with your VMS, access control, and PSIM, think of the benefits that would provide.
It could mean:
- Reduced total cost of ownership
- Better situational awareness
- Increased efficiencies and reduced response time
- A faster upgrade path
- Increased cybersecurity
- Better system availability
- Easier onboarding and training
Unification of critical communication technologies represents a paradigm shift in the way people and businesses communicate, making a transition from traditional, siloed communication to more collaborative communication approach. A unified critical communication platform brings together a multitude of communication technologies and tools into a single platform and eliminates the reliance on a single technology. It combines the strengths of a many technologies and ultimately allows the user to seamlessly move from one communication technology to another.
It's no longer necessary to work with multiple disparate systems that can hinder business efficiency and growth, and possibly impact the safety and security of your facilities. A unified critical communications platform is the pathway to your secure, safe, resilient, and efficient enterprise.
Author
Sri Sutharsan is Head of Marketing and Segment Solutions for Zenitel Safety & Security BU, a manufacturer of critical communication systems. With nearly 20 years of experience in R&D, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing, Sri has worked with global brands and businesses, assisting in setting vision and strategy for technology investments.