Submitted by Larry Bellehumeur on 

Hello and thanks for reading.  This post came from a request from one of our loyal readers, who has asked to remain nameless!  

When many people think of “security”, they often visualize the 80 yr old security guard sitting at a desk.  Nothing could be further from the truth, as the security industry is among the most technologically advanced of any industries.  M2M has played a big part in this technological revolution, as it has allowed for better retrieval of information, as well as the ability to take quick action.  It has also brought down costs, sped up deployments and increased the places where many security services can be used.

Here are just a few examples:

Over the past few years, the lower cost and wide spread deployment of cellular networks has caused companies to “cut the wire”, meaning that they are no longer using legacy landline networks (POTS, DVAC, etc) for the deployment of key systems like Alarm panels.  This allows for much quicker deployments (systems are deployed in minutes, not weeks waiting for a landline), are deployed for much less cost and are operated at a fraction of the monthly cost of a landline (often 70-90% less for lower frequency use sites).

The combination of cellular and GPS networks has offered a different meaning to the phrase “where are you now”?  Being able to track something in a live manner (whether it be a prisoner through a bracelet on their person or a proverbial “bag of diamonds” through small, discreet tracking devices) has allowed for much more flexibility in the art of security.  This same technology is used in hidden (or low-profile) tracking devices used in high-value items such as vehicles for things like bait cars.

“I can see you now” used to be a phrase only seen when there was a landline around.   The proliferation (and relative low-cost) of high-speed cellular data networks has allowed for it to be a viable method of transporting live feed for video systems.  This allows for much more flexibility in placement, much faster deployments and the ability to deploy covert units, such as in the case of false window-mounted AC units for monitoring criminals.

Finally, being alone in a dark building can be a very scary experience.  In order to increase the safety of remote security staff, security companies are providing remote personal units to alert in the case of an emergency.  These devices allow for users to press a button to alert of an urgent situation, and in the event that the person is unable to speak, many allow for alerts in the case of “non-motion” of the staff after a pre-set period.  In addition, many of these staffs have technology such as bar-code readers to remotely keep track of the activities of a remote guard and provide reports to the client.  This provides a strong method of customer services, as well as to reduce legal liabilities by proving that key work has been done.

As always, thanks for reading, and let us know how we can help!