Tangible Returns on Investment in Physical Security Systems
Food, shelter and clothing have always been basic for life. However, hidden within that bundle of necessities is security. It is usually given little regard, and the least consideration, if at all. One of the main reasons has been that it presents an Opportunity Cost dilemma, and thought of as an investment without any tangible returns. This article demonstrates that through a solution-oriented mindset, Physical Security systems can contribute meaningfully in a way that resolves the dilemma, by generating real tangible returns.
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Advances in technology have given way to numerous possibilities, not the least of these is the synergy between the physical security and information technology industries. The convergence of both industries was inevitable. The revolution and eventual proliferation of innovations that ensued, resulted in increased affordability, adaptability, and feasibility. There is a hunger for more integration between the technologies, to develop value added solutions that will induce savings, efficiency, control, accountability and better management.
It is a common view that security systems are an expense, without a tangible return on investment. However, that is a lazy, unimaginative, narrow and shallow view. The fact is, security systems can be leveraged to implement management tools that indirectly / directly contribute to a company's bottom-line, or an individual's pocket. (MESECT, 2020)
With a little creativity, and a solution-oriented mindset, a security system can pay for itself, by extending it to perform additional functions, at a fraction of the cost it would be otherwise. The reverse is also true. If a solution controls costs and yields savings, and is designed on the foundation of a security system, it becomes the means by which the security system is afforded, resulting in a two-for-one bargain!
Many persons are aware of physical security systems such as intrusion detection and burglar alarm systems, and video surveillance systems. They may also be aware of home and office automation, and smart homes. However, not many people are aware that if they have physical security installed, it is possible to leverage it, to implement automated solutions that yield real returns, via savings such as reduced recurring expenses.
Consider a burglar alarm system. Its main function is to monitor for forced entries, and break-in attempts. Very often these systems report to a remote central station, which may also provide an onsite response to critical reports that are received. Now, imagine you installed an air conditioning system for each of your bedrooms, and have received the first electricity bill since they were installed.
( Gadgets Now Bureau, 2023)
However, the bill is a substantial sum, enough to install another set of air conditioning systems! Installing the air conditioning systems in the first place, was expensive; but, at least it was a one-time cost. The electricity bill is a recurring monthly expense! Apart from disconnecting the main power to the air conditioning systems...permanently; is there anyway to keep this bill in check, so that some money is leftover to buy groceries?
( Network Techlab, 2019)
Thankfully, there is. Using the already existing burglar alarm system, it is possible to piggyback on its functions to implement another solution that can shutdown an air conditioning system, when the area where it operates is not occupied, or one of the area’s windows or doors is open. This is one of many ways in which a physical security system can pay for itself. (MESECT, 2023)
Physical Access Control systems, in particular those that are in the mid-level, high-end and enterprise classes, are a type of Information Management system, which are also capable of implementing other such solutions that provide savings, and other forms of potential earnings. Likewise, video surveillance systems can also be leveraged to implement creative solutions that pay back; and, more so modern video surveillance systems that incorporate sophisticated analytic algorithms.
Reference(s)
Gadgets Now Bureau. (2023, April 20). Doing These 6 Things Can Help You Reduce Your Electricity Bill. THE TIMES OF INDIA.
MESECT. (2023, June 21). Manage Your AC Energy Consumption, by Controlling the Kilowatt-Hour Power.
https://mesect.blogspot.com/2023/06/manage-your-ac-energy-consumption-by.html
MESECT. (2020, April 16). Exploring the True Value and Potential Returns on Investing in Your Security System.
https://mesect.blogspot.com/2020/04/whats-going-on-out-there.html
Network Techlab. (2019, December 27). Reduce Cost on Electricity Bills & Safeguard the Environment!.
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