Integrating Security into Facilities Management: The Key to Efficiency and Safety

Managing security in the 21^st century is about designing proactive measures rather than being reactive, including implementing measures that pre-empt security threats and can be integrated into daily operations without any disruptive impact. Seamlessly integrating security solutions with facilities management is therefore a task which a company needs to consider as a strategic necessity, and which prioritises both security and facilities management as integral to the efficient functioning of the business.

Whichever sector you operate in, as a core function, it is natural that facilities management should be integrated with security to create a streamlined approach. After all, they both prioritise the safety and protection of people and building assets. How is this streamlined approach achieved?

How to integrate security into facilities management

Facilities management has traditionally dealt with site and property maintenance services before naturally conjoining with security as technologies have advanced. Physical security systems such as mobile security patrols, access control and CCTV are a good example of this. These are proactive solutions which can produce information, footage and data that is also useful in managing buildings in terms of health and safety, energy efficiency and workforce patterns.

Integrating security with facilities management is very much about building smart systems which produce data and information intelligently, using a common approach to serve multiple purposes.

• Unified platforms – Round-the-clock real-time monitoring can be achieved for both security and facilities management by using a single dashboard or platform. This enables rapid response as and when incidents occur, and both datasets are built around a pre-emptive risk assessment programme.
• Access control systems – Biometric systems tightly control and authorise people entering a building. This restricts entry to improve security management, including how the building functions, and how it is utilised.
• CCTV systems – Although this is primarily a security solution, advanced CCTV systems now provide functions for monitoring traffic movement, carrying out head counts and monitoring heat maps. This all empowers the facilities manager with the knowledge and information to understand how a building is being used, to inform decisions on how it can be used better.
• Proactive maintenance – Security breaches can highlight flaws in the physical infrastructure of a site and its buildings. Data and footage gleaned from security systems can identify areas where proactive and preventive property maintenance services are required, including perimeter fences, internal access control and alarm zoning.

The benefits of integrating security with facilities management

• Operational efficiency – Having multiple systems producing different types of data can lead to operational inefficiencies. They become labour intensive and can be counterproductive, producing data in different formats which aren’t compatible, making them harder to work with. Integrating systems such as access control, fire alarms, intruder alarms and CCTV into one centralised platform with a common interface enables streamlined security and facilities management with better quality data. Integrating a ‘future proof’ system makes it easier to add new technologies as and when they are developed.
• Proactive risk management – Utilising systems which provide better visibility and promote collaboration makes it easier to identify potential risks and areas where preventive maintenance is required on a site.
• Compliance management – Another benefit of using common systems with a unified approach is assistance with health and safety regulations compliance, as well as providing evidence for insurance and public liability purposes.
• Emergency procedures – Integrated systems enable better communications, making a coordinated approach possible in emergency situations and drills. Linking alarms, access control and physical security services, including mobile security patrols, supports a faster and more effective emergency response.
• Managing energy efficiency – Integrating security systems with facilities management can result in energy reduction through managing lighting, heating and air conditioning. Occupancy sensors, alarm sensors and access control systems can all play a role in managing utilities and ensuring energy isn’t wasted. Ultimately, this will help with reducing energy bills and meeting environmental compliance targets.
• Data monitoring – Data produced from one centralised system makes it much easier to utilise the information to make it meaningful and useful. This enables key decision-makers to be informed and proactive once armed with real-time data.

The future of security and facilities management  

It is clear that commercial businesses are moving towards smart technology and integrated solutions as a means of driving efficiencies and ultimately improving safety. Sensors and artificial intelligence are providing practical tools to help both security and facilities management, with integrated solutions becoming more effective in using predictive models to highlight potential operational issues.

When a commercial business embraces an integrated approach, it empowers the security and facilities management functions to become more central to the strategic direction of the business. This means managing safety becomes aligned with the everyday operations and overall vision of the business, and that security and facilities management play an important role in business continuity.

At First Response Group we can work with you to integrate various functions of your business with new technologies and intelligent solutions. If you would like to find out how we can make your security and facilities management operations more compliant, practical and efficient, contact our team today.