Ric Martin, CEO of newly formed Pinnacle Systems explores the current trends and offers insight on how to move forward in the security industry, to deliver on the need for real-time, scalable and adaptable solutions.

Security leaders are at a crossroads to embracing emerging technologies, working with customers from site, building and facility management to understand how to tailor systems and utilise their benefits for the total security of their organisation.

Even for those of us who have been in the security industry for decades, the pace of change and embracement of technology over the past 12 months has been extraordinary. The key technological trends that we see affecting security in 2024, leading to the potential for generative AI in the security sector, reflect this rapidly evolving environment.

Rather than merely responding to incidents, businesses and sectors are finding ways to embrace a proactive stance, leveraging AI and opportunities to identify potential threats before they escalate.

We’re left in no doubt that such innovations coming through are bringing both huge opportunities and more complex challenges than we’ve ever faced before. And they show no signs of slowing down.

For the installer and end-user, keeping pace with the changes can feel overwhelming and their implications demand focus, energy and diligence in an already busy and dynamic working environment.

As the technology and threat landscapes evolve, security and surveillance solutions are expected to do more than just “monitor and protect.” They are now increasingly viewed as complete business solutions that impact day-to-day activity, capable of delivering data-driven business insights and driving operational efficiencies across an entire organisation.

Number One Trend: Artificial Intelligence

One of the biggest trends in 2024 is the increased emphasis on intelligent security systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies are poised to revolutionise commercial security by enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated response mechanisms.

Security-focused applications will likely include assistants for operators, helping them more accurately and efficiently interpret what is happening in a scene. And this can be monitored in real-time, and enable interactive customer support and analysis, providing more suitable and actionable responses at any time, from anywhere.

Driving efficiency through emerging technology

Hybrid solution architectures – those employing the advantages of on-premise, cloud, and edge technologies – are now established as the new standard in many security solutions.

Functionalities are arranged where it is most efficient, utilising the best of each instance in a system, adding an increased level of flexibility. Ultimately, system architectures should be in service to the customer’s needs, not the vendor’s preferred structure.

To a great extent, it’s a question of accessibility. The more of a solution that exists in environments easily accessible, the more ability we have to manage elements of the system, taking a greater responsibility and reducing the burden on customers.

Hybrid architectures also support the forthcoming use cases for AI support and automation in solution management and operation; increased system accessibility being valuable to both human support and AI, taking advantage of each different instance’s strengths.

Partnerships are key

Security has often been a solus solution, working with one primary focus. Today, it is fast emerging as an integrated system, with the use of access control, visual verification systems, data and analytics alongside fire safety and building management.

To be successful, it’s where as an industry we must come together to embrace emerging technologies and see how best to implement them from risk assessment and initial design of a security solution to installation, maintenance and monitoring.

It’s understanding that sectors will have different requirements. Retail, itself facing a crime epidemic will need to capture activity and move fast to respond to incidents. Education as just one example needs careful planning of visual verification, especially with increasing incidents of vaping to discourage any antisocial behaviour.

Integrated systems in commercial environments ensure existing technologies can assimilate under the umbrella of one streamlined solution, and allow our customers to realise the necessary response, time and personnel necessary to resolve the situation.

Opportunities with Open Integration

Pinnacle Systems, is itself an emerging technology embracing an open integration platform and is working with partners such as Wall2Wall, to support the creation of tailored solutions to enable integration and connect data and visual verification images for improved analysis and real-time security.

Pinnacle Systems means users can leverage their current investments while staying at the forefront of technological advancements, embracing cloud and remote portals for monitoring and control. In a time of budget, time and resource restrictions, it will be welcome as it allows organisations to optimise their existing infrastructure while integrating emerging technologies.

In summary, security technology is a constantly evolving and changing area and one which requires constant diligence, development, and transparency throughout the security chain.

For users of security technology, it’s a question of trust. Can they be sure that every link in their supply chain is operating in a way that supports their regulatory compliance? Taking the ‘total system’ perspective, the impact of every aspect of a security system will be considered throughout the process, with the new need to monitor activity in real time.

Pinnacle Systems is creating bespoke integrated solutions that embrace the new emerging technologies and allow security installers to deliver on the promise, understanding that the impact of every component within a security system extends beyond its function. Instead, it contributes to the overall effectiveness and compliance of the entire security infrastructure.

This holistic approach involves open communications, meticulous planning, thoughtful integration, and ongoing monitoring throughout the process to guarantee the end-result system operates seamlessly, meeting both security and regulatory standards.

In essence, Pinnacle Systems and its partners go beyond delivering mere security solutions; to deliver peace of mind. For security installers and end-users alike, the trust instilled in every facet of the security system, from design to implementation and ongoing monitoring, sets Pinnacle Systems apart as a reliable partner, embracing technology in the pursuit of a secure and compliant future.

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