Surveillance cameras have long been a staple of a traditional security system, originally operating with the sole purpose of recording footage for forensic use in investigations. But the word “security” has evolved tremendously over time, and growing threats to the safety of people and property have created the demand for more.
Today’s modern, growing enterprises want more from their video monitoring systems as they look to optimize both security and business operations. One trend we’re seeing in response to evolving business needs is the integration of access control for a comprehensive, powerful technology solution. This collaboration enables users to correlate video surveillance data with access control events, creating the ability to associate cameras with doors, view the live status of doors, authorize access to grant or restrict permissions, and more.
The emergence of the cloud then takes this integration to another level, providing the opportunity for Access Control as a Service (ACaaS). ACaaS adopts the Software as a Service (SaaS) model to move the management and maintenance of an access control system to the cloud, delivering four key benefits to end users:
- Remote monitoring. The potential severity of the risks facing today’s organizations requires a response to be ready at all times. With ACaaS, users can manage their entire security solution — at one site or across multiple — at any time from any location through a single, intuitive interface, providing the peace of mind that an incident can be addressed immediately.
- Proactivity. Users can create rules and alarms specific to their operation, triggering notifications for critical events, such as when a door has been forced open or an unauthorized individual has entered the premises. This facilitates a predictive approach to security, allowing officials to mitigate a threat before it creates irreparable damage.
- Reduced hardware usage. Many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) lack the monetary resources, manpower and/or robust IT departments to implement and maintain an effective and cyber secure access control solution on-site. ACaaS simplifies this process, delivering enhanced flexibility by taking the burden off of the organization and providing the use of an integrator for all service and support needs.
- Enhanced cybersecurity through automatic updates. ACaaS takes the hassle out of manually checking for and installing the latest software. Patches and firmware updates are automatically pushed through to the system, saving on time, costs, and the effects of a potential cyber breach.
It’s a no-brainer: the advantages of ACaaS are abundant, and with the global market forecast to reach $2.8 billion by 2024, we will continue to see the implementation of this solution grow and expand. Learn more about how incorporating ACaaS into your security strategy can enable your organization to build an intelligent infrastructure that drives efficiency and informed decision-making.
