While technology like cameras, alarms, and access control systems are crucial components, they are only as effective as the people who use and manage them and the systems that deploy them. When installing physical security systems, the focus should be on the holistic operation of the system rather than the functioning of individual components. However, in the end, overlooking critical factors can undermine the totality of system performance. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?
One of the most overlooked factors when installing physical security systems is planning for future expansion. Understanding the end user’s long-term goals and building a solid foundation from the outset can save significant effort and cost in the long run for both the end user and the systems integrator. This forward-thinking approach allows for a phased implementation and supports long-term needs. By prioritising future scalability and seamless integration from the start, organisations can avoid costly upgrades and ensure their security infrastructure remains robust and adaptable to evolving threats and requirements. Additionally, it is important to see how existing systems, such as time and attendance, HVAC, intrusion systems, and IoT devices, could be integrated into a unified security platform. This approach can enhance the value of existing technology by automating operations and simplifying the management of disparate solutions.
When security systems fail to meet expectations, it’s often because they were installed without a thorough understanding of customer pain points throughout the system’s lifetime. Tight collaboration between security and IT stakeholders delivers significant value to both security and business operations, but it’s important to clearly define and communicate goals and expectations from the start. Effective lifecycle management is also critical — the relationship between manufacturer, integrator, and customer doesn’t end with installation. Lifecycle management is often neglected due to a lack of resources, but strong cyber-hygiene, effective budgeting, timely firmware upgrades, end-of-life planning, and other lifecycle management protocols can help organisations get the most out of their solutions in both the short and long term. Some may even turn to managed services, which provide additional support for system updates and continuous optimisation. By implementing proper lifecycle management, organisations can maximise their security investment and ensure peak system performance.
One of the most overlooked factors when installing physical security systems is the strategic placement and quantity of cameras. Installing too few cameras often leaves critical areas under-monitored, failing to provide the coverage necessary for comprehensive security. Additionally, improperly positioned cameras with overly broad angles result in insufficient pixel density, which hampers the effectiveness of supporting technologies such as metadata extraction and face/license plate recognition. For instance, advanced video analytics thrive on high-quality footage which allows the technology to extract precise metadata. Correctly positioned cameras ensure video feeds are detailed enough to support these advanced features, giving more accurate data and incident response. Many organisations also overlook the potential of deriving business intelligence from their security assets. By ensuring video security systems are deployed with an optimal number of cameras, and then strategically placing those cameras to capture detailed views, enables organisations to extract the metadata needed to create business intelligence dashboards. Cameras are critical to maximising the cross-departmental value of the system.
Many installed physical security systems need additional follow-up and fine-tuning to ensure they work well in their unique environments. A lack of follow-up can cause less-than-ideal results, generating false alarms or missing essential events completely. Not following best practices can also impact an installation's cybersecurity. Even if manufacturers design their products with cybersecurity in mind, a system can be vulnerable if an integrator doesn’t utilise the tools and resources available to them. For example, i-PRO offers a Cybersecurity LMS course for anyone wanting to learn more. A lack of proactive, ongoing maintenance can also be an issue post-installation. Outdated Windows and VMS software versions, along with obsolete device firmware, can make systems more susceptible to attacks and failures. Systems should be updated and tested often to eliminate security risks. Gone are the days of “set it and forget it” physical security systems. Network-based devices need consistent and regular support.
One of the most overlooked installation pieces is also one of the most obvious: the preparation. The biggest headaches for our installers can often arise when there is a last-minute database to integrate or a technology solution that you didn’t realise was connected to another. And while preparation can mitigate that last-minute addition or pivot, it’s also an incredible value-add when solutions work together seamlessly out of the box and easily integrate with technology partners that your customer already uses like Okta or Microsoft Entra ID. At Verkada, we have invested heavily in building comprehensive and open REST APIs to make it easy for our installers to integrate with any other system – whether it’s part of the planned deployment or added day-of. We take pride in building products that cater not only to our end customers but also to our resellers and installers.
It’s essential to provide a level of futureproofing that enables a true ROI for customers. Many physical security purchases are made in response to a negative event or to solve a single business requirement. Planning with your integrator and running “what if” scenarios will create a faster deployment for event-driven needs at a reduced cost. Businesses must also look at any investment in physical security for the long run. How can the technology be leveraged to increase sales, measure customer traffic, or ensure timely vendor deliveries? Organisations need to reduce shrink of course, but perhaps they also could benefit from validating safety compliance. After identifying these metrics, are the equipment and services proposed a short or long-term investment? Will they grow with the business, or are they disposable? Answering these important questions helps to determine the actual value of the project and the correct price point for the investment.
The most common mistake I see is not fully understanding the customer’s requirements before deployment, with the integration and interoperability of existing systems and infrastructure being the most overlooked requirement. Ensuring that the new system can properly integrate into existing systems (surveillance, fire alarms, building management systems, and HR systems) is key to delivering that ever-elusive single pane-of-glass experience. Overlooking this critical factor can lead to elevated costs, and extended delivery timelines and ultimately result in a sub-par implementation that doesn’t meet customer requirements. Security professionals have a duty to their customers, and the general public, in helping augment operational awareness to help protect what matters most. This duty must not be taken lightly, as poorly implemented solutions can adversely affect the bottom line of corporations and can potentially place lives at risk.
One of the easiest to overlook aspects of a security installation is future needs – people tend to solve the problems of today without fully considering what their business might need in the future. Will you need a system that easily enables integrations with newer, more efficient technology, or a system that is scalable if the needs of the business suddenly grow? What is the lifecycle of the system you are installing and will it last well into the future? The selection of open systems – ones that can accommodate different components from a variety of vendors based on standards – can provide flexibility for these future needs and avoid lock-in to specific vendors that may be unable to meet the requirements for a system in the future.
A robust physical security design must consider various factors, including often-overlooked environmental elements that can pose challenges post-installation. Environmental factors hold significant sway over security designs. For example, a setting sun and shifting shadows might interfere with motion sensors and cameras. Rain, birds, bugs, and wildlife can trigger sensors or harm equipment. Climate, too, plays a pivotal role; high temperatures can impact device performance. These obstacles could render a security system ineffective through false activations. However, with meticulous planning, these issues are manageable. For example, you can place sensors and cameras in locations where they are less likely to be affected or use enclosures to protect wiring and sensitive components from moisture, dust, and animal interference. Proper planning and regular maintenance can help mitigate environmental challenges, ensuring that your security systems perform reliably in any condition. Paying attention to these factors can make a significant difference in the effectiveness and longevity of your physical security setup.
The most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems is ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. It optimises system effectiveness by harmonising components like cameras and access controls, minimising operational disruptions, and avoiding unnecessary costs. Centralised management becomes easier, enhancing overall efficiency in monitoring and responding to security incidents. Compatibility ensures future scalability and upgrades without overhauling current systems. Ultimately, this approach strengthens the organisation’s security position, adapting it to evolving needs while maximising the utility of existing investments.
Do not overlook futureproofing the system for common maintenance tasks. Not all manufacturers support the possibility of keeping a system cybersecure at scale or providing the health monitoring information needed to be sure that you will have the evidence you hope to have after an incident. It is important to consider your organisation’s cybersecurity goals and growth trajectory and select manufacturers who can support your unique needs.
The most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems is maintenance. Where installation is considered critical, regular maintenance and updates are equally important but can often be neglected after the initial system has been fitted. Over time, this can impact performance and lead to vulnerabilities or malfunctions, which leaves the building at risk. Regular maintenance, software updates, and system checks are crucial in ensuring that physical security systems are functioning effectively and providing the intended level of security in your building. On that basis, decisionmakers must be proactive in managing their systems and recognise that maintenance and updates don’t always need to be overcomplicated or costly. Ultimately, the longer your physical security system is outdated or neglected, the more you run the risk of a security threat.