What are the major pain points when installing a security system?

Some common issues that integrators face when installing physical security systems are the ease, or lack of ease when installing and configuring a system. The longer it takes to install a solution, and the more people it takes, the more costly the installation becomes. In a competitive situation, the margins may be low, so a smooth installation can be the difference between making a reasonable profit and not. For video security, this means cameras need to be easily configured in bulk, perhaps while they’re still in the box. Deploying lighter and smaller cameras with easy methods to support them means only a single person is required on a ladder versus two. Having a flexible, open platform that deeply integrates with other partners is another component that can make installation quick and efficient. Finally, support needs to be available pre and post-sale to ensure installers have every resource they need.

When it comes to the installation of access control systems, one of the less considered but most challenging aspects is forming optimal routes for conduit and wiring. Modern building environments possess complex network infrastructures, and for physical security systems to operate efficiently, they must connect to various touchpoints around the building, such as the data network, security controls, and telecommunications equipment serving the environment. With this in mind, a plethora of problems can arise before installation even begins. Specification is key and should there be an absence of communication and coordination between clients, designers, OEMs, and MEP teams throughout the design and planning stages, a project can later unravel post-installation. The clear dialogue will not only help to ensure the correct product is specified for the end user’s needs but will also remove the possibility of oversight in key areas, such as the installation of incorrect cabling for electronic hardware which can prove a costly mistake.

Installing a physical security system is easier than ever due to technological advancements. That said, installing a physical security system can come with a few key challenges for integrators. Surveillance cameras are often placed in environments that are very demanding. Failure to select the right device for the job or adequately protect a device from environmental factors can cause premature failure or void the product warranty altogether. This also plays into the challenge of device placement, as many factors must be considered when deciding where exactly to install which devices, including proper maintenance. Additionally, cabling infrastructure can create issues, as poorly or incorrectly installed network cabling can cause problems across the network. Even a small kink in a cable can cause a camera to respond intermittently, and a poorly crimped connector may prevent Power over Ethernet (PoE) from functioning properly. In any case, surveillance objectives should drive installation decisions.

Installing physical security systems requires careful planning, certification, licensing, and subject matter expertise to ensure a fully secure perimeter. While DIY systems have made it seem easy to install a few door contacts and a camera, there are some key items that can make commercial systems tricky. Outside of the typical blocking and tackling like technician availability and equipment challenges, one of the major pain points is around network configuration. Systems being installed need access to a potentially segmented IP network. With an ever-increasing population of bad actors, many IT organisations have locked down networks to only allow trusted applications. Hence when deploying an IP-based security system, IT and network engineering need to collaboratively develop network policies and firewall rules, allowing network traffic to and from the newly installed components. Having a partner that understands and can provide secure network solutions allows a smoother on-ramp to ensure solutions are fully functional as well as cyber-resilient.

Technicians struggle to install many different devices, platforms, and services. They use up precious job hours, which may not have been budgeted, reading manuals or blueprints for systems they never or seldom install. That’s why it’s important to standardise your offerings whenever possible. Standardization is easier to achieve with cloud computing, which provides greater flexibility in delivering a range of applications. The right cloud solution that can do it all – intrusion, video, access control, environmental and energy management – with an easy-to-use interface for the customer is essential. Standardisation makes pricing easier and more accurate, as it eliminates most uncertainties in equipment required and costs for any special technician training. It also helps all your employees; they know what you currently offer and how it works. Careful due diligence is required in selecting the best products to meet your business goals but should always provide expandability as your customers’ needs change.

As the level and complexity of threats continue to increase and economic headwinds persist, security teams are faced with protecting and monitoring complicated infrastructure with fewer resources. One of the main pain points when establishing a physical security system is ensuring that information and data can be collected and connected in a single system to proactively minimise threats. When systems are woven together and information is shared, security teams can review and analyse threats to their organisation more holistically. Organisations should consider investing in a platform that integrates with other software and hardware providers such as visitor management systems, cameras, CRM databases, access control systems, and HR software to surface critical intelligence more quickly and easily, allowing for a more coordinated, proactive response. This will help alleviate the pain points associated with implementing a security system.

Ask any system integrator if their security installations go flawlessly, and they will give you a funny glare if not a little chuckle. In my experience working with hundreds of integrators over the years, they would be quick to agree that installation is one of the linchpins of both customer satisfaction and project profitability. The major pain points that we’ve observed are a lack of information and communication from sales to operations and ultimately the installer. This results in the need for go-backs and truck rolls for additional equipment or the inability to install at scheduled times due to a lack of information about access to the site. Moreover, an incorrect installation (e.g., a door in the wrong place or a camera installed incorrectly) can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the customer. The opportunity here is to go back to the very first point in the process: The site survey. Is there a way to capture information, requirements, photos, and details that travel through the design and sales process to ultimately the installation team so that the implementation is aligned with the solution promised? There is also a great opportunity to create a closed-loop process to capture pictures and a digital as-built at the point of installation.

One of the big pain points we are noticing right now is the lack of skilled labor resources available to install physical security systems. Techs and installers are hard to come by these days as the labor pool continues to shrink post-pandemic. We are seeing a lot of internal and external competition to secure talented skilled individuals within the security industry, often leading to higher costs for end users too. This also speaks to a larger skills shortage that makes it harder to ensure the cybersecurity of the physical security systems being installed. This is not only a threat to the businesses that deploy such systems, but to national security as well. The good news is we are also seeing many companies from across the industry invest in future talent by offering training programs and scholarships that will hopefully encourage young people to pursue a career in integration.

Customers often tell me that installing their legacy physical security systems was complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. At Verkada, we spend a lot of time thinking about how to make a best-in-class experience for the installer. We build our products so they work out of the box, limiting the amount of onsite configuration and setup required. By designing our systems to get online and running in minutes, we can help our partners get the most out of their time on-site. Getting product support is another major challenge, and especially important during the installation process. We’re really proud of our 24x7 support team. Staffed with technically deep network engineers in the US, UK, and Australia, the team provides product training and solves partner or customer issues within seconds via chat, email, or phone. Finally, we consistently hear that integrating various systems is a major challenge. Even if current applications support integration via APIs, implementing and supporting those interfaces is expensive and a headache. At Verkada, we’ve developed native integrations between cameras, access control, alarms, intercoms, air quality sensors, and workplace applications like Guest and Mailroom, allowing different products to talk to each other with a few clicks. This unlocks powerful new experiences and increases the value of a physical security platform.