Why Does My Enterprise Need A Security Automation Tool?

By using security automation tools, your enterprise can take the burden of managing and monitoring building safety off personnel (and out of the budget). These tools link up with your integrated security system to provide proactive status updates, as well as other vital information including ticket management and digital blueprints of your security layout. When deciding on a security automation tool, enterprises are best served seeking out features that minimize the need for human oversight.  

The Benefits of Security Automation Tools

Security automation tools are often overlooked, as many enterprise leaders don’t want to invest additional costs in already expensive systems. However, these tools can actually be more cost effective over time by improving your device function, expanding your system’s useful life, and reducing your need for security personnel. In addition, benefits of these tools include:

• Proactive device maintenance. The IoT has given rise to many useful security devices, but that’s also expanded network needs of enterprises. With thousands of devices attached to a network, it can be difficult to pinpoint problems as they arise. Security tools can automate these notifications to allow for immediate alerts if a device goes offline.
• Compliance control. Automated security tools alert stakeholders to abnormal activity in a network which may be related to non-compliance with security protocols. Such tools report any attempted breach of a system to trigger further investigations. An ex-employee trying to use an expired pass or someone attempting to enter the premises  after hours would trigger an immediate alert even if their attempt was unsuccessful.
• Streamlined investigations. The ability to tag video data with information saves thousands of hours in investigating incidents by allowing personnel to quickly locate footage based on date, time, and affected areas and parties. These video overlay programs work with surveillance systems and personnel databases to categorize and bookmark footage.
• Reduced service costs. Some security automation tools allow an enterprise to request service directly through the device management software. This way, the field technician gains pertinent details as to the specifics of the problem. The additional information helps them resolve tickets on the first visit, which eliminates repeat service charges and system downtime.

Effective automation tools turn employee security tasks into machine processes, which eliminates human error. You no longer need to worry about employees failing to catalog surveillance data or check the status of security devices. It also improves response time and overall enterprise safety, all while saving your enterprise money in the long run.

Critical Features in Security Automation Tools

When searching for the right automated security tool for you, keep in mind that security automation operates on integration. Surveillance must connect to critical communications, which should work with access control and intrusion systems. The data from all these systems must flow into one central software which offers:

• A user-friendly interface. You shouldn’t have to be an engineer in order to use or understand your security automation tool. The interface of the program should be intuitive and have a low learning curve, in case the primary point of contact isn’t available.
• Ticket management. The program should allow you to submit a service ticket right from their dashboard, to speed service and provide necessary details to the technician. You  should also be able to check the status of service requests based on up-to-the-minute information.
• Reports and exportable data. The ability to gather data on devices, warranties, sites, buildings, and other variables is one of the significant benefits of automation tools. This data should be exportable so that it can be compiled into proposals for upgrades and used in budget planning.
• Digital blueprints. You should be able to use the software not just as an inventory, but as a digital map to the security infrastructure. Blueprints help to pinpoint areas of concern and locate malfunctioning devices.
• Automated reporting. It’s impossible to check every security device every day, which is why electronic reporting is a critical component of any security automation tool. Through it, you and other key stakeholders are alerted to malfunctioning devices through email. Alerts prevent issues from being overlooked by reminding you action is needed.

Security automation tools help extend the useful life of a system through proactive management. The right tool will provide a dynamic view of an enterprise security infrastructure based on real-time data. It should also be scalable and designed to work with the ever-changing needs of your enterprise.