How Smart Buildings are Modernising the Security Industry

The evolution of smart buildings could be encouraging various changes in the security industry so that it can modernise and therefore keep up with progressions. Below, we dive into details of what the security industry is doing to progress.

What is a smart building?

A smart building has the capability to integrate it’s processes seamlessly and run altogether. This includes BIM (Building Information Modelling), security, lighting, and heating as well as the Internet of Things and other processes. Not only do smart buildings benefit it’s users in terms of convenience, but they’re also much more sustainable and energy efficient.

As part of a smart building, security is required to work seamlessly with a building’s processes. Due to this, the security industry is focused on modernising the transition of physical layers to physical layers that also work with the technology within a building. What’s more, there are other factors that the security industry is taking on board to modernise with smart buildings.

Key factors of security modernising in smart buildings

Notably, there are key factors in which the security industry is modernising that will help them to keep up with the evolution of smart buildings. From the attitudes surrounding security to physical products put in place, these factors have a huge impact on how the industry keeps up with the changing constructions.

• Layered security: the security industry appears to be taking on a multi-layered approach to modernise. Ensuring security solutions work together to back one another up to provide seamless security throughout the premises and add to their reliability is enabling them to progress.
• Security regulations: another way in which the security industry is modernising with smart buildings is through legislations such as Protect Duty. This new law, set to be introduced in 2023 throughout the UK, encourages training for staff on security. Having such laws in place, means a modern approach to security to will coincide with a modernised smart building while ensuring best practices are actioned.
• Evolving security solutions: physical security products must continue to evolve to modernise and thus keep up with the technology provided by smart buildings. For example, they need to be adaptable to the fast changes within a smart building. Plus, it is key for them to develop to remain adaptable to allow for sustainability, as opposed to being disposed of whenever changes occur

Implications for modernising security with smart buildings

Additionally, with the fast movement of smart buildings, there are some implications for security. With the challenge of phasing outdated security solutions, there is a short-term cost strain on replacing them. However, in the long-term, it works to benefit the building as they are more adaptable to changes in the future. In addition, another implication can be the lack of knowledge and experience that security industry members may have on smart buildings. Despite this, with a modern approach arising and an openness to new training, this implication is easily combatted.

Are smart buildings helping the security industry to modernise?

With the demand for smart buildings, the security industry can develop to fit into the new infrastructure requirements, helping them modernise. Continuing to take the necessary steps to modernise with a variety of aspects including the approaches taken to new laws and training alongside product developments is how security is modernising to work well with smart buildings. Now, it remains essential for this to continue with smart buildings expected market growth to reach USD 141.71 Billion in 2028, meaning it is undeniably the future of construction. And, while there may be implications and challenges for the industry, it is something that is being overcome with modernised strategies to keep up with the quick pace of smart buildings growth.