Security systems today play an important role, not only in ensuring safety, but also in facilitating a building’s performance
Most guests do not look for safety services before picking any hotel but it is a top concern for hoteliers. A secure system not only ensures that the structure is resistant to theft, fraud or criminal attacks, but also aids its managers to detect faults and difficulties in the proper running of the hotel’s functions. Safety systems are indicator and reactors to man-made and natural disasters.
An overall secure setup starts with assessment of potential threats and vulnerabilities to the hotel building. One can understand the process of securing a facility as creating different levels of resistance. Each level blocks a particular set of threat with the goal to make the system more impervious to damage. Design, technology and operations are all part of this strategy.
In new constructions, if threats and vulnerabilities are considered and worked into the design right from the beginning, security may not have a significant influence on budget or aesthetics. But retrofitting old systems can be more expensive. Add-on security relies more on technology and operations than design. X-ray machines, metal detectors, video surveillance cameras, etc., are some technological aids that are part of the security unit handled by professionals. With digital video recordings, the visual evidence can also be obtained to prevent theft and protect the building from legal claims concerning onsite physical accidents, such as lost baggage claims, etc.
A strong access control secures fenestrations, entrances and other service-related openings. Lingel Windows and Doors Technologies is a German-based company that delivers quality entry and fenestration products. ‘Smart Li’ is a product in smart windows and doors segment. It is integrated with a smart phone application control panel, an inbuilt security system controlled by Wi-Fi sensor, a built-in air purifier to filter the toxic air, a smoke detector and rain sensor, which sends the signal to the smart phone application.
Entrance automation is another fast-growing segment in the hospitality business where they rely on elegance and design. High-grade glass ensures a high tensile strength for heavy duty applications. These are easy to install and maintain. Mechanical buffer devices and infrared detectors offer smooth movement without errors. Smart locks fulfil the need for a more secure yet smart entry system. A smart lock not only operates without a key, but can also be upgraded to send alerts and track the incoming. These locks feature alarm monitoring, credential production, offline and online lock integration and portrait monitoring.
Not compromising on hospitality, hotels require a security solution that can be monitored and managed from a central area. Integrated systems comprising of access control, detectors and cameras, fire detection units and climate control units works best in maintaining an uninterrupted flow of functions. Innovation in technology had lead to generation of inter-connected automated services that react to incidents without external induction. For instance, in case of fire, electrical sources immediately shuts down and escape route are lighted to direct the inmates. Similarly, if smoke occurs, air dampers and fans are turned on to ensure that evacuation is clear and easy.
Light and motion detectors can be deployed to ensure that a right lighting level is maintained at the right time. Outdoor and pathway lighting can be switched depending on brightness, motion or time. Emergency lighting layered with ambient lighting makes up during power failures. Remote monitoring on the central web-based visualisation displays all building information, including alarm and status messages such as lamp failures or lamp brightness real time on a system; this visualisation checks and rectifies errors. This ensures quick response, prevents or reduces damage and guarantees reliable and efficient operation.
Johnson Controls introduces one of the first Building Automation Systems (BAS) in the industry to be optimised for any mobile device. Metasys 8.0 is made of new system configurations, programming capabilities and additional IT features to increase productivity, reduce costs and enhance security. Alarm management, space authorisations, reporting features and secure password management are the few key enhancements of Metasys 8.0. Committing to sustainability, Johnson Controls’ Building Efficiency holds a diverse range of HVACR products aiming to create more efficient buildings.
In service entrances, aided access controls and detection units can be inter-combined to prevent unauthorised intruders and ensure authenticity of staffs entering the indoors. A strong on-site security force and a back-up of remote security management team maintain a high level of safety support at all times. A precarious system tends to attract crime, hampers the hotel reputation as well as lead to financial losses. As security technology advances and systems become more sophisticated, one can detect incidents and patterns which can help in deterring future security breaches and events. A professional security system, along with trained employees, best protects a hotel’s assets and guests.
