According to a recent study by Frost & Sullivan, for cities to enhance security economically, optimization and integration of security technologies will be increasingly important. The integration of technology allows for a more complete picture of security breaches, accidents, disturbances and responses. This approach also allows law enforcement agencies to modify the technology to suit different security needs. Future trends in urban security and safety suggest the growth of technologies, such as biometrics, PSIM and 4-G communication (LTE), which will mean accessibility on a single, shared platform. In addition, interagency integration will offer cost savings since one solution will be able to monitor — among others — energy, security and waste collection operations.
According to a recent study by Frost & Sullivan, for cities to enhance security economically, optimization and integration of security technologies will be increasingly important. The integration of technology allows for a more complete picture of security breaches, accidents, disturbances and responses. This approach also allows law enforcement agencies to modify the technology to suit different security needs. Future trends in urban security and safety suggest the growth of technologies, such as biometrics, PSIM and 4-G communication (LTE), which will mean accessibility on a single, shared platform. In addition, interagency integration will offer cost savings since one solution will be able to monitor — among others — energy, security and waste collection operations.
Solutions currently available on the market help end users maximize security processes, while empowering them to see “over-the- fence.” This approach offers greater value, is economical, and increases security effectiveness. “In order to fully address end-user needs, four areas of the value chain need to be targeted: technology providers and installers, technology integrators, systems integrators and solution providers,” said Krzysztof Rutkowski, Analyst. As the level of complexity varies, the result is some companies are unable to penetrate the solution-oriented market. Constant innovation and development are required for companies to gain a position at the top of the value chain.
The report forecasts that the industry will be heavily influenced by developments in China, India and North America where 4-G LTE, biometrics and cyber security are set to have a strong impact. These three technologies will change the current market environment, switching to wireless, automatically finding suspects, and protecting the databases in which information is currently stored.
However, security is not perceived as the highest priority in many municipalities, with city governments often opting for a reactive, rather than a preventive approach. Current austerity measures mean that this trend is likely to persist. According to Rutkowski, this is because most cities are focused on increasing job security, which diminishes the available revenue for physical security. Until a dangerous situation or incident occurs, citizens will continue to pressure governments to spend on social security rather than on physical security.