In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban development, mixed-use buildings in Asia are becoming increasingly complex, housing a blend of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces under one roof.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban development, mixed-use buildings in Asia are becoming increasingly complex, housing a blend of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces under one roof. This complexity presents unique challenges for security systems, demanding innovative solutions that go beyond traditional measures.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront of transforming these challenges into opportunities, offering unprecedented efficiency and capabilities in building security management.
The transformation led by AI and IoT
The revolution in building security, driven by AI and IoT technologies, marks a significant shift from manual, labor-intensive operations to automated, intelligent systems. These technologies bring about a new era of efficiency by enabling constant monitoring and real-time problem detection without human intervention.
For instance, thermal imaging cameras equipped with IoT technology can now detect overheating and potential fire hazards instantly, a task that previously might have gone unnoticed until it was too late.
“We’re seeing a much broader adoption of AI-powered analytics and intelligence across the building security landscape,” said Graham Wheeler, VP for Avigilon, Asia Pacific, at Motorola Solutions. “This is helping to streamline and simplify the way that security operators work, leveraging AI to improve their workflows while removing cumbersome and repetitive tasks so they can focus on more meaningful activities.”
Leveraging AI also saves time and removes the need to conduct physical patrols. For example, security operators once had to go out and check a 1,000-camera system to identify a fault or issue. With the strength of AI, those challenges can be overcome by automatically alerting human users to potential issues so they can take immediate action.
Advantages of AI and IoT integration
One of the most notable benefits of integrating AI and IoT into security systems is the significant streamlining of operations. Security personnel, who once had to perform repetitive tasks such as manually checking video footage or conducting physical patrols, can now rely on AI to automate these processes.
This not only improves workflow but also allows them to focus on more critical decision-making tasks. AI's capability to proactively identify and alert personnel to potential issues further enhances operational efficiency, ensuring that security measures are both proactive and preventive.
“The integration of AI and IoT is one of the cornerstones of digitalization, and their most significant benefit is efficiency enhancement,” Jason Hong, Solution Manager at Hikvision, said. “By replacing manual inspections with constant AI video monitoring, we can detect issues previously overlooked. IoT technology addresses real-time perception, instant problem detection, and resolution — like using thermal imaging cameras that sense temperature to promptly detect overheating and fire, as well as equipment malfunction issues. The fusion of AI and IoT is set to make buildings not just safer, but also run more smoothly.”
Navigating regulatory and compliance challenges
Implementing advanced security solutions in mixed-use buildings is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to regulatory and compliance issues. The adoption of open technology standards emerges as a key strategy in navigating these challenges.
Open standards facilitate easier integration of various technologies and vendor systems, ensuring that security solutions are both flexible and future-proof. This approach not only helps in meeting current regulatory requirements but also ensures that security investments remain viable and effective in the long term.
“One of the best things the security industry can do is embrace open technology standards,” Wheeler said. “We employ the use of open technology standards as much as possible within our fixed video security portfolio. This makes it easier to integrate different technologies and vendor systems and helps customers and end users keep their solutions up to date as technology evolves. Open standards help to ensure that the security investments made by customers today are sustainable for the long term.”
The cloud: a game changer for security management
The advent of cloud technology has been a transformative force in security management for mixed-use buildings. By enabling remote monitoring and management, cloud solutions offer a level of flexibility and efficiency previously unattainable. Operators can now access video feeds from anywhere, integrate various technology types for a more informed security response, and manage assets digitally with unprecedented ease.
The cloud is not just a technological advancement - it's a strategic tool that transforms how security operations are conducted, making them more responsive and less resource-intensive.
“A major development occurring in the security industry is the rapid adoption of cloud-based solutions,” Wheeler said. “This is helping building operators to maintain higher levels of security than ever before by transforming the way they protect their people and their assets by enabling them to monitor video feeds from anywhere while reducing energy consumption associated with managing large, onsite systems.”
The cloud also supports the integration of different technology types to create a better-informed security response. For example, if a security event is detected on a video camera, an alert can be immediately pushed to a security worker’s two-way radio.
Cloud technology also enables operators to digitize all of their assets to quickly locate their resources. For example, an operator can quickly find the precise location of a damaged video camera in a large camera network. That cloud opens up a range of remote management capabilities that mean security management is no longer confined to a security room and helps building managers to work more efficiently while focusing on what matters most.
The next big thing in security solutions
Looking ahead, the trajectory of security solutions for mixed-use buildings continues to point towards the deeper integration of AI, IoT, and cloud technologies. These technologies are expected to remain central to the security industry's efforts to innovate and address the complex needs of modern buildings. The future is likely to bring even more sophisticated integration capabilities, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of security systems.
“AI and IoT are expected to remain important in the security industry, both in Asia and globally,” Hong said. “There are many opportunities, but making the most of them depends on applying these technologies to the right scenarios – and that requires deep industry understanding and practical experience. Industry progress is all about innovation, and at Hikvision, we’re committed to being at the forefront of using AI and IoT in new ways.”
Conclusion
The integration of AI, IoT, and cloud technologies represents a paradigm shift in the security of mixed-use buildings in Asia. These advancements are not just enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures but are also setting new standards for what is possible in building management and safety.
As the industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of these technologies and their applications will be crucial for security professionals aiming to meet the challenges of modern urban development.