When it comes time to look at expanding the capabilities and functionality of a security system, users are faced with options that can often be overwhelming in number and complexity. For example, in a video surveillance system, choices include analog, IP and megapixel, while access control system upgrades can entail issuing all new identification cards. In many cases, once a decision has been made the implementation and programming can be equally daunting.

Managing the consequences of a natural disaster or other emergency is easier with preparedness activities in place. Planning for these activities includes knowing the facilities’ vulnerabilities, identifying resources, developing policies and procedures and so on, all of which can help lessen the impact of an occurrence.

Security guards are often assigned additional duties outside the formal scope of their jobs that, over time, can become integrated into their regular operational tasks. For example, in a shopping mall guards may provide information desk services; on a university campus they may be responsible for lost and found; or, at a casino they may provide emergency automotive assistance.

The recent bouts of violent weather in the American southeast and Midwest had many car dealerships scrambling to protect their exposed inventory from damaging hail and severe winds. Easy and fast access to keys, held in car key management systems, enabled the dealerships to more quickly move cars to protected areas and limit the amount of potential damage.

Access control systems for health care facilities can be designed in a number of ways and often include solutions such as card access systems (proximity or swipe styles), locks and keys, and even security guards. Along with these measures, one of the most frequently implemented and effective security solutions is an automated key control system with tracking capability.