Training

Smart opportunities

by Mark Rowe

Steve Martin, pictured, Head of the Fire & Security Association (FSA), ahead of speaking at IFSEC 2017 looks at how the growth of smart buildings and changing client attitudes will impact on security systems installers.

The security industry is changing. A shift in client demands, an increase in the volume of technology available and a change in attitudes towards security systems has meant that the demands on installers are greater than they have ever been. Now, more than ever, security systems businesses, and the people they employ, have to keep abreast of changes and developments, and embrace collaboration in order to survive and thrive.

One key area where this will be important is in the world of smart buildings. At present, this term applies to just 20 per cent of the commercial buildings in the UK, but as clients become more aware of the need to make their buildings more secure – from both physical and cyber threats – this will change drastically over the next decade. And as these buildings become connected, there will be an increased need for integrated security. This need is expected to increase as intelligent buildings evolve into intelligent cities – an area where integrated technology will be fundamental. In addition, this is an area where integrating security systems at a wider level will provide greater opportunities for crime prevention, deterrence and investigation.

The domestic market is also expected to grow. More homes than ever have smart technology these days, but few are truly ‘connected’. As this situation changes, I would expect the demand for security systems to increase. While a growing number of people are purchasing devices that allow them to self-monitor their homes, this is no substitute for established security systems and not something that our industry should be overly concerned about in the long-term. This might sound very optimistic, but both the commercial and domestic markets are becoming more educated about the value provided by security systems. They’re understanding more about how these systems prevent and deter criminals from targeting their homes and businesses, and are keener than ever to mitigate the risk of being a victim of crime. And the market becoming more educated means we won’t just see greater demand for installation work. Clients will also likely want advice from security systems businesses about how their security budgets can be best invested. This is potentially good news for our industry, as stepping into that role will simply require us to walk clients through our risk audits of their building and explain the rationale behind the system we’ve recommended.

While the manner in which we support clients may not change, the methods we use to solve their security challenges will. This means installers will need to keep abreast of the new technology that’s entering the market and have a greater understanding of what’s on offer than ever. Regular manufacturer training, and closer collaboration with manufacturers will help with this and will ensure that installers are able to continue to offer the bespoke solutions to clients’ security issues – and advise on how to best integrate security and cyber-security systems. Those that embrace this approach early should be in a strong position to benefit from a market which isn’t just evolving, but becoming more educated and integrated than it has ever been.

Steve Martin will be discussing the commercial opportunities presented to installers by connected buildings and smart technology at IFSEC International at 2pm on Thursday, June 22, at the ExCeL, London. The FSA has a stand at C230 in the FIREX part of the show.

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