By: Technology Design Hospitality Manager Bryant Schrader and Technology Designer Heather Randolph

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, technology design and security design help businesses improve operations, bolster security, increase revenue and prevent safety hazards. From healthcare complexes, casinos and amusement parks to mixed-use buildings and parking garages, these spaces rely on technology design to keep their operations running seamlessly.

Elevating technology design to meet the rise of artificial intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing throughout the AEC industry. In security design, the integration of AI into security and surveillance improves systems’ ease of use and range of capabilities. Many systems use natural language processing and Boolean logic, which makes it easier to search security data and allows people who have less training to use these systems. With AI, functions can be automated, systems can operate more efficiently and businesses can use the data collected to improve their operations.

As technology and its integration evolves, one of our team’s most important jobs is educating clients about its uses and easing their concerns. Questions tend to revolve around privacy and concern that AI-powered security systems are learning people’s identities and behaviors. However, there is an important distinction between facial recognition and facial detection. Facial recognition determines who a person is, while facial detection only determines that there is a human present. Security systems monitor for potential threats, rather than learn human behavior. Security systems also must adhere to privacy laws and regulations, which in some cases prohibit the use of facial recognition software.

Going forward, we predict that AI’s role in video surveillance and security design will continue to grow and become more accessible to an array of organizations.

Security that extends beyond cameras

We guide clients in expanding AI use beyond video coverage and safety features to leverage it for business operations as well. While surveillance serves security purposes, it is no longer just about video coverage and safety features — it is also used to optimize business operational systems. In many business use cases, leveraging surveillance can lead to increased revenue. As each setting has unique needs, physical layouts and potential threats, the type of system used can vary between clients.

  • Locker rooms and restrooms: We consider how to protect occupants when cameras are not appropriate. In settings such as these, options like sensors that can detect smoke or dangerous gases and alert if the area needs to be evacuated are often implemented.
  • Retail: In retail settings, heat maps can be used to show where customers spend more time in a store and what products they interact with. Analysis of these trends can then inform where certain products are placed or how the store is laid out to maximize profits. In the case of a break-in, security systems may combine audio and other sensors. For example, in addition to an alarm, a recording can inform intruders that the emergency services have been called or that they are being recorded. This method tends to be effective in disrupting the activity of intruders.
  • Parking garages and electric vehicle charging stations: Sensors are commonly used as a preventative measure. In parking areas with electric vehicle charging stations, placement of the stations is crucial to avoiding fire hazards. Thermal sensors monitor battery temperature and indicate when it approaches a dangerous level or needs to be shut off.

Determining optimal security and surveillance solutions

Our team stays informed on leading topics, manufacturers and solutions to better aid our clients in deciding which system is appropriate for their use case. For some clients, integration is the top priority. Especially for clients who do not have IT or surveillance staff, the best solution may be an all-in-one platform for access control and video surveillance. Businesses that typically have more robust staffing, such as gaming and casinos, may not require an all-in-one solution, but something more complex with different solutions across security categories. For any system to be effective, our teams must closely consider the client’s budget, physical location, staffing and industry to determine how to support their business goals.

Tailoring cybersecurity systems to clients’ needs

Technology designers help clients determine which cybersecurity solution is appropriate for them to minimize their risk. Security systems can be cloud-based, on-premise or hybrid. The type of system a client needs depends on several factors, including staffing, costs and daily operations.

Cloud systems are accessible on site or remotely, with data backed up to a data center, while on-premise systems are fully siloed and localized because they can be separated from the internet. On-premise solutions require more space in the equipment room to accommodate additional servers, which need extra electricity and cooling. Cloud-based solutions require that a business has a robust network because everything relies on bandwidth, and if the bandwidth cannot handle the stream, data can be lost.

Client-focused, multidisciplinary approach

At EXP, our technology design specialists deliver custom solutions for a wide range of projects across healthcare, entertainment, mixed-use spaces, hospitality and more. Our experts create solutions tailored to our clients’ specific goals and needs. Whether a project requires IT, telecommunications, security, MEP or A/V, we have multidisciplinary teams that deliver results.

To learn more about our security systems and technology design capabilities, contact Bryant Schrader and Heather Randolph.