The key to better school security: technology that supports policies, remains scalable and leverages emergency communication systems

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Each year an average of $3 billion is spent to improve security measures in schools in the United States. As a result, school districts have implemented a variety of technologies, from surveillance cameras building wide, access control systems to manage the flow of staff and visitors, and  gunshot detection technology – all in an effort to protect students and staff while also keeping individuals that might have bad intentions out.

However, designing a security solution for a K through 12 environment is vastly different from designing a system for a commercial office space, healthcare facility or retail environment. Here are three things to keep in mind  for security in K through 12 educational settings.

Install technology that support policy and procedures
The blueprint for a school security system needs to first start with security policies and procedures. For example, how are visitors in a school treated? Do they need to check in with the front office and so they can be given a temporary access control credential? How are emergencies handled building wide? Does an announcement need to be made on an intercom system or does the building need to go into lockdown mode to protect everyone within the building?

Understanding this information enables the security systems integrator to work closely with the school security director and school administration to select technologies that directly support the security plan. The biggest mistake many people make is specifying technology without fully understanding how it is going to be used.

Is the system scalable?
In a perfect world, a school district would be able to deploy a full-scale security project without having to take cost into consideration. However, budget restrictions often determine which security technologies can be implemented today and what improvements can be made the next year and the year after that.

This is why it’s important to implement solutions that can easily be scaled and integrated with other technologies in the future as needs evolve, whether there’s a building expansion or an increase in funding for additional technologies. The last thing a school district wants to find out is that the access control system that has been installed is limited on the number of doors it can manage or that a video management system has maxed out on the number of cameras it can support.

Emergency notification systems remain a priority
One critically important tool for K through 12 schools is an emergency notification system or voice evacuation system. However, when implementing an emergency notification or voice evacuation system the foundation for these types of systems should be based on standards, such as NFPA 3000 Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS). Both of these standards provide design and policy guidance relating to emergency notification systems.

Taking this approach ensures that these systems maintain a level of integrity and functionality in the event of an emergency. Once the foundation for an emergency notification system is in place, additional solutions can be added on top, such direct email communication capabilities.

Protecting students and staff in school settings continues to be an ongoing challenge, especially as school administrators balance keeping school environments welcoming yet safe. By remembering to review policy and procedures, planning for future scalability and using standards as the foundation for an emergency notification system, schools can help make sure the systems being installed support the overall security plan.

Navigating the Security Supply Chain Challenges

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The world of supply chain management continues to be a challenge. While many security device manufacturers now strive to provide more precise delivery dates, a welcome change from the ambiguous estimations of the past, the supply chain issues are far from resolved. Price fluctuations, product availability and providing accurate project completion timelines continue to be an issue especially when key product and component availability remains uncertain.

Here are four key areas where end user customers can closely collaborate with their systems integrator partner to overcome these obstacles.

Embrace substitution and adaptation
As supply chain issues persist, businesses find themselves facing a dilemma – to wait for delayed products or substitute them with available alternatives. Many companies are now opting for the latter, swapping products to meet a project timeline. This may require customers to accept the substitute temporarily or agree to partial installations. End users should expect communication from their integrators, including providing continuous updates regarding product delivery and installation dates to assure them of a satisfactory outcome.

Recognize impacts on billing and invoicing
Supply chain disruptions not only affect the delivery of products but also have a cascading effect on billing and invoicing procedures. Because of progress payments based on the completion percentage, businesses must carefully manage their financials. The situation demands transparency and systems integrators need to be willing to clearly communicate with customers regarding payment terms and the timing of payments. Although these challenges may require adjustments, maintaining trust and honesty with customers is paramount.

Monitor price increases
Another significant challenge brought about by supply chain disruptions is the continuous price increases of products and components. Due to the time lag between quoting, approval, and project timeline, businesses can find themselves dealing with cost fluctuations. In this instance ongoing dialogue between integrator and customer is essential in order to address and resolve price changes. Fortunately, most end users have been understanding in this regard, and are cooperating with businesses as they navigate these adjustments.

Honesty over uncertainty
In the face of supply chain uncertainties, some security installers may be tempted to provide overpriced quotes based on vague estimates in the hope of providing a cushion should product pricing or availability changes. However, this approach is detrimental to all parties involved. Instead, honesty and transparency should be prioritized, even if it means admitting that delivery for a specific surveillance camera or access control card reader may take longer than desired. Setting realistic expectations from the beginning fosters better understanding and helps build stronger and longer lasting relationships with customers.

Perhaps the silver lining of the supply chain turmoil is the remarkable patience exhibited by end users. When integrators are upfront about the challenges they face, they generally receive understanding and cooperation in return. This collaboration between suppliers and end users fosters an environment of mutual support, ensuring that projects move forward despite the obstacles.

As manufacturers strive to provide more specific delivery dates, integrators and installers must remain transparent with their customers about potential delays and price fluctuations. By working together and maintaining patience and understanding, security systems integrators can continue to deliver quality solutions to their customers even amid supply chain hurdles.

This post was originally published on the Security-Net blog.