Security personnel in commercial facilities play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security both inside and outside the premises. Security guards handle many tasks with a limited number of people. Among these, access control, which is bound to location, becomes a key point for streamlining operations. Therefore, this time, we propose an intercom system that allows area-free response to doorbell calls from entrances.
The working-age population generally refers to people between the ages of 15 and 64. This is an important age group in the labor force and economic activity, and is a factor that has a significant impact on economic growth and social development. Advanced nations are experiencing the challenges of an aging population, leading to a decline in the proportion of the working-age population. For instance, in Japan, where the aging population is progressing rapidly, the working-age population is projected to decrease by approximately 29 million from 2020 to 2065, reaching an estimated 45 million. The overall societal impact of this labor force decline is severe, posing challenges in industries such as security services that support the operation of commercial facilities.
The adoption of technology to address labor shortages has become a notable trend and is considered a breakthrough. In the field of on-site security, such as facility security in commercial spaces, various technologies enable security tasks to be performed without the need for on-site personnel. This includes the implementation of surveillance cameras and the use of drones for patrols. As an example, we will introduce a case from Japan that has improved the efficiency of security operations.
Below is an example of a security guard's daily tasks in a commercial facility:
8:00 AM: Arrive at work
8:30 AM: Start of tasks (access control for suppliers[delivery] and employees in front of the security office)
10:00 AM: Opening preparations (opening of each shutter)
10:30 AM: Building patrol
11:00 AM: Tasks inside the security room (Monitor surveillance)
12:00 PM: Break
1:00 PM: Access control -> Building patrol -> Monitor surveillance -> Access control -> Building patrol -> Monitor surveillance -> Access control -> Building patrol -> Monitor surveillance -> Access control -> Building patrol -> Monitor surveillance -> ...
6:00 PM: Break
7:00 PM: Building patrol
8:00 PM: Closing operations (locking up)
9:00 PM: End of tasks
While this is just one example, it's evident that "access control" tasks carry significant weight within security operations. To support this access control, "door phones" are installed at various locations for communication. For instance, in commercial facilities, there are numerous entrances and exits catering to diverse users and forms, including gates for parking lots, employee entrances, delivery gates for suppliers, parking spaces for the disabled, police officer stop areas, and windbreak rooms. Some locations may also receive emergency help calls from facility staff or users with disabilities, requiring prompt and flexible intercom responses. On the other hand, there is a shortage of personnel due to various factors such as rising labor costs and an aging population, and if the places where calls are received are limited to disaster prevention centers and security offices, there will be restrictions on the deployment and operation of security guards. In such cases, enabling security guards responsible for patrols to handle intercom tasks simultaneously not only enhances the efficiency of security operations but also contributes to an improved level of service.
With AIPHONE's intercom system that can be linked to smartphones, security guards can respond to calls even when away from the security room on patrol. By confirming the video of the person who called on the smartphone device, security guards can check IC cards or entry permits and even unlock gates directly from their smartphones. In addition to dealing with employees and related businesses, when responding to calls from general customers, you can take appropriate action by being able to "see" the state of the caller.
Furthermore, as a backup for situations where responses from the intercom are not possible, calls can be forwarded to remote support centers via VPN connection. As the calls are transferred with video, remote personnel can handle the situation while confirming the face and condition of the person who made the call. In addition to regular calls, this system can respond to "emergency calls" during periods when there are few security guards, contributing to an improvement in customer satisfaction.
Breaking the conventional notion that "intercoms are fixed," AIPHONE's intercom, which achieves integration with smartphones, supports security operations in various facilities such as shopping malls, office buildings, airports, railways, and city halls. It delivers convenience and peace of mind to facility stakeholders and users. Additionally, AIPHONE's system allows flexible integration with other company's equipment, eliminating the need for managing multiple systems when responding to various situations.
Machine Security, where machines support security activities using sensors and surveillance cameras instead of direct human intervention, plays a crucial role in the modern security industry. As the adoption of intercom systems utilizing surveillance cameras and networks progresses, machine security is employed to streamline security operations and achieve a safer society.
In Japan, population decline and aging have made it challenging to secure personnel across various industries. The security industry faces a similar situation with difficulties in recruiting security guards. Consequently, to maintain a high-precision security system even with a reduced number of guards, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of machine security. Moreover, in European countries such as Austria, Poland, and Finland, the challenges of rising labor costs and workforce shortages are likely to drive the increased implementation of machinery in the security sector.
In countries referred to as the Global South, such as India, Indonesia, and South Africa, there is an issue where the establishment of security systems has not kept pace with economic development. In order to maintain public order and security systems and strengthen facility security, the introduction of surveillance cameras and network-based security and reporting systems is progressing.
As described above, the reasons for implementing machine security and the number of installations vary depending on factors such as the country's development status. However, an increase in demand is anticipated in the future.
If you are looking to achieve high-precision security with a small number of personnel, it is essential to actively consider the introduction of machine security. For inquiries about achieving precise security while controlling implementation costs, please feel free to consult with AIPHONE.
