Integrated security systems and IP cameras offer consumers advanced functionality that they cannot easily match with less sophisticated solutions. The world we live in is one where web connectivity is, perhaps, one of the easiest paths to safety. If your security cameras can access the web and somebody enters your house, they can alert you of the incident and you can watch a video of it on your smartphone to see if you should call the police. Similarly, this intelligent functionality can lead to other advances, especially when coupled with home automation technologies. According to a recent Oakland Tribune report, the smart devices that are so integral to intelligent building and home automation are playing a larger role in security.

Looking At Intelligent Devices From a Security Perspective

Industry expert Eric Taylor told the news source that the convergence of home automation and security offers value primarily because of the control that such solutions give people over their home.

With security systems, you can identify problems and call law enforcement. With home automation, you can actually adjust physical things in the home. This may not help you deal with a burglar, but it will help you make your house look occupied for the outside. For example, if your security cameras alert you that somebody is at the door and you check the video to see a burglar trying to enter, you can use your home automation system to turn on a light at the house to make it look occupied. This allows you to take action to protect your property from a remote location and maximize the value of your security investments.

Taking full advantage of intelligent devices hinges on being able to combine security capabilities with home automation functionality. For example, you can synchronize various aspects of the security and automation systems so they work in conjunction with one another. This goes beyond simply adding motion sensors and timers onto lights and small appliances. A good camera can tell the difference between a squirrel that scurries onto your porch and a person near the house. If the camera sees an individual, it can turn the lights on to improve visibility and make the house look occupied. Furthermore, it could give an intruder the impression that he or she has been noticed. If the camera spots a raccoon running across the driveway, it can ignore it.

The intelligent devices that make this type of functionality possible represent a powerful tool that can perform a variety of tasks for consumers.

Overcoming Intelligent Building Risks

The one problem with investing in a system that is so dependent on smart functionality is that it becomes entirely reliant on the internet. This can be a major problem since you don’t always have full control over whether you network services are working or not. Because of this, you cannot develop your entire security program around home automation, IP cameras and integrated security platforms. All of these technologies are excellent, but they are limited if the power goes out, the internet fails or an electronic error causes a system to stop functioning.

In such scenarios, a sturdy lock with a dead bolt is an important thing to have. You also have to make sure you still keep your windows locked, even though the home automation system allows you lock them remotely. Basic security best practices do not disappear just because advanced technologies have emerged. Instead, making the most of new security solutions is often easiest when advanced systems are combined with simple, but reliable methods to create a holistic protection plan.