This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Security Business magazine. Don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter if you share it.
Older buildings are often cherished because they preserve another time’s architectural charms and design sensibilities; however, outfitting these buildings with the modern security capabilities that businesses expect today can present several challenges.
The very characteristics that make older buildings special can complicate the implementation and use of structured cabling and connected devices that power security technologies. Tight spaces and the need to completely replace outdated infrastructure can make these projects difficult and disruptive, and as always, the new infrastructure being deployed must keep pace with the needs of increasingly connected businesses.
Amid these challenges, however, are big opportunities. Organizations are looking to leverage the latest cameras, access control devices and sensors to enhance their security posture; but, these technologies can no longer operate in a silo – they must be integrated with other building systems on a shared network. SMR Research reports the average commercial building is more than 50 years old, and many buildings simply don’t have the infrastructure to support today’s needs, let alone in the future.
Security integrators that can help deploy this infrastructure while navigating the complexities presented by aging buildings can carve out a more significant role for themselves with customers, meeting both security and connected technology needs.
Start with the Customer
Even for retrofit projects in the most challenging historic buildings, the priority should remain focused on the customer’s needs. Ascertain what they need to connect in the building today, as well as what will help them meet their increased connectivity requirements 20 years from now to avoid another retrofit.
Deploying a common infrastructure that addresses a customer’s connectivity needs outside security may be new territory for integrators, and they may need to learn about adjacent building systems such as wireless IT, cellular wireless and even lighting. This, of course, also expands their capabilities as an integrator moving forward.
Integrators can learn a lot by asking customers pertinent, open-ended questions, such as:
- What is on their roadmap for IoT technologies?
- How do they want to use data from their building systems to drive decision making, such as improvements in energy usage or building automation?
- What network-related challenges are they experiencing?
Getting answers to questions like these can provide insights into how a customer needs to bring together traditionally siloed data and help define their connectivity requirements. Integrators also should be quick to tap into the expertise of distribution partners that can provide a holistic and unbiased view of best practices and how different building technologies come together onto a common network.
Modern Functionality in Historical Settings
After accounting for the customer’s needs, one of the biggest considerations for designing a future-ready network infrastructure is the environment in which it will be deployed. Whether a historical building or simply a commercial building that’s several decades old, these structures can present several hurdles.
Materials like marble can be elegant, but they can block communications. Design flourishes that make older buildings unique also may need to be preserved, requiring other paths and locations for cabling and devices.
Fortunately, network technology has become much more flexible, creating more options for delivering connectivity. If cabling pathways are limited, for example, multiple Wi-Fi access points can bring connectivity to different parts of a building without pulling many cables.
New solutions like fault-managed power (FMP) are another way to give projects more flexibility. FMP decreases the footprint of traditional intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), enabling deployments not just in telecom closets, but also in places like ceilings to support a wide range of technologies and extend the reach of cables. This can be especially useful in helping customers bring fiber to the edge while also managing a growing bandwidth demand.
FMP systems can also help make a building’s network infrastructure future ready. An FMP system may only support a DAS system on day one, but the technology can also be applied to add Wi-Fi, IoT devices, and more in the future.
Space constraints are another common challenge of retrofitting older buildings, which can have smaller rooms, tighter hallways and lower ceilings than modern buildings. This can slow down the overall retrofit process; however, there are several ways to speed up installations and improve the efficiency of onsite workers.
For example, cables can be precut to their required lengths to reduce the work onsite. Cameras can be shipped with IP addresses already embedded. Materials can be pre-packaged, pre-labeled and then shipped to arrive when integrators need them. This will reduce manual assembly work onsite. It can also reduce clutter and help minimize risk of materials being damaged or stolen because they arrive near their installation date and do not sit for extended periods. These delivery-enhancement strategies can make integrators more efficient on the job site.
Ultimately, security is heavily dependent upon connectivity. Modern cameras, access control and other solutions all need a resilient and reliable network, and those needs will only grow. Integrators and installers that can deploy a robust common infrastructure to enable this ever-increasing connectivity – even in challenging environments like older buildings – can expand their scope of business and become closer partners with customers by helping them manage more of their building technology needs.
