5 Security Challenges in Construction
Vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and unexpected costs are encountered quite often when implementing security for new builds.
In the modern construction landscape, implementing effective security measures for new builds has become increasingly complex. Vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and unexpected costs are encountered quite often. In this article, we delve into five unique obstacles faced in securing new constructions and ways to minimize the pain experienced by partners and clients.
1. Security is an afterthought.
What’s Happening – Whether security integrators are contracted direct to end user, direct to general contractor, or as a sub to an electrical contractor, they aren’t typically included in early planning and communication. More often, security is forced to fit into what’s already in motion with design, door hardware, walls, cabling pathways, head-end space, etc.
The Pain – Conflicting scopes and poor rough-in details for partnered trades (i.e., electricians roughing in card readers, etc.) can result in excessive energy to close the gaps. Because it is often too late to change once security integrators are involved, more expenses and fewer options may not address the true threats, risks, and vulnerabilities of the space and its occupants.
Our Recommendation – The more complex a project, the more important it is to engage the entire project team in pre-construction planning. A trusted partner who thinks beyond technology and uses a comprehensive approach will understand the need and align the solution.
2. Technology is overdesigned.
What’s Happening – The primary focus of any project is the build, according to design and code, because it is challenging to anticipate details that will drive efficiency, safety, and comfort of a space. The current approach and subconscious belief are that appropriately designed technology equates to a safe and secure environment. This leads to overdesign of systems and reliance on product without procedure.
The Pain – Technology on its own does little. In schools, for example, there is often an overreliance on cameras and video. But procedures for access prevention and emergency alerting are more likely to create a safer environment. In healthcare, siloed systems with shared functionality are not fully leveraged across departments, creating inefficiency and waste. The over-emphasis on systems and product can drive costs that might not align with actual threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.
Our Recommendation – Technology is necessary, but it needs the people, procedures, and training to back it up. Understand an environment’s threats, risks, and vulnerabilities first. Then leverage that information to identify the best combination of technology and procedure that will result in the safest, most efficient space possible.
3. Security solutions are proprietary.
What’s Happening – With new construction, the installation company often chooses security hardware or software that can only be sourced and serviced through them. This means it is not likely compatible with other technology solutions available.
The Pain – Proprietary hardware and software limits ongoing support post-install, creating challenges and delays. When future needs cannot always be met by the current solution, clients experience unplanned, expensive, and complicated “rip and replace” situations down the road.
Our Recommendation – Choose hardware that is open to multiple types of software and has a successful track record of ongoing maintenance and stability. Make sure the installation company isn’t the only one who can service the system and source the material. This creates a futureproof investment with the freedom and flexibility to stay abreast of new growth, evolving threats, and changing needs.
4. Door hardware considerations are limited.
What’s Happening – When it comes to door hardware, the focus is often on meeting scope and life safety. Client operations, cost, serviceability, and operations can be secondary or overlooked, which can create roadblocks later.
The Pain – During inspections, door hardware components often fail because they don’t meet code. Sometimes, openings don’t function the way they should for the occupants using them. This results in frequent change orders, delays, and additional costs.
Our Recommendation – Find a partner who is focused on more than meeting scope and will advocate for everyone’s best interest. Meet early and often with the security integrator, door hardware contractor, and building code representative.
5. Design doesn’t align with environment and use.
What’s Happening – Clients are rarely involved in design and low-cost solutions are frequently chosen. Therefore, there isn’t much consideration for how a space will be used, the life safety needs of its occupants, and the unique structure and environment of the building.
The Pain – Partners might encounter unexpected obstacles like cloud ceilings, white wire in black ceilings, or waterproof locations needed for exit signs. The space may not align with how traffic flows or where certain activities happen. The security solution could be too complex or not robust enough. These all lead to additional changes and unexpected costs.
Our Recommendation – Work with a partner who will engage clients in the design phase to understand all the needs of a space. Lean on them to push for efficiency with solutions and integrations that solve not just one problem, but as many as possible (i.e., doors don’t just lock, they lock, sound a local alarm, and push out an email notification).
As we grapple with evolving security demands in our world, it is evident that overcoming these challenges requires a holistic approach and harmonized effort.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to enhancing new construction, we can pave the way for safer, more resilient environments in the future.