The Utility of AI to Deliver Building Security Outcomes

In recent years, the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a fever pitch, particularly in the realm of building security. A recent study commissioned by Honeywell revealed that more than 80% of commercial building managers plan to increase the use of AI to optimize operations.* For commercial buildings, Honeywell’s research found that AI has moved beyond experimental and is now becoming mainstream, as evidenced by its increased usage for day-to-day building management.

While discourse surrounding AI may seem exaggerated at times, practical applications are emerging that security professionals are beginning to adopt. A few key questions arise: what aspects of AI are genuinely beneficial for enhancing building security? Am I willing to trust AI tools when it comes to security matters? Am I giving up control of any of my data so that AI models can provide valuable insights?

One of the most compelling advantages of AI in the security landscape is its capability to leverage historical data. By analyzing past incidents and behavioral patterns, AI can assist security teams in understanding the nuances of their environment. This data-driven approach helps enable organizations to transition from a reactive to a more proactive security posture, helping them not only respond to incidents but also anticipate them in order to help prevent malicious events from occurring. 

AI systems embedded within access control and surveillance frameworks analyze data with highly efficient scale and speed, helping organizations to detect and respond to threats before they escalate. The Honeywell study found that nearly 60% of respondents have already adopted AI to streamline maintenance and repair processes. One of the most common use cases is predictive maintenance, which helps identify issues before they become larger concerns and is currently used by 49% of respondents.* 

This emphasizes the importance of AI as a tool for preemptive action, not just reactive measures. AI algorithms can sift through extensive datasets from surveillance cameras, access control systems, and other security measures. By identifying patterns and anomalies based on historical trends, AI can alert security personnel to potential threats before they develop further. This predictive capability is especially critical in today's fast-evolving threat landscape, where security challenges are becoming increasingly sophisticated. 

AI helps empower security operations leaders to stay ahead of emerging threats by facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis. This integration of AI technologies can provide security teams with the vital insights they need to make swift and informed decisions. The ability to continuously learn from new data allows AI systems to adapt to changing conditions, which is essential as security challenges continually evolve. 

AI can also be used to help in other areas of security operations such as installation, configuration, expansions and maintenance. AI large language models can enable operators’ use of natural language to ask questions on how to perform specific tasks and get immediate responses. It can be used to help answer questions and get details from other successful projects on how to install and configure both hardware and software components. AI can also be used to ingest large amounts of support history to help maintain the system. For example, they can describe what is happening in natural language and be linked to every occurrence where that problem was seen before.    

However, it is crucial to recognize that while AI presents exciting possibilities, its successful implementation requires careful consideration. Organizations should ensure that their AI systems are seamlessly integrated with existing security protocols, and personnel should be sufficiently trained to utilize these technologies effectively. Although this transition may pose challenges, if implemented well, the potential benefits may significantly outweigh the obstacles. 

The ethical implications of AI in security cannot be overlooked. Privacy concerns are paramount, and building managers must strike a delicate balance between heightened security measures and the protection of individual privacy rights. In addition, security managers should ensure the systems are compliant with government and organizational policies on privacy such as GDPR, the European Union privacy regulations. Transparently communicating the use of AI in security operations can help cultivate trust with occupants and stakeholders. 

As the security industry advances, the role of AI will expand, leading to more secure, efficient, and responsive building environments. Security professionals must stay informed about emerging technologies, including AI, and learn how to effectively harness its potential to create safer spaces. 

Familiarity with AI and what it can enable – beyond the buzzwords – is essential not just for keeping up with security technology trends, but for applying these advancements in meaningful ways. This approach can lead to impactful business outcomes, such as improved life safety and security, alongside enhanced operational efficiency.

*Honeywell commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the Honeywell Building Managers Research Survey, which polled 250 U.S. building managers and senior decision makers across building types including offices, hospitals, airports, schools, universities, hotels and data centers. To participate in the research, respondents had to use AI-enabled property management systems in buildings with 250+ occupants.