How Modular Security Is Improving the Promise of Unified Security

Unified or integrated security — what’s the difference, and which is better for your organization? The good news is, you no longer have to choose. Here’s what those terms mean, why they matter, and why today’s best integrated security systems are seizing the power of modular scalability to offer a new kind of unified security.

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Integrated, Unified and Modular Security: Putting it All Together

Integrated security may seem like a buzzword, but make no mistake — it’s also an absolute essential. The process of bringing together every aspect of security into one easily managed system, integrated security has become the standard for business, government, public service, and virtually every other type of organization, too.

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It’s so important, in fact, that it’s often taken for granted. That’s because any reputable provider of security solutions should be able to seamlessly integrate every necessary component you need, from video surveillance to access control to cybersecurity, and all points in between.

But if integrated security is the default expectation, the next level is a solution that takes those capabilities to the next level. And that’s where unified and modular security systems come into play. Here’s a closer look at those concepts, why they matter, and why today’s leading providers are making them more attainable than ever before.

What is Unified Security?

Unified security refers to a system that’s not only completely integrated, but also designed from the ground up to operate as a single, seamless, unified whole. More than simply connecting all the components, unified security begins with a strategic design that puts all of those elements to the best possible use, making sure they work together in the most efficient, easily managed, high-performing way possible.

> Deep dive: From access control to cybersecurity, here are the 10 essential components of integrated and unified security solutions

What is Modular Security?

Modular security is a type of integrated system where components can be added, removed, or changed as needed, on an ad hoc basis. This allows the use of separate vendors to provide different functions, as opposed to every function being delivered by one single provider, which is typically how unified security has been defined in the past.

With modular security, businesses and other organizations can choose what they need from an integrated security provider, while keeping any pre-existing systems they may already have in place. This improves their ability to control costs, and to customize a solution that best meets their immediate needs — and with the right provider, it can be done without sacrificing the benefits of a unified system.

What’s the Difference between Unified and Integrated Security?

Unified security refers to a system where everything is designed before implementation and then installed as a single, comprehensive system, by a single vendor. On the other hand, while it still requires a larger strategic design, an integrated security system can make use of a wider range of different components, from a variety of different vendors, which can be selected and installed at any stage — before, during, or after they’re already in use.

In the past, unified security was considered by some to be an advanced form of integrated security, which was regarded as siloed, fragmented, and more difficult to manage. Today, though, the best providers have bridged that gap, offering integrated security systems that are both unified and modular.

That means organizations get the advantages of unified security — i.e., a strategically designed, seamless system — without sacrificing the benefits of a modular approach — i.e., being able to replace components as needed, or maintain relationships with existing or preferred vendors.

How the Modular Approach to Unified Security Benefits Organizations

The upshot is that today’s leading integrated security providers can more readily implement a system that’s unified, but that also offers modular functionality, too. And that translates into some significant operational benefits, including:

A higher level of cost control.

Instead of the need to invest in every component on an up-front basis — even those that may not be immediately needed, or that an organization may already have covered — modular capabilities provide the functionality of fully unified systems without the risk of overbuying. And the more components that are eventually brought into the system, the more organizations can save on maintenance, licensing, and other management costs.

Greater flexibility.

Modular systems let organizations add, replace, or update components as needed, without having to undergo a complete redesign or change other aspects of their system, and without being locked into solutions they may not really need. This means they can stay agile, while being able to gradually phase out existing components when those service contracts expire, rather than immediately transitioning away from them.

More powerful scalability.

Growth isn’t always predictable! With their more rigid up-front designs, traditional unified systems can incur considerable expense when scalability is suddenly needed. But because modular components can be added or changed as needed, the whole system can also be scaled to more readily accommodate future growth — whether to offer new security capabilities, or to extend protection into new facilities or new online systems.

Better adaptability.

This scalability and flexibility also extend to functionality, which is especially relevant in security where evolving threats and fast-changing tech (like AI) need to be frequently addressed. Again, traditional unified security platforms often required costly redesigns to integrate new features. But modular systems can make those adaptations quickly and cost effectively, without sacrificing the benefits that unified systems offer.

Improved efficiency.

Modular capabilities don’t just make growth easier and less costly but more efficient, too. Since the system is flexible enough to integrate new components without a complete redesign, it avoids the inefficiencies that come with changes to traditional systems — including the need for staff training, new software integration, and cybersecurity updates, all of which are more readily integrated with each new change, addition, or upgrade.

Easier, more convenient management.

Integrated security that’s also modular can bring all of an organization’s existing features under one roof for convenient, centralized management. On top of that, the best solution providers also offer app-based access for added convenience, complete with analytics and notification capabilities for a quick understanding of performance and improved response coordination across the entire organization.

Trust Your Unified Security to IES Communications

Ready to seize the benefits of both unified and modular security systems? When you work with IES Communications, you get a partner with decades of collective experience in every aspect of security and the capability to deliver premium, coast-to-coast service.

We understand that no size fits all when it comes to security, and we’re standing by to design and deliver the solution that works best for you. Contact us today to learn more.

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