Businesses across all industries have ramped up their digital transformation efforts in recent years. From the rise of commercially viable AI software solutions, to advancements made in the fields of video security and access control. Technology continues to drive innovation and business success for organisations of all sizes.
One of the most prominent continuing trends is the adoption of both cloud and multi-cloud computing environments. It's believed that as many as 94% of global companies already use cloud services to support daily workflows, with 97% of IT leaders looking to expand existing cloud computing systems further in the coming years.
This is an important statistic to analyse, as modern cloud computing solutions represent the backbone of many new developments in business and security technologies. To learn more about how businesses are utilising smart solutions to improve essential operations, let's look into some of the most exciting new business and security technologies for 2024 and beyond.
Smart video security systems
When it comes to physical security, video surveillance systems are central to protecting staff and customers from common threats. However, traditional security camera systems possess notable limitations, mainly due to the need for continuous manual monitoring by human staff.
Thankfully, many modern commercial security cameras utilise cloud-based technology and AI-infomed video analytics software to address this issue. This means multiple cameras in a single network can be linked together via a cloud-based management system, with AI tools used to continuously monitor live video feeds in search of suspicious activity and behaviours.
Operating such a system can remove the need for security teams to divert potentially limited resources towards threat detection. Instead, cameras can be programmed to detect potential threats autonomously. Live alerts can then be sent to smart devices carried by security staff, improving threat detection processes and resource-efficiency with regards to security efforts.
Generative AI and automation
Continuing on the topic of AI, though looking at new developments in a much broader sense, 2024 looks set to be the year that generative AI really begins to transform modern business. As the name suggests, generative AI is a term used to define systems capable of generating new data autonomously. Typically, this data includes text, images and similar forms of media.
As this technology continues to become more advanced, generative AI has the potential to dramatically improve numerous essential operations, most notably in the fields of HR and logistics. Well-designed AI models can be used to collect and organise data with unmatched speed and efficiency, supporting employees by reducing the need for manual data collection.
This opens the door to a wide range of time-saving software solutions, including automated scheduling, inventory management, compliance testing and performance analysis systems. The potential value to be found in generative AI is reflected in reports suggesting that 73% of companies are now prioritising AI over all other forms of commercial digital investments.
Advanced access control solutions
Access control systems are also being improved by new developments in smart technology. With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, a large number of businesses are looking to upgrade legacy access systems to provide more versatility within flexible work environments.
For starters, mobile access control systems linked to cloud-based management solutions are used to support hybrid staff and flexible workers. Authorised employees can be issued digital credentials sent straight to a personal smart device. This means users can freely enter and exit commercial properties at any time without requiring support from on-site security teams.
In addition, security staff can both view and analyse live access logs from a remote location, as well as grant temporary access to visitors. Utilising such a system ensures security tasks can be performed from anywhere and at any time, supporting flexible work on a 24/7 basis.
Sustainable building management
Finally, new business and security technologies for 2024 appear to be increasingly angled towards sustainability. Energy waste continues to be a big talking point among businesses in almost every sector, with reports suggesting almost 30% of all purchased energy is currently being wasted in commercial buildings.
To combat this issue, many organisations are looking into the development of smart building management systems designed to improve energy efficiency via automated controls. These systems use specialised Internet of Things (IoT) sensors connected to a cloud management solution to continuously monitor key metrics like building occupancy and temperature levels.
This data is then used to instruct the operation of HVAC and lighting systems, ensuring that these devices are only engaged when needed. According to information published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), this technology could reduce energy use in commercial and residential buildings by as much as 10%, helping businesses meet sustainability goals.
Summary
Digital transformation and modern advancements in business and security technologies are continuing to dictate how organisations approach operations in the coming years. With more teams focusing on the use of cloud-based technologies, AI solutions and integrated business and security systems, 2024 looks to be a year filled with exciting technological developments.