Property managers carry the crucial responsibility of keeping their tenants safe and secure in their homes. Property theft, vandalism and assault are rarely predictable, and how you respond to these sudden events says a lot about you as a property manager.
A 2023 report about cybersecurity showed that as of 2020, the AI in security systems cost up to $10 billion, and it is projected to reach $46.3 billion by 2027. Artificial intelligence tools now have a place in almost everything we do, from sending an email to switching on appliances in a smart home. In this article we are going to look at how artificial intelligence tools can help you in maintaining security for your property and tenants.
Why tenant safety is important
Only when we are healthy and safe, do we think about higher goals like careers, families and fun. A secure living environment is essential so that tenants feel at peace, and free to focus on other important tasks.
Measures like locked gates and security personnel to prevent unauthorized entry in the building are a few basic measures that everyone expects. It gives the tenants a sense of comfort and stability.
Understanding AI-powered security systems
AI powered systems analyse patterns in data to detect when there is an anomaly, e.g. unusual activites, unfamiliar people entering the building, etc. AI systems have features like facial recognition, predictive analytics and automated alerts, that will help you take timely action against security breaches.
For example, AI powered surveillance systems in a commercial building recognize common patterns in how employees use the space, what time they come, where they go, etc. If the system detects unusual incidences like unfamiliar people entering the building or employees entering after work hours, people walking into restricted areas, etc., it sends a prompt alert to the property manager, so that they can check what is happening.
Machine learning algorithms
A machine learning algorithm is designed to identify patterns, and then detect abnormal activity based on the information they have about what is ‘normal’. Such algorithms help the security system learn faster and get better at tasks without any special commands or training.
For example, AI powered surveillance systems in a commercial building recognize common patterns in how employees use the space, what time they come, where they go, etc. If the system detects unusual incidences like unfamiliar people entering the building or employees entering after work hours, people walking into restricted areas, etc., it sends a prompt alert to the property manager, so that they can check what is happening.
Predictive analytics
Predictive analytics is a process wherein set of data is analyzed for patterns. This patterns form a historical report of how things have functioned so far. Based on this information, the system predicts the likelihood of such events in the future. It helps property managers work proactively to prevent potential threats.
For example, there have been incidents of theft on your property. You want to do something to prevent more incidents. You keep recording this information in a system for predictive analytics. Over a period of time, the system reports that these incidents happen more often on weekends, because people arrive home late, and the security guard forgets to lock the gate afterwards. Now, you can take measures like keeping a curfew beyond midnight, posting two guards so that at least one person remembers to lock the gate, and educating tenants about this issue.
IoT integrations
IoT, or internet of things, is a mechanism wherein different machines and appliances are connected to a smart AI powered system. Appliances that we use at home, like lights, thermostat, fans, doorbells, speakers, etc. can be connected to this system.
For example, if your CCTV camera detects dangerous activity like someone trying to break into the building at night, you might see this footage only when you sit down to view the recordings at the end of the day. But if all security devices are connected to a central system, you will get a mobile phone notification about the incident as soon as it happens.
Benefits of AI security
Tenant safety and privacy
AI systems have the capacity to collect and analyze mountains of data, and still manage to report threats promptly and accurately. Few human personnel can do this job with such perfection.
Tenants will feel comforted when they know that every suspicious activity is being tracked and reported by a computer specialized for these tasks. The room for human error is very little here. So as long as you keep an eye on those notifications, you will always be able to give a prompt response to threats. This will create more trust and confidence among your tenants.
It is important to ensure that the tenants’ data is not accessible to anyone who might misuse it. Wherever possible, this data is recorded anonymously, i.e., without mentioning the names of the tenants. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to assure tenants that their privacy is not under threat, and confidentiality is being maintained wherever possible.
Prevent vandalism
As we discussed earlier, machine learning algorithms and IoT together help you achieve two things- one is having a system that understands patterns of normal activity and detects unusual incidents, and the other is to have all systems connected at a central device, like your computer or phone, where information about these unusual incidents is reported.
Vandalism, in the form of drawing graffiti on cars and walls, destroying someone’s personal belongings, and setting fires, is a serious threat to tenant safety and comfort. AI powered systems scan the video feed for such incidents, and also help in identifying the perpetrator of such actions.
Ethical standards and legal compliance
While AI powered security systems are meant for the safety and well being of tenants, it is also important to take consent from them before installing these systems. After all, the cameras and facial recognition devices will be collecting data about the tenants, how they move in the building, their timings of arriving and leaving the house, etc.
It is a good idea to hold a meeting to ask them if they would be okay with installing these devices, and the reasons for that. Also, it is important to review the activity of the algorithm from time to time to clear out any biases and inaccuracies in the way it processes information.
For example, an algorithm may discriminate among people in terms of how much of a threat they pose, based on their sex, race, age, religion, nationality. Such practices are prohibited and discouraged, as reported on the official website of The White House.
If you are a property manager who is worried about the safety and security of your tenants, you are not alone. AI security systems are a powerful, yet convenient way of achieving this objective. We hope this article gave you an overview of the various options you can consider while installing AI security devices.
