As part of the Commercial Integrator plus Security Sales and Integration Deep Dive on emergency communications, Cameron Javdani, vice president of market development for security solutions at AtlasIED, explains the essential function of audio within modern security systems.
Here, Javdani points out that while cameras are effective for monitoring and evidence collection, they lack the ability to provide real-time instructions or gather verbal confirmation. However, audio bridges this gap, transforming a passive monitoring system into an active communication tool.
As Javdani explains, “If you have an emergency, your cameras can pick it up, but how do you tell people there’s an emergency [or] what to do during an emergency?” He continues, “The role that audio plays within security is to give that mass communication, give instructions during an event and to inform people on how to stay safe during an emergency.”
By providing a means to issue directions, confirm alarms and facilitate two-way communications, audio allows security personnel to respond promptly and effectively when it matters most.
Key Considerations for Integrators Regarding Emergency Communications
For security integrators who may be more experienced with video and access control, incorporating audio can present new challenges. Relying on the AtlasIED expertise, Javdani offers several recommendations for successful implementation of emergency communications systems.
Javdani remarks, “My recommendation for integrators using audio in these systems or A&Es and consultants designing audio in their systems is to trust the experts on this.” He adds, “For integrators that want to become experts, AtlasIED conducts trainings throughout the year on our security line of products.”
Other Defining Factors
According to Javdani, commercial and security integrators need to consider other areas to strengthen their emergency communications systems. These include the following:
- Intelligibility: In a noisy emergency environment, audio clarity is paramount. The primary goal is ensuring that instructions are understood and that people on-site can be heard clearly by monitoring personnel.
- Device Placement: The physical properties of sound require careful consideration. Placing the right type of audio device in the correct location for a given environment — avoiding issues like excessive reverb in a tile hallway — is crucial for intelligibility.
Javdani also teases upcoming next-generation audio products designed for security systems, which will be unveiled at the upcoming ISC West trade show.
To hear the full conversation and gain deeper insights from Cameron Javdani, watch the complete video interview.
