AI transforms residential security: Smarter installations & adaptive access control

MILWAUKEE — Residential security installers are using artificial intelligence to build systems in a way that “empowers smarter, faster decision making around user access policies,” says Johnson Controls' Gerry Pittman, changing the face of the market.  

Pittman, senior product manager at Johnson Controls, talked with Security Systems News about how AI is evolving from a bolt-on application to a technology that complements and enhances existing workflows to improve operations. 

SSN: How are AI-driven tools changing the way technicians plan and install security systems before arriving on-site? 

Pittman: With the integration of AI, technicians can proactively plan essential aspects of end-user security system installations before any onsite work begins. Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, AI allows for a forward-thinking approach by analyzing user-specific data to tailor installations based on individual schedules, expected visitors and remote access permissions – all while significantly reducing the risk of human error. AI-driven tools also provide technicians with an additional layer of visibility into every stage of the installation process, allowing them to deliver expert-level installations to give end-users the benefit of expertly configured systems that are intuitive to manage and optimized for long-term success. 

SSN: In what ways can AI help installers better anticipate and accommodate the unique access needs of both residents and recurring visitors? 

Pittman: AI leverages historical access data to accurately predict common entry patterns for both residents and frequent visitors. This predictive capability not only helps installers design smarter, more efficient system configurations tailored to daily routines, but also enables the system to detect anomalies in access behavior and promptly alert the end-user to potential security concerns. 

Additionally, AI monitors the performance of security devices in real-time and can anticipate potential failures before they occur, ensuring a smoother, more reliable and secure access experience for all authorized users. 

SSN: How is AI enabling more dynamic and adaptive user access policies in residential and commercial settings? 

Pittman: By analyzing real-time data, AI enables dynamic, context-aware access control like never before. Without the need for human intervention, in some instances it can automatically update user access policies based on contextual changes such as a new babysitter in the case of a residential setting or a new employee in a commercial setting. Dynamic and adaptive security systems lead to more simplicity for both end users and installers, a feature in high demand as devices become more complex.