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Discreet surveillance systems offer enhanced security
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Rapid technological advances in security augur well for the hotel industry that needs to increasingly invest in and update the solutions it offers, says Bindu Gopal Rao.

The nightmare may have ended but the scars of 26/11 are still etched deeply in the minds of hoteliers. Security has been the priority post the November 2008 terror attacks, with the hospitality industry needing to revamp their security strategies.

The main concern is to ensure that security goals are achieved without compromising or intruding on guests’ privacy, although guests have now become resigned to hotel security screenings.

“We have ensured that our checks do not hamper our guests, while at the same time, we do not compromise on their security. It has been a deciding factor for a number of visitors when choosing to stay at our hotel, to note that we have international standards of security in and around our premises,” says Dilip Madhok, hotel manager, Westin Hyderabad Mindspace.

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The hotel has three-tiers of security checks including baggage scanners, metal detectors, and a network of cameras for surveillance throughout the hotel.

At The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, physical security includes physical separation of key areas, for instance, vehicles from buildings or the receiving dock, from parking areas. Access control for staff is used via biometrics, and a swipe card system is present for guests to access their rooms.

We have a written ‘Emergency Preparedness Manual’ in place as well,” explains Colonel M Ramesh, head of security for the hotel.

The solutions might need to be scalable to cover multi-location deployments in case of hotel chains with centralised systems, such that both local operating authorities and a centrally located security department have simultaneous access and control.

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies provide security and safety packages patronised by leading hoteliers including Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, The Park Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Ramada, ITC WelcomGroup, and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

“Our solutions have received a positive response from the hospitality industry, especially considering the challenges the Indian hospitality sector faces in implementing security solutions. Some of these challenges include the need for personal safety, room and personal possession safety, fire protection, employee scheduling, and productivity, among others,” explains Jagdish Keswani, vice president and general manager, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies.

From a security standpoint, the major uses of surveillance solutions for hotels would be to monitor the entry and exit points, secure common areas like parking lots, lobbies, elevators, corridors, swimming pools, meeting rooms, and for perimeter security.