Three Ways Workflows Can Improve Your Operations

An intelligently integrated security and surveillance solution can be programmed to look for key events and send operators alerts. Working with data captured in real-time, the system can also be programmed to associate the specific threats detected with reaction protocols.

On making these connections, on-screen instructions guide operators through the most appropriate next steps for any situation. These are called workflows.

Here are three ways in which they can help improve your operations.

1. Make the right decision in a critical situation

Workflows are perfect for handling emergency scenarios. This is because they enable informed decision-making in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They eliminate the risk of panic or subjectivity affecting response in high-pressure situations.

Because a workflow responds to both evolving data detected and in relation to prompted operator input, it can also adapt to the latest information available. Meaning guidance given is always based on fact.

Workflows can also trigger a ‘shared incident management’ protocol. This means that if multiple events require attention/investigation, different operators can be responsible for ensuring significant issues are dealt with simultaneously.

Scenario: In a casino, a ‘weapon identified’ alert could trigger a workflow that immediately breaks up tasks such as tracking the individual, liaising with local authorities, and safely evacuating members of the public.

2. Manage everyday tasks more efficiently

Workflows are beneficial for more than emergency situations. When used in a workforce management context, they can also be useful for driving everyday operational efficiency.

They may still be triggered by an event, for example, if a sensor has detected equipment failure, but they can also be used to manage planned tasks – from security patrols to maintenance schedules.

Either way, the workflow updates teams and individuals with specific tasks. As the worker finishes each assignment, they press a button on their phone screen, and a completion log is sent to the system, which sends the worker the next set of tasks to complete in the workflow.

Scenario: At an oil and gas facility, workflows could be used to manage remote maintenance workers checking areas of the pipeline. Data fed back as part of the workflow process is then recorded within the security and surveillance platform to review post-event and help inform future preventative maintenance activity.

3. Automate specific responses

Just because workflows can be lengthy doesn’t mean they always are. A workflow may trigger a simple, immediate, and automated action when detecting certain threats.

This could be a pre-recorded evacuation announcement if smoke or fire is detected, automatic door locking to seal off a specific area, instructions to a maintenance crew if a clear operations or equipment fault is detected, or a notification to local emergency services in the event of pre-programmed security breach criteria is met.

For sectors interacting with the general public, this functionality can also be useful for automating processes more linked to ‘good service’. For example, workflows can be increasingly used to automate information updates, including (where apps are utilised) to people’s personal devices.

Scenario: At a busy train station, workflows could be used to manage passenger communications when a busy commuter train is delayed. This would automate platform change and time updates while also supporting staff dispatch to help manage overcrowding caused by the delay.