Doing More with Less: How AI Reduces Security Costs
The answer is artificial intelligence, or AI. AI solutions like ZeroEyes automate routine surveillance tasks, optimize resources, and improve threat detection.
These technologies not only save money and transform how security teams operate, but can also provide measurable results and much-needed peace of mind.
The Financial Strain of Traditional Security Measures
Traditional security systems are essential but inherently limited.
They rely heavily on human oversight to address today’s complex security challenges.
Surveillance cameras are vital tools but are only as effective as the people monitoring them—and there’s ample research on the limitations of human attention. A 2002 study found that after just 12 minutes of continuous video monitoring, operators missed up to 45% of screen activity, with this figure rising to 95% after 22 minutes, significantly increasing the risk of overlooked threats.
These inefficiencies also come at a financial cost. Employing and training security staff is expensive, particularly for organizations that require 24/7 monitoring. The average cost for a security guard in the United States ranges from $20 to $60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether the guard is armed or unarmed.
Outdated equipment also needs frequent repairs and upgrades, further straining budgets. Older technology can lead to an almost 15% increase in annual maintenance budgets due to frequent breakdowns and the need for expensive, hard-to-find parts.
Pressure weighs on security staff not just operationally, but emotionally. The hours are long and the work requires constant focus and attention—making stress and over-work far too common.
Now more than ever, you need more intelligent and sustainable solutions.
Modern Challenges in Security Management
Those responsible for organizational safety—heads of security, safety coordinators, and operations managers—face mounting challenges that demand efficient and precise responses. With limited budgets and the growing complexity of threats, the stakes are high.
Stretching Resources Without Compromising Safety
Budget constraints are real, and most organizations must ask their security teams to do more with less. Hiring additional personnel or upgrading outdated systems often isn’t feasible, yet gaps in coverage can lead to costly risks.
Solutions like ZeroEyes enhance existing camera systems with advanced threat detection, reducing the need for more equipment or staff. This integration allows safety teams to maximize their current investments (like personnel) without sacrificing effectiveness.
Improving Emergency Preparedness
Rapid threat identification and response is critical for minimizing damage and protecting lives. Traditional surveillance methods rely heavily on human oversight, which can be error-prone and slow during high-pressure situations.
By monitoring video feeds in real time, ZeroEyes’ AI technology helps with faster threat detection and immediate alerts, enabling security personnel to act swiftly and coordinate effectively with first responders.
Building Stakeholder Confidence
The people you protect—whether employees, students, or visitors—need to feel safe in their environments. Achieving a high level of trust requires visible, proactive measures and the assurance that you’re addressing every potential risk.
Adopting cutting-edge technology like AI demonstrates a commitment to safety, boosting trust among stakeholders while reinforcing the organization’s reputation as a secure and well-managed environment.
Leveraging AI to Optimize Operations
AI revolutionizes security operations by addressing inefficient processes and delivering actionable insights. By automating time-consuming tasks, these technologies free up safety teams to focus on what matters most.
Continuous Surveillance Without Fatigue
Human operators can only monitor so many video feeds before fatigue sets in, increasing the likelihood of missed threats. AI can analyze video streams 24/7 without losing focus.
- Example: AI gun detection systems identify visible firearms in live feeds and deliver ultra-rapid alerts (often within 3-5 seconds) to security teams and law enforcement.
- Impact: Automation reduces reliance on manual monitoring, cutting labor costs by as much as 30%.
Reducing False Alarms
False alarms waste resources, interrupt operations, and erode confidence in security systems. AI can recognize subtle differences between genuine threats and harmless activities, reducing unnecessary alerts.
- Example: Advanced algorithms can distinguish firearms from everyday items like umbrellas or tools, only triggering alerts when necessary.
- Impact: By minimizing false alarms, organizations can allocate resources more effectively, improve team efficiency, and maintain trust in their security infrastructure.
Faster and More Effective Emergency Responses
AI not only detects threats but also provides critical insights that can improve response times. From identifying a shooter’s location to predicting their movements, AI equips teams with the information needed to act decisively.
- Example: During a simulated active shooter scenario, ZeroEyes’ AI reduced response times by 50%, preventing potential casualties.
- Impact: Faster responses can minimize disruptions, lower liability risks, and enhance operational outcomes.
Real-World Impact: AI in Action
ZeroEyes’ AI-driven gun detection systems have significantly enhanced security measures in educational institutions and corporate environments nationwide.
Case Study: Georgetown-Ridge Farm Community Unit School District (CUSD)
Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD, a rural public school district in Georgetown, Ill., is dedicated to providing a positive learning environment for its 880 pre-K and K-12 students. The district adopted ZeroEyes’ proactive AI-based gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution for enhanced security.
Results
By integrating ZeroEyes’ software with existing digital security cameras, the district improved security in vulnerable areas like athletic venues and parking lots. The system provides 24/7 protection, helping the community feel safer during uncertain times.
Case Study: River Spirit Casino
Large corporate campuses face challenges in securing vast areas with many people and a lot going on.
For example, River Spirit Casino, operated by Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, implemented ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection software across its 200,000-square-foot facility, which welcomes around 10,000 guests daily.
Results
ZeroEyes’ technology integrates with the casino’s existing digital cameras to identify illegally brandished guns and provides real-time alerts to security personnel, enhancing situational awareness and response times.
In buildings and environments with constant activity, you need a security solution focused on optimization and efficiency. ZeroEyes’ technology delivers that and more.
Real Value: Why AI Security Pays Off
Investing in AI security might feel like a big step, but the long-term rewards speak for themselves. For safety teams and security leaders, it’s a smart financial decision. By understanding the tangible benefits AI brings, you can confidently show that it’s worth every penny and build a compelling case for its implementation.
Measuring the Savings
ZeroEyes has several key impacts on security budgets:
- Cost-Effective Implementation: With an annual fee of less than $500 per digital camera stream, ZeroEyes provides a scalable solution that integrates with existing security infrastructure.
- Labor Efficiency: By automating gun detection, ZeroEyes reduces the need for constant manual monitoring, allowing security personnel to focus on higher-priority tasks.
- Incident Mitigation: Real-time detection and alerts support faster response times to help reduce liabilities and costs.
Example Calculation
For a facility with 50 existing digital cameras:
- Cost per Camera Stream: $20-60 per month ($40 monthly average)
- Total Annual Investment: 50 cameras × $480 (average for monthly streams) = $24,000
Compared to traditional security measures such as metal detectors costing up to $100,000 per entrance (plus labor), or security officers at approximately $70,000 per year, ZeroEyes is a cost-effective alternative that enhances security without substantial overhead.
Future Trends in AI Security
As AI evolves, it expands its potential applications in security operations and drives several transformative trends.
Proactive Threat Detection
AI helps security teams identify potential threats in real-time for faster, more effective responses. This level of detection can prevent incidents from escalating and creates a safer environment.
IoT Integration
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices across facilities. AI leverages IoT data to provide a more comprehensive view of security landscapes, offering insights that previously weren’t possible.
Scalability for Small Organizations
Advanced security technologies have historically been reserved for large enterprises with significant budgets. AI is changing that dynamic. Solutions like ZeroEyes can integrate with existing camera systems, reducing hardware costs and making implementation feasible for small businesses, schools, and nonprofits. This scalability ensures that even resource-constrained organizations can benefit from cutting-edge security.
A Practical Path Forward
Starting small and scaling up can make adopting AI solutions easier. Here’s how to begin:
- Assess Current Systems: Identify inefficiencies in your existing security infrastructure. What gaps do you notice? Use our security checklists for schools and commercial businesses to help you find them.
- Take Action with ZeroEyes: Transform your security strategy by investing in ZeroEyes, a proven AI solution that helps enhance safety and streamline operations.
- Pilot the Technology: Start with a trial implementation to measure impact, gain insights, and refine your process.
Leading Security into the Future
For today’s security leaders, the challenge of protecting people and facilities while navigating tight budgets and rising expectations is a constant balancing act. AI solutions like ZeroEyes redefine what’s possible and help them achieve better outcomes with fewer resources.
By automating routine surveillance tasks, reducing false alarms, and enhancing emergency response capabilities, AI helps security teams move from reactive to proactive strategies.
These solutions save costs and equip your team to handle threats—giving you a sense of relief and the pride of knowing you’re building trust within your community. The peace of mind is priceless.
As security evolves, leaders in safety operations (whether in education, corporate, or public spaces) can’t afford to ignore the power of AI. Sometimes it can mean the difference between stopping guns at first sight, not first shot.
It’s time to take the next step. Lead your organization confidently into a future where safety and efficiency go hand in hand. With ZeroEyes, the ability to “do more with less” isn’t a goal—it’s reality. Speak with a ZeroEyes security expert now.
