The world is changing quickly, and transformative technologies are introducing new requirements for safety. For example, companies that are capitalizing on advanced computing hardware and expanding the use of unstaffed facilities have recognized the need for fire safety systems that can be deployed in these areas. Forward-looking fire protection system providers have been tracking these trends and examining the shortcomings of existing fire protection systems to find ways to improve performance. Research and development efforts have given rise to advanced systems that can better meet evolving needs.

Recently introduced hybrid fire protection systems have the power to improve worker safety and reduce damage to physical assets by presenting a new way of addressing risk that changes the way companies manage fire safety. As is often the case, this new technology has created the need to evaluate existing codes and standards that were developed for traditional systems and ensure new systems are designed, installed and maintained correctly.