How To Design a Layered Security System for Homes and Businesses

Security systems aren’t as straightforward as you might think.

Installing two to three CCTVs and a burglar alarm might seem like you have covered all the bases, but modern security systems need to be layered in a way that they synergise and work together to provide maximum security.

This isn’t just about integration; it is about the entire layout or blueprint of the system and how it comes together in layers to provide security for homes and businesses.

Read on to learn all about installing effective security systems for your home and business, and all the basics and subtleties required to supercharge your system:

RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS

Let’s begin with home security. Both commercial and residential security systems are typically made up of the following components:

1. Control panel – top layer
2. Door and window sensors – functional layer
3. Interior and exterior motion sensors – functional layer
4. Wired or wireless security cameras – functional layer
5. Siren or alarm – functional layer
6. Maintenance – Supportive layer

These are foundational components that work in tandem to provide maximum security for your home.

Every component is integral to the system, with the control panel acting as the system’s main control centre. This is where you will be interfacing with the system to check for reports, hardware issues, tweaks, and much more.

The primary reason why you can’t depend on just one hardware is that modern systems follow a standard that is based on industry best practices. By installing various systems, you give the system the ability to increase its effectiveness and to protect your home from burglaries, intrusions, and other safety and security threats.

On top of this, you can also opt for professional monitoring, which is ideal for homeowners who are usually away from home. Monitoring services or Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) employ security personnel who watch over your property 24/7. This way, if there is an intrusion, the personnel can confirm and report the threat to emergency services or the police.

CAN YOU GET AWAY WITH A SIMPLE SYSTEM?

You might think that a few security measures may be enough to secure your home. However, many studies in the UK state that having a layered security system is far more capable of handling various threats than just relying on a simple CCTV system.

Regardless of whether you live in a high or low-crime area, a layered security system will prove to be useful, especially if your home has been broken into in the past, you travel frequently, you are a senior who lives alone, you have small children at home that you need to keep an eye over, there is a risk of fire, or you have valuable possessions in your home.

If you have pets around your property, then we also recommend going with pet-friendly security systems that use PIR sensors (infrared) that are specially designed to detect environmental changes (related to heat) and movement while ignoring the movement of pets.

COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS

Security for commercial properties isn’t just about securing the business; it is mainly about ensuring that the business remains operational and without hindrances that can be caused by security threats.

Commercial security systems are designed to keep your business, assets, employees, and customers safe. That is truly a tall order! But a layered system can easily do all of this and more.

Did you know that installing a layered and standardised system can also help you keep your insurance premiums down year over year? That’s something to think about!

The complexity of these systems depends on the type of business. Commercial buildings such as offices, restaurants, hotels, and warehouses all use different types of hardware solutions to maintain safety.

Take the example of a retail shop. Shoplifting is a serious and annoying problem that requires constant monitoring. Break-ins and even employee theft can also slowly cause the business to lose money over time. This is why hardware solutions like access control systems, CCTVs, burglar alarms, and more are so useful.

Now that you know the basics of residential and commercial security systems, let’s dive into how you can design a layered system that can give you the most bang for your buck.

DESIGNING A LAYERED SYSTEM: TYPES OF HOME AND COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS

Like it or not, the first step of designing a system is to pick the right installation company.

We know that you might want to DIY the entire project, but there is a lot more than just installing the systems that you need to be careful of.

If you are a serious business owner or a homeowner who wants the best security for their property, then it’s best that you leave your project to the professionals.

Security companies like Calder Security have decades of experience, are certified, and use industry-standard best practices using compliant hardware to ensure that you get the best security system according to your needs.

Here are the steps on how you can design a layered system:

Building a Security Blueprint

The installation company will send out a technician who will first visit your commercial or residential property to conduct a security risk assessment.

This audit will highlight all the security gaps in and around your property and give you an outlook of what the right system for your needs might look like. This will include a list of recommended hardware and some optional security solutions that you can choose from.

We recommend that you work with the installation company so that you can share your expectations and lock in the scope of the project.

This is a very important step because it enables you to go into the project with all the information on hand. Additionally, both you and the security company will be on the same page from the beginning.

For example, you can say that your focus is to secure your home and business AND keep insurance premiums in control. The installer will then build a plan that caters to your needs and gives you maximum value.

The Right Hardware

There are several security hardware products available in the market. However, residential and commercial spaces require three core components:

• Burglar alarms
• CCTV/surveillance cameras
• Access control systems

Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms, also called security or intruder alarms, are designed to alert you in case of unauthorised entry into a building, a secure area within a building, or a secure installation such as a safe.

These systems work by interpreting data from sensors. These sensors can pick up on changes in pressure and heat and detect movement. When they are armed, the systems work continuously to scan a designated area and are triggered when a threat is detected.

Burglar alarms are the basis of any good security system. They are also often a requirement by insurance companies.

Burglar alarms have three types:

• A bells-only burglar alarm makes a loud noise when it is activated; however, it usually doesn’t alert the authorities and requires manual intervention.

• A dialler burglar alarm automatically contacts you or your emergency contacts when the alarm is triggered with a pre-recorded message or text alert to inform you of the activation.

• A monitored burglar alarm is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) where trained professionals receive the alarm, review it, and take the necessary action, such as informing the owners and calling the police.

CCTV/Surveillance Cameras

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras are the eyes and ears of your home and business. They monitor your property and record evidence that can be used by authorities to track down perpetrators. This evidence is also used to make insurance claims.

CCTV systems usually consist of several cameras connected to a central digital video recorder (DVR). This system securely saves all the security footage for a finite amount of time.

There are several types of CCTV cameras available for residential and commercial use. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Bullet,
• Dome,
• C-mount,
• PTZ,
• Day/Night,
• Infrared/Night vision,
• Network/IP wireless cameras,
• and High-definition CCTV cameras.

The installation company will automatically pick the best system for your needs and ensure that you get a compliant system that provides great quality video footage and maximum coverage.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems control, manage, and monitor the flow of people. These systems add a level of authentication to your property, which increases security and accountability.

Access control systems come in several varieties. They can require passcodes, key fobs, access cards, biometrics, or NFC apps for authentication.

Typically used for commercial properties, these systems can also be used for homeowners, especially if you sublet or have your property up on Airbnb.

Controlling access is a great way to keep track of any indiscretions and makes your property less likely to fall victim to break-ins, burglaries, and unauthorised visitors.

There are three main types of access control systems:

• mandatory access control,
• discretionary access control,
• and role-based access control.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is a non-discretionary system that provides the highest level of security with the most restrictive protection.

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is best suited for properties that require the most flexibility and ease of use. They are best used for start-ups, small businesses, schools, and coaching centres.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) systems control access within certain areas based on the position of the user and their role within the organisation.

Security Layout

Once the hardware has been settled on and sourced, the security company will begin building a layered system for your commercial or residential property.

This is perhaps the most important step because it involves installing the systems strategically so that they provide maximum coverage without leaving any blind spots.

In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why DIY projects don’t work for home and business security. You will unintentionally leave blind spots due to the incorrect installation of hardware.

Companies like Calder Security have security blueprints and experience that they rely on to provide maximum and highly standardised security.

Integration

These systems will also need to be integrated so that they can confirm threats and provide maximum security. For example, the system can be designed in such a way that it minimises the chances of false alarms.

False alarms are a nuisance, and if you get several of them, then law enforcement can blacklist your property. In this case, no one will be allowed to check out your property during a trigger until you resolve the false alarm issue. This is to save law enforcement time and resources and to ensure that they provide security only where it is truly needed.

Integration is what enables a system to be layered. For instance, the CCTV can work together with the access control and burglar alarm system to confirm threats. So, if someone tries to break in through the front door by tampering with the access control interface, the CCTV and the door sensors can pick up the intrusion.

Multiple triggers can confirm a threat and cause the system to trigger and send out a notification to the relevant parties.

When everything is integrated, you will receive access to a central control centre that you can interface with using a mobile application or your desktop/laptop. You can view all security reports from this dashboard and see all the hardware in action.

Maintenance and Add-ons

Finally, after the installer hands over the system to you, you will get an option to opt for maintenance services. We strongly recommend that you go with periodic maintenance.

This maintenance comes in the form of an annual maintenance contract. Under a valid contract, a technician will routinely visit your property to ensure that your system is running at 100%.

This is especially important if you want your business and home to be secure around the clock. The best thing about having a contract is that you don’t have to stress about anything.

The technician will assess the system, highlight problems, and fix them on the spot so that the system works without any downtime. If you own a business, then you truly do need a maintenance contract on your side.

If you want, you can take your security to even higher levels by opting for additional add-on services and hardware.

For example, fire alarms are an extremely important part of commercial and residential safety. These alarms will get a similar treatment and be installed in a way that your property will remain effectively protected.

Keep in mind that maintaining a fire alarm system is the responsibility of the owners of the building and is also a requirement under the fire safety laws in the UK.

You can also opt for monitoring services. Companies like Calder Security offer Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) services that you can use to continuously monitor your residential or commercial properties, even if you are away.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards.

We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintaining security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on designing a layered security system for homes and businesses.

Photo by Illiya Vjestica on Unsplash