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Modern alarm systems have come a long way. What was once known as discrete hardware for security can now be integrated to provide unmatched smart security that harnesses the power of not two, but all security systems installed at the premises.
This comprehensive approach towards security is made possible using IoT technology and advanced hardware and software that lets different security systems “talk” to each other.
This approach isn’t new, though. It has existed with single types of alarms like intruder alarms, where each alarm can assess and confirm an intrusion by detecting two independent events. However, combining multiple types of security like CCTV, access control systems, and intruder alarms using advanced algorithms and even artificial intelligence is a novel approach towards providing comprehensive security for modern homes and businesses.
Read on to find out how to integrate CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control to create a centralised security system and the benefits of doing so:
INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEMS
Just as the name suggests, integrated systems combine video surveillance, intruder alarms, and access control systems for doors, gates, locks, and credentials.
The system works by communicating data to and from the security hardware so that it sends and receives relevant data from other devices, which don’t even need to be in proximity. For example, a security camera at the front gate could communicate with the access control system at the front door and let an authorised person into the premises.
The technology that makes this possible is called the Internet of Things (IoT). Together with cloud computing, which allows for data processing on the server level, these security devices can process large amounts of data online and provide a high level of convenience and security.
These systems are popular for smart homes and businesses and can be installed and configured by professional installers like Calder Security. The best part about these types of systems is that they provide users with a unified or centralised management dashboard that lets them access and control all security hardware from one place.
Not only can users add more devices, but they can also fine-tune the security hardware and personalise it to their daily lives. For example, the system can be set in a way to keep the access control system locked during nighttime, except if an authorised person is seen entering the premises. This can be done through security cameras that use facial recognition and fob/key authentication.
Depending on the type of system, users can also have the systems upgraded over time using firmware updates that enhance the security and capabilities of existing hardware. You can continue to get upgraded security throughout the years, and all of it under a unified security setup that lets you seamlessly control everything in one mobile application.
SMART CCTV ALARM ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM
Smart security is touted to be the next best thing in the world of surveillance. In today’s age of artificial intelligence, security companies are using advanced algorithms and deeper processing engines to help provide better security for everyone.
However, to make security system integration work well, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Communication Protocols
When shopping for a smart system, make sure that it supports the latest communication protocols that will enable the device to seamlessly connect to the internet and communicate with other devices.
These protocols must support ONVIF for video devices and OSDP for access control systems. These protocols let the devices transfer data quickly and efficiently without any lag or delays, which can be common with wireless and sometimes even wired connections.
Alarm Trigger and Interconnectivity
Modern smart systems work using a series of conditions. These conditions or logics are important because they allow each device to not only communicate but also work together to provide security. For example, a common string of logic for CCTVs, alarms, and access control systems could be:
Access control door alarm trigger à raise intruder alarm à record CCTV and log event
This logic would combine the efforts of all security systems and provide a comprehensive deterrent that could not only repel nefarious people but also help law enforcement apprehend suspects.
While this type of logic can be self-programmed, we highly recommend that you seek professional help from a security company like Calder Security, which can help you program multiple logics to cover all possible bases.
Centralised Security
When you have everything under one dashboard, security can become highly convenient and powerful. Instead of checking the status of all devices individually, integrated security systems can enable users to easily check the overall health of the system.
The dashboard can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have a good internet connection. These dashboards are available on mobile platforms in the form of applications that can help you not only keep an eye on the premises but also change the settings of the security system with a simple tap.
These systems can also be remotely monitored by a third-party security company like Calder Security, which can not only use all systems to provide security but also inform law enforcement for immediate action.
Reliability
Since these systems are connected to the internet, one might think that they might be susceptible to hackers. This is true; however, these security systems have multiple layers of security that protect user data from breaches. Not only is all incoming and outgoing data encrypted, but it is also protected at the server level so that hackers can never access your system.
Unified security setups can also be further strengthened by employing power backups, network backups, local as well as cloud storage, and redundant failover paths. These augmentations are particularly useful for large properties that require tighter security measures.
Compliance
Smart systems come under UK regulations and follow the British Standards. However, since these systems connect to the internet and deal with data, they must also comply with GDPR requirements for data storage and management.
This is why we recommend that you go with a professional and accredited security company that can help you install all your devices with compliance and standards in mind.
HOW TO INTEGRATE SECURITY SYSTEMS
Whether you own a home or run a business, there are immense benefits to integrating security systems.
A unified security system can not only help you keep everything secure, but it can also provide you with data in the form of reports that can outline the overall performance and provide a summary of threats.
Since these devices also use algorithms and facial recognition technologies, the system can use mobile notifications to keep you informed in the event of intrusions and about recent changes in the premises. These signals can be sent to the user, the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), and the police.
Integration requires professional assessment and installation, which is why we highly recommend that you pick the right security company and work with them to assess your needs and figure out the right solution.
Generally, the integration process requires careful planning and consideration and includes the following steps:
Assessment
The assessment process is perhaps the most important step towards integration. The security company will perform a security audit that starts with a thorough assessment of the existing security systems, including access control, CCTV cameras, and security alarms. This audit will be used to identify any areas of improvement and to help plan the placement of new hardware around the premises.
Planning
After the results of the assessment are shared with the stakeholders, a detailed plan is constructed that outlines every detail of the integration process, including the requirements, specifications, and the desired outcome.
The planning stage is crucial because it allows the security professionals to work with the property owner to come up with a highly personalised solution that is based on individual needs.
Selection
The selection process involves assessing the overall budget of the installation and choosing the appropriate systems and technologies that are compatible and can integrate easily to form a unified safety and security infrastructure.
There are several factors that need to be kept in mind. For example, users will have to account for scalability, ease of use, and communication of these devices. Hardware and software for the security infrastructure may also be selected during this stage, particularly if you opt for redundancies and require tighter security.
Integration and Installation
Once everything is sourced, the installer will begin installation around the premises. The installer may integrate the system as new hardware is installed, so that they can quickly identify faults or connection failures. This step ensures that the integration is done properly and that all hardware is seamlessly connected. It is best to consult security specialists, such as the ones at Calder Security, to ensure everything works as it should and complies with industry standards.
Testing and Maintenance
Once the integration process is complete, thorough testing is carried out to ensure the proper functionality of the integrated systems.
Like with any security system, smart systems also have a robust maintenance schedule. The maintenance schedule is set up to ensure the system’s reliability and longevity, and since the system is connected via the internet, the installation company can easily track the overall health of the system without having to enter the premises.
WHICH SYSTEMS SHOULD YOU INTEGRATE?
There are several types of security systems used in businesses and homes, the most common ones being access control, CCTV cameras, and intrusion detection. When combined, these systems will provide any property, particularly large properties, with layered security.
Let’s go over the details of how each of these smart systems works:
Access Control
Access control systems, also called keyless entry systems, are automated systems that manage and control the inflow and outflow of people within a building.
These systems use advanced authentication methods such as access codes, access cards, key fobs, biometrics, and smartphone apps. Integrating access control systems can allow users to easily manage the flow of people in small or large properties and enable the security system to lock down if the other hardware detects an intrusion.
CCTV Cameras
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras are a popular type of security system used in businesses and homes of all types. Modern CCTV systems or smart cameras come with a smartphone app that allows the footage to be viewed on your phone. These devices use the power of the internet and leverage cloud computing to provide facial recognition and other useful features.
They can send notifications and alerts every time the system detects unusual activity, such as an intrusion. The biggest benefit of these systems is that they are highly compatible with other hardware and can be the “eyes and ears” of the system. For example, if the system detects a loud noise or an unauthorised person, it can quickly alert the user and trigger the alarm system.
The footage captured by the CCTV cameras can be accessed and shared from anywhere around the world, so long as an authenticated user accesses the dashboard. This means that you can comply with or send proof of a break-in to local law enforcement and insurers, even if you aren’t home.
More importantly, the system can also smartly track the intruder by following their path and activating only certain access control locks to contain the threat instead of locking everything in the premises. This can be a useful feature for high-stakes emergencies like gunmen entering an occupied premises.
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection systems, also called burglar alarms, are a type of security alarm system designed to detect unauthorised access. These systems work using sensors such as motion sensors, glass break detectors, passive infrared, and contact sensors to detect any unusual activity within a building.
There are a few different types of intruder alarms available for commercial and home use. From simple bells-only alarms to smart alarm systems with remote monitoring capabilities, they can work as standalone systems as well as when integrated with other security systems to provide comprehensive security. The benefit of integrating alarm systems is that they can quickly deter threats and can also alert people nearby of a break-in, thereby reducing the chances of success for the criminals.
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 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 at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on how to integrate CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control into one system and the unmatched security benefits that it brings to commercial as well as residential properties.
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