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Thanks to modern technology and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are now seeing an uptick in advanced security products that use the Internet of Things or IoT to provide comprehensive security using a unified monitoring system.
The Internet of Things is a technology that allows disparate security hardware products to “talk” to each other using the internet. For example, a thermal sensor and smoke detector in the same area can exchange information to confirm a threat, thereby lowering the chances of false alarms and significantly increasing efficiency.
Fire alarms have come a long way and are now extensively used by commercial property owners to comply with regulations and to keep assets and occupants safe.
Read on to find out all about smart fire detectors, IoT sensors, cloud-connected systems, and what is and isn’t safe for your business in today’s modern world:
SMART FIRE DETECTION
Smart security systems are getting popular day by day due to their software capabilities. While these systems use more or less the same hardware, the real magic happens behind the scenes, either inside the device on a SoC (Computer Chip) or online servers (cloud computing).
Through software, these systems can increase their effectiveness and use algorithms and even AI tools to help detect threats more accurately, and perhaps even sooner in some cases.
For example, when using a smart stove and a smart fire detector, the fire detector may be able to send out a signal to turn off the stove if the alarm is triggered, to prevent the severity of the fire.
However, it is important to note that these smart features rely extensively on IoT sensors, cross-compatible hardware, and advanced communication protocols.
Smart fire detection systems go beyond traditional alarms by combining the following technologies:
- IoT-enabled sensors – that communicate wirelessly or over Ethernet/Wi-Fi
- Cloud platforms – that gather, analyse, and store data in real time
- Mobile or dashboard alerts – for facilities teams and responders
- Data analytics – predictive insights to reduce false alarms and maintenance issues
Let’s discuss each technology in detail and see how it works and increases the capabilities of fire alarms:
IoT Sensors
Modern smart sensors use photoelectric and ionisation sensors that are highly sensitive and accurate. In most cases, smart fire alarms will use both types in a hybrid model to increase the accuracy of the detection.
Additionally, these systems can also combine other detectors such as smoke density devices, thermal imaging devices, CO2 monitoring devices, and more to decrease and perhaps even eliminate the chances of false alarms.
IoT devices also use Low-Power or Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) sensors. These are ideal for larger areas and are highly effective at detecting fire incidents in warehouses, assembly lines, or other large commercial areas.
Cloud Computing and Real-Time Processing
If you have ever wondered how simple devices can perform multiple logical operations and computations without being expensive or loaded with complex computational hardware, then chances are that these devices are using cloud computing.
Cloud-enabled devices simply send all the data to an online server where it is processed, and only the instructions are sent to the device for execution. For example, many security cameras use AI algorithms to detect faces; however, this type of detection isn’t usually done locally on the device itself.
Instead, the data is sent to a server where facial data is compared with previously stored data from the camera, and the server tells the camera whether the person is authorised or not. The camera can then raise an alarm or follow the unauthorised person for further recording.
Cloud computing enables real-time alerts that are sent through mobile applications or online dashboards that can be accessed from anywhere. This technology enables multiple security hardware devices to connect and perform tasks as a unified system.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is being powered by Artificial Intelligence algorithms to help users make more informed decisions about the security of their property.
Through data analysis, fire alarms or any other type of security hardware can cut down on false alarms and process large amounts of information in real-time.
This means that the data from various devices can be used together to confirm a threat and increase the overall security for your business.
WHAT IS SAFE (AND WHAT ISN’T) FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Smart fire detectors have several proven benefits:
- Since they use cloud computing and depend on multi-channel detection, the sensors take in information from various devices to confirm the presence of fire in the property, thereby reducing the chances of false alarms.
- Real-time processing allows these devices to process information from multiple devices and present valuable actions and suggestions to users through push notifications that are sent to their phone or an online dashboard.
- Since these devices are connected to the internet, they can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This means that you don’t have to physically check the property, and the sensors do all the work. These systems can also present weekly security reports so that you can go over all the incidents around your property.
- Through integration, these devices can connect to a central Business Management System (BMS) for even more transparent and comprehensive security reports. These systems can also smartly reduce the chances of fire by turning off appliances such as stoves or even the HVAC during fire events.
Now that we have looked at the proven benefits of these systems, let’s look at what isn’t safe when using these smart systems:
- Basic Wi-Fi smoke alarms are yet to fully meet commercial building regulatory requirements, which is why their use must be carefully considered and backed by traditional alarm systems. Since these types of security hardware are relatively new, they will take some time to become the norm for regulations. We recommend that you always refer to your local laws and use traditional sensors for full compliance and additional safety.
- Smart systems come in several varieties, and every manufacturer might use different protocols, which can make integration difficult. While industry-wide standards and protocols are being developed and even used in some cases, it will take time for every manufacturer to come on board and sell cross-compatible products.
- Since these systems are connected to the internet, they are also vulnerable to online threats. This can be in the form of hackers who can try to brute force their way into your security system and cause all kinds of havoc. In some cases, nefarious parties may even be able to turn off the system. However, it is important to keep in mind that most compliant hardware uses encryption and other security protocols to protect user data, which can make it harder or even impossible for hackers to compromise your system.
- IoT devices always need a stable internet connection to work efficiently. As mentioned above, since these devices rely on cloud computing, they need to always access the servers for effective detection. This is why you will likely need to invest in network infrastructure when installing smart devices. Additionally, even if the devices have a stable connection, problems can arise from the server side, which can hinder the device’s ability to provide consistent security.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR BUSINESSES
Here are a few steps that you can use to increase the security of your property and help you get the most out of your smart fire system:
Risk Assessment
Smaller businesses might get away with installing a smart fire detector so long as it is also paired with a traditional system to comply with regulations. However, for large businesses, especially ones that deal with expensive assets, going with traditional sensors is still the gold standard.
This is simply because smart detectors are new, and since they depend on variables to work perfectly, traditional sensors will always have an edge over them.
Does this mean smart fire detectors have no use for large businesses?
Large businesses can still benefit from a hybrid approach where they use a combination of both sensors. The smart sensors can help businesses monitor threats and even log them automatically. They can also be used to remotely access your business’s security system from anywhere in the world.
By combining the system with traditional sensors, you can get the best of both worlds and have a fail-safe if the smart sensor system is compromised due to any of the reasons discussed above.
Additionally, business owners must also keep an eye on regulations and insurance requirements to make sure that they comply with all the legal requirements before investing in an IoT system.
Certified Installers and System
Going with certified installers and security hardware is your best bet to get the most out of a smart system. Certified systems use the same communication and encryption protocols, which can make them easier to integrate. Since the system is cross-compatible, you may also be able to scale your security system in the future.
You should also always go with professional and certified installers. Security companies like Calder Security have all the necessary accreditation that can help you install your system using industry standards.
Setting Redundancies
When it comes to security, having redundancies is always a good idea, especially when protecting expensive assets and, of course, the life of the occupants.
However, when it comes to smart security systems, you will have to set redundancies on multiple fronts. For example, you will have to ensure a robust network and a fallback system if the primary network fails. This can help the system provide consistent protection even if one server is down.
You should also opt for a cloud service provider that offers similar redundancies from the server side and has a track record of high uptime. This can not only help in keeping the system up and always running, but can also enable you to protect your property even if a few things go wrong at the backend.
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial for any type of security hardware. In the case of smart fire detectors, you will need to have these systems maintained just as traditional systems.
Regular maintenance is an important activity for security systems because it allows professional technicians to survey each hardware and detect faults at the earliest.
By inspecting hardware, technicians can fix errors and highlight vulnerabilities that can be addressed before they cause problems to your business.
A maintenance contract is useful in this regard because it also services all your security hardware. This means technicians will clean the sensors if needed, test all fire and security alarms, change batteries, calibrate the hardware, and check the firmware or software for bugs.
By doing this, you can ensure that your system is always up and running. In most cases, you will need to conduct inspections and maintenance activities twice a year or every 6 months.
In the case of smart fire detectors, these systems may even inform users about issues via a push notification to their phone or an online dashboard. This way, you can always be in the know when the hardware starts to “act up” and can call in a professional to take a look at it.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
If you own a small business but are a tech enthusiast or want to try out new security hardware, then you can go with a combination of a traditional and smart fire alarm. However, you will have to ensure that your primary reliance is on the traditional alarms to fulfil building regulations.
Traditional alarms are the gold standard because they are relatively cheaper and highly effective. They work as intended and have very few faults, if any. They can also be easily serviced by technicians and can be repaired quicker than smart systems.
If you own a large business and want to maximise protection from fires while also gathering data about the security of your business, then a smart fire alarm will be your best bet. With advanced features such as remote monitoring and smart integration, they are the best technologically advanced fire detection systems available in the market today.
Still confused about which option is best for your business? We suggest you speak to professional installers, like Calder Security, to guide you towards the right security investment for your business.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we offer you a comprehensive solution for your fire safety needs that includes professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair.
We understand that every property is different, and the specification of the system depends on several factors, including the type and size of the building. We can help you cut through all that and advise you on the best fire detection system for your property that complies with British Standards, HSE, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines, in addition to meeting the requirements of business insurance.
We also understand fire regulations and provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law. We work fast to restore your fire alarm system to excellent condition and always strive to meet your expectations.
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.
If your system starts to malfunction, you can rely on our highly skilled engineers to restore your system to full working order in one visit. We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair fire alarms not installed by us, thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on fire alarm systems, the difference between smart fire alarms and traditional smoke alarms, and which is better for your business.
Photo by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash