According to Amthal Fire & Security's discussion paper on Security in Commercial Applications, the choice and design of a good system can start with understanding the building type and usage from a fire and security standpoint.
"What is the best way to secure the property? How do we keep the people and assets within it safe?" These are definitely questions that each commercial building owner has to try to find the answers to at one time or another.
Today's commercial fire safety and security systems need to be able to meet challenges posed by the modern workplace. The rising trend of hiring part-time/contractual employees, as well as flexible working hours, have put a strain on traditional access control systems as these have to be capable of keeping tabs on the people on the premises and limiting access to authorized personnel.
Furthermore, there are more assets to protect. Not only do these systems have to physically secure the building itself and the equipment within, it will also need to guard personal devices such as laptops and smartphones brought in by the workers, the loss of which could result to the leaking of sensitive and confidential data out of the company.
Security and Fire Safety System Considerations
Some might think that the best security systems are the most expensive ones or the ones that have the most components, but it appears that this might not be the case. According to Amthal Fire & Security's discussion paper on Security in Commercial Applications, the choice and design of a good system can start with understanding the building type and usage from a fire and security standpoint.
After analyzing the type, likelihood, and severity of threats that may occur, owners can then decide whether or not they need to invest in a sophisticated security system or if a high-tech security system is needed for the whole of their premises.
If the problems commonly experienced by the building can be managed using simpler methods, like for example by adding more lights, why spend money on installing more cameras? For more advanced needs, owners can consider investing in a building automation system (BAS) which can cover both access control and video surveillance and is flexible enough for expansion in the future.
For many companies, a smart security system that includes intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance is adequate for their needs. Video surveillance, in particular, is quite useful as affords the security staff the ability to monitor events in real time or easily look for related videos. Additionally, lights can be integrated with the cameras to provide the responders with better images and information.
Understanding of the property will also come in handy when it comes to the choice and design of fire safety systems. There should be enough smoke or heat detectors to cover the whole area so that the system can function properly and alert people of a danger in the vicinity. The placement of which should allow for these detectors to connect to a central control panel that will preferably let the responders know where the fire is located so that they can then follow protocol and handle the situation effectively.
Choose with Care
Technology is a highly effective tool that can be used to protect people and property. However, with the huge selection of security and fire systems out there, it wouldn't be wise for owners to invest blindly. Instead, they should carefully consider what would best suit their needs and requirements and choose accordingly.