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Physical Security

6 Security Systems Tech Decision Makers Should Be Considering

There's a lot that goes into keeping your building secure.

June 1, 2015 Jonathan Blackwood Leave a Comment

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Surveillance

One of the most valuable tools being utilized from the most secure government buildings to the smallest corner stores across the country is a surveillance system. The capabilities of these systems span the same complexity as the businesses where they are utilized. A single camera can record content on a loop over a certain amount of time, deleting tape as it runs. Video feeds can be sent to central displays to be monitored in real time. Some cameras can even incorporate recognition and sight beyond our visual spectrum. The type of system you want to purchase depends on your needs, and budget.

Access Control

Access control systems are great way to ensure that only the correct personnel get into the building. Much like surveillance systems, access control can range from the relatively simple to the very complex. A digital keypad is a way to set a code for the entire office to use. Simply type the code and the entrance unlocks. Audio and video entry systems can feed into a display being monitored so each entrant can be screened before entrance. Fob or keycard systems can track precisely which people enter the building.

Notification

One of the most important aspects of a security system is ensuring that the right people are notified of what to do in the case of an emergency. Many companies have digital signage throughout their offices displaying company information. These systems can be used to display emergency notification information when the time comes. Smartphone apps have been created that can house emergency response information, giving only necessary information to each individual, and notify employees with the app of emergencies. Some of these apps can even be used to report emergencies as well.

Fire Suppression

Fire alarms are a somewhat obvious but often overlooked piece of the security system. There are many types of fire suppression methods including Antifreeze, CO2, dry pipe, wet pipe, foam, and more. Different types of suppression systems work to quell fires in different types of ways, so you should be thinking about the potential hazards in your facilities that might arise to decide on the correct system.

Intrusion Detection

An intrusion detection system or software can help keep your network secure. These systems will notify personnel if a threat is detected somewhere in the network. The administrator can then take the necessary steps to block the threat and protect the system. Intrusion prevention systems can even go so far as to block the threats in addition to detecting them.

PSIM Systems

A Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) system is something that brings all of these other systems together. Essentially, it takes all of the emergency notification information from all of the physical security systems and uses that information to learn more about what is going on in the office. It can then inform the correct people of the correct things to do, whether that be checking out a strange occurrence at an entrance or locking down the building.

In a climate in which emergency situations are a sad reality, many companies are taking steps to ensure that their security systems are up to the task of dealing with a variety of emergencies. Facility managers want to make sure that their buildings aren’t going to fall to pieces during the next natural disaster, and if it does they want to make sure that no one is in the building when it happens. Business owners want to make sure that their property, both online data and physical, is safe from thieves and hackers. And everyone wants to make sure that the wrong person doesn’t get into the office and start trouble.

Whatever your reason is, additional security can’t hurt. Best case scenario, your security system will never get any use. The worst case scenario can be significantly reduces if the right security system is in place. It’s always a good idea to make things safer, for liability and moral reasons. The question becomes, where to start?

Corporate TechDecisions has compiled a list of 6 security systems that can help in emergency situations.

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Jonathan Blackwood
Jonathan Blackwood

Jonathan Blackwood is the Editor-in-Chief of TechDecisions. Jonathan joined TechDecisions in 2014 and writes about technologies that help to innovate and improve practices for companies of all sizes, K-12 and higher education, government, healthcare, hospitality, retail and large venue spaces. He is especially interested in the future of work and education and the Internet of Things. Follow him @BlackwoodTweets.

Tagged With: Corporate, Emergency Management

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