The design of an integrated system for security in the home or on commercial or school premises means linking all forms of electronic surveillance to an alarm system. Any breach of security in the system immediately sends an alarm. This goes to a response centre and reduces response time.

Home
Most homes have more potential access points for burglars than their owners realise. An integrated system of security gives a householder automatic control over lighting, heating, curtains, shutters, or window blinds, together with audiovisual equipment and CCTV. This type of multiple system can be controlled from a smart phone or touch screen. It enables you to see who may be at the door by displaying CCTV images from the front entrance.

An integrated security system can help you to organise your life more efficiently. You will be able to check access codes for children to ensure they are safe at home. A perimeter security system, such as infrared sensors, may be set to allow access for deliveries or tradesmen. You will still be able to control the system when you are away on holiday by activating controls that give the impression that the house is occupied. The controls will also adjust temperatures, making the house more energy efficient, allowing some saving on fuel bills.

Office

An office security system has to ensure that business premises are not only protected from intruders, but that sensitive commercial information and data systems remain safe. These types of integrated security systems link access controls to premises and office equipment to a software platform located at the head office or special response centre. It can integrate digital CCTV surveillance or a video network.

Staff access perimeter security controls using a smart card or biometric identity system. This arrangement will alert staff of any breach of security as well as record any suspicious incidents on the business premises. It will also identify inappropriate and aggressive behaviour on the part of staff members and authorised visitors. Staff can also be supplied with panic or duress buttons in the case of an emergency. The entire system will be able to monitor potential insurance claims in the site and contribute to a lowering of insurance premiums.

School

Schools and educational establishments have become very vulnerable to intruders, theft and vandalism over recent years. In many cities, the school is a prime target for burglars rather than neighbouring homes or commercial premises. The assumption on the part of the intruder is that the school may house a lot of audiovisual and computing equipment but with little security.

Access control to the school premises is vital for students and staff. Pupils and staff may be issued with smart cards to get into the premises. The surveillance systems must provide day and night monitoring of perimeter fences and roofs. Burglars often break into a school via a roof and may access the school roof from the roof of a neighbouring building.

Many schools that may not be able to afford a stand-alone security system can integrate their own system with that of schools close by and use a common response centre. This will both cut the cost of the system for each school and its insurance expenditure.

Technological advances allow homeowners, companies and educational authorities to integrate their security procedures into a more efficient and comprehensive system.

AUTHOR BIO

Jane Green writes regularly on integrated security systems for a wide range of websites and blogs. She has experience in designing security systems for business premises.

Maria John

Maria is a freelance article write. She writes article in different communities.