Whether for a warehouse, airport, or construction site, installing the right security system is essential for protecting staff, visitors, and equipment. Security systems are also incredibly varied, and working out the most suitable solutions for your business can be challenging.
An all-too-common trap to fall into is to implement one type of security — be it a security gate, CCTV cameras, or an alarm system — and neglect other forms. This can leave your site vulnerable to intrusion, theft, and vandalism.
If you have any concerns about gaps in your perimeter security setup, read on for our guide to effective system integration. Our specialists are also on hand to provide expert advice and develop bespoke solutions that ensure a robust security setup for your unique business.
What does it mean to integrate physical security systems?
It’s not uncommon to install security systems as separate entities. While setting up a CCTV camera as a standalone deterrent may be sufficient for home security, alone it doesn’t tend to offer the level of protection necessary for commercial spaces.
So integrating physical security would involve thinking about how you can team up multiple security solutions, such as automatic rising arm barriers, security gates, and CCTV enabling them to work together to protect your business premises more effectively as a whole.
What are the benefits of integrated security systems?
By requiring you to monitor different systems, which can be time-consuming, disparate security systems can lead to gaps in your security. Because your systems are not linked, you may find blind spots or delays. There’s also a higher risk of human error, leading to overall inefficiencies and increased risk.
If you are about to create an integrated security system that combines physical barriers, video monitoring, and access control systems, you will benefit from:
- Centralised monitoring: So you can handle all of your systems from a single point — this can reduce time and increase accuracy.
- Automation: Your systems can communicate to set off a chain of events. For instance, incorrect attempts on an access control keypad or swipe card system may trigger security gates to close and an alarm to sound.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you can add to your unified system to ensure all areas are covered. This can be far more effective than trying to add new, separate systems in different locations.
On top of these benefits, you’ll have a comprehensive security strategy that:
- Deters intruders from attempting access in the first place.
- Delays intrusion if attempted.
- Improves alerts so that if intruders are successful in entering, you can take swift action.
What are the most effective components of an integrated security system?
The exact security measures your business requires will vary depending on your premises type, size, and layout. However, businesses in a range of industries can benefit from high-quality perimeter security solutions, including:
- Security gates: From bi-fold to sliding, security gates can provide a strong physical barrier to deter both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Security fencing: Often combined with security gates, this type of security fence delivers a clearly defined barrier that can prevent intruders from accessing potential weak spots all around the perimeter of your premises.
- Security barriers: Ideal for car parks, automatic or manual arm barriers can regulate vehicle access, help manage traffic flow, and prevent tailgating.
- Turnstiles: These are suitable for internal and external use, making them a great addition to a range of spaces, from construction sites to gyms and offices.
On top of the physical security aspects, it’s worth considering access control systems so that only authorised personnel can access certain areas — whether it’s the building foyer or specific storage units.
Card readers, keypads, and biometric readers are all useful access control systems to integrate into your perimeter security measures.
Other components to integrate into your perimeter security include:
- Alarms (audio and visual)
- CCTV cameras
What product combinations are best for high-risk sites?
As mentioned, every site will have different requirements. For high-risk areas, such as government buildings, airports, and prisons, you’ll want to ensure your perimeter security measures are robust.
For these settings, security gates, access control systems, and turnstiles are vital. However, hostile vehicle mitigation should also be taken into account, with the integration of bollards and road blockers.
Placed outside buildings and within car park areas, security solutions like road blockers reduce the risk of hostile vehicles driving into pedestrians, other vehicles, and the premises.
Why is access control more effective when combined with physical security?
When combined, physical barriers and access control systems complement one another to create holistic and comprehensive protection. Adding card readers or a similar form of access control won’t always provide an effective deterrent if there are no physical barriers, such as turnstiles.
What’s more, if an access control system was bypassed or breached (whether through a technical fault or human error), then physical barriers can act as a secondary line of defence to deter, delay, or detect unauthorised access.
With a layered approach to your security, you can create a stronger and more reliable level of protection.
How does regular service and maintenance support integrated security systems?
An integrated security system relies on multiple components working in harmony. If one part is out of sync, your security measures could be compromised.
For this reason, it’s essential to make sure all aspects of your perimeter security and access control systems undergo regular servicing. Carrying out checks on a regular basis will catch any potential issues early, so they can be addressed before they reduce your security system’s overall effectiveness.
When you partner with Security Solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that our experts are available to carry out thorough servicing and maintenance to keep your systems working smoothly.
From scheduled automatic gate maintenance to emergency call-outs, we will ensure your entire security setup remains reliable, compliant, and ready to respond.
Set up a robust integrated security system with Security Solutions
When security systems work together, you can feel confident knowing your site or premises are covered from all angles.
Our experienced team at Security Solutions can curate, install, and maintain a comprehensive perimeter security system you can rely on.
To learn more and discuss your requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.