Intruder alarms

Traditional intruder alarms currently have various communication options that permit an alarm condition to be transmitted to a remote monitoring facility or an individual as well as remote arming and disarming. Integrations are also available between various components of your site security such as a VSS (video surveillance system) or access control. Without integration and monitoring false alarms are possible however some integrations can be complex and bespoke and communication options can be limited in the information conveyed. Unmonitored, on-site only alarms, that sound sirens or flash lights can in certain circumstances be ineffective, in particular in areas where they may not be noticed or worse ignored!

Cloud based systems simplify the integration and monitoring options available for intrusion detection in various ways:

Full single vendor integration whereby all of your physical security system components are from a single supplier offering the highest level of integration possible, together with a subscription-based monitoring solution. Your existing wired security system sensors can be connected to a new alarm panel which also support existing signalling outputs. Alarm conditions are verified by a human, comparing the alarm event with event triggers from your VSS and access control systems.

Hybrid solutions use a simple custom integration from your cloud-based CCTV and / or access control systems to your intruder system. The key benefits of these types of solution are that you can keep the majority of your investment in physical security components in place, which for an enterprise can often be a significant investment. For sites that already have a security operations or control room this level of integration allows site wide integration of alarm panels from various vendors together with CCTV alarm verification and in many instances a reduction actionable video event.

Wider integration possibilities are now simplified so that environmental sensors that detect noise, Carbon Dioxide, ambient lighting and temperature for example can now be connected seamlessly to generate or verify security events in an integrated system. Fire alarm integration can mean that fires can be verified quickly and the causes of false alarms such as smoking, vaping or alarm triggering can be identified and dealt with appropriately without always evacuating the building. Your security monitoring team could react to leaking pipes or failed cooling plant before significant damage occurs.

Integration also permits the monitoring of complex spaces such as outdoors or in areas where there is constant movement and traditional movement detectors alone are not sufficient but paired with for example video and AI suspicious behaviour can now be monitored and events generated based on absence from the normal. Integration also permits monitoring and alarm triggering even when the alarm is switched disarmed for example monitoring infrequently used doors by viewing video of an event triggered by a system detector.

Facilities management will also benefit from wide scale integrations of physical security devices as they can now extract analytical data from these interconnected systems to understand heating, lighting, traffic, and occupancy of the spaces they manage as well as air quality and noise limits.

In summary intruder alarms are often the neglected area of security, video surveillance alone, even with AI integration, can still generate a significant number of false alarm events but once paired with an intrusion detection system the verification of an alarm event is now straightforward.

When it comes to cost you will need to determine not only the new capabilities on offer but also how much of your existing systems can be retained, if required; the terms of the subscription model offered and the standalone capabilities of your intruder systems, should your network connection fail. Check Your Security are here to advise and assist you with these questions. We work with a number of cloud solution providers and understand the benefits of system integration and the transformative effect it can have on a control room and ultimately your site’s security.

If you would like to understand more about upgrading your existing system or are considering a new or replacement system, please contact Check Your Security for un-biased advice on the right solution for you. We work with a number of vendors and can help guide you in deciding which product is best for you and your individual security and access requirements