How to Manage Compatibility Issues with Security Systems

Security is one thing that is often overlooked by business owners. However, that should not be the case. It should also be considered as one of the many investments in the business.

Importance of Security Systems

Security systems are there to protect both the physical assets and the people of a business from outside threats and in some cases, internal threats. The system is typically made up of components and devices that are connected together to form a seamless solution to meet the security requirements of the space that it resides in.

There are many places security systems are used. Banks and retail shops require security systems to protect both assets and staff. Utility corporations such as power and telecommunication providers often need security more for asset protection and preventative maintenance.

Security systems are typically composed of a control panel which acts as the core component for the whole security system. Motion sensors, cameras, keypads, and other devices are then connected to the control panel to form the complete solution.

How Security Systems Work

So how exactly does a security system work? At its core, it prevents unauthorized people from entering restricted areas on where it is installed and provide notification of intrusion where security has been breached. For retail and banking, anyone who is not recognized as a staff member is usually barred from entering unless doors are opened from the inside by an authorized person. Intrusion detectors can be armed and disarmed to report events when a person enters without authorization. Warning devices provide audible and visual indication that there is an intrusion. Events are sent to a control room for verification and actioning.

Control Panel – The main component of the security system works by ensuring that all the other interconnected components are working, provides rules or logic for the audible and visible indication of an intrusion and provides logging of data from the sensors or other connected devices. It also typically provides the method of communicating the events to a software platform for management and verification.

Motion Sensors – Motion sensors detect whether there is someone or something moving in an armed area. These are fitted to specific locations within the premises.

Door control – Doors are typically fitted with a strike to activate when authorization is granted, a door contact to sense when the door is opened, and a device to read the persons credentials be it pin-pad, proximity reader or biometric reader.

Analog Sensors – These are typically sensors for monitoring environmental conditions within the premises or site. They could be temperature, humidity, light and current or voltage monitoring devices connected to the control panel.

The Problem

No security system is perfect, but some are better than the others. Sometimes it can even be hard to monitor a security system properly because of complications with the different systems and integrations. There might also be compatibility issues which can render some systems inefficient.

Thankfully, there are hybrid solutions that answer the problem such as the ARCO Solution by SPG Controls.

What is the Arco Solution?

The Arco Solution acts as the central control that is intelligently designed to manage hundreds of thousands of remote sites or sensors aimed at securing parts of a company’s asset base. They are specially designed for any banking, retail, and/or utility such as telecommunications organisations.

One key component of the Arco Solution for security systems is the S1000 Panel which remotely manages the access control, devices, and alarms including some building management functions integral to maintaining high levels of protection. The panel itself can still be expanded with adapter modules and more network devices to extend its reporting capabilities.

S1000 Panel Specifications

The S1000 provides a complete Alarm, access and sensor management solution in one compact panel. The features of the S1000 include:

• Redundant communications paths using ethernet, 4G, wifi, PSTN
• SSL encryption
• Up to 8 access control doors and 8 alarm areas
• 8 onboard fully configurable inputs expandable to 200
• 5 onboard outputs expandable to 50
• Onboard battery charger
• Bluetooth for local configuration
• Hi reliability, can operate up to 70 degrees and in harsh environments
• Support OSDP device protocols

To learn more about the Arco Solution and to talk to an expert to discuss your security system needs, click here.