The most recent data shows that more than 42,000 burglaries take place in commercial or office buildings in the United States each year, and nearly 22,000 more occur annually in restaurants. This is despite many of these businesses having surveillance cameras in place.
But as we know, many camera systems only capture a crime once it occurs. There’s a clear difference between surveillance and security. One merely observes potential nefarious activities while the other helps prevent them.
Let’s take a look at how your business can achieve both.
Multi-Level Intrusion Detection
There’s no single solution that will detect and prevent crime at a facility. Much like how cybersecurity strategies require a combination of robust firewalls, two-factor authentications, strong passwords, and monitoring, physical security requires multiple levels as well.
We recommend starting from the outside in, beginning with a full-perimeter system that helps prevent intruders from gaining entry in the first place. For example, securing doors, roof hatches, and windows with proper latches, access controls, or glass breakage detection helps prevent unauthorized entry.
Once a perimeter intrusion detection system is determined, we typically follow with interior space protection like motion detectors and panic buttons to alert officials and promote employee safety. Internal monitoring systems can also help prevent internal threats like employee theft.
Numerous technologies can be designed to work together based on a company’s individual needs. Some examples include:
- Burglar Alarms — A traditional intrusion detection system that sounds an alarm to deter thieves or vandals and alerts occupants
- Safe Silent Alarms — An automated system that sends an alert to officials or a monitoring company without making any noise or visual signs, deployed if an employee is forced to open a safe
- Keypads & Key Fobs — An access control system that requires anyone who enters a building or restricted areas to provide credentials
- Door and Window Sensors — Detects forced entry
- Seismic Detectors — Sensors that detect unusual vibrations in structures, around the perimeter of a building or near areas like an ATM, vaults, or other secure locations (drilling through walls or tunneling through floors)
- Silent Panic/Duress/Hold-up Buttons — Discreetly placed buttons, floor pedals, or fobs that allow employees to alert authorities or a monitoring company about an intrusion
- Exact Point of Alarm — Technologies that identify exactly where a breach occurred, such as a specific door or window
- Motion Detectors — Detects unexpected movements in restricted areas
- Wireless and Cellular Backup — Provides the ability to send communication and alerts to monitoring companies or law enforcement without the need for hard-wired connections or power
- Glass Break Sensors — Also known as a glass break detector, triggers an alarm or notification when glass breaks
- Opening and Closing Reports — Provides notifications when a security system has been armed or disarmed
- Remote Service — Remote monitoring from qualified professionals
Most industries won’t need all of these technologies deployed together, stressing the importance of working with a provider that seeks to understand your needs and provides right-sized recommendations based on a thorough risk analysis.
Are Intrusion Detection Systems Required?
While there’s little formal legislation that mandates which types of systems should be in place for commercial businesses, some industries are required to have intrusion detection systems and protocols in place to qualify for insurance or to receive services.
For example, lending companies such as banks and credit unions are usually required to provide proof of adequate security measures to their insurance companies and armored vehicle vendors.
Likewise, medical facilities and pharmaceuticals handle sensitive information and opioids that must be protected from theft. Without adequate security protocols and systems in place, these companies may not receive the services or coverages they need to operate.
Whether required or not, it’s in the best interest of commercial businesses to adequately secure their facilities to protect their property and, most importantly, their employees and guests.
New Innovations in Intrusion Detection Systems
Not surprisingly, AI is playing a role in intrusion detection. In the past, the industry hasn’t always been able to accurately detect the level of threat based on motion detection, for example. Did a person trigger an alert or was it a stray cat or dog passing by?
AI advances enable systems to detect shapes with a relatively high degree of accuracy to minimize false alarms. A threshold can be set to determine when a system triggers an alert based on its degree of certainty that the object is human.
Additionally, cameras, sensors, and security systems often serve dual roles, helping to keep property and people safe while also optimizing business processes. A security system can monitor temperatures, CO2, loss of power, water leaks, and more, protecting property and occupants in more ways than just intrusion detection.
Steps to Get Started
A properly planned interior and perimeter intrusion detection system not only detects crime in real time but can also help prevent it. Protecting life and property is at the heart of any intrusion detection system, and knowing which technologies to deploy is difficult, especially as fast as things are changing today.
With ASD and Strong Systems, we design and tailor solutions to your exact needs. We’ll ask the right questions and use our experience and expertise to help you identify a solution.
Contact our team of experts today to begin a conversation.
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