Page 60 - Security Today, April 2017

intrusion control panel events occur. If someone tampers with or attempts to mask a motion detector, the security control panel can trigger a nearby camera to send a video snapshot via email or text to the facility manager. It can also alert security personnel and trig- ger a pan-tilt-zoom camera to focus on the relevant area for further investigation.
If there is a particularly sensitive area at a facility—such as a server room—video, access and intrusion technology can combine to secure the area and can even be used to provide physical protection of the data by securing the individual hardware racks inside the room. Each server rack can have its own access reader, keypad and camera. This can keep unauthorized individuals from accessing the equip- ment and also restrict authorized people to scheduled days and times, limiting after-hour access to pre-determined times for maintenance or upgrades. Using a keypad and a reader on the racks enables the use of dual authentication, so the individual must present something he has—a credential—along with something he knows—a pin—for enhanced security.
The intrusion system can also provide reports on openings and closings along with the user name or identification of the person who armed or disarmed the rack—delivering an audit trail of those who accessed the equipment. Adding the IP camera ensures that any at- tempts to open the racks by unauthorized individuals will trigger the camera to send a text or email alert with a video snapshot to the facility or IT manager.
When using cameras equipped with video analytics, the cameras can also initiate intrusion detection system events when pre-defined alarms are triggered. Video analytics can be a major asset, as it en- sures a constant eye on the scene and instantly alerts to conditions that require action. Improvements in accuracy are also making it a more sought after feature. Enhancements in reliability are reducing false alarms in outdoor environments, so analytics can now be used with more accurate results in areas with heavy winds, in weather con- ditions like rain, snow or hail, or near bodies of water that are in constant motion.
When a pre-defined alarm is triggered, such as detection of loiter- ing in a parking lot or of a perimeter breach after hours, the analytic alert can immediately fault a corresponding point on the intrusion control panel. This prompts the panel to communicate the alarm to the central monitoring station or to send video snapshots to the user.
Integrating security technology with a public address system can also provide added protection of sensitive areas, such as locations with valuable assets. Requiring dual authentication to disarm an area and combining that technology with video analytics and automated audio announcements maximizes security for high-risk locations. For example, it can allow security personnel to be notified if unauthor- ized individuals attempt to touch or move high-value assets and im- mediately trigger a pre-recorded audio announcement to alert the individuals that their actions are being monitored.
Audio integration is also beneficial for initiating pre-recorded messages based on security events. For example, activating an emer- gency pull station or pressing a wireless panic button can automati- cally trigger a public address system to play emergency instructions through a loudspeaker while also notifying facility personnel with a different message through two-way radios.
Managing the System
By integrating intrusion detection and access control within the video management system (VMS), users gain centralized control of secu- rity and video devices and doors across the enterprise. This increases efficiency for operators and simplifies management of the system.
For example, if a delivery arrives at a shipping dock after the dock worker has left for a lunch break, the facility manager or security personnel can use the VMS to view live video from a nearby camera to validate that a delivery person is at the dock door. From within
the VMS, he could then disarm the dock area and cycle the door to allow the delivery person to enter. The facility manager can view live streams from other cameras in the system to watch the delivery person complete the drop off and leave the building. He can then re-arm the dock area. All of these actions can be done via the map in the VMS interface—without the facility manager needing to leave his workstation.
Mobile command and control of the system via apps for smart phones or tablets also keeps users connected even when they are away from a site. Within the same app used to arm or disarm an intrusion system or area or control doors, users can also view live video from IP cameras integrated with the system.
Benefitting from Services
Combining these security technologies with video monitoring ser- vices enables the central station to intervene at the time of a possible security risk, providing a powerful deterrent that may prevent pos- sible damage and theft. For example, once an alarm is transmitted to the central monitoring station, video images provide additional information to the operator to help them verify what is happening within or outside the facility. Along with alarm video, pre- and post- alarm video can also be shared to show the events leading up to and immediately following the alarm. At the same time, the operator can see live video to determine what is happening at the site in real-time.
After assessing the situation, the operator can take immediate ac- tion with audio intervention using a nearby camera that is equipped with a loudspeaker. If intruders are warned that they are on camera and that the local authorities have been contacted, they may likely flee the area before causing damage.
Moving Toward Integration
There are many possibilities with integrated systems, and this requires integrators to expand their skillsets with greater knowledge of secu- rity software. It also requires proficiency in ways the technologies can be integrated together to create customized solutions. The examples described in this article demonstrate how products that work seam- lessly together can increase facility security, protect sensitive areas, and make systems easier to manage.
When looking to implement an integrated system, it is important to choose the technology components carefully. In some instances, using multiple manufacturers may be required or there may be an existing video, access control, intrusion, or public address system al- ready in place that is being added on to. If this is the case, partner- ships that exist between some manufacturers may help to ensure a smoother integration. Though, it is important to fully research inte- gration claims to ensure the features needed by the user are actually supported.
In general, with standards, industry partnerships, and manufac- turers that offer a broad portfolio of products, integration is becom- ing easier to implement. However, systems from a single vendor that are designed to work together, can help to speed and simplify installa- tion. This also helps to reduce total system costs for both the integra- tor and the user.
There are many advantages of integrated security and communi- cations systems, including improving security, efficiency and ease of use. Integration also allows for systems that are more customized to solve the unique problems and pain points of each organization. The capabilities of an integrated system can cover a
wide-range of security and communication is- sues, and it is in the best interest of both integra- tors and end users to learn about the possibilities to get the greatest benefit.
Brian Wiser is the president of sales, North Amer- ica, for Bosch Security Systems, Inc.
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