Commercial Security System Integration: an Ultimate Guide

One of the most challenging aspects of managing a commercial building is keeping it secure while ensuring access is simple and convenient for the intended occupants. One effective way to do this without getting overwhelmed is by employing security system integration. Doing this helps you deal with the nuances of having several key fobs, card readers, and so on.

If you're wondering, “what is an integrated security system?” Then this post is for you. Below, our experts at Forbel will explore what integrated security systems are, their benefits, and how to go about installing one.

What Is Security System Integration?

Security system integration is a technological innovation that helps to put all the security measures of a building in sync such that it's easy to control all security system components together. This allows you to manage all parts from one central hub. Integrated security system solutions also allow for the interconnection of devices, remote control from different points, if permitted, and the ability to connect technology devices to the central hub.

Although the names can be confusing, integrated security solutions differ from other security approaches, such as adding security systems piecemeal. Adding security systems piecemeal would more or less complicate the management process for your security system as several of your components will be operating on different software and network lines. This isn't the case with security system integration, which aims to make the maintenance and control of the security system more manageable.

What Are the Key Components of Commercial Security System?

Typically, integrated security systems include some or all of the following components:

Access Control Devices

Access control systems are one of the most important parts of commercial security. They control access to restricted areas through credentials like keycards, codes, and biometrics. Why is it important? Access control protects employees, assets, and information by only granting entry to those who are authorized. Having robust access control is crucial for monitoring traffic, maintaining compliance, and ensuring the security of your business.

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance with security cameras is another key component of commercial security systems. Cameras help monitor facilities, track activity, deter theft, and provide video evidence when needed. High-definition cameras give a clear view of interiors, exteriors, parking areas, and more. To optimize surveillance capabilities, proper camera placement and features like motion sensors are useful. Security camera systems are critical for oversight and incident response.

Video Monitoring

Video monitoring is a vital part of commercial security systems. Live video footage from security cameras must be actively monitored to identify suspicious activity or unauthorized access in real-time. Plus, video monitoring by qualified security personnel ensures that any threats to your property are recognized and addressed as quickly as possible. You can maintain privacy by restricting live feed viewing to only authorized personnel.

Video Review and Analysis

In many commercial scenarios, the ability to review and analyze recorded video and access reports is a key capability of commercial security systems. Investigating incidents, identifying vulnerabilities, and documenting compliance requires access to footage and logs. Having robust review features allows business owners to examine the data and use it accordingly. Video analysis offers businesses the opportunity for continual improvement, proactive protection, and maintenance of a secure environment.

Audio Warning Speaker

The audio warning speaker provides businesses with effective communication and situational awareness. Use it to broadcast emergency announcements, alert personnel of potential threats, and integrate with fire alarm systems for a comprehensive approach to safety measures.

License Plate Recognition

License plate recognition (LPR) offers advanced surveillance capabilities. If you're unsure what it does, it enables the automatic detection and identification of license plates. This provides valuable data for access control, parking management, and security investigations if needed.

How Can Integrated Security Systems Benefit Your Business?

Integrating several security components into one system has a lot of benefits to offer your commercial property. Of course, you could say it all boils down to ease. For specifics, however, below our team at Forbel has outlined some of the benefits of using integrated security systems.

1. Increase Building’s Safety and Security

Many security measures work in sync to achieve a common goal which offers top-level safety to property owners who use integrated security solutions. All components of the security system interact smoothly and can be monitored remotely with ease. Besides, the technology of integrated solutions makes clerical or managerial errors less likely to occur.

For example, the systems manager can deactivate the accessibility of a previous tenant in a couple of clicks without having to change locks or worry about duplicate keys that could result in security breaches.

Not to mention, integrated systems provide a highly secure means for multiple access, something that's often needed in residential buildings and shopping complexes. This also makes it easier for tenants to navigate security access to common areas of the building including the elevator and the main entrance.

2. Centralize Network Security

Integrated security systems are managed through centralized platforms. This gives the security manager an overview of all components at a glance and typically results in smoother operations. For example, the manager could initiate or disable an action across all system components at once and from one location. Also, security problems can be reviewed by one expert official and wouldn't require hiring multiple security service providers. In addition, the centralized security system integration makes it harder for the security system of such a building to be breached.

3. Reduce Security Costs

When you opt for security system integration, it's like buying commodities in sets rather than buying each piece individually. This saves you money in the long run as you get the benefit of installing in bulk. Also, there's only one workspace for monitoring components, so you don't have to hire different workers to install or maintain one part of your security system. In addition, the maintenance of an integrated security system can be done holistically rather than individually. All these contribute, in no small measure, to reducing installation and maintenance costs and offer you more value for your money.

4. Improve Emergency Response and Communication

An integrated security system is better at swift communication and real-time monitoring for your business. Aptness and precision are highly important factors where security is concerned, and every second counts. The integrated nature of these security systems makes communication of threats faster and can help you respond faster in emergency scenarios.

More often than not, integrated systems help detect threats and breaches immediately without affecting the activities going on the property.

5. Obtain Remote Access

Integrated security systems offer businesses the convenience and flexibility of remote monitoring and access. With remote access capabilities, businesses can monitor and control their security systems from anywhere, at any time. Whether it's reviewing security camera footage, adjusting access control settings, or receiving instant alerts, remote access empowers businesses to stay connected and in control. With the ability to remotely monitor and manage their existing security system, businesses can enjoy peace of mind and ensure responsiveness to any security issues, no matter where they are.

6. Meet Compliance Requirements

Integrated security systems can help businesses meet industry-specific compliance requirements, such as those related to data privacy and physical security. By consolidating existing disparate security and surveillance systems into a unified platform, businesses can more easily manage user access, monitor activity, and generate comprehensive reports. This helps demonstrate compliance with regulations governing facility access, video surveillance, and information security. Overall, the streamlined control and comprehensive visibility that integrated systems offer mean improved compliance. It's easier for your company to meet certification standards and reduce audit costs across security, IT, and operations.

7. Can Be Customized for Your Property

Integrated security solutions can be customized to meet your unique commercial system security needs. Whether it's a small business with a one-office setting, a company with several blocks of offices, or a residential property, you can incorporate the right security measures that'll work best for your specific property.

he warning speaker installed separately and running through a different network. You can always integrate it into other security measures like video surveillance and access control so you can have all of them managed from the same point. In other words, you can explore and incorporate all possible security measures into one system.

Who You Need to Integrate Security Systems on Your Property

Installing integrated security solutions is a process that requires expert hands. If you're considering having one on your commercial property, it's important to seek professional help from the following parties:

Security Integrator

The security integrator is responsible for linking all existing security hardware components together. The job of the security integrator isn't to install new security equipment and systems. However, the integrator can help you utilize security components that are already on the ground by integrating them together. That way, you won't have to spend money on new ones.

At Forbel, our team of security integrators is available to help you with security camera installation and access control system installation.

Physical Security System Design Consultant

The physical security consultant is a professional who offers advice on integrating, installing, and upgrading new security systems. The professional isn't necessarily responsible for the installation process but can connect you to the right installers you need. Physical security consultants are required during the early stages of property construction or when considering an overall change in security systems.

Forbel also boasts of a team of professional security system design consultants available to help you make key decisions based on your security needs.

Security System Integration: A Real-World Case by Forbel

For years, Forbel has been helping commercial property owners address their security needs through integrated security systems installation. Our company offers numerous implementation ideas that have been successfully utilized for integrating security systems.

One of our solutions, an integrated security system for a trucking company in Chicago, was designed to serve the security needs of one of our client's new facilities. The trucking company requested that Forbel create a working security strategy that would monitor the company's operation process and protect company assets across the 128,000 sq ft facility.

We met the company's needs by designing an integrated system that featured over a hundred security devices. Our team of cabling technicians and installers installed and set up security components such as HD cameras, intrusion alarms, access control, and fire alarm systems. We also structured cabling for computers and phones and installed other needed infrastructure such as wireless access points.

Not only did our team install the integrated security system in accordance with the company's specifications, but we also completed the project without accruing unnecessary extra costs.

Commercial Security Integration & Consulting in Illinois and Wisconsin

Forbel is a top-rated security integration company located in Illinois. Our company proudly serves the security needs of commercial and residential properties within Illinois, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and other locations.

Security system integration could be a complex process for property owners to wrap their heads around. At Forbel, we're more than eager to undertake the process for you. Our range of services includes consultation and advising, risk assessment, and hardware installation of security system components.

In the end, we create a wholesome security system with centralized management and offer the topmost security for our clients. Contact us today to begin your journey to holistic security system operations for your commercial facility.