A CRITICAL TO DO LIST

  1. Use an in-house engineer to specify and supervise the systems design.
  2. Write a security audit and risk assessment that is detailed, professional, and clear in its objectives. This reduces risk for both parties.
  3. Appoint an in-house project manager.
  4. Produce a strategy proposal with detailed budget estimates.
  5. Make sure your Board approval is signed and sealed.
  6. Make sure you have the system design you want and that all specifications and contract conditions have been met and you have everything documented.
  7. Negotiate and award the contract.
  8. Hold regular project meetings and provide good site supervision.
  9. Ensure that all factory and site acceptance tests are completed successfully.
  10. Provide training, training and more training!
  11. Negotiate a fair and reasonable maintenance contract.

Integrated Security Systems

Closed Circuit Television, Access Control with Intrusion Detection, and Fire Alarm Systems can have a major impact on the daily functioning of an organization. Integrated systems are complex and they need to be "carefully planned" to ensure effective integration into the business operation. Some organizations install an integrated system to reduce the diversity and complexity of a multitude of different building functions to a single manageable system. Where there are building critical functions, auditing becomes very important. If this is structured as in an integrated management system, management functions can be greatly streamlined.

Integrated systems are therefore "management" systems first. A well-planned integrated system will not only monitor and control inputs from various systems, it will also monitor the activities of the operators and personnel. Many integrated management systems include:

  1. A software package covering access control applications
  2. Badging production for cards to identify personnel
  3. Security monitoring, command scheduling and role call
  4. Anti-pass back, including roster/muster features for evacuation in case of fire or other emergencies
  5. Intrusion detection
  6. Guard tours, time and attendance, CCTV control and digital recording, and
  7. The ability to receive auxiliary inputs and initiate relay outputs,
  8. Database import/export to other systems, such as human resources or accounts payable/receivable.

Life-critical systems like fire are often integrated for monitoring and control purposes, but integrated systems should not replace the fire control panels unless approved by "THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION," the Fire Marshall or Fire Authority. Nevertheless, an integrated system provides key system management. With life-critical or business-critical functions that require built-in redundancy, utilizing the company network can greatly reduce the total installation cost. This is where the companies "IT" department can be invaluable in advising management. Proper preparation and discussions with a successful systems integrator beforehand will bring excellent results and insure your company's dollars are being spent wisely.

ANCHOR Fire Protection Co. is the successful systems integrator that has the experience to provide your company with the best integrated system!


ANCHOR Fire Protection Co.

Building Partnerships to Provide Fire Protection, Life Safety Solutions, and Integrated Security Systems for COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES