What is Security Sytem?

This article introduces the types of security systems.
The security system mentioned here means “a system for countermeasures against intrusion”, which is physical security not network security.
Security systems are installed at

• houses
• light commercial sites such as retail facility and offices
• industrial sites such as factories and warehouses
• sites handling valuable items such as banks and jewelry / gold shops
• sites which requires high security level such as airports, power plants, data centers etc..

And in any case, security system is used to protect lives, assets, data, etc. from the threat of intruders.
The best security system depends on your budget, location, purpose and level of protection required.

Security guards are required at various sites and applications and are the primary security method in the Southeast Asia. It is a popular security system because in some cases, they work not only for security but also for guiding vehicles or people entering the site.
Main roles of security guard are

• to stand and protect at places where vigilance is required.
• to monitor CCTV videos in a monitoring room.
• to judge and execute countermeasures when they receive alarm signals from alarm system.

In recent years, in Southeast Asia, fixed costs for security guards have been increasing due to the increase in personnel expenses. Particularly, in large sites, a number of security guards are necessary to guard the entire site, so the impact of increasing cost becomes bigger. As a solution for this problem, recently, more facilities install hybrid security system that combines security guard, CCTV and alarm systems. Such hybrid security doesn’t only reduces security fixed costs, but also improves security quality by reducing the risk of human error.

Security systems with CCTV are used to monitor both the inside or outside of buildings. They’re used in a wide range of applications from high-security to residential use.
Because there are a lot of affordable CCTVs and it allows visual confirmation of images / videos through smartphone apps or dedicated software, it’s a very popular security system for homes, offices, stores etc..
Recorded video can be a influential clue and evidence in the search for criminals in the event of an emergency. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be expected to have a crime deterrent effect just by being installed.
Some are monitored remotely or locally by specialized monitoring centers, while others are monitored from home or building owners by themselvs.

Burglar alarm system is a security system that detects intrusions by sensors and send an alert to the preset reporting address when the sensor is triggered.

Burglar alarm system consists of a control panel and devices such as indoor/outdoor burglar alarm sensor, magnetic contacts, panic buttons, glass break sensors, vibration sensors etc. connected to the control panel. Emergency are detected by sensors and magnetic contacts and the control panel recognizes them. After that, it makes a loud siren sound to notify the unauthorized entry to nearby people or send an alert to preset reporting address.

The loud sound of a siren is effective in frightening intruders and making them leave the area immediately. The advantage of the alarm system is that it can send alerts so that intrusions can be recognized and take a necessary action with in real time.

Same as CCTV security system, Some are monitored remotely or locally by specialized monitoring centers, while others are monitored from home or building owners by themselvs.
Some bugler alarm systems mostly for residential use have “home automation functions” that enable certain triggers to control lights, air conditioners, etc. Such systems are popular.
It’s very useful because you can control both your security system / check notifications and set home automation functions with the same smartphone app.

There are several types of burglar alarm systems and basically they all work in the following flow.

1. Sensor is triggered by intruder
When the system is armed,
– Motion sensor: Detects when an intruder enters the detection area.
– Photobeam sensor: Detects when the infrared beam emitted from the transmitter is blocked.
– Magnetic contact: Watches the opening and closing of doors or windows. Detects when the door or window opened.

2. Send alert to control panel
All devices are connected to the control panel by wired or wireless and when a sensor is triggered, it’s recognized by the control panel.

3. Sound siren
A loud noise of siren is effective in turn away intruders. In many cases, siren or bell installed on the outer wall of the building is connected to the alarm system and notify it to nearby people. Some control panels have built-in sirens to alert people inside the building.

4. Send notification to reporting address
System sends notification to preset reporting address (Voice call, e-mail, SMS, monitoring center etc..). Currently, there are also common to receive it with dedicated smartphone app.

Residential and small-scale buildings / facilities don’t have so many security cameras installed, but applications such as large buildings, industrial sites, power plants, and data centers with finely divided security zones have a large number of cameras installed. And they are monitored remotely or locally.

Of course, not only installation of cameras but also human resources such as security guards and operators who monitor videos of surveillance cameras are required. It can be difficult for operators to monitor footage from a large number of cameras without overlooking them and always respond immediately to emergencies, and they may miss important scenes. Therefore, it is necessary to build a system to detect intrusions and suspicious persons efficiently and reliably, and to always respond promptly.
OPTEX’s security sensors and system can provide a highly accurate warning system which enables you to immediately confirm alarm scenes locally or remotely by linking with security cameras. Integration with OPTEX security sensors which can minimize false alarms makes video surveillance more efficient.

Access control system is a common system that is installed to prevent unauthorized intrusion or information leak by restricting access to a building or room to only authorized specific persons. Access is restricted by installing an authentication protection system at the entrance with electronic locks such as keycards, fingerprint scans, etc..
The record of people who entered the room after authentication can be an evidence to identify the criminal when emergency happens.

OPTEX’s anti-tailgating system can detect attempts to enter a room following an authenticated person. It’s possible to prevent unauthorized entry of companions who try to enter the room as tailgating, and to warn it in real time.
This can make authentication systems more secure for access control.

There are various types of security systems, each with advantages and disadvantages.
The best security system depends on your budget, location, purpose and level of protection required etc..
It’s important to choose appropreate ways which can acheve your purpose and sometimes it’s necessary to combine some methods or devices.

OPTEX has been in the field of security sensing solutions for over 40 years and trusted by thousands of customers worldwide for the accuracy and reliability of its sensing technologies. We are always eager to support you and propose a solution that suits your needs so please feel free to contact us.