It’s been some time since we posted comparing sensor-based perimeter security to video-based outdoor intrusion detection systems. Has anything changed?

The security market is video-centric. We get it – CCTV is a good tool, and it keeps getting better. Every year hundreds of firms plow millions of dollars into CCTV R & D, and millions more are invested in mobile platforms such as drones and artificial intelligence and its integration with security systems. Video is visceral and better than “eyes on” assessment since systems may be capable of collecting and displaying information we cannot see (think thermal and IR imaging of the invisible). Storing information on a system featuring quick retrieval provides an even more compelling case for video.

If your system has been designed and installed right and everything’s working properly, video addresses what happened and when it happened. With improved internet connectivity you now may have the means to see what’s happening now, and remotely intervene when a crime is taking place. Using high tech tools under ideal circumstances you may even identify a perpetrator.

Yet we’ve learned crime often doesn’t happen under ideal circumstances, whether by plan or accident. Factors such as weather and mistakes can make a bad situation worse. Layered systems use tools such as intrusion detection, CCTV, communications, access control, and screening that together mitigate an enterprise’s vulnerabilities.

There’s no substitute for starting with a physical security risk assessment (RA) followed by a vulnerability assessment (VA). The RA outlines the threats, while a VA shows under what circumstances assets are at risk. The VA will also outline and perhaps quantify the potential impact.

DETECT DELAY RESPOND

Some situations add Deter, Deny, Assess, Communicate, and Intervene to address a particular vulnerability. We do so understanding ASIS International ESRM (Enterprise Security Risk Management) models and tools.

If you’ve determined it’s people you’re trying to find, consider the environment. Even the best lighted perimeters with low light/no light video technologies may be compromised if there’s blowing sand or snow, and/or fog. At a minimum you should be considering a layered “defense in depth” approach, with physical and electronic systems providing enhanced protection for the times when conditions are bad.

As outside reps for leading industry manufacturers, we have field experience with scores of sensors and systems.

It is with this insight that we repeat: many of our clients once felt that video was their best line of outdoor perimeter defense. Video was chosen to tell them how something happened, and who did it. It took one incident to tell them they need more than video alone can provide.

*Denning is a manufacturer’s middleman that sells to resellers, so these sales estimates reflect wholesale equipment costs less accessory components and installation.

Security integrators, please watch for us showing SALTO, SECO-LARM, DSI, Vigitron, and Lilin at the WISA Annual Trade Show in Oconomowoc on Thursday July 20.

Vigitron provides secure high-performance security and communications networks.

The security market stands out, since edge devices may be in remote locations, far outside the range of standard Ethernet connections. By their nature, security and communication devices demand a secure connection in all weather and environmental extremes, so devices tend to have heaters, blowers, and illumination systems which consume more power.

Vigitron has network gear for sites where it does not make sense to have closely spaced IDFs. Imagine a parking lot or garage with Emergency Call stations. These may be spaced as much as 50 or 100 yards apart, so many stations may approach or exceed the 100-meter copper Ethernet limit. A warehouse with cameras trained on long aisles has the same challenges, as do high-rise elevators. While a Vigitron fiber solution is often a great choice for these applications, it may make economic sense to reuse existing cables.

http://www.vigitron.com/Vigitron_Video_Transmission_Products.aspx

Does it make sense for you to share some of your challenges with Denning or the Design Center, to see if Vigitron’s a fit for you?

http://www.vigitron.com/IP_CCTV_Design_Assistance.aspx

SECO-LARM manufactures innovative security and surveillance equipment for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

With 40 years of R & D experience and over 200 domestic and international patents, SECO-LARM stands out as an innovator. One of the greatest benefits of buying from SECO-LARM is simply the wide breadth of well-designed products.

Distributors and dealers and their clients in nearly 100 countries worldwide know they can count on SECO-LARM access control, physical security, CCTV, A/V, and wireless components and solutions. With such a broad line-up of CCTV cameras, electromagnetic locks, door strikes, card readers, keypads, intercoms, exit devices, RF wireless, and sensors, you’ll rarely need to go elsewhere to complete your projects on-time and under-budget.

Denning is eager to show you SECO-LARM products. Please call or email Steve Vivacue or Ken Wippich to schedule an appointment.

While video systems often seem to be the first choice for outdoor protection, they usually cannot provide the high-level security needed for a critical facility. Weather, lighting, and other factors create camera vulnerabilities, and experienced intruders know how to exploit these to their advantage.

Southwest has reliable perimeter intrusion detection (PIDAS) sensors, all of which perform in the conditions where camera systems sometimes fall short. Southwest sensors detect in rain, snow, fog, and in heavy shadows, and when used with your video system provide a superior layered defense.

Southwest Microwave Background

Southwest Microwave’s analog microwave sensors have been the gold standard for over 50 years. We regularly see sensors installed back in the 1990’s (including some complicated deployments using reflectors) still in operation at some of the most secure facilities in the world.

Southwest’s new digital microwaves improve false and nuisance alarms to rates never thought possible.

Southwest Microwave’s family of intelligent perimeter security solutions also includes the INTREPID™ Micropoint™ Single Platform Detection Systems feature field-proven detection technologies, made even smarter with single-platform networking convenience. While factory training is advisable or may be mandatory depending upon your site, these cable installation and calibration videos provide background information to help your installation go smoothly.

Micropoint Cable Handling

Micropoint Calibration

If you’re an integrator that’s helped designed a project around Denning manufacturers, we should be talking.

We represent manufacturers that appreciate the commitment it takes to get larger infrastructure, transportation, institutional, and enterprise projects of the ground. If you’ve invested time there may be a registration reward program for you.

We at Denning have provided surveillance and detection systems for buildings and structures throughout the US. Southwest Microwave is being used here to prevent bridges from closing on barges and ships as they travel on the Illinois river.

Many of our clients once felt that video was their best line of defense for outdoor perimeter security. Video was chosen to tell them how something happened, and who did it. It takes one incident to tell them they needed more.

After viewing thousands of blurry, obstructed, or otherwise disappointing camera snapshots and videos of security breeches, it’s clear to me that cameras don’t always work the way they’re supposed to.

Bright sun and darkness is still a problem, especially for high definition video systems. That magnified but blurry picture may hold some clues for a detective, but it usually takes a lot of analysis and luck to recover something that’s been stolen. Even if it’s recovered, it’s loss disrupts your operation and the returned property often isn’t in the same shape as when it left.

If you’d rather have barriers that deter or a system that helps you intervene before your property is lost for good, it might make sense to have an in-depth conversation about perimeter security. While it’s not for everyone, nor is video alone.

DSI turnstiles are synonymous with throughput, style, security, and reliability.

Clients come to us either when they’ve had a security breach, or when long security checkpoint lines are hurting productivity. Which of these apply to you?

Throughput means flow.

DSI 831 at ISC West

DSI 880 at ISC West

Do you have a tailgating problem? Are you working with a tight space? Most barrier optical turnstile projects have a custom element, so this is routine for us. It may make sense to have a conversation. No obligation or cost.

For more information or a site visit, please contact Denning or visit DSI’s web site.

DSI website