What is an integrated security system?

Firstly, let’s begin by clarifying just what we mean by an integrated system. Take CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software as an example. Before a company implements one of these systems, none of the functions it performs are ‘talking’ to one another. The sales department doesn’t know what the marketing guys are up to, the marketing guys aren’t aware that some of the business’ customers are getting their deliveries late, and management isn’t aware that there’s a looming (but entirely preventable) PR crisis on their hands.  

The same is true of traditional, non-integrated security systems. You have several different ‘departments’ – CCTV cameras, access control systems, PA systems, intruder and fence alarms, etc. – but they are all working in isolation. Because you don’t have one single overview of all the components, your security system isn’t working as efficiently as it could be. As a result, you’re opening yourself up to avoidable risk – just what you’re trying to prevent with a security system in the first place.

In contrast, an integrated security system allows all these different parts to function together as a single, more sophisticated entity. Any authorized person with access to your integrated security system can be alerted when there’s a potential problem, check for themselves across various cameras or sensors to see if the danger is real, and take immediate action to protect your employees and property.

What are the benefits of security system integration?

These are just some of the advantages of an integrated security system:  

• Real-time monitoring means faster response in an incident – because you can see multiple inputs simultaneously, it’s simple to identify when a threat is real, and instantly alert all parties who need to be made aware.  
• Remote monitoring – even outside of business hours when your premises is empty (or at least should be!) you can keep a virtual eye on it.    

• Fully customizable – every organization is different, and faces different hazards. An integrated security system can be designed specifically for your needs and challenges. 
• Simpler to use – rather than juggling multiple systems, one integrated security system is easier to manage, and train employees on.  
• Cost-effective – because an integrated system streamlines processes and improves efficiencies, you’ll find your investment quickly pays off.  
• Augment your loss prevention and monitoring services. 
• Increase prevention of internal theft and a reduction of vandalism or destruction.  

• Improve access control and intrusion detection. 

How does security system integration work?

Easy to access, cameras are automatically triggered by movement, and images can often be retrieved wirelessly or over the internet. High-resolution pan, tilt, and zoom, along with low-light or no-light vision, make viewing video recordings from digital and network recorders (DVR/NVR) easy on the eye: results are much more discernable and sophisticated than ever before. 

Adding these additional “eyes” to any security system can be invaluable in high-profile areas or during specific times of year—such as right now, as we enter into the holidays and theft can be a problem. Nowadays, many of our clients are utilizing a single-camera closed-circuit (CCTV) system or multi-camera options to give an additional safety boost to their existing security. 

What types of buildings or property can benefit most from an integrated security system?

Hospitals, corporations, private businesses, and apartment complexes or condominiums alike can all take advantage of these systems, as can parking garages or lots. Whether you want to monitor or secure a well-trafficked (or, conversely, isolated) expanse of space or make sure packages and mail are being delivered, an integrated security system can be a great complement. 

Partner with SYSTCOM and enjoy all the benefits of integrated security.

We’ve partnered with some of the most trusted manufacturers of integrated security, and are constantly evaluating new systems to bring you the latest in technology capabilities. 

Could your property benefit from any of these integrated security solutions? We can work with you to review your current security, and recommend how best to implement additional enhancements as your business grows or changes. 

To learn more about integrated security and how it can help protect your business or property, please contact us.

Untangling the secret to organizing your network closet

There’s nothing worse than messy things; tangled Christmas tree lights; knotted extension cords; poorly assembled Italian beef sandwiches. But when your business depends on clearly marked and organized network cabling – you can’t afford things to be messy. Before you ask, ‘well how hard can it be to organize a network closet?’ you might be interested to know the answer is: Very.

There multiple factors to consider when building a network closet:

So. Many. Cables.

Ethernet cables come in a variety of colors and depending on the size and scale of your business and you may be routing printers, computers, fiber optics, video systems, modems, security, internet, transaction data and UPS. Using different colors can help you partition each of these, making maintenance, moves or changes much easier on your technicians.

Fasteners

Whether its zip ties or Velcro, all cables need to be gathered so they can be neatly routed and organized for easy access.

Labels

If you’ve ever swapped out an HDMI or A/V component on your home stereo or home theater, you know how important it is to know which wire belongs to where. It can be extremely frustrating (not to mention time consuming) to backtrack through your wiring to discover that your DVD player is plugged into your auxiliary 1 and not your auxiliary 2 jack. Network closets aren’t exactly a home stereo, but you get the picture – labels are your friend.

Hardware

In addition to the items already mentioned, network closets can also include patch panels, hubs, bridges, switches and routers – all adding to the complexity and detail of the build out.

Regulations

That’s right – you can’t just install a network closet anywhere. Federal regulations provide guidelines for any network closet that must meet certain environmental requirements that include power supply, heating/venting/cooling and must be secure from unauthorized access and meet all applicable building/safety codes. At a glance, network closets should adhere to the guidelines governing items such as the following:

• Floor, ceiling and floor material
• Temperature and humidity
• Lighting
• Power outlets
• Cable access
• Room equipment and access

Understanding the scale and scope of the overall system, whether it’s a small office network or large-scale plant operation, no two network closets are the same and performance demands an organized and thought out cabling system before any build out can begin. Unless you have thoroughly trained technicians for your networking project, this isn’t DIY territory. Italian beef sandwiches on the other hand…

For more than thirty years, SYSTCOM has been providing a broad range of high-quality, low-voltage technology systems throughout the Mid-Atlantic area – more specifically the counties intersecting with Baltimore and Washington D.C.  One of SYSTCOM’s primary offerings is Professional Audio Visual (A/V) Services. 

As a local area leader in the design and installation of Professional AV systems, whether new construction or retrofitting older structures, SYSTCOM combines both the art and science to the growing demand for end-to-end A/V systems.  Careful planning and communication is key to the delivery of any successful project. In addition, there must be a thorough understanding project specifics such as acoustics, electronics and budget constraints which all play a part in any installation.

With so many different system configuration options, SYSTCOM has the right tools and talent for any type of job. Projects at a school with multiple classrooms, offices, music rooms, hallways, a cafeteria and auditorium can be very different than a business or government facility with web/conference rooms fitted with microphones, podiums, projectors and digital signage spread across multiple floors or buildings. The size, uniform placement, output levels, speakers, amplifiers and controls are custom to each installation.

While designing the visual piece of “A/V” is more formulaic (power supply placement, projection or light requirements), the audio piece can be more challenging. The overall performance of any system will be influenced by the overall acoustics and the space. With difficult room acoustics, combined with improper speaker placement, the effectiveness or fidelity of the sound will be impacted negatively. The most obvious of challenges in live environments include the size of the room – rooms are rarely designed with the audio experience in mind! At a glance, the following features can have an impact on a system’s performance:

• Room size/dimension: Will sound need to travel down a hallway? In a conference room or office? Or a loud auditorium or cafeteria?
• Construction: Is the environment constructed of wood or concrete? Does the environment have high amounts of glass, carpet or tile?
• Reflectivity: How will speaker placement handle different frequency sound waves or echoes?

At the end of the day, the end product should fit seamlessly into any infrastructure, almost invisible to the eye but integral to everyday activities.

Thanks to ongoing relationships built over time, the many customers across the 30-mile patchwork of counties in and around Washington D.C and Maryland have come to depend on SYSTCOM for an array of A/V expertise.