Feature Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems Read more online at www.securitymattersmagazine.com
Value Engineering
Perimeter intrusion detection systems are all about detecting the presence of
intruders attempting to breach the physical perimeter of a property, building or other
secured area. What are the key points to note, though, when it comes to their
specification? Mark Horton provides some Best Practice guidelines for today’s
practising security professionals
2020 has been an unusual year to
say the very least. The continuing
impact of COVID-19 is being felt
around the world, with everyone
adapting to what’s now commonly called
the ‘new normal’. Individuals, families,
companies, organisations and even
countries are having to radically change
the way in which they operate, how they
interact and also how they travel.
The impact on businesses has been
massive. Home working has become
standard practice for many. Some
sectors have been devastated. Very few
have been left unaffected. The future
remains uncertain and this has had an
impact on the global financial markets.
Companies are tightening their belts in
readiness for the predicted recession.
One thing’s for sure – it’s certainly not
the easiest time to be doing business.
From a security perspective, there
have also been changes to the way in
which assets are monitored. Many sites
that were once busy are now empty and
unmanned. Lockdowns and travel
restrictions have imparted further
pressure on security teams and
operators. Let’s not forget, either, that
crime rates also tend to increase as a
result of economic uncertainties and
heightened levels of unemployment.
How, then, will – and should –
security managers and asset owners
alike react to the current situation?
Some key decisions will need to be
made upfront. When it comes to costs,
how might value for money actually be
derived? Is it possible to reduce the
whole-life cost of deploying risk
mitigation (including maintenance)
over a given system’s lifetime?
In terms of personnel, the issue of
planning for further lockdowns and the
risk of staff shortages need to be
addressed. On decision-making, how
might operator information be
improved in real-time to enable them
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