In today’s world, those responsible for security, safety, and property protection face a wide array of threats and emergencies, whether its fire and intrusions or the threat of theft. That’s true in all types of businesses, institutions and facilities, whether you work in the education, government, commercial, healthcare or industrial sectors. In these highly challenging environments, organizations must be well prepared and equipped with appropriate security systems, capable of communicating quickly and effectively in the e vent of an emergency.

It’s advisable to tie together multiple layers of security technology in an integrated system. This post examines the benefits of working with a security technology integrator who can work to ensure that your organization has the tools necessary to succeed in your security efforts.

What Does a Security Integration Company Do?

The phrase "security system integration" can offer a variety of meanings. In past years, a majority of security system integration projects have focused on linking access control and alarm systems, and then integrating these systems with a closed circuit television system (CCTV). Once these systems were connected and integrated, a violation of the access control system would cause an alarm to sound and prompt the camera to switch on and record the incident.

Essentially, security system integration also refers to the trend within a growing number of organizations and businesses to merge physical security applications, like biometric identification programs that allow employees to use the corporate network, into a single comprehensive system.

Why Is Integration Beneficial for Organizations?

The integration of varying elements of an organization's physical security systems offers a range of advantages. For instance, it provides a more detailed and comprehensive approach to security that is ultimately less vulnerable to incidents and better able to respond if one occurs. So, if an access control and intrusion alarm system are linked, the access control system can be programmed to automatically changed based on the type of alarm that sounds. For example, if the system determines that an intruder has entered the facility, it may lock down the computer room to protect valuable information.

Security system integration can also help positively impact overall operational and administrative costs. Remote services technology can enable facilities and safety personnel to effective manage multiple sites from a single central station. Remote managed services for video surveillance and audio systems can help to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of security operations. Essentially, security integration allows organizations to be more comprehensive in their responses to security threats, as all systems are designed to work in tandem with one another.

Questions to Ask When Looking For a Security Integrator

When you're on the hunt for a reputable security integrator with years of experience, you may be uncertain about which questions are valuable to ask before reaching out to a company.  Here are a few questions to ask yourself when looking for a security integrator:

• Does the integrator provide referrals? Before you decide to work with any company, check to see if they can easily provide referrals. Find out whether companies that have paid for services in the past are satisfied. Did the security company deliver on promises to past clients? 
• What is the approximate size of your security project? Are you looking for a complex security system with numerous features such as access control and video surveillance? Or are you looking for something that is more simple? Once you have determined the size of your project, find out if your prospective security integrator company  has worked on projects of comparable sizes in the past. If they have struggled to work on projects of your size, it may be prudent to look elsewhere. Experience is the difference between a poorly integrated project and success.
• What is the integrator’s service like after the sell? Does the security integrator company have the experience necessary to maintain and service your security system? Does it offer monitoring or access to 24-hour support if you need it down the road?
• Does the integrator provide quality equipment? Take a look at the company's vendors before agreeing to use its services-- are the products you want for your business available? We have an abbreviated list of our security partners listed here.

United Security Incorporated | Security Integration

For the past 25 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. As engaged, owner-operators, our investment begins with recruitment and screening to ensure we have the right people and continues through our policies and practices that enable USI to properly train and retain the best personnel.

USI is engaged in supporting your security and business by developing customized security solutions that support your business objectives while cost-effectively minimizing risk. Clients receive continuous support from a highly responsive team of professionals including owners, management, field supervisors and officers. Our commitment to quality includes field inspections and audits, as well as investments in innovative solutions for continuous training and compliance.

Click below to schedule a no-cost property evaluation to see if your property has the security necessary to protect your vital assets.