Security does more than just protect the interior of a building. It’s also vital to secure a property’s perimeter. Perimeter security goes outside the walls of a building as it includes parking lots, garages, landscaping areas, sidewalks, common areas, and more.
More businesses are investing in perimeter security as evidenced in HNY Research’s Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems report. From 2024 to 2031, the market expects to grow at an annual growth rate of almost 10%. The report reveals the market will experience massive growth around the globe with the United States and Canada dominating the market. North America has a market share of around 40%.
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems have advanced past traditional security cameras. Today’s perimeter intrusion detection technologies integrate artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. These technologies increase the accuracy of detecting potential problems before break-ins and damage occur.
They’re also available as wireless systems. The advantage of wireless perimeter intrusion detection systems is they cut maintenance costs, simplify installation, and allow for scalability and flexibility. Scalability and flexibility are important because they allow companies to get a customized security solution that meets their security requirements and adapts as their business needs change.
Wireless capabilities enable remote real-time monitoring done by trained monitoring operators working in conjunction with artificial intelligence and video analytics. Some cameras have thermal imaging built-in to allow for a clear view during darkness.
For instance, security specialists can do system health checks to look at the health of the system without physically going to the site of the business. Some security vendors can remotely detect and repair problems from a location away from the business. Leaders won’t have to worry about giving them access to the property.
Remote access to the cameras also allows security specialists to update the software to ensure the security of the perimeter intrusion detection system.
What Are the Components of Perimeter Security?
Companies create and implement a perimeter security strategy to protect the boundaries of a property. This increases the chances of stopping lawbreakers in their tracks before they reach the building. This is possible with the right security strategy.
Moreover, perimeter security that incorporates a multi-layered defense system helps prevent unauthorized entry and increases overall safety and security. Here are the components of a powerful perimeter security system.
1. Alerting with intrusion detection sensors
Intrusion detection sensors trigger an alert when there is a possible unauthorized entry. They can send a signal to artificial intelligence which notifies the trained monitoring operator. The operator reviews the video and can respond as needed for the scenario.
There are many types of sensors that can detect a problem early. Motion sensors are the most common in perimeter security as they react when they detect movement in the area they’re monitoring. These sensors use infrared or microwave technology to recognize a change in the environment. A business can post these around the perimeter to act as a first line of defense.
A photo beam sensor can work in conjunction with a motion sensor. These use a light beam to create an invisible perimeter. When the beam is broken, it triggers an alert or sounds an alarm.
Another type of perimeter sensor is the glass break sensor. It can detect a specific frequency of breaking glass and set off an alarm. While these target windows, they may prove useful in parking garages when cars are broken in.
2. Illuminating safety: Strategic lighting solutions
Effective perimeter security begins with proper lighting, which helps avert potential intruders. However, smart lighting requires a strategy that considers placement, color temperature, and sensor integration. Lighting can make or break the security of the perimeter.
This is especially the case with parking garages, landscaping areas, and sidewalks. These areas can create hiding spaces for crooks or make people feel unsafe. More is not always better with lighting. That’s why businesses must work with security professionals who can design an effective layout for lighting.
After installing a lighting system, it’s important to regularly check the lights. If they break or stop working, they create a blight on the property and negatively affect perimeter security. Fortunately, there’s another security solution that can monitor the lights. More on that shortly.
3. Landscaping with purpose: Enhancing aesthetics while keeping security in mind
Broken windows, broken lights, overgrown shrubbery, and graffiti can attract the criminal element while repelling customers. Therefore, the building and the entire area around it must look good and be well-maintained. How do you find a balance between landscaping and security? There are strategies for safeguarding the landscaping, so it doesn’t negatively affect security.
Being intentional about landscaping requires prioritizing maintenance. Unkempt trees and shrubs can obstruct the security cameras’ views or open the door for intruders to hide and find their way into the building.
Like lighting, it’s wise to work with a security professional in developing a landscaping plan to prevent compromising perimeter security. Equally important is to monitor the upkeep of the landscaping. An overgrown shrub can instantly make the business vulnerable to crime.
4. Adding barriers to entry: Fencing and walls
The fences and walls heighten security, but they can also hurt aesthetics. Besides, they’re not impenetrable as determined intruders can break through them. Nonetheless, barriers help slow down intruders to give the police more time to make their way to the property.
Walls and fencing can force traffic to enter and exit from one place. This prevents intruders from having multiple escape routes. Which is better? Walls or fences? While walls are harder to break through, they can hide what’s happening on the other side. This can help conceal what the crooks are doing.
Fences are easier to penetrate while offering less privacy than walls. Trespassers won’t be able to hide as easily. That’s why businesses need a multilayered integrated security strategy.
5. Controlled access: Implementing access control systems
Walls and fencing limit egress points. Adding an access control system can fortify entry points. People can also use it to easily manage access for employees, residents, visitors, contractors, and vendors This includes controlling who can enter limited-access rooms, the parking garage, and any place that restricts access.
A smart access control system avoids potential human errors like with a keypad. People are less likely to be locked out of the building. Some access control systems can be integrated with video cameras.
6. The power of surveillance: Video cameras with remote monitoring
Most traditional security systems are reactive. They don’t trigger an alert to suspicious activity. They can’t avert crime and damage. So, what’s a proactive approach to security? This is where video cameras with remote monitoring come in as they tie all the security options together.
Monitoring operators can regularly check the lighting, landscaping, and fencing to ensure they’re in working order and well-maintained. If they notice a problem, they can report it right away. Video cameras can also work with an access control system taking advantage of its time stamps feature. This helps identify who had access at a specific time.
Moreover, the presence of cameras can act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity. When integrated with a speaker, operators can warn the intruders to leave the property. If they don’t cooperate, then the monitoring operator can call the police.
Whenever a suspect gets away, a security analyst can review the video recordings to obtain the footage. The footage can help the police in their investigation as they’ll be able to use identifying information that can lead to an arrest. Additionally, video recordings can help protect a business from fraud and liability claims.
The Benefits of a Unified Security Approach
Implementing an integrated multi-layered security strategy can help lower the likelihood of theft, trespassing, and vandalism. The more security layers there are in a perimeter, the harder it is for criminals to break through them. This tactic protects the perimeter and everyone who passes through the business.
Moreover, integrating security systems simplifies management, uses fewer resources, and could result in substantial cost savings for a quicker return on investment. An integrated security system may include video cameras, monitoring, video review and analysis, an access control system, a remote audio speaker, and license plate recognition.
Businesses looking to bolster their perimeter security can’t just implement these components. Effective perimeter requires continuous monitoring and process improvement as criminals constantly change their strategies. Thus, companies must regularly review and update their security plans to tackle emerging risks and incorporate new technological advances.
Perimeter security is an essential aspect of today’s business operations. By employing a strategic combination of lighting, landscaping, physical barriers, access control systems, and video surveillance with remote monitoring, properties can build a robust security environment that deters crime and mitigates potential risks.
Investing in integrated security services with video surveillance and remote monitoring helps heighten perimeter security and protect the entire business along with its assets and people. You can catch and address problems earlier before they become expensive problems.
If you’re not sure perimeter security solutions are right for your property, interview security consultants like those at ECAM. The security consultant can review requirements and the property to develop an effective integrated security solution that fits the budget. Use this list of questions to help.
A few good places to start are to browse this website, check out our security videos, or contact us.
