“Security has changed dramatically over the past decade,” says Boggess. “We’ve gone from a guard system to a disparate system of components to today’s integrated, layering effect. This way, one system builds upon the next to provide a security network that protects an entire business, not just its parts.”
Fire & Detection
Layering fits neatly into the Tyco Fire & Security profile. That operation, with $10 billion in sales last year, employs 95,000 and offers equipment and services in brands including ADT, Sensormatic, Robot, Software House, Simplex-Grinnell, Ansul and Scott Technologies, among others.The layering bot- tom line, according to Boggess: prevention, detection, notification and suppression.
The foundation layer, and one required by code or insurance, includes fire alarm and burglar alarm systems.
“Equipment here covers contacts, glass breaks, motion and heat sensors as well as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors,” says the Tyco Fire and Security president.
Suppression
Upon that fire and detection layer, there’s fire suppression equipment. The gear here includes fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, gas and foam suppression and exit notification systems. Across all types of organizations, there is more life safety concern, in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. Unique technology also is finding its way into the layering equation. For example, the Eagle Imager thermal camera from Scott Health & Safety contains such advanced technology its sensor can detect temperature differences to one-tenth of a degree, permitting clearer, sharper images. Hot spots and victims can be detected as close as two feet away and up to 600 feet away. With its ability to detect very minute temperature differences, firefighters can “see” victims through thick smoke and darkness, according to Boggess.Video Surveillance
Beyond suppression, the next security layer is video surveillance, comments the Tyco executive. There is a strong installed base out there. Much of it is analog. But “video surveillance is rapidly becoming a totally digital operation. For example, Sensormatic’s Intellex Digital Video Management System allows a user to digitally record surveillance cameras and then instantly search for information using a variety of parameters such as time, date, camera, motion or change in lighting. And with the appropriate software, it is possible to share this video with any corporate officer or security professional with access to a computer on the company’s local area or wide area network.”According to Boggess, more and more cameras are being purchased and installed, “even in markets that we thought were
saturated.”
Access Control
Another layer on top of the others is electronic access control systems that includes card entry, badging and hands-free exit systems, as well as a range of biometrics.Boggess sees some recent twists on the typical access control system, in the fallout from September 11th. “There are more security executives seeking better ways to control access into their facilities by temporary visitors, as well as ways to better handle packages and deliveries.” The Tyco executive also sees more interest in biometrics, although his firm continues to evaluate and find advantages in a diversity of biometric technologies. No doubt, “rapid growth in the use of biometric devices as part of an access control system will continue at least for the next few years.”
For example, according to the Tyco executive, Ireland-based CEM Systems has integrated iris scan technology into its Access 2000 system now in use in more than 20 British Telecommunications sites in Northern Ireland, as well as a number of airports in the United Kingdom.
Personal Protection
A final layer is one that some security executives may not have explored as completely as the others—until now. The personal protection layer, at least to Boggess, covers gear and technology as varied as gas masks and personal response devices, wearable pendants that call help at the press of a button.Within the Tyco family, Scott Health & Safety has developed and manufactures self-contained breathing apparatus, air-purifying devices and gas/vapor monitoring instruments. “Military operations and post offices around the world are buying these products in huge numbers,” adds Boggess.
Central Monitoring
Holding the layers together and taking security to yet another level is central monitoring. Concludes Boggess, “Through the use of a central monitoring station, each of the security layers can be monitored to provide a higher level of protection.”A properly monitored system can be an effective force in preventing any variety of incidents. And security professionals—as well as the security equipment itself—are available to handle notification and instructions to get employees out of harm’s way as quickly as possible, as well as alert proper authorities to take action if necessary.
