Security and Alarm Systems Blog

For the first time since 2001, a there is a steady increase in the crime index relating to property crimes in San Diego (view graph). There have been over 82,300 total property crimes in San Diego County in 2008, with the highest months being April, September and December. This increase in crime can be attributed to the economic recession. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in a security system in your San Diego home or office. Even just having a few motion detectors and contacts on doors and windows can help protect your family or business from break-in in san diego county.

There are several types of electronic security available. For example, if your business involves keeping an inventory of anything valuable, then you would gain from a surveillance camera system, or a cctv security system. A cctv security system will allow you to view and record happenings around your office, warehouse or outside surroundings. Often times, just the presence of a cctv security system prevents burglary because the burglar knows they are being watched and they know that it is more likely that they will be captured.

Another great option for a business with valuable inventory or valuable trade secrets is door access control. San Diego is a hot spot for technology and pharmaceutical companies, and protection is very important in these sectors. A door access control system or intercom only allows access to restricted areas to pre-approved people. This system can use a numeric keypad, magnetic swipe card, RFID keyfob, or biometric devices to allow or deny access to vital areas of your business. These systems are very big in the federal government, where national secrets and expensive technology must be guarded. A door access control system in San Diego actually saves money because it drastically reduces the need for security guards.

We have a very good understanding of what makes a security control panel desirable to the end-user, and this is a list that I came across today explaining why the DMP XR500N is a great option for commercial applications. The integration options are phenomenal with this panel. Read below for the list of features I’m referring to:

System Link ™ Enables remote XR500N programming and control.
XR500N Advanced, integrated control panel for access control, fire, and intrusion detection.
714 Loop expander adds four Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-8 Loop expander adds eight Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-16 Loop expander adds 16 Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
716 Output expander module provides four programmable Form C relays and four zone-following annunciator outputs for a variety of output applications.
734 Wiegand interface module integrates the use of Wiegand-type access control readers and door strikes.
5455 Prox ProII card reader for proximity credentials.

We have noticed a spike in the need for businesses to protect the data centers or server rooms in their offices, especially in Irvine and San Diego, California. There are several forms of security we offer in this area. The most common needs involve a door access control system, so that only authorized personnel may enter the room. There is also a helpful option in surveillance, where the server room is secure by recording the area with security cameras. Often times, it is possible to add door access equipment long with an existing security system, which will save you a good amount of money. Another great addition to server room security is a temperature sensor. Everyone knows that computers generate heat, yet they are also sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep your server room temperature controlled. If the server room’s temperature reaches a certain temperature, a signal will be sent through your security system, and you will be notified immediately. This will keep your data safe, and prevent a gigantic headache, or even worse a complete loss of your companies information.

If you are interested in a free consultation, call us at (800) 577-2527.

I just wanted to let you know that I wrote an article on the topic from Feb 23rd. This article covers how to use security systems to prevent employee theft. I think I make a good case for protecting your company from fired or laid-off employees with security systems. Please read the Employee Theft Article if you are interested.

Six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft.

You are probably asking yourself “How can I stop an employee from stealing company data, and not interfere with their productivity.”

Company Data theft can be taken into two categories: Computer-based and physical. To remedy any holes in your computer-based security, constantly consult your IT department (or IT company) to see if they feel your company is up to date on information security software and processes.

Progressive Technology Security Systems can’t help you with information theft, but we do offer some very viable solutions to keep employees from restricted areas, and keep people honest while in your business. First, we offer state-of-the-art door access and intercom solutions, which keep employees from entering restricted areas. One strategy to keep your information safe is to allow only your most trusted managers to vital areas of the office, such as the server or IT room. Door Access Control will prevent anyone without a magnetic card, keyfob, code, or a specific fingerprint, to gain access to areas with sensitive information.

Another great security tool is surveillance. People just act better if they know that they are being watched. A Camera Security System is a great way to keep employees in line, without creating a culture of mistrust. Everyone just assumes that a camera system is just to record an intruder in the night, but there are so many workplace applications.

If you are interested, and would like to know more about Door Access or Camera Security, please click on the links or call us at (800) 577-2527.

On the TV show Mythbusters, the two smart and daring hosts directed their efforts towards beating a fingerprint scanning door access device. The first attempt involved a plastic mold of a fingerprint. It did not work the first try, but it did work after warming it with his breath.

Next, a gelatinous mold of a finger was used, and this also opened the door. So far, I’m not very impressed with this piece of hardware, and I’m wondering what brand it is (it is definitely nothing we use, I have never seen this door access device before in my life).

The grand finale is when they scan a copy of a fingerprint and hold the piece of paper to the fingerprint scanner. It actually opened the door. You will notice they keep saying that the manufacturer says that no one has ever cracked their device. Well, now someone has, and on national television. Too bad for you. Just goes to show that crackpot equipment has no place in the Security industry.

We call ourselves “Security Integrators” in some circles, especially in describing our services to Federal customers. But what does the term “Integration” mean?
Websters Dictionary “Integrate”: To form, coordinate, or blend into a larger unit.

This is a great description, but I feel I must explain further. A Security System that is truly integrated has two or more types of Electronic Security connected and intelligently interacting. An example is a Door Access Control System tied into an Alarm System panel. The trend among Security Manufacturers has been toward developing integrated products which can be used for many different functions, often at the same time.
The benefits of Security Integration are cost reduction and improved or customized functionality. Therefore, you can see why many Security Installation companies are calling themselves “Integrators,” because the term is synonymous with added-value and ingenuity.