What to Look for in Successful Physical Security Systems for School Campuses
What to Look for in Successful Physical Security Systems for School Campuses
Physical security is a key consideration for any educational facility. Solutions such as fire and life safety, access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection are critical in safeguarding students and staff from threats. However, physical security systems are not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
As systems become more sophisticated it is easy to get lost in technology and forget some basic elements that will ensure that the commercial physical security system is right for your facility. Whether looking for a security system for a smaller campus or a network of buildings across several properties, here are a few key considerations.
Integration
Of necessity, there are many components to physical security for educational facilities, from perimeter security, access control, and video surveillance to fire detection, and intrusion detection. Often, facilities will invest in different components of their physical security at different times due to budgeting restraints and end up with elements that are disparate and siloed. This significantly decreases the effectiveness of your entire security system. It is critical to consider security systems holistically and evaluate their integration capabilities before you dive in and as you add elements.
Occupant Friendliness
While a security system must do its job, it must also accommodate the various levels of access within the facility. Data rooms or areas holding proprietary information may require strict levels of access while lunchrooms and lobbies require easier access. A system should accommodate different zoning needs and help it run more efficiently and securely.
IT Friendliness
Educational facilities typically have a large staff, some turnover, frequent visitors, and many levels of access to different parts of the facility. Every time an employee is on-boarded or visitor needs access, the access control system must work with the HR system to grant access and permissions within the facility. Because access control is foundational to any educational facility security plan, the IT friendliness of your system another key consideration.
In the campus setting, physical security systems play a role well beyond pure security. To learn more about comprehensive physical security solutions including cloud solutions, call SSP today! 1.888.540.0175
