Product overview
Video Surveillance
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
- Security Cameras (Bullet, Dome, PTZ, etc.) – High-resolution CCTV cameras used to monitor and record areas. Common types include bullet cameras (cylindrical, highly visible deterrents with long-range focus for perimeters and parking lots, dome cameras (compact cameras in vandal-resistant domes for wide-angle coverage and a discreet appearance, and PTZ cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom units that can be remotely steered and zoomed to track events in real time, covering large areas with a single device. Specialty cameras like 360° fisheye cameras capture panoramic views (useful for broad areas like lobbies or lots) and thermal/infrared cameras provide night vision or heat-based imaging for low-light and perimeter monitoring.
- Network Video Recorders (NVRs) – Central recording appliances (or software servers) that receive and store video feeds from IP cameras. NVRs serve as the hub of a modern CCTV system, recording, displaying, and managing surveillance footage from multiple cameras, and often enabling remote monitoring via PC or smartphone apps. (Digital Video Recorders, or DVRs, perform a similar role for analog cameras, though most modern systems use network/IP solutions.)
- Video Management Software (VMS) – Surveillance management platforms that allow operators to view live camera feeds, play back recordings, and configure alerts or analytics across the camera network. A VMS is a critical componentof video security, giving users control over recording, storage, and retrieval of footagei. Advanced VMS solutions support features like motion detection search, AI analytics (e.g. detecting people, vehicles), and integration with other systems (such as linking video with access control events) to streamline security operations
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
- Control Panels & Keypads – The centralized alarm control panel is the brain of an intrusion system, processing signals from all sensors and deciding when to trigger an alarm. Typically installed in a secure area, it arms/disarms zones and communicates with monitoring services. Users interface via keypads or touchscreens to enter codes, arm/disarm the system, and view status.
- Door/Window Contacts – Magnetic contact sensors placed on doors and windows that trigger when separated (i.e. when a door or window is opened unexpectedly). They form a fundamental first line of defense by alerting if an entry point is breached while the system is armed.
- Motion Detectors – Passive infrared (PIR) and/or microwave motion sensors that monitor rooms or corridors for movement. If motion is detected in a protected area (when no occupants should be present), the sensor trips the alarm. Modern motion detectors often use dual-technology (combining PIR with microwave) to reduce false alarms while accurately catching human movement.
- Glass Break Sensors – Acoustic or shock sensors tuned to the frequency or vibration of breaking glass. These detectors listen for the distinct sound or shock wave of a window being shattered and trigger an alarm when detected. Glass break sensors add a layer of protection for windows and glass doors, potentially catching intrusions that bypass door/window contacts.
- Alarm Sirens & Strobes – Audible and visual alarm indicators that activate when an intrusion is detected. Loud sirens and flashing strobe lights serve to startle intruders, alert occupants, and draw attention when a break-in occurs. They act as both a deterrent and a notification method, often prompting the intruder to flee immediately.
- Monitoring & Alerts – Modern alarm systems are usually connected to 24/7 monitoring services or send instant alerts to owners. When a sensor triggers, the system can sound local alarms and also send digital alerts (via cellular/IP communicator) to a central monitoring station or directly to the user’s smartphone. Monitoring personnel can then verify the alarm and dispatch authorities. This integrated response ensures a quick reaction, as the alarm event is communicated in seconds.
Access Control Systems
Intrusion Detection (Alarm Systems)
Access Control Systems
- User Credentials (Cards, PINs, Mobile, Biometrics) – Access control relies on credentials that identify authorized persons. Common credential types include proximity keycards or fobs (RFID tokens assigned to users), PIN codes entered on a keypad, mobile credentials (smartphone apps or NFC/Bluetooth passes), and biometric identifiers like fingerprints, iris scans or facial recognition. Simpler credentials (cards, PINs) can be lost or shared, whereas biometrics and mobile app credentials are much harder to steal or duplicate, offering a higher level of security. The system checks these credentials against its database to decide if access is granted.
- Readers & Keypads – Reader devices at entry points verify the presented credential. These include card readers and key fob readers (for RFID badges), numeric keypads for PIN entry, and biometric scanners (fingerprint readers, facial recognition cameras, etc.). When a user swipes a card or enters a PIN at a door reader, the device transmits that data to the control panel for authentication. Modern IP-based door readers sometimes combine multiple methods (e.g. a single unit might have a card reader, a keypad, and a camera for facial ID).
- Access Controllers/Panels – The control unit (often an electronic controller board or panel located in a secure room or IT closet) that makes the access decisions. Upon receiving credential data from a reader, the controller checks permissions and, if authorized, signals the door lock to release. Access control panels can manage one or many doors and are typically network-connected for centralized management. They also monitor door status (forced-open or propped-open conditions) and interface with alarms for events like forced entry.
- Electronic Door Locks – The locking hardware controlled by the access system. These include electric strikes (releasing a door’s latch when activated), magnetic locks (maglocks that use electromagnets to secure a door until power is cut), and smart wireless locks (often used in residential or office settings). Locks can be configured fail-safe (unlock on power loss, required for emergency exits) or fail-secure (stay locked during power loss) depending on safety needs. When the controller grants access, it momentarily unlocks the door via the electronic lock mechanism, allowing the user to pull the door open.
- Access Management Software – Management platforms (on-premises servers or cloud-based services) used to administer the access control system. Administrators can add or revoke user credentials, set schedules (e.g. only allow access to a room during business hours or for specific roles), and review entry logs. Modern systems often provide cloud-based control with web and mobile apps, enabling remote management of door locks and credential updates from anywhere. The software may also integrate with HR databases or directory services to synchronize user data, and can trigger alerts or reports for access events (for example, notifying if a door is held open or if an unauthorized attempt occurred). Integration capabilities allow the access control software to work in concert with video surveillance (for visual verification of entries) and other security systems.
Perimeter Security
Public Address & Mass Notification
Access Control Systems
- Fence-Mounted Sensors – Vibration or fiber-optic sensor lines attached to perimeter fences that detect attempts to cut, climb, or otherwise tamper with the fence. These systems create an intelligent fence that triggers alarms when it senses the characteristic vibration of an intruder breaching the barrier. For example, fiber-optic cable sensors can run along a fence and pinpoint the location of disturbances caused by cutting or scaling, alerting security to the exact zone of intrusion.
- Infrared Beam Barriers – Also known as active IR sensors, these form invisible light beam fences across an area. An IR transmitter and receiver pair are aligned to create a beam path (for instance, across a gate, window, or open span); if an object or person interrupts the infrared beam, an alarm is triggered. These virtual tripwires are useful for protecting specific lines of approach (like a doorway, hallway, or wall perimeter) – essentially acting as an invisible fence line that detects crossing. Multiple IR beams can be stacked at different heights to cover climbing intruders, and they’re tuned to minimize false alarms from small animals or debris.
- Microwave Perimeter Sensors – Microwave intrusion sensors use a transmitter and receiver to create an electromagnetic field (radar) across an open area. Rather than a single beam, they establish a volumetric field between the two units – when a person enters this field and moves, the sensor detects the disturbance in the microwave field and triggers an alert. Microwave barriers can cover longer distances (tens to hundreds of meters) and are effective for wide perimeters, open yards, or between layers of fencing. They tend to be robust in harsh weather (rain, fog, snow) and are harder for intruders to evade, but require careful placement to avoid unwanted alarms (e.g. from large wildlife or moving vegetation).
- Buried Seismic and Fiber Sensors – Underground intrusion detection systems that use hidden sensors to detect footsteps or vehicle movement. For example, seismic sensors are buried at intervals and pick up ground vibrations caused by a person walking or digging. Similarly, leaky coaxial cables or fiber-optic cables can be buried along a boundary; they create an electromagnetic or light-based field underground and detect disturbances when that field is altered by movement. These systems are invisible to intruders and do not require an above-ground fence – useful for open field borders or areas where a physical fence isn’t feasible. When the ground sensors detect an approach, they alert security and often can estimate location along the line.
- Perimeter Lighting & Deterrents – While not sensors per se, a comprehensive perimeter defense includes motion-activated floodlights, security lighting, and audible deterrent alarms at the boundary. Bright lighting triggered by outdoor motion sensors can startle intruders and improve camera visibility. Loud hailers or sirens at the perimeter can be configured to sound warnings when a fence sensor or beam is tripped. These measures integrate with electronic sensors to not only detect intrusions but also discourage intruders from proceeding further. (Such deterrents are often integrated into the sensor system – for instance, a beam break could cue a spotlight to turn on in that zone.)
Public Address & Mass Notification
Public Address & Mass Notification
Public Address & Mass Notification
- Public Address (PA) and Voice Evacuation Systems – Facility-wide audio broadcast systems for both daily communications and emergency messaging. They consist of microphones or call stations, an amplifier/controller, and distributed loudspeakers throughout the building or campus. In normal use, PA systems make general announcements or paging calls; in emergencies, they become voice evacuation systems, delivering live or pre-recorded voice instructions (e.g. fire alarm evacuation messages or lockdown alerts) to all occupants. Modern PA/voice alarm systems often use IP-based speakers and networked audio controllers, allowing integration with other security systems and clarity even in large or multi-building environments. These systems ensure that everyone on the premises can hear critical information and safety directives in real time.
- Mass Notification Platforms – Mass notification systems (MNS) provide multi-channel emergency alerts to reach people through all available means. They coordinate PA audio with other alert methods like text/SMS messages, mobile push notifications, emails, digital signage, and desktop alerts. The goal is to deliver “the right message to the right people at the right time” during a crisis. For example, in an active threat scenario, a mass notification platform might simultaneously activate site-wide PA announcements, send SMS/emails to staff and students, flash messages on marquees, and integrate with alarm panels – all triggered with one emergency button. These systems are often integrated with fire alarms and security systems to automate responses (a fire alarm can trigger a voice evacuation message, or a panic button can trigger pre-set lockdown alerts). By leveraging multiple communication layers, MNS ensures no one misses urgent warnings.
Intercom Systems
Public Address & Mass Notification
Public Address & Mass Notification
- Audio Intercoms – Two-way communication systems placed at building entrances, gates, or secured areas to enable visitors to speak with occupants or security personnel before entry. A basic security intercom includes a call button, a speaker/microphone unit at the door, and a receiver station or handset inside. This allows two-way communicationbetween someone at the door and someone inside the facility. Intercoms let staff verify a visitor’s identity and purpose remotely – for instance, an office receptionist can converse with a delivery person at a locked front door. Many intercoms have a door release relay, so the indoor station can unlock the door once the visitor is approved, all without the staff physically going to the door. (Common in apartment lobbies, commercial buildings, schools, etc.) Traditional intercoms were audio-only, providing talk/listen functionality, whereas newer systems can also include video.
- Video Intercoms (Door Stations) – Modern video door intercoms integrate a camera with the intercom interface, adding visual verification. A networked video intercom station at the door typically contains a camera, microphone, speaker, and a reader or button, combining entry control with two-way video/audio. This allows the person inside (or a remote user on a mobile app) to see the visitor on a monitor while talking to them, greatly enhancing security. These units often tie into access control – they can trigger electric locks to grant entry once the visitor is validated. For example, an IP video door station provides two-way communication, live video feed, and remote door unlocking in one device. Residents or guards can use an indoor monitor or smartphone to view the caller, have a conversation, then press an “unlock” button to buzz open the door. Video intercoms are widely used for apartment entrances, office lobbies, gated driveways, and other access points where visual identification is desired. They improve convenience as well, as many support call forwarding to mobile devices – if someone rings the intercom, a resident can answer the call and open the door via their phone app from anywhere.
Panic and Duress Alarms
Specialized Detection Systems
Specialized Detection Systems
- Fixed Panic Buttons – Emergency panic buttons are silent alarm triggers used to summon help in threatening situations. These are typically small, concealed push-buttons installed in strategic locations like under a bank counter, at a hotel front desk, in a classroom, or behind a retail register. When a staff member presses the panic button, it instantly sends an alert to security personnel or a monitoring center without sounding a local siren (to avoid tipping off an assailant). This allows staff to discreetly call for police/guard response during robberies, assaults, or other duress events. Panic buttons are a critical safety measure in environments like banks (for hold-up alarms), hospitals (for staff under threat), and workplaces where employees might face violence. They can be wired or wireless; wired panic buttons are stationary and very reliable, often used at fixed workstations.
- Wireless Duress Devices – Portable duress alarm transmitters that personnel can carry or wear to signal an emergency from wherever they are. These include wearable pendants, wristbands, clip-on badges, or wireless handheld fobs with an SOS button. When activated, they function like a panic alarm, sending a distress signal to security or police. Wireless duress devices are used for staff who may not be near a fixed panic button – for instance, teachers moving around a campus, hospital staff doing rounds, or lone workers in a large facility. They offer mobility and covert activation, as a person under duress can press their hidden pendant or even use a smartphone app duress feature to call for help. Some advanced systems incorporate indoor location tracking, so responders know the approximate location of the person who pressed the button. Together, fixed and wireless panic solutions greatly enhance personal safety, ensuring that help can be summoned quickly in any scenario.
Specialized Detection Systems
Specialized Detection Systems
Specialized Detection Systems
- Vape Detection Sensors – A new class of smart sensors designed to detect vaping (e-cigarette aerosol) and smoking in places where it’s prohibited (such as school restrooms, dorms, or workplaces). These devices use a combination of particulate sensors, chemical gas sensors, and sometimes sound or air quality sensors to recognize the unique signature of vape vapor in the air. When a vape detector senses vapor or smoke above a threshold, it sends instant alerts to administrators or security, often via text or an app, so staff can respond immediately. Vape detectors are usually tamper-resistant and placed in areas where cameras can’t be used (bathrooms, etc.) to discourage vaping. Many systems also trigger an audible alarm or flashing light as a deterrent. Integration capabilities allow vape sensors to work with security cameras and access systems – for example, a vape alarm can cue nearby CCTV cameras to record footage, or signal a connected access control system to lockdown an area. This makes them part of a broader safety strategy. The primary goal is to maintain smoke-free, vape-free environments, improving health and compliance, especially in schools and public facilities.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Life safety sensors commonly integrated into security or automation systems to protect residents from fire and poisonous gas hazards. Smoke detectors use optical (photoelectric) or ionization sensors to detect the presence of smoke particles from a fire, triggering an alarm to alert occupants. They can be standalone (with local sirens) or tied into an alarm panel that will sound all sirens and notify a monitoring center. Carbon monoxide detectors monitor for the buildup of CO gas (an odorless, deadly gas from fuel-burning appliances) and alarm before CO levels become dangerous. In a residential security system, smoke and CO detectors are often connected such that an alarm triggers a central station call and possibly smart home actions (like unlocking doors or shutting HVAC). In commercial buildings, these devices are part of the fire alarm system and meet code requirements. Both smoke and CO detectors are essential safety integrations – while not “security” against intruders, they are critical for overall protection of life and property, and modern security panels typically support them. (Many insurers also require monitored smoke alarms for coverage benefits.)
- Gunshot Detection Systems – Specialized acoustic sensor networks that detect and locate gunfire in or around a facility. These systems use highly sensitive microphones (and sometimes infrared flash sensors) placed in strategic locations (e.g. on ceilings, light poles, or hallways) to constantly listen for the distinct sound profile of gunshots. When gunfire is detected, the system triangulates the location and generates an immediate alert to law enforcement and on-site security. In cities, a well-known example is ShotSpotter, which covers neighborhoods with acoustic nodes to pinpoint outdoor shootings. In campuses or buildings, gunshot detectors can be integrated to initiate emergency response: they may trigger a mass notification (lockdown message), cue nearby cameras to focus on the incident area, and send the shooter’s location to police within seconds. This technology aims to drastically cut response times to active shooter events and provide situational intelligence to first responders. Gunshot detection is increasingly deployed in schools, corporate campuses, and public venues as part of modern security countermeasures.