Most new buildings are being completed and handed over to their owners with no designed-in security telemetry or security systems. The expectation is that the building owner will retrofit security but such an approach ignores the huge strides being made with telemetry technology and its future impact on building security.
Building-in remote monitoring telemetry to a building is every bit as important as building-in plumbing systems and electrical services. Building security and management systems are fast-becoming a vital ingredient in the battle to conform with ever-changing legislatory requirements, themselves designed to address life-cycle costing and environmental issues. Such issues should be high on the building design agenda. A change of emphasis is long overdue.

Security managers would much rather be in charge of a building where all aspects of security and service functionality have already been addressed at the design and planning stage. The architectural design of buildings normally considers all aspects of passive security, including the physical strength of doors and windows, the visibility of entrances and the installation of access barriers, etc. The point is that the consideration of active electronic security systems is equally important, particularly as this now goes far beyond pure security protection.

Consider the benefits of designing-in systems telemetry, allowing for the transport of data over secure networks... From the architect's point of view, he or she shapes the building with well-designed exteriors and interior spaces. If security systems and telemetry provision are left to retrofit, immediately the interiors will be compromised by seemingly random add-ons of sensors and controls with obtrusive wiring around finished services. The aesthetics of the building are compromised, and the investment devalued.

How much better if the architect were to consult system installers and the telemetry provider at the design stage. The end result? A more attractive and professional workspace that performs to maximum efficiency.

Aiming for a designed-in approach The designed-in approach should consider not just the pure security aspects of intruder alarms, fire protection and CCTV, but also look at the wider scope of remote monitoring telemetry. For instance, there's now a whole range of management services that benefit from remote monitoring, including access and climate (heating, ventilation and lighting) control and other business services such as beverage vending and fleet car management.

By embracing the design ability of architects, the experience of the systems manufacturers and installers, the new telemetry technology and round-the-clock services of monitoring organisations, the concept of a secure, intelligent building becomes a reality. To the great benefit of the security manager and his company.

Are we living in a dream world? That's all well and good, but are we living in a dream world thinking that it will ever happen? The driver for secure and intelligent buildings is a combination of many factors, including cost and legislative requirements.

Any company that's serious about the integrity of its security will already be using monitored security systems. Deploying ISDN digital and GSM radio telemetry enables the end user to maximise the power of the service, while at the same time encompassing other security and management functions. In this way, the most value can be gained from the investment across all aspects. Seeing the use of telemetry in the context of the secure intelligent building makes economic sense.

Security managers would much rather be in charge of a building where all aspects of security and service functionality have already been addressed at the design and planning stage

In terms of meeting legislative requirements, obviously you are all aware of the ACPO policy concerning intruder alarms ('A call to alarms', SMT, February 2001, pp13-14). The key to conforming with ACPO's rulings lies in a secure, reliable monitoring service. Viewed in this context, it would be nothing less than a false economy to short cut systems integrity, telemetry and alarm reporting. Short cuts lead to business disruption, excess cost, loss of police cover and an increased cost in terms of fixed insurance premiums.

It's certain that European Performance Standards will supersede National Building Standards, and that the environmental impact on the cost of buildings will become far more significant. Monitoring these issues will be a key factor for your Board of Directors.

Monitored fire alarm systems Employers are legally obliged to ensure safe working conditions for their employees. Monitored security will play a key role here.

In 'fire' situations, employers have a legal duty to call the emergency services no matter how small the fire. A monitored fire alarm system is essential as 67% of all major commercial fires start after working hours. They can prevent a minor fire from becoming a major disaster (commercial fire losses are now estimated at £2.4 million per day).

Ultimately, vulnerability to crime has a negative effect on the perceived quality and value of a building. The developer, building owner or property investment company all have a vested interest in maximising a given building's value. As does the building occupier – who not only requires a safe environment for the staff, but will also need to consider the potential cost of disruption of business due to crime, arson or vandalism.

A secure, intelligent building means better, long-term value and higher returns on the building investment. It also means an improved quality of life for members of staff and the safety and security of building contents.