Building Boundaries: A Comprehensive Guide to Perimeter Security Systems

Establishing robust perimeter security is vital to safeguard your commercial premises. In today’s world – these systems are absolutely vital and can provide an abundance of benefits that you may not have previously considered.

Perimeter security systems act as your first line of defence in protecting your physical assets and employees from unauthorised access, theft, and damage.

But which type of perimeter security systems are right for your business? Find out below.

What is Perimeter Security?

Perimeter security systems are security solutions that use physical barriers and software technology to protect unauthorised access to businesses. Perimeter security offers pre-emptive measures to detect, deter, and delay potential threats – offering peace of mind and creating a safer more focused work environment.

Incorporating perimeter security can offer an added layer of protection in partnership with the use of video management, access control, security personnel, and physical security measures such as fences, gates, lighting, turnstiles, portals, and barriers. There are endless options to suit every industry in protecting their assets, people, and property.

Traditionally used by infrastructure facilities, military facilities, and high-risk infrastructures like airports and prisons – perimeter security systems have now extended into both residential and commercial industries for use in facilities such as retail, education, healthcare, and more.

What Are the Different Types of Perimeter Security Systems?

Car Park Barriers

Car park barriers such as boom gates or parking-bollards are often used in perimeter security systems. Car park barriers prevent vehicles from entering premises without authorisation through access cards, licence plate recognition or payment kiosks etc. Only once authorised will the barrier or horizontal bar enable access.

Boom gates or parking bollards can also be used to regulate and manage traffic and serve as physical protection for buildings and people.

CCTV

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) uses video cameras to capture and transmit live or recorded video footage. Surveillance perimeter protection systems allow for the monitoring of specific areas and can act as a deterrent to theft, damage, and unauthorised access.

Captured footage or live images can be transmitted to a central location for real-time monitoring and the recording of footage for review and analysis.

CCTV can be used in various settings, including businesses, public spaces, residences, and critical infrastructure.

Intruder Systems

Intruder systems can be used in a variety of settings such as residential/domestic use, small retail stores, and offices. High-end intruder perimeter security systems are often also used for government or financial institutions such as banks and building societies.

Intruder alarms work by using sensors such as motion detection and door or window contact to detect unauthorised attempts to access premises or certain areas within premises.

Fencing

Security fencing is designed to deter, delay, and deny unauthorised access and threats to a site and acts as a first defence to protect assets and premises from intruders and damage.

Fencing is generally the most obvious and visible deterrent for unauthorised visitors. It can also be fitted with other perimeter security systems such as CCTV to help detect and record any unauthorised attempts to enter or cause damage to a site.

Pedestrian Gates

Perimeter security systems such as pedestrian gates are commonly situated aside fences or automated vehicle barriers. They provide a safe and secure entry and exit point for pedestrians to exit or enter the perimeter of a site.

Pedestrian gates are commonly used in public transport stations, offices, secure car parks, and industrial environments for example. Made from heavy-duty robust materials, they can withstand attempted damage and ensure the safety, security, and controlled access for employees and visitors.

Intercoms

Intercom systems can facilitate communication between employees and visitors reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

With the use of video intercom organisations can monitor for suspicious activity and aid in visual supervision of those entering and exiting a facility. This can also be accessed remotely.

Audio intercom is a communication system used predominantly in access points and consists of a call point with a phone handset which facilitates the opening of an entrance to authorised personnel.

Monitoring

Monitoring perimeter security systems include CCTV monitoring, intruder alarm monitoring, lone worker, vehicle monitoring, and remote site access and involve the real-time observation and management of equipment, systems, or locations from a remote location.

Monitoring uses technology like sensors, cameras, and communication networks to provide data and control security for remote sites.