Access Control Systems for Businesses in Maryland

May 25, 2010 by  
Filed under Business Security Protection

Access Control Systems (ACS) doesn’t have to so complicated and when it comes to an access control system, the key word is control. Simply you just want to authorize any number of people to get in certain parts of the facility and keep unauthorized people out.

ACS Security Systems, Inc. can show you how cost effective, user friendly and  achieving this with a  Single Door Solution or Multiple Doors spread out between different buildings because each solution is customized. The access control system could also be used in conjunction with Time and Attendance systems, Video Surveillance System, Intercoms or Alarm System to provide a higher level of security.

We find that some access control systems such as a Stand Alone Keypad or Card Readers are commonly used for  smaller applications and are less expensive. The problem with this type of technology is it does not provide an audit trail or any type of control  which is the basis of implementing an access control system in the first place. Since there is no audit trail or control these systems are less secure, since people can have a propensity to pass the code or card around because there is no accountability with the system.

The most popular access control system, is the use of Proximity Card Readers and Proximity Cards tied in to some type of system controller. Proximity Card Readers are very convenient to use, additionally, when a person lost his / her card, it is also an easy matter to deactivate the lost card and issue new cards. The cards may also be used as an identification card or work with a Time & Attendance System.

When it comes to an access control system, the key word is control. Using this type of system will allow you to lock and unlock doors with a schedule, not only control who can gain access through a door but what times they are allowed to have access. Too many businesses in Maryland rely on the old fashion key and lock to control their place of business  and worse yet their relying on a person that can’t be perfect all the time and can make mistakes.

Don’t leave you business vulnerable and uncontrollable, regardless if it’s one door or many give ACS Security Systems, Inc. a call at 410-663-9779 or email Jack Lucas at jlucas@acssec.com for a site survey.

Baltimore Metro Area Business Burglar Alarm Systems and Monitoring.

May 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Business Security Protection

Tired of long term monitoring contracts, always waiting for service, existing system not performing, too many false alarms and your existing alarm company keeps getting bought or sold so no one really knows who you are? Looking for a Monitored Burglar Alarm System for your Business, Restaurant, Office, Warehouse, School, Place of Worship, Distribution Center, Manufacture Plant or Shop?  Instead of a Burglar Alarm Company how about Physical Security Solutions Provider that can provide true service and has too many  clients in the Baltimore Metro Area since 1995.

ACS Security Systems has been providing  security services from Havre de Grace to Laurel, Annapolis to Taneytown and everywhere in between. We offer traditional Alarm Monitoring as well as Secured Interactive Internet Monitoring, Card Access Control, Video Surveillance, Intercoms  and Electric Locks.

One thing will not do is lock our clients into a long term contracts, our service responce is same day as it is called, we provide system audits and surveys to make sure the system is functioning properly, Our offices are local as well as our employees so we know our customers and they know us.

Contact me “Jack Lucas” by phone, email or fax with any questions about our Monitored Burglar Alarm System Service or any other system we provide. Maybe there is a question about your existing system that you can’t seem to find someone to help you. No-Obligation, so don’t feel as if I can’t bill you I will not help you with information that I have at my finger tips.

TOWSON OFFICE: 410-663-9779

FOREST HILL OFFICE: 410-557-6006

FAX: 410-692-9887

Jack’s Email: jlucas@acssec.com

Elements of a Security Video Surveillance Systems

May 12, 2010 by  
Filed under Secuirty Buyers Guide

Here a fact and that is no two Security Video Surveillance Systems installed are the same regardless if the system components are from the same manufacture. Why would this be,  aren’t all video cameras, video recorders, connectors, power supply and wires the same? It’s obvious that there would be a difference between various types of cameras and recorders that are available today but not much thought is given to  the type of video transmission let alone the type of connectors to be used on a installation of a system.  There are so many variables involved that I would need another web site just to discuss all the different technologies and intricacies of installing a system.

Some people think it is just plug n’ play and there is no difference between systems as long as there is a picture on the monitor, it’s all good to them. Well if the requirement is to have a general view of an area and there is no need to detect events or indentify anything then this type of system is doing what is required and that is to offer a deterrence. The one thing I see at least once a month is I get a call from someone that got a great deal on a Video Surveillance System through a Big Box Store, Online Auction House or a Website. It is always one of three things that happen within the first few months of the system being installed by others. On playing back video the recorded video quality is so poor that you do not know what you are actually seeing. Another request is if I can clean up the video so a specific shot can identify who or what is in the video. Most common is the camera pictures starts to fade, gets static or very blurry at night. The question is what caused the problem product, wire, connector, power or installation who knows unless you get a professional to come out to see what is the problem.

The key thing here is not to knock a particular product or installation skill by others but it is to educate you to really to understand what you are trying to accomplish with a Security Video Surveillance System. Are you trying to Deter, Detect or Identify because all three have a different relation as well as a common purpose when it comes to implementing a system.  

If the goal is just to view an area just to see what is going on i.e. Back Door, Front Lobby or Parking Area then having cameras providing a general view offer a good deterrent against crimes being committed. When greater detail is required to see specific activity or capture certain events then a  Higher Resolution Cameras with a Variable Focal Lens should be used with a Digital Recorder that records at a faster frame rate on to provide detection where needed.

Now for the applications where the need is to indentify i.e. Cash Transactions, License Plates or a People then there are specific cameras required to capture this information such as High Definition Cameras. These cameras are great for providing detailed information while being recorded on a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with a substantial size hard drive so allot of video information can be recorded.

As you can see no two systems are alike and most application are not trying to do just one thing but they are trying to Deter, Detect and Identify  with a specific discipline based on the type of camera used for each application. This where a professional comes in to help determine what the expectation is and how best to accomplish what you want without an over kill system or a System that under performs. ACS Security Systems, Inc. has been designing, installing and servicing Security Video Surveillance Systems  for over 20 years and we invite you to give us a call to help educate, survey and price a system that really meets your needs.