Security System Design
Independent Security System Design
Equipment without a design behind it still leaves you exposed
Security system design starts with risk, then defines the technology, specifications, and sequence of operations needed to protect your people, assets, and operations.
WHY ORGANIZATIONS TRUST BPS
- 36 years in business
- 150+ years of combined expertise
- Independent and product neutral
- 96% Net Promoter Score
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In the meantime, here’s a quick look at our approach.
Do I Need a Security System Design Consultant?
If you already have a physical security risk assessment, its findings guide the design and system selection that follow. If you don’t, discovery at the outset identifies the risks the design needs to address.
You may need design support in any of these three situations:
- New construction or renovation. A new facility or major renovation is underway, and security needs to be part of the project rather than added later. Bringing us in during pre-design or the schematic phase allows security requirements to inform the layout and budget before the main decisions are made.
- Technology added over time. Cameras, access control, and other systems have been added project by project, without an overall design behind them. A gap analysis shows where the existing technology no longer matches the risk and helps you decide which improvements matter most.
- Technology approaching end of life. A core platform is approaching end of life, and what replaces it will shape your architecture and vendor relationships for years. Our work can include evaluating manufacturers and platforms before integrator selection, so both decisions rest on a documented, defensible base.
What does security system design involve?
A robust design covers more than equipment. It also accounts for how the system will be installed, operated, and checked to confirm that it performs as intended.
- Technology matched to your risk. We recommend technology suited to your industry, facility, and objectives. The aim is to deter and detect threats, then support the human or automated response needed to intervene before they escalate.
- Vetted installation contractors. Potential installers go through vetting and qualification validation before they’re presented as options to reduce risk of an unqualified or poorly performing installer introducing vulnerabilities.
- Specifications and operating protocols. We produce the specifications, sequence of operations, and custom operating protocols that the project needs. Early cost estimates give the team a clear basis for budget planning and consistent installation.
- Coordination with commissioning. Design and commissioning are distinct but coordinated services, and they can overlap from early in a project. Design defines what the system needs to do. Commissioning checks the quality and completeness of the installation against the owner-approved design and agreed commissioning scripts.
APPROACHING ACCEPTANCE
On larger, architect-led capital projects, our work can also cover site-specific risk factors and coordination with landscaping, lighting, networking, door hardware, electrical, and other trades.
Where appropriate, we can use MasterFormat®, the Construction Specifications Institute’s standard framework for organizing construction specifications. Further support can include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles applied to the site layout, along with construction administration and closeout services.
The Security Design Process
A typical engagement follows this sequence.
- DISCOVERY
We start with a completed risk assessment where one exists. If it doesn’t, discovery scoped to the design establishes what the system needs to protect against. - CONCEPT AND TECHNOLOGY SELECTION
We narrow the field to systems that fit your risk, facility, and budget. - CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATION
We vet installers so a qualified shortlist is ready when the project needs one. - DOCUMENTATION FOR CONSTRUCTION
We issue the specifications and sequence of operations in time to support budget planning and guide a consistent installation. - INSTALLATION SUPPORT AND HANDOFF
We support the build through to handoff, helping avoid costly mistakes and delays. Commissioning checks the finished installation against the owner-approved design and agreed commissioning scripts.
Why choose BPS as your design consultant?
No conflicts of interest
BPS doesn’t sell security products. Our recommendations come from your risk and facility, not from a product line.
Rigorous, objective vetting
We vet installation contractors before presenting them as options. We bring the same objectivity to our technical review of vendor proposals.
Proportionate to your risk and budget
BPS designs appropriate, proportionate systems that reflect the risks you face and stay within a reasonable budget.
A lifecycle view
We plan for long-term security needs from the outset. The design can include maintenance schedules, processes for performance monitoring and review, planned upgrade paths, and end-of-life planning for system components. We also identify the training your team might need to operate the system as intended.
Current standards, developed with you
We stay current on security design standards and best practice, and work with you to develop standards that reflect each facility and apply consistently across your organization.
FAQs
Common questions about security system design.
Design security around your risk
Whether you’re starting with a blank site or reviewing technology that’s already in place, we’ll help you design a system that answers to your risk first.
