Security System Design Best Practices: Specification to Installation

Solid design and clear specifications are the foundation of successful security installations. Poor design causes delays, overruns, and dissatisfaction.

Cost of Poor Design

Common consequences: - 30-50% longer installation time - 20-40% budget overruns - Client dissatisfaction - Reduced profitability

Good design saves thousands.

Design Fundamentals

Requirements First, Not Products

Wrong: "32 cameras and 8 readers"
Right: "Identify all visitors, monitor entries 24/7, 90-day retention, 3 security zones"

Thorough Site Surveys

Document: physical conditions, environmental factors, network infrastructure, power, coverage needs, integration points.

Understand All Stakeholders

Security Director: Threat mitigation, compliance
IT Manager: Network impact, cybersecurity
Facilities: Aesthetics, disruption
End Users: Ease of use, reliability

Specification Excellence

Three Layers: 1. Performance - Required outcomes 2. Technical - Standards and protocols
3. Product - Approved manufacturers

Critical Elements: - Scope definition - Standards and codes - Design drawings - Equipment schedules - Installation requirements - Documentation deliverables

Physical Security Design

Access Control: Door compatibility, power, network, integrations, credentials, egress

Video Surveillance: Calculate storage = (Bandwidth × Days × 86,400 ÷ 8,000) GB
Always add 30% buffer

Cybersecurity Integration

• Dedicated security VLAN
• Firewall isolation
• Changed defaults
• Latest firmware
• Encrypted communications

Quality Assurance

Pre-Install: Sign-offs, permits, equipment
During: Daily inspection, as-builts, tracking
Commissioning: Complete testing
Closeout: Documentation and training

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Excellence in design creates excellence in installation - CAGE: 02Q10