SUMMARY

Today, purchasers of electronic security systems can choose from a huge variety of products, suppliers and technologies. Reading the many claims made in promotional literature, one could be forgiven for thinking that the use of almost any device or service would be the solution to all of the security problems imaginable, but experience tells a different story. How then is the selection of complex and expensive equipment or services to be made? This guide is intended to introduce non-specialists responsible for electronic security systems to issues they may encounter and to give basic information on the subject.

The first and most important step is to know what is needed. Without a clear understanding of the site or asset to be protected, there is little chance that the product or service supplied will actually provide the level of protection needed. The investment of time in carrying out a thorough risk assessment will more than pay for itself later. By working through the risk assessment the issues will be clarified, and as a result a better understanding of the security problems faced will be gained. This risk assessment is the starting point for the selection of any security product or service, including physical security and manned services as well as electronic services. A useful tool is provided in the forthcoming BRE publication Security assessment of commercial and industrial premises, which provides guidance on carrying out a risk assessment.