ACS in the security system of a business center
Sergey Kryl, General Director of the company "SMT - Implementation Center" ("SMT - VC")

Today it is difficult to imagine a business center that would not use an access control and management system (ACS). Having appeared on the domestic market in the form in which we are accustomed to seeing it now, more than 15 years ago, this equipment has become an integral part of office buildings. And there are many reasons for this.

Every day, business centers “receive” thousands of employees of different companies and a large number of visitors, which is why it is important to record and control who enters and exits the building, as well as to limit the access of persons to different areas. Strict control is carried out both to ensure the safety of employees and visitors, and to reduce the risk of threats associated with theft of valuables from tenants and building owners, theft of cars from parking lots, etc.

But the access control system in a business center performs not only the functions of monitoring people entering and leaving the building and limiting access to visitors. Using this equipment, you can keep track of working hours, unlock evacuation doors (when emergencies occur), and more. For example, you can also track people who smoke in places where this is prohibited: on balconies, emergency stairs and in hallways. Or, let’s say, the following situation occurs: one of the tenant companies orders a pass for its visitors, but they don’t come - only the access control system can confirm whether they really didn’t come or whether they entered the building, but for some reason did not reach tenant. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the importance of access control systems in the event of various emergency situations, when you need to know exactly whether people remained inside the building or left it - otherwise you will have to go around the entire business center to find out this information and spend a lot of time, and in such cases, every minute counts.

The access control system includes components such as software and a server (the “heart” of information processing), a controller that decides whether to allow a person into a specific area or not; identifier (card) storing a code that determines the rights of the card owner; a reader that receives the identifier code and transmits it to the controller; actuators (electric strikes, electric locks, turnstiles, barriers, automatic gates).

In general, all access control and management systems come in several types: autonomous (when the controller is not combined with anything and does not send data to generate reports), centralized (the controllers are combined, displayed on the ACS server and provide users with information about passages through each door) and network (centralized system based on IP controllers). But owners of business centers, as a rule, do not use autonomous access control systems, since they are not mobile and manageable, and this is important for a business center.

ACS in a business center is installed not only by the owners of the building, but also by the tenants themselves. The first (owners) ACS helps control such areas as the entrance lobby (reception), parking lots, as well as internal common areas: elevator and staircase halls, exits to the emergency staircase, rooms with life support systems of the building. Tenants use access control systems to control and manage access to their office premises.

As a rule, small tenant companies use the services of a business center owner who offers installation of the system in their offices. But larger organizations, which have their own rules and standards, usually install access control systems in the rented territory on their own. Accordingly, in the first case, the ACS of the business center owner and the tenant are managed together, in the second - separately.

Autonomous installation of access control systems is a very difficult matter, and there are many nuances here. Very often in our practice we encounter the following problem: a tenant installed his own access control and management system, started using it, and only then discovered that it was not compatible with the access control system installed in the business center. This may happen because, for example, the tenant chose ACS with HID standard identifiers, and the building owners chose EM Marin standard. In principle, you can “live” with this, but employees of the tenant company will have to carry several cards with them at once: one for the entrance area, another for access to the office, and a third, for example, for entering/exiting the parking lot. It is very uncomfortable. In addition, this is an additional expense: the tenant will have to spend money on purchasing other identifiers.

To avoid such a situation, minimize the costs of tenants and make the process of using ACS more convenient, the solution could be this: the owner of a business center should warn the tenant in advance what type of access control and management system is installed in his business center - we recommend documenting this in the form technical requirements when concluding lease agreements. There are interface converters, and the problem can be solved - the tenant simply must know all the information in advance and transfer it to the contractor performing the work to create a separate access control system for the tenant. By warning clients, the owner of a business center thus shows his customer focus.

I would like to note that when independently installing equipment on rented premises, the tenant must ensure that his access control system is unlocked in evacuation areas when the fire alarm installed in the building by the owner of the business center is triggered. This entails mandatory approval of design documentation and technical solutions.

I also want to draw attention to some of the most common mistakes that are often made when creating technical specifications and designing access control systems in a business center. One of them is the incorrect assessment of the number of employees and visitors, as a result of which “traffic jams” form when entering/exiting the building, and people have to stand in queues to get into the office or leave the business center. Why is this happening? Most often, this is due to the fact that the landlord did not initially take into account the characteristics of his anchor tenants. If, for example, they are companies providing services on their territory, it should be assumed that a large number of visitors will come to their office, who need to be provided with quick and convenient access to the building, etc. In business centers where there are a lot of visitors, you can even make a separate turnstile group for guests and place it in another place, separating the zones, for example, with a column. This will allow you to increase control and receive better reports.

Or you can regulate the flow of people using artificial obstacles - for example, by organizing the movement of elevators. Let's say we know the throughput of the turnstiles: during normal operation of the system, one pass takes 2 seconds. This means that if you install 10 turnstiles in a building, then 10 people will pass through in 2 seconds. Thus, if we have 3 elevators, each of which can accommodate 10 people, and during evening rush hours they go down simultaneously, then it turns out that 30 people approach the turnstile group at the same time - it will take about 6 seconds. It is more difficult to calculate capacity during morning rush hours, since it is difficult to understand how many people will come to the business center at the same time. But if a business center organizes the transportation of people on corporate transport, this makes the task easier: you can calculate how many buses will arrive, at what time and how many people they will bring.

Some companies do not pay attention to the type and design of the devices to which the actuators are attached. If, for example, there is a wooden door in the room that weighs less than 90 kg, then it is not advisable to install an electromagnetic lock designed for a metal door on it - to do this, additional plates will be required. If, for example, the door is fireproof, then immediately upon ordering it you need to make a special fastening, since changes to the door design are not allowed or the solution to this problem “results” in additional costs.

We often come across the fact that when installing access control systems, business center owners and tenants do not take into account from the very beginning the important fact that an access control and management system is equipment designed not only for management, but also for reporting. The fact is that these reports in most cases are formalized and do not meet customer requirements. It turns out that the system is installed and only then they look at the report and understand: “There is not much in this report!” or “The report does not present the information we need.” This means that the delivery of the project has to be postponed and improvements made, which is no longer so easy to do. It would be much easier if the customer initially had information about what is needed and in what formalized form this or that report will be presented. If necessary, you can individually resolve the issue with the manufacturer or implement an additional solution that allows you to receive information in the required individual format.

Mistakes include the fact that many business center owners do not integrate access control systems with a video surveillance system. This is a big drawback when you need to quickly find this or that emergency situation from video recordings: the search has to be done manually, which is inconvenient. If these two systems are integrated, everything can be done automatically: when there is an alarm, you can immediately watch the video image and see who triggered the alarm and for what reason. Integration of access control systems with security alarms, which has recently become increasingly popular, also allows many operational issues to be resolved more quickly.

Finally, I will say that only with close cooperation between the customer and the integrator company at the design stage can you subsequently install an access control system that will be best suited for a specific business center. The customer must clearly understand: what control points and doors will be there, what groups of users will pass through, how many there will be and how exactly they will enter/exit, how access will be limited to tenants, etc. The fact is that in the case of a business center, it is especially important not only to professionally install the equipment, but also to correctly assign the integrator a task from the very beginning and calculate everything - which, unfortunately, does not always happen.

For Business Centers

In any building with a large number of offices, it is necessary to take care of the presence of a properly installed fire alarm system, the installation price of which is not the least important. But this is not something that is really worth saving on. Repeatedly we see news reports about fires in business centers, and all this is due to the fact that there is no fire alarm system configured along with a modern fire extinguishing system. To avoid making headlines about incidents and protect your “clients” (namely, those renting space in a business center), you need to contact a company that offers a full range of appropriate equipment.

Our company is an excellent option when it comes to installing fire alarms in Moscow. We offer the best options depending on the purpose of the object, the number of rooms inside and their location. The systems we offer comply with all regulations and are equipped with modern equipment that responds promptly in the event of an emergency. If you have a fire alarm installed by us, you will be sure that everything in your business center will be in order in case of an emergency, and the fire will be eliminated in a timely manner.

Installation of complex systems

We offer not only fire alarms, but also fire extinguishing systems that can be installed in a complex. This approach is always more effective, especially if you choose modern gas fire extinguishing systems. This guarantees the safety of employees in the business center building, who will be able to leave the premises in time in case of an emergency, and the safety of various equipment and documentation. Thus, by contacting our company, you make your business center safe, complying with all norms and regulations, and very modern.

Prices for turnkey systems

(example, all objects are calculated individually)

Commercial real estate maintenance- the basis for a favorable indoor climate. Business centers have a utility system that requires regular diagnostics, replacement of worn parts and adjustment for correct operation. One of these networks is security and fire system . It guarantees the safety of personnel and property.

Business centers (BCs) are a special class of buildings, which are characterized by a large number of closed and adjacent offices. Fire-related emergencies pose a great danger in buildings of this type. Maintenance of fire and security systems guarantees safe use of the premises.

Regular maintenance of network elements is the basis for the uninterrupted operation of the fire extinguishing and fire alarm system (FS). It must be done daily.

The main function of the fire alarm system is to detect fires. Main parts of fire alarm:

• evacuation control system;
• safety system;
• perimeter security system;
• monitoring system;
• control devices;
• notification system;
• alarm transmission system;
• auxiliary equipment;
• detectors.

Business centers of any class must have OPS. There are five main types of alarms:

• Photovoltaic smoke.
  They serve to detect massive smoke and are not very susceptible to changes in climate parameters in the room.
• smoke video detectors.
  The camera is used as a sensor for rapid response to smoke.
• Multisensory.
  They are aimed at detecting a number of problems, so multi-sensor systems are equipped with: gas detectors, heat and smoke sensors.
• Thermal.
  These detectors turn on when the temperature rises.

Operation of security and fire systems

Main function security and fire alarm- prompt detection of the source of fire. To maximize the likelihood of timely activation of the alarm, the sensitivity of the detectors is increased. But this defines a new problem: false alarms. To avoid untimely notification, you need to maintain the level of humidity and temperature, and ensure dust filtration. OPS maintenance can prevent false alarms. This is a huge advantage, since a failure and activation of the alarm can cause damage to the enterprise and stop operation of a business center.

Fire protection systems are equipped with remote programming devices, which makes it easier to check its functionality. The device records a number of readings: thermocouple parameters, alarm threshold, date of last maintenance, chamber contamination and the presence of a remote operation testing system. Each fire alarm system is tested and certified, and its compatibility with other engineering systems is also checked. A prerequisite for using the system is the availability of documentation from the manufacturer.

The Energostar company has been engaged in maintenance of low-current building systems. Main network structures that have low voltage.

• OKVED – 45.31 “Electrical installation work”. Installation of anti-burglary (security) alarm systems.
• OKPD 2 - 80.20 “Security systems services.”

There will always be work for a company that provides installation and maintenance services for fire safety systems (FS). The law greatly helps business in this sense. SNiP 21-01-97 (Fire safety of buildings and structures) clearly states: “Buildings for public and administrative purposes must be equipped with automatic fire alarm systems, regardless of area and number of floors (with the exception of showers, toilets, washing rooms and some other objects)".

It turns out that there is a huge scope of work, especially if you get a large object through a tender, like a shopping or office center. If the cost of installing an alarm system in a small room (10 - 50 sq. m.) costs about 25,000 rubles, then it is easy to calculate that such a service for a building of 5,000 sq. m. m. will cost at least 1.5 - 2 million rubles.

Where do these numbers come from? Installation is not a cheap service, since it consists of many operations, each of which has its own cost. Thus, installation and connection of a fire flame detector in one room will cost at least 1,000 rubles, installation and connection of a control panel will cost at least 2,000 rubles, and setting up an automated control system for 10 channels will cost the customer 25,000 rubles. How much it will cost to install an alarm system depending on the size of the object can be calculated using the calculator on the website pogar-bezopasnost.ru:

The conclusion can be drawn immediately: it is a worthwhile task, but it requires appropriate organization.

A little about the types of OPS

Security and fire alarms are divided into three main types: non-addressable, addressable and addressable analogue. Non-addressable ones are considered the most budget-friendly and are installed mainly on small objects. Their disadvantage is that there is a high probability of false alarms, since the control panel displays information only about the loop number, but not the detector.

Addressable alarm systems are installed on medium and large objects. The signal about the threat that has arisen is transmitted to the control panel directly from the detectors, including the device number. This allows you to more accurately determine the location of the fire.

The most expensive and functional system is addressable analog. It is characterized by high accuracy and reliability. The fire signal is not simply transmitted to the control panel - it is analyzed by the central processor. Therefore, the decision about an emerging threat is made based on a number of parameters, which minimizes the triggering of a false alarm. Such alarm systems are installed at large facilities, whose budget allows for additional costs for high functionality and reliability.

Organizational matters

The organizational and legal form of an enterprise providing fire alarm installation services can be either an ordinary individual entrepreneurship or a legal entity (LLC). The taxation system most often chosen for such companies is simplified taxation (USN), 6% of revenue or 15% of profit. Organizational profit tax and VAT are not paid under this taxation regime.

The installation and maintenance of fire alarms is subject to mandatory licensing. You can obtain this document at the territorial branch of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The license is unlimited and valid throughout the Russian Federation. The state fee for obtaining a license is 7,500 rubles. If you have extra money, you can order a service for collecting and issuing a license from a specialized company. It will cost 60 - 100 thousand rubles. (although you can do everything yourself).

The immediate manager of the company must have appropriate education in this field and at least 5 years of work experience. He can be an employee. The organizer of the business or the person in whose name the business is registered can have any education.

There is an option to work without obtaining a license. To do this, you can negotiate with any company that already holds a license. Something like an agency agreement is concluded. Then all subsequent applications will be accepted as if from this company. For this, the company will receive a percentage of the money received for services provided (about 10%).

Office is an indicator of solidity

Once you have established a minimum client base, you should think about renting your own office. This will allow you to conclude deals with more serious customers, with whom it may take a month or even more to reach an agreement. Going to cafes and coworking spaces, as is the case with low-budget clients, will no longer work (it will be too expensive and will arouse suspicion among the customer).

The room can be small: from 30 to 50 square meters. m. It is necessary to allocate space for receiving clients (a good and solid table) and for placing two to three tables for managers and an accountant. It is advisable to allocate a room for installers and space for storing equipment and tools. Renting such space in the central part of the city will cost 25–40 thousand rubles. per month.

Investments

You should consider such a point as the amount of capital for starting a business. When installing fire alarm systems at large facilities, you may need a significant amount of money to purchase fire safety equipment (sensors, devices, sirens, cables, etc.). A good customer will not run around buying all the components separately.

According to the contract, you will need to bring all the necessary equipment and install it. And to do this, you will first have to invest money and only after finishing the work will you receive the required amount. Count on a reserve capital of at least $10 thousand. It’s easier with small customers: you can take an advance payment from them.

Company personnel

The installation and configuration of fire alarm systems can only be entrusted to real professionals. And these are electricians, installers, programmers, a fire safety specialist (aka foreman), electrical and radio engineers. Selecting such a team can take a very long time (this is where the main organizational skills of an entrepreneur should come into play). Professionals will demand an appropriate salary and a percentage of the work performed. This is why installing an alarm system is so expensive. It is not worth saving on hiring low-qualified personnel: the cost of a mistake is too high. After all, constantly refining the system will lead to additional costs. And this company will not earn a good reputation

The process of installing and configuring OPS must be approached very responsibly. First, the company's employees carefully inspect the object. They study everything down to the smallest detail: the size of the room, the layout features, the number of employees, the location of windows and doors, the presence of additional exits, the location of communications, the operating features of the electrical system and devices, etc. Then, taking into account the wishes of the customer, a security system design is developed. It indicates the installation locations of information reading devices and sirens, the locations of cables and the location of the control panel. It also stipulates how to connect the alarm system to electrical supply and fire extinguishing systems, and develops a plan for evacuation and rescue in case of fire, in accordance with legal norms.

After agreeing and stipulating all technical issues, the direct installation process of the fire alarm system takes place. This happens taking into account the layout and design of the room, so that the components of the system do not harm the appearance of the room and are minimally noticeable. Often a fire alarm is combined with a security alarm to create a fire-security alarm. At the end, commissioning and testing of the system takes place.

This is where the work with the client just begins. Legislation is constantly making adjustments to the fire safety requirements of buildings and structures. In addition, it is necessary to regularly inspect the facility to ensure that the functioning alarm system is in good working order. Therefore, in addition to installing the alarm system, the customer often enters into a contract for its maintenance. Therefore, you can receive constant passive income even when new clients do not appear.

Search for clients

In order to find your first clients and earn a good reputation, you will have to try hard. This is not the kind of activity where customers line up. An ordinary website on the Internet and a couple or three advertisements on poles will not help matters. The expression “feet feed the wolf” is very relevant in this case.

It is required to directly visit newly constructed facilities, enter into cooperation agreements with construction companies, visit existing enterprises and propose improvements to their fire safety system. If you find a competent lawyer, you can try to win a tender for the installation of alarm systems for large commercial and government facilities. There are a lot of options, you just need to work.

Additional sources of income

If things get really bad with orders, you should pay attention to additional sources of income. The activity of installing fire alarms can be perfectly combined with the trade in fire-fighting equipment and installation elements (if you find a profitable wholesale supplier). At the same time, you can install security alarm systems, access control systems (ACS), as well as install video surveillance. Although this will require the formation of a large staff of specialists, it will allow us to accept orders on an ongoing basis.

Ready-made solutions for installing security alarms, video surveillance and access control in business centers are the most common options for standard turnkey projects, which include the necessary list of equipment, its supply and installation, cable work and system setup. Moreover, any of the proposed solutions can be changed or adapted to the specific needs of the customer. We provide a 1 year warranty on all installed equipment and the functioning of the system as a whole. Consultation, engineer visit and preparation of a cost estimate for installing security systems - FREE!

Ready-made kits

Fire alarm

The main purpose of installing a fire alarm in a business center is to detect a fire in a timely manner and ensure the fastest possible evacuation of people from the building. For this purpose, ceiling smoke detectors are installed in all premises of the business center, which ensure high accuracy in detecting smoke sources. In this case, it is possible to use other types of detectors, for example, those that respond to changes in temperature or air composition. To control evacuation and warn people about danger, voice alarms and light displays are installed in the offices and corridors of the building. The cost of installing a fire alarm and warning system for a business center is calculated individually for each project. The cost of our proposed solution is about 700 thousand rubles.