For most facilities, security starts outside of the building. Higher security facilities have larger perimeters to enforce. Parking lots tend to be a common place to start monitoring activity. When an employee or visitor drives onto a parking lot, they assume they’re entering a safe work, learning, or retail area. So, what level of security is required? Is observation with security cameras enough? What about increased lighting? Do vehicles and occupants need to be cleared before entering the parking area?

Primary security systems deployed at parking garages range from increased lighting, to emergency call stations, to vehicle barriers and gates. Let’s look at a few of the most common systems for parking areas.

Entrance Control

Vehicle entrance control can be automated or enforced by a security officer. A simple gate can be enough to show that the area has a security presence and may deter unwanted visitors. Once a credential is presented to the automated gate system or security officer, the gate will be raised. In an automated system, the card credential is part of the access control solution. Employees or visitors with a valid card credential can pass through quickly, while those without prior authorization can be vetted in person or via an intercom station located at the gate, close to the driver.

Cameras and Lighting

Well-lit parking lots deter criminals and allow authorized personnel to safely navigate around vehicles and hazards. Well-lit parking areas also make video observation and recording much more realistic. It’s much easier to identify problematic behaviors when security officers can see activity happening in real time. If the security camera system isn’t monitored, then recorded video footage will be useful for investigations.

Emergency Call Stations

Emergency call stations, often located around a parking lot and along the pathway to the building, provide another deterrent for would-be criminals. These stations, frequently equipped with a security camera, act as a direct voice communication path between personnel and the security team. Advanced systems will advise the security officer of the exact call location.

Unified Solution

Any one of these systems is not enough to provide an ideal secure environment. Connecting the systems together, to work as a unified solution is the goal. Solutions streamline operations and leverage all of the capabilities.

Professional Security Partner

The Vision team can survey your building, coordinate an IT-inclusive design, and professionally install and integrate hardware and software. Vision can also create a custom managed and hosted services plan, freeing up your staff to perform their core responsibilities, provide a safe working environment, and maintain the system. IT will appreciate the maintenance services as well. Limiting their involvement in

regularly scheduled software and firmware updates may be the benefit they need to stay focused and effective.

The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can scale and change with your organization. Together, you’ll uncover potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides onsite and remote response, safeguarding your staff and securing your facility.

Vision has a full-time AutoCAD engineer on staff. Our engineering team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineering team has both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.

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