Intrusion Detection Systems

There is a popular misconception in the security industry that intrusion detection systems haven't changed much in the past ten to fifteen years. Nothing could be further from the truth. FocusMicro intrusion detection systems feature state-of-the-art components and capabilities that have been honed and polished by the advances of technology.

FocusMicro intrusion detection systems primarily utilize components manufactured by Bosch Security Systems. Though our Product Neutral policy supports the installation and maintenance of any brand of intrusion detection equipment that customers' desire, our experience has shown that Bosch equipment delivers the very best in features, reliability and performance.

There are four fundamental pieces to all intrusion detection systems: the control panel, the operating software, the sensors and the keypads. Each plays a key role in the performance and effectiveness of an intrusion detection system. Intrusion detection systems can also have their capabilities increased through the addition of expansion modules, internet alarm systems and advanced integration software.

FocusMicro intrusion detection systems can satisfy the security requirements of any size of facility or organization. Systems can be economically installed in small one room storage buildings or can be scaled to support multiple location campuses.

FocusMicro intrusion detection systems begin with a control panel that not only supports the current security requirements but will also support any planned expansion or growth. In addition to the software that is resident within the control panel, the capabilities of a control panel are typically measured in the breadth and scope of external devices that it will support.

The control panels that FocusMicro uses have from 8 to 246 inputs, also called points, which typically support one sensor or device. All control panels will support multiple keypads, or command centers. Depending upon the panel chosen for an installation, as many as 32 keypads can be installed to access the system. Another delineation between control panels are the number of alarm outputs, ranging from 1 to 130. Many control panels are also capable of supporting wireless devices, eliminating the need to run low voltage wires throughout the installation. These devices dramatically reduce the cost of system installation.

The quality and nature of construction of control panel housings in the security industry runs the full gamut from flimsy to industrial robust. The control panels used by FocusMicro are of the latter type; UL approved, using heavy gauge steel that provides secure EMI shielding, a known contributor to false alarms. FocusMicro control panels also mount securely to the wall and have been tested to resist an earthquake of 9.0 magnitude. One of the least discussed features of FocusMicro control panels is their ease of upgradeability. When a business unexpectedly expands the size of its facilities, FocusMicro control panels can be easily upgraded via software and/or hardware to allow for the increase in sensors / keypads / alarms.

The flexibility and scope of features that a control panel possesses is determined by the software operating the control panel. FocusMicro control panels provide the richest feature set in the industry and deliver the flexibility to tailor options and events to conform to your company' needs.

FocusMicro control panels can be configured to divide a building or several buildings into multiple "areas". Each area can be controlled wholly independent of other areas. Depending upon the control panel used, administrators can create up to eight different areas, each with its own arm/disarm parameters that are unrelated to the other areas. It's like having eight different control panels all in one box!

Each area can have its own set of scheduled events - up to 40 different schedules. Scheduled events can be used to control other systems such as door locks, lighting systems and power distribution. In addition to that, there can be up to 365 different holiday schedules to create "special" schedules that allow for holidays, public events or special company evolutions.

FocusMicro's intrusion detection systems will accommodate up to 249 different user Passcodes that span across up to 15 different Authority Levels. The high degree of flexibility in the Authority Levels allows security administrators to precisely define the permissions that are granted to every Passcode holder.

The operating software of FocusMicro control panels can retain up to a 1000 event history log with the report capabilities to allow for administrative analysis of personnel movement and system events.

FocusMicro intrusion detection systems utilize the latest technology available. Many sensors such as door, window and glass break appear to be the same in performance and capabilities as their predecessors. After all, how much can be changed about something as simple as a door sensor? These sensors which are the basic building blocks of intrusion detection systems have been significantly improved in two major areas: longevity and reliability.

Today's sensors have an expected life span several times longer than those of just a few years ago. The real breakthrough however is in the area of reliability. The bane of all intrusion detection systems is false alarms. Company managers know it; police departments know it. The design and technology application used in door, window and glass break sensors has greatly advanced, delivering significantly fewer false alarms. No longer will company security professionals dread sleepless nights because of the next wind storm that sweeps through the area.

FocusMicro uses state-of-the-art motion sensors that are of a TriTech design. Combining Passive Infrared, Microwave and Artificial Intelligence technologies, these motion sensors can virtually eliminate false alarms due to animals, banners, HVAC and computer equipment. Motion sensors are available in a wide array of beam patterns and focal lengths.

Nearly all sensors that FocusMicro installs are available in wired, wireless and addressable configurations.

Keypads provide the primary interface between users and the intrusion detection systems. The keypads utilized by FocusMicro not only cover the full spectrum of performance and features available in the industry today, they are also available in a variety of trim and colors that will blend into nearly every environment. Top of the line keypads have a large, 80 character LCD display that displays a comprehensive help menu, eliminating the need for a manual.