Security Device Catalog Explainer
A security device catalog is most effective when it captures the right information for each category of equipment. Not all devices are alike: what matters for a PTZ camera is different from what matters for a biometric reader. This guide explains what to gather for each category, why it matters, and how to keep it current.
Access Control Devices
- Doors & Portals should be logged with their type (entry, exit, interlock, elevator cab), associated readers, lock relays, and controller. Location mapping is essential to understand traffic flow and emergency egress.
- Readers—whether badge, mobile, or biometric—should include direction (entry/exit), firmware, and connectivity. Tracking firmware ensures vulnerabilities are patched.
- Controllers are the brain of access control. Recording their model, address, and reader/relay capacity prevents system bottlenecks and helps plan expansions.
Video Surveillance Devices
- Cameras need detailed documentation: type (fixed/PTZ/multi-sensor), resolution, recording status, analytics enabled, and scene description. A catalog here allows faster investigation and validates compliance requirements.
- Recorders (NVRs) must be tracked with model/software, camera count, storage capacity, and health status. Storage failures are among the most common points of system breakdown.
Intrusion & Alarm Devices
- Intrusion Panels define the heart of alarm systems. Documenting partitions, armed state, and status allows managers to confirm coverage across the property.
- Sensors (motion, glassbreak, door contacts) must be tied to zones, with their normal state recorded. This prevents misdiagnosis when a zone is in fault.
Elevator & Dispatch Devices
- Elevator integration is increasingly critical. Dispatch kiosks and in-car readers should be logged with bank/group, associated readers, mode (destination dispatch, hybrid), and controller links (Otis, TKE, MCE). Keeping them mapped ensures passengers are routed securely and efficiently.
Intercom & Communication
- Every intercom station should be logged with its type (tenant, guard, master), linked door, and associated camera. This becomes vital for incident review and coordinated response.
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Gunshot Detection & Environmental
- Gunshot detectors cover zones of varying size. Recording detector type, coverage area, and sensitivity calibration ensures rapid validation when events occur. Optional environmental sensors (smoke, CO2, leaks) should be included if integrated into security.
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Visitor & Credential Peripherals
- Badge printers and visitor kiosks are often overlooked, yet they are mission-critical for visitor management. Recording type, workstation linkage, and status avoids failures that disrupt business.
- QR scanners must be tied to portals, with direction and operational state.
Biometric Devices
- Biometric readers should record modality (fingerprint, iris, face), database linkage, and firmware version.
- Enrollment stations need association with a workstation and operational state to ensure smooth onboarding.
IT & Supporting Infrastructure
- Security relies on IT. Workstations should include OS, role, installed applications, and health. Servers require host type, OS, applications, and performance specs. Including them ensures the catalog truly represents the entire ecosystem.
Conclusion
- A catalog is only powerful if it’s holistic. Recording doors but not servers, cameras but not kiosks, leaves blind spots. The goal is one living, accurate reference covering every device. This becomes the foundation of an intelligent, resilient security program.