New perspectives for fire protection
Digitalisation, innovations and a new understanding of safety
Digitalisation offers exciting new opportunities for the management and protection of buildings. In order to meet changing demands, fire protection systems may and should be regularly questioned and modernised. But what exactly characterises future-proof fire protection? What challenges does this pose for planners, manufacturers and installers? In the coming weeks, we will show you here on our blog how you can make you fire alarm system fit for the future with digital applications.
Technological progress has become one of the most important drivers of profound change. From the Internet of Things and smart devices to sensors and cloud computing, the interaction between fire alarm systems and consumers is taking place under completely new conditions. Modern buildings offer many possibilities to meet safety requirements, to optimise or automate processes. In addition, added value can be generated by connecting and evaluating the collected data. This is because security systems no longer stand independently next to each other but are integrated into an overall system and controlled from a comprehensive user interface. It is therefore necessary to develop services and innovations around fire detection technology and thus integrated solutions that can constantly increase the customer's safety level. New technologies for fire protection are increasingly becoming a decisive competitive factor.
Challenges for preventive fire protection
Digitalisation, with its manifold effects, is one of the greatest upheavals in our society. What developments are emerging for preventive fire protection? What challenges does this pose for fire protection?
Connectivity
Smart buildings offer a wide range of possibilities to meet the modern demands on buildings and to generate synergy effects. The networking of devices and sensors for fire protection can increase the level of safety in the building and of the people in it.
Shortage of skilled workers
The shortage of skilled workers is also affecting the fire protection industry. Human resources, training and necessary technical skills in all areas of the product life cycle are crucial competitive factors.
Sustainability
Many modern building projects are characterised by sustainability aspects and are being planned in an increasingly climate-friendly way. New building products, materials, façade greening and alternative construction methods present fire protection officers with previously unknown problems.
Flexibility and repurposing
If a gymnasium becomes a function room in the evening, which building regulations apply? If work is done in a home office in apartment buildings, does it become an office building during the day?
Bridging the gap between digital and analogue
Preventive fire protection is analogue by nature. To make your fire alarm system fit for the future, a bridge must be built between the fire alarm system and digital services for remote monitoring. A corresponding web application creates the basis for worldwide access to fire alarm control panels. This is done with a router for connection to the control centre. For access to the fire alarm control panel, the installation of a separate software is required. With a certified routing device, the control panel is then connected to the data centre via VPN. Https encryption for connections via PC and mobile end devices such as laptop, tablet and smartphone guarantee an additional level of security. A VPN tunnel encrypts the user's entire data traffic.
Cybersecurity through a multi-level security concept
By means of an integrated web interface, personalised adjustments can be made for the subsequent use of the digital services. To guarantee the highest possible level of data protection, all transmitted information must be stored in a secure data centre. In a further security level, every access to the systems and all events are logged so that all processes remain transparent and documented. In addition, multi-level identification steps ensure that only authorised persons have access.
Bringing your own system online
Schrack Seconet's remote monitoring services are offered on a modular basis and are based on a secure internet connection between the Integral Remote Portfolio and the fire alarm systems. Every access to the systems and all events are logged. All processes are thus transparent and documented and fulfil all cybersecurity requirements. Intuitive authorisation management and multi-level identification steps ensure that only authorised persons have access. Https encryption and VPN tunnels guarantee the highest security standards and convincing advantages:
- Central monitoring of several systems
- Simple, independent administration and maintenance of data
- Reliable documentation of all events
- You keep everything in your own hands
Holistic solutions along the entire product life cycle
Remote monitoring and the constant availability of all information enable you to ensure maximum safety for people and assets even in times of lockdowns and staff shortages. With our digital applications, we offer customised and flexible solutions that have been developed according to customer needs. They simplify the operation and monitoring of our facilities and evolve with our customers' requirements.
You like that? Read our free white paper to learn more about why digital applications will make early fire detection even more reliable in the future. In it, we show how you can optimise a fire detection system in five steps with the help of digital processes.
Request your free whitepaper here!
(Header Photo:sutlafk /Cumulus)