Areas and Arming
Overview
In an integrated Access Control and Intruder Detection system, an Area represents a logical and physical grouping of security detectors (inputs) and access points (doors). Areas are the primary building blocks for intruder detection. When an Area is “Armed,” the system actively monitors its associated inputs for unauthorized activity and triggers alarms if a breach occurs. “Disarming” an Area disables this detection, allowing free movement.
How It Works
Area Hierarchy and Zones
- Area Hierarchy: In enterprise systems like Integriti, Areas can be structured hierarchically. A Master Area can control multiple Sub Areas. Arming the Master Area can automatically arm all associated Sub Areas, simplifying control for large sites.
- Perimeter vs. Interior Zones: Inputs within an Area are often classified by their location and function.
- Perimeter Zones: Inputs on the outer boundary (e.g., external doors, window reeds).
- Interior Zones: Inputs inside the building (e.g., PIR motion detectors). This distinction is crucial for partial arming modes like Stay and Night.
Arming and Disarming Methods
Areas can be controlled via multiple methods depending on user permissions:
- Keypads and Terminals: Using PINs on an EliteX OLED Keypad or PrismaX Colour Graphic Keypad. Users can navigate menus to arm/disarm specific areas.
- Readers: Access credentials (cards, fobs, mobile access) presented to readers like SIFER Readers. Depending on programming, presenting a card multiple times (e.g., triple-badge) can arm the area.
- Software Interface: Operators can manage areas via Integriti GateKeeper or the Inception Web Interface using “Quick Control” buttons.
- Schedules: Automated Time Periods and Calendars can arm or disarm areas at specific times without user intervention.
Arming Modes
To provide flexible security, areas support different arming states:
- Away Mode: The standard “fully armed” state. Both perimeter and interior zones are active. Used when the facility is completely unoccupied.
- Stay Mode: A partial arming state. Typically, perimeter zones are armed to protect the boundary, while interior zones are isolated (ignored) to allow occupants to move freely inside the building.
- Night Mode: Similar to Stay Mode, but often configured with stricter rules. For example, entry delays on perimeter doors might be removed so that an alarm triggers instantly upon opening, providing maximum security while occupants are sleeping.
Area-Door Relationship
In an integrated system, Access Control and Intruder Detection are tightly linked. The arming state of an area directly affects door behavior:
- Access Restrictions: If an area is Armed, the system can be configured to deny access to users who do not have the necessary permission to Disarm that area, preventing them from accidentally triggering an alarm upon entry.
- Automatic Disarm: When an authorized user presents their credential at an external door reader, the system can automatically disarm the associated internal Area before unlocking the door.
- Exit Delays: When arming an area from a terminal inside the secure zone, an “Exit Delay” provides a timer allowing the user to walk out through a designated exit path without triggering the alarm.
Platform Notes
Integriti
- Process Groups: Integriti uses “Process Groups” to define exactly how an input behaves within an area (e.g., defining entry/exit delays, siren times, and alarm types). This provides immense granularity.
- 24-Hour Control: Integriti allows for specific control of the “24-Hour” portion of an area. This means inputs like smoke detectors or tamper switches remain active even when the main area is disarmed.
- Capacity: Supports thousands of areas and complex Master/Sub Area logic suitable for enterprise deployments.
Inception
- Web-Based Control: Inception provides a simplified, user-friendly web dashboard for Area control.
- Quick Arm/Disarm: Features “Quick Arm” shortcuts on the web interface and terminals, where a user can enter a PIN and press
[ON]or[OFF]to immediately control the associated area. - Capacity: Supports up to 96 distinct Areas, designed for small to medium commercial deployments.