Article for European Management + Business
Advanced security
Security alarm systems are essential to protecting property as well as personal safety. They rely on a system
of flawless communication and need to be constantly adapted to new technologies. The newest technological advancement is the
infrastructure change from analogue to digital. Alarm system developer, ASB-Security BV, headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands,
adapts its applications to these advancements seeking out solutions that continue keeping businesses and people safe.
At present, the Netherlands has more than 450.000 intrusion and holdup alarm systems, most of which are based
on analogue systems. This composition is changing rapidly. KPN, the largest telecommunications company in the Netherlands, has
made plans to turn its entire analogue network over to digital by 2011. Shifts of such enormous importance to alarm systems,
present a great opportunity for ASB-Security, which has been devoting its new products to an eventual digital network. One
of its newest developments is the MuSDO-IP-alarm reporting system. This system works in a digital format and is characterised
by an efficient and safe use of the new telecommunications infrastructure such as ADSL and IP-VPN, an internet based Virtual
Private Network.
Complete control
ASB-Security is also involved in monitoring electronic paying systems(PIN) and other anti-theft devices. The need
for secure payment systems is growing as businesses rely more heavily on internet and automatic transactions with money. 'The
Network Management Centre, NMC, of ASB-Security keeps permanent control over the complete transmission path,' describes Senior
Consultant Business Development and Innovation Bart J. Postelmans. NMC’s services require only a simple installation of MuSDO
equipment at the customer's location. The system also supports Alarm Receiving Centres(ARC) by the processing of alarm messages.
Yet more important is the function of the NMC to provide a permanent verification of performance, which adheres to the requirements
of all EU countries. It is formulated to adapt to not only the rules of the Netherlands but is also valid for European standards
(EN norms) attributed to higher categories of protection systems.
Concrete solutions
'Our success factors are strongly linked to analysing the needs of the clients and providing concrete solutions,'
says Mr. Postelmans. The translation of the technical requirements of the client to a user-friendly system is important in order
to make the product accessible and have it work safely. 'Our systems abide with the specifications demanded by insurance companies
for protection of property and avoidance of harm to individuals,' adds Mr. Postelmans. One solution that has been especially
interesting is a fog machine, which is triggered by an intruder. Within seconds, a space can be filled with a dense fog that
completely obstructs the visual abilities of a perpetrator. The device is successful in preventing theft without damaging property
or causing physical harm.
ASB-Security is concerned with how its applications can be further adapted to changing technology and the market
in general. 'We see development of our systems for automation in the home and for more secure payment methods via the internet,'
states Mr. Postelmans. The need for security and ways of reporting or preventing fire, burglary, dangerous situations and fraud
is always a growing market.
