Telecommunication technology – how its implementation in a facility improves its functioning

What does telecommunication technology exactly mean

Telecommunication technology is an indispensable tool to keep a building safe and to ensure correct distribution of electric energy and signals. This is one of the most developed branch of the construction industry and it is being constantly improved. In order to fully use the possibilities In order to fully benefit from the capabilities, of law-current systems in a facility, one has to skilfully integrate them with one another. Among others, teletechnical installations include: structured cabling, maintenance of networks and devices, closet-circuit television systems, access control, registration of working time, burglary, robbery and assault systems, public address systems, conference systems, BMS and fire protection systems in buildings.

Systems and their functions

1. Structured cabling system of a building
Structured cabling i san indispensable element of installations in every company. It is defined as telecommunication cabling infrastructure of a facility. It plays and important role in dealing with complicated and specific wiring. As a system of data communication, structured cabling is used to build a computer, telecommunications, alarm and television network as well as to control various devices.

The advantage of implementing structured cabling is its versatility. Thanks to it, the cables can be distributed in the building without any prior knowledge of devices which will use them. This, in turn, reduces the time needed to implement the telecommunications system.

2. Closed circuit television system
Closed circuit television, or monitored television, or, in other words, CCTV, transmists and records the current image from the protected area of a building or a site. Cammeras are strategically placed which enables detection of undesirable persons and phenomena and a quick reaction of appointed services, for example, security, police or fire brigades. CCTV is the most popular security system.

All CCTV systems require a certain amount of cabling, even the ones with wireless cameras. Cables connect various devices with one another, among others: monitors, recorders, modems or wireless cameras. CCTV cameras can be configured so that they record everything they capture, however, it takes a lot of space. It is possible to programme cameras so that they make recordings only at particular times during the day or when they detect motion. The display of a CCTV system occurs in different sizes, from a simple monochrome screen to an HD colour monitor. IP cameras enable to view the material remotely with the use of a smartphone or a computer.

Whether the goal is to deter a burglary and theft, prevent vandalism, monitor street traffic or keep an eye on employees, CCTV can bring significant benefits to your business.

3. Access control system
An access control system, or KD in Polish, allows authorised persons to enter the premises of the building under protection thus ensuring safety. There are different types of access control systems, such as biometric, RFID, door controllers and card readers. Access control systems in a building can be blended or standardised, depending on the size of an organisation and different levels of security. You can programme particular systems so that only selected persons can access particular areas. An access control system authenticates and authorises a person to enter the building thus providing full protection and security.

The system most commonly used in electronic door control is a card reader. Opening the door with a card limits the access of unwanted persons to particular rooms. The advantage of implementing such an access control system is a possibility of eliminating traditional keys used to unlock the door and a possibility of changing fast the system’s configuration without using a computer, low cost of implementing and installing the system and the simplicity of using it. Undoubtedly, and additional advantage is a possibility of assigning a large number of opening cards to a given lock. Such systems are commonly used in offices, server rooms, houses, hotels, shopping centres, at airports, etc.

The biometric access control system allows you to open the facility with the use of fingerprints, where they are used instead of card readers. It tracks and records the visitors’ and employees’ data with the use of an access software. It is used in highly confidential places.

4. Working time registration system
Employers often wonder how to quickly and correctly measure the working time of their employees. Working time registration systems provide a solution that helps in managing human resources. It enables to easily count the presence of the employees, their overtime, lateness or business meetings outside the office. The system registers the exact time and dates for persons entering and leaving the building.

Time and attendance get recorded when personalised access cards are scanned. Each cards possesses a unique number which enables an employee’s identification.

An appropriate system of registering and measuring the working time allows to reduce employment costs and to objectively assess the effectiveness of employees. Information provided by the system allows you to avoid errors while measuring the working time.

5. Burglary and robbery system
Burglary and robbery system, called SSWiN in Polish, secures the facility against the intrusion of undesirable persons. Most often, it uses passive infrared sensors (PIR) that react to motion as well as magnetic sensors (reed switches) placed on windows, doors and garage doors. The system is armed and disarmed by entering an appropriate user code on the keypad, turning the key or reading the proximity card. It is used to protect residential buildings, offices, shopping centres, hotels or airports.

Passive infrared sensors (PIR) effectively detect very slow-moving objects. They offer an inexpensive and reliable functionality. The term „passive” refers to the fact that detectors descry the thermal energy given off by other object reacting to the rapid change of temperature at a given point. As an intruder passes in front of the sensor, the temperature at this point will rise from room temperature to body temperature and then drop. This rapid change triggers detection. PIR sensors can be designed to be mounted on walls or ceilings and have different fields of view, from narrow “point” detectors to the ones with 360-degree fields.

Magnetic sensors use reed switches as a mechanism of switching. In combination with a magnet, they detect motion. Reed switches are widely available in non-standard ranges which can be adjusted to specific requirements. Because of the ease of use and reliability, a magnetic sensor remains a popular choice for low power consumption applications.

6. Public address systems
Public address systems together with the voice evacuation system, called DSO in Polish, allow you to warn persons present on the premises about the occurrence of a threat as soon as possible and to lead them to evacuation exits. Public address systems are an important element of a security and emergency preparedness plan.

DSO also transmits marketing messages and plays music. It proves efficient as a sound system for conference rooms and other venues where mass events take place and there is a necessity to use an installation consisting of loudspeakers. It is used in various facilities – from public utility buildings, to company premises and large format shops.

7. Conference systems
Implementing a conference system will prove useful when it is necessary to conduct meetings, control the agenda and determine the order and time of speeches. Advanced conference systems plan and consistently conduct meetings according to a set schedule and record the course of the conference. Among the solutions there are conference systems based on loudspeakers built into desktops. The advantage of this solution is the optimal coverage of the room with sound and its high clarity. Wireless systems allow for effortless and quick configuration, thanks to which you can start using the system in any room within a few minutes. Depending on the set operating mode of the system, participants may join the discussion or signal their readiness to speak while waiting for their microphone to be activated.

8. Building automation management system
A building management system, or BMS, consists of computer software and hardware. BMS guarantees safety in operating a facility, allows to monitor it and to optimise the use and efficiency of the controlled subsystems in order to ensure more efficient performance. It also enables to remotely control and visualise the operating status of devices. It is installed in order to control and monitor a building’s electrical equipment, such as ventilation, lighting, energy, fire and security systems.

Sometimes referred to as a building automation system, or BAS, it allows you to reduce the costs of energy and to ensure optimal comfort for the users, tenants and residents of buildings. As data is consolidated in one system, BMS streamlines reporting and information management, which results in high quality, informed decision making, better performance and reduced energy consumption leading to savings.

Among others, the system enables to remotely manage heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). This saves the maintenance personnel from having to spend time visiting each building or room to turn off, on or adjust temperature or air conditioning levels.

9. Fire protection systems for buildings
The integrated fire protection system includes fire alarm systems, extinguishing systems as well as installation and use of construction and operational systems. Application of fire protection is aimed at limiting the risk of fire spreading and preventing material and non-material losses. Fire protection (SOP in Polish) of industrial and service buildings falls into two main categories – passive fire protection and active fire protection.

Passive fire protection comprises the use of construction elements to control or contain a fire. Walls, floors, ceilings and doors are designed and constructed in such a way as to resist fire and smoke. Deployment of barriers ensures the building is divided into rooms and areas reducing the size and spread of a fire.

Active fire protection measures take direct action in order to reduce the pace of fire growth or smoke migration. Most often, they are sprinkler and fire protection installations that receive manual or automatic signals to perform their function. Active fire protection also includes fire alarm systems. They usually identify the occurrence of a fire by detecting smoke or heat. They are also used to activate fire extinguishing systems or notify users of the facility and the fire brigade. Fire sprinklers and other fire extinguishing systems put out or control a fire. Smoke control systems reduce the spread of smoke so that evacuation routes are passable for a certain period of time.

As it comes to this element of a teletechnical installation, regardless of whether it relates to a residential or commercial construction, proper repair and maintenance of fire protection systems is extremely important. Fire protection maintenance includes all smoke exhaust devices, smoke detectors, fire doors and gates with their systems, as well as internal hydrants. Compliance with the binding legal regulations as to these issues is primarily related to responsibility for the health and life of another human being.

How to best implement teletechnics in a facility

All electrical and teletechnical installations should be entrusted to a company which comprehensively deals with their implementation. A teletechnical company offering services in the field of design, realisation and integration as well as maintenance of teletechnical systems ensures the final high standard of the facility and its automation. Undoubtedly, solutions and products tailored to the design and legal requirements are a determinant of success.

It is crucial to select a company taking into account its knowledge of current trends or openness to unconventional solutions. It is also important that teletechnical installations are carried out by a company with many years of experience in the field. You should also pay attention to whether it has highly qualified experts among its staff.

A company implementing teletechnical solutions should satisfy the needs of investors by selecting solutions which are best for them, bearing in mind not only full maximisation of benefits, but also the fact that ultimately the systems should be easy to use and manage. The materials and devices used should be of the best quality, which will guarantee the reliability of the entire installation.

One should also remember about maintainence, repairs and keeping the efficiency of all telecommunication networks and devices in accordance with technical requirements, manufacturer’s recommendations, applicable regulations and operating and maintenance instructions. Efficient and regular maintenance ensures security and protection systems of a building work as they are supposed to.