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Design Physical Security Systems and Project Documentation

This module equips participants with essential skills in physical security design, including understanding its phases and applying technical documentation standards such as CSI and AIA MasterSpec. Participants will learn to integrate security systems into broader building and network ecosystems while managing design deliverables within budget and schedule constraints. The module also emphasizes the use of project management tools and cost-benefit analysis for making informed, value-driven decisions.

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🧭 Security Design Phases

DOMAIN 2 - TASK 3

The physical security design process mirrors traditional architecture and engineering workflows. Each phase refines the project toward clear, testable outcomes.

📌 Pre-Design / Planning Phase

Goals: Define needs, scope, and objectives.
Inputs: Risk assessments, regulatory requirements, infrastructure surveys, and stakeholder input.
Outputs:
- Basis of Design (BOD): Documents the security intent, system performance criteria, and high-level scope.
- Risk profile summaries and preliminary cost/time estimates.
- Stakeholder sign-offs.

✏️ Schematic Design Phase

Deliverables: Conceptual layouts, narrative descriptions, device counts, early camera field-of-view layouts.
Tools:
- Block diagrams and subsystem flowcharts
- Value Engineering (VE) options to reconcile budget and scope

🛠️ Design Development (DD)

Details: Transition from conceptual to technical.
Includes:
- Floor plans with device-by-device layout
- Conduit and cabling pathways
- Elevation diagrams and mounting heights
- Coordination with electrical, mechanical, and architectural teams
📐 Construction Documents (CD): This phase is crucial as it provides the final deliverables for bidding and construction, ensuring that all necessary information is available for the successful execution of the project.Final deliverables for bidding and construction:
- Plans, elevations, risers, one-lines, and schematics
- Installation specifications
- Submittal requirements
- Testing protocols

🏗️ Bidding and Construction

Packages issued as part of the RFP.
Proposals are evaluated on price, compliance, qualifications, and past performance.
Construction phase includes:
- Site inspections
- Change control process
- Installation verification and commissioning

🧾 Design Elements

🗺️ Drawings

Floor Plans: Device locations, cabling paths, conduit runs
Risers: Vertical connectivity between floors
Elevations: Mounting specs and angles
Network Diagrams: IP assignments, switch configurations, VLAN topologies

All must follow CADD/BIM standards with proper layering and symbology for each system.

🧮 Calculations

Voltage drops across long cable runs
Power draw on PoE and UPS circuits
Storage capacity for video systems (based on resolution, FPS, retention)
Sizing for cable trays, conduits, and raceways

📑 Specifications

Acceptable products and performance criteria
Environmental ratings (e.g., NEMA, UL, IP)
Integration standards (e.g., ONVIF, OSDP, BACnet)
Quality expectations and coordination with other disciplines

📂 Technical Data

Manufacturer cut sheets
Installation manuals
Product certifications (FCC, NDAA, CE)
ADA and OSHA compliance references

🧰 Specification Standards

Standardized formats ensure legal and technical clarity across trades.

📚 CSI MasterFormat (Division 28 – Electronic Safety and Security)

28 05 00: Common Requirements
28 13 00: Access Control
28 23 00: Video Surveillance
28 31 00: Intrusion Detection

🏛️ AIA MasterSpec

Maintained by the American Institute of Architects
Used for writing project manuals and design deliverables

🏢 Owner/Enterprise Standards

Some organizations mandate:
- Specific platforms or integrators
- Format templates and drawing symbology
- Proprietary system requirements

These must be identified during pre-design to avoid conflicts.

🔗 Systems Integration

💡 Why It Matters

Modern security systems operate best when they share intelligence, automate responses, and reduce operational silos.

🔄 Common Integrations

ACS ↔ Video: Video verification of badge reads or alarms
IDS ↔ PA: Audio alerts triggered by motion or door breaches
Analytics ↔ VMS: AI-based loitering detection or object classification
Fire ↔ Security: Unlock doors automatically during fire alarm activation

🔌 Integration Methods

Software-Level: APIs, SDKs, PSIM platforms for user interface unification
Hardware-Level: Relays, dry contacts, and GPIOs for signal automation

⚠️ Integration Challenges

Time synchronization
Compatibility between proprietary protocols
Firmware and licensing mismatches
Network segmentation and cybersecurity

🔍 Commissioning and testing are essential before the final handoff.

🧑‍💼 Project Management Concepts

Project success depends on precise planning, documentation, and communication.

🧱 Core Concepts

Scope Definition: Outlines boundaries of work
WBS (Work Breakdown Structure): Breaks project into manageable units
Change Control: Formal approval of modifications
Communication Plan: Stakeholder updates, decision logs, and meeting cadences

👥 Stakeholders

Security
IT
Facilities
Procurement
Human Resources
Consultants
Integrators

Successful projects require balancing technical needs with stakeholder priorities.

📅 Scheduling Tools

Project timelines should align with construction sequencing and resource availability.

📊 Gantt Charts

Task-based timelines showing dependencies and durations
Used to track milestones (30%, 60%, 90%, 100% design submissions)

🧠 PERT Charts

Graph-based flowcharts to model dependencies and critical paths
Helpful in visualizing risk and contingency planning

🚦 Key Milestones

Permit applications
Power and infrastructure readiness
Material delivery and staging
Functional testing and system acceptance

💰 Cost Estimation & Value Engineering

Security must be cost-justified, not just functional.

🧮 Components of Cost Estimation

Equipment (devices, servers, accessories)
Licensing and software
Labor (engineering, installation, programming, training)
Documentation and closeout packages
Maintenance and service plans

⚖️ Value Engineering

Swap multiple fixed cameras for a single panoramic model.
Use IP-based access readers to eliminate panel wiring.
Migrate DVRs to hybrid cloud VMS to reduce on-site storage costs.

📈 Cost-Benefit Tools

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) over 5–10 years
ROI Formula:

Risk Scoring: Assigns numeric values to threat reductions achieved by proposed solutions

✅ This empowers clients to make data-driven investment decisions.

✅ Summary: What You Should Know

You now understand how to:

Navigate all phases of physical security system design
Use CSI and AIA standards to create professional documentation
Plan for system integration, testing, and stakeholder engagement
Leverage Gantt/PERT charts for effective scheduling
Present cost-effective options with TCO, ROI, and VE analyses

🎓 This task prepares you to design secure, scalable, budget-conscious systems that are aligned with real-world operational needs.

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