Whether in industry, government or critical infrastructure, security is one of the key challenges facing organisations today. But how can alarm systems and access control best be combined to minimise security risks in an increasingly connected world? We spoke to Kjell Svensson, Technical Sales Manager at Swedish security integrator Monitor Larm, to find out why integrated security solutions are the future. By working with a wide range of customers with high security requirements, Monitor Larm has gained deep insight into specific customer needs and can develop tailor-made security solutions.

How does the integration of alarm and access control systems help minimize security risks?

Kjell Svensson: Having a single system makes it much easier for security managers to monitor all users and ensure that the system is kept up to date. Since all logs are consolidated into one central log, tracking security-related events is much easier. This means less manual work, greater efficiency and more control over all aspects of security.

How does the integration of these systems affect the end-user experience?

Kjell Svensson: Once again, the key word is simplicity. Users only need to remember one code instead of managing multiple passwords and credentials for different systems. At the same time, the system prevents unauthorised access if someone forgets their code – eliminating false alarms caused by employees. This not only reduces complexity, but also increases security.

What role does scalability play in integrated security solutions, especially for companies with growing needs?

Kjell Svensson: NOX offers a flexible solution that suits both small and large companies. A key advantage is that companies do not have to commit to a specific system size from the outset. NOX can grow with the business without the need to replace the core unit. This makes our solution the ideal choice for expanding businesses.

Are there any specific technical aspects that need to be considered during implementation?

Kjell Svensson: The most important thing is to listen carefully. We work with our customers to understand their long-term goals and ensure that the system is designed to grow with their needs. This flexibility allows us to expand the system as the company grows.

What cost savings can be achieved by implementing an integrated alarm and access control system?

Kjell Svensson: The answer is simple: a lot! A single integrated system is always more cost effective than two separate systems. With NOX, companies benefit from an open system with flexible hardware options. For example, customers can choose from different card readers in different price categories, rather than being forced to choose the most expensive option.

What technological developments will shape the future of security?

Kjell Svensson: The future belongs to open systems powered by AI. Imagine being able to control the system using natural language commands, such as: Hello NOX, can you tell me if anyone accessed the back door after 10pm last week? or Hi NOX, can you create a user named Carl Johansen who can only access the front door on Wednesdays between 8am and 6pm? This kind of voice control will make working with security systems much easier in the future.

Integrating alarm and access control systems is not just about security – it is also about efficiency and cost savings. Organisations benefit from an easy-to-use, scalable and future-proof solution that adapts to their specific needs.

Companies that proactively adopt integrated security solutions gain a competitive advantage while ensuring that their people, data and operations are protected against growing threats.

The goal was to build a large, scalable security system while replacing the old system without disrupting hospital operations. On the one hand, the hospital needed integrations for the pneumatic tube system, the laundry system and the elevators (KONE). On the other hand, it needed a system that could handle special requests, either as a solution in the native system or as an external application.

Skåne Region is investing heavily in the expansion and modernization of security solutions at Helsingborg Hospital. Helsingborg Hospital has been under renovation since 2015. It was important for the region to have a transparent and efficient system that meets the hospital’s high security requirements.

The task was to improve care and the working environment, and to create an emergency hospital that would be ready for the changing needs of the future. The new hospital should be flexible with an infrastructure that can grow with the times.

Region Skåne has chosen the NOX System as the new intrusion detection and access control system for the hospital. The main reasons are the flexibility of the system, the ability to integrate with other systems in the organization, and a scalable system architecture without recurring licensing costs.

In the hospital, the NOX System was installed in both the old and new buildings, along with card readers, Simons Voss radio doors on the medicine cabinets, and locking cylinders from the same manufacturer on the medicine carts.

NOX SIMS – a threat detection system for all areas

The overarching NOX SIMS platform tracks all users in conjunction with the hospital’s schedules, from which alarm and access control systems can be controlled. NOX SIMS is also integrated with the hospital’s other systems, including elevator control and the pneumatic tube system.

“We chose NOX because we wanted an open system with the capacity for large facilities. The system is very flexible and we were able to influence the development, which was a requirement from the beginning,” says Tord Johansson, operations expert at Region Services.

Unique codes for card readers – practical security solutions for hospitals

ARAS Security and Swedsecur also provided a one-time code solution for the hospital’s card readers. This solution arose from the need for staff to escort and grant access to visitors and patients between departments. The solution, a web application developed by ARAS Security, allows staff to easily create temporary codes tailored to the individual visitor.

ARAS Security continues to work on the digitalization of the hospital and together with Swedsecur has developed integrations between the NOX Systems and the hospital’s pneumatic tube, waste and laundry systems. Integration with the elevator system is also planned.

“We were really able to show how powerful NOX is as an open system and how good it is to develop integrations and other technical solutions for our customers ourselves. We prefer to start with the customer’s needs rather than the technical requirements of the system. This ensures that our development is relevant and that the end result is always better. Both Region Skåne and Swedsecur have challenged us in a good way, and I have the feeling that everyone is satisfied so far,” says Victor Siösteen, CEO of ARAS Security.

ARAS Security is a recognized, value-added distributor of physical security and building management products. ARAS provides comprehensive support, development and project management to large companies and installers in the Nordic region. The ARAS product range includes the NOX integrated security system, key boxes, CCTV, card readers and much more. www.aras.dk