Lawrence Peters, Head of Sales for UK and Ireland at OPTEX, discusses modern intrusion detection systems and the benefits it provides end users. 

In your own words, can you explain what intrusion detection is? 

Intrusion detection refers to the process of identifying unauthorised entry, movement or potential security breaches in protected areas or buildings.

It is the cornerstone of a reliable security system, triggering immediate and accurate alerts to prevent potential threats and protect assets and people. 

Crucially, early detection of a potential intrusion allows security teams to respond quickly, increasing the chances of deterring any attempted theft or damage and minimising any disruption.

To achieve that, it is critical to use the most appropriate intrusion detection technologies for the application. 

OPTEX advocates a multi-layered approach in security systems, what does this mean? 

OPTEX has a complete range of intrusion detection from outside the perimeter, the perimeter itself, inner perimeter, approach to a building and inside the building.

We advocate using a range of these products within a layered approach, to secure the facilities. 

Outdoor perimeter protection is often a first line of defence for many critical infrastructure sites, such as power stations, airports and datacentres.

The security of fences, which are often hundreds of kilometres long and supplemented with CCTV and video surveillance, can be enhanced using OPTEX’s Fiber SenSys and EchoPoint series.

The fibre optic cable or fence detection system, which can be mounted directly onto the fence line or buried, accurately detects if someone tries to jump over, peel away or cut the fence or if a vehicle crashes into it to gain access, sending the precise location quickly to the security control centre. 

Other systems monitor public areas on the perimeter, such as parking areas and vehicle security barriers. OPTEX’s vehicle sensor (OVS) are easy to install without needing a ground loop.

They detect vehicle activity whilst ignoring pedestrian movement to control barriers, gates and doors and can identify drivers piggybacking into or out of a protected site. 

Inside the perimeter fence, LiDAR systems can also be used to warn of an impending intrusion.

It can be programmed to ignore the surrounding area and regular onsite traffic, and pinpoint vehicles or individuals as they loiter. LiDAR can similarly create a virtual detection zone to protect rooftops, which are often overlooked and vulnerable to intruders either trying to gain access via rooflights, tampering with solar panels or trying to steal lead flashing or copper cabling. 

OPTEX’s REDSCAN mini-Pro sensors can also provide an additional layer of detection and visual verification. Used for a wide range of high-security applications, they are extremely reliable and versatile, providing ultra-fast detection and analysis of a moving object’s size, location and distance to determine the nature of the intrusion.  

In some commercial and professional settings, the aim is slightly different, monitoring indoor movement inside, for instance, classrooms, offices or shopping aisles. OPTEX’s FlipX range uses passive infrared or microwave technology and a bespoke pyro-electric element which adapts to the human shape to improve detection.  

The best security systems combine several technologies to form a comprehensive, multi-layered intrusion detection system.

Such systems can provide solutions to complex challenges but should not be complex to use.

Consequently, OPTEX’s sensors are designed to integrate easily with third-party video management systems (VMS), intrusion panels and alarm receiving centres (ARCs) to give security teams and operators a clear picture of what’s really going on.  

What benefits does smart security in a modern security system provide end users? 

As security evolves, it is essential that different technologies are able to communicate with one another, so modern smart security systems provide real-time monitoring based on accurate intrusion detection from a multitude of different products.

OPTEX’s Olarm MAX, for instance, is a multi-network communicator which integrates security panels, alarms and sensors, and the connectivity is enhanced with built-in 2G and 4G.

This interconnectivity enables security personnel to receive early warnings from every part of the security system of unusual activity, from loitering, to the early signs of fire or flooding, before they escalate into something more serious.

The user receives instant alerts either on their computer, tablet or mobile phone and they can react quickly because alarms, cameras and access control technology can be controlled remotely. 

With today’s intuitive interfaces and automation, security has become accessible to almost anyone.

Commercial and residential properties can use features like geofencing, emergency alerts, and two-way communication to help protect buildings, assets and people and give them peace of mind. 

These smart systems can be tailored to an individual’s needs with settings for zoning or selective arming and disarming of the system.

New devices or features are easily added, so security can be scaled and upgraded as needed and integrated with other smart home devices, lighting, video surveillance and heating and ventilation systems.

The advanced analytics of smart systems generate data to help users optimise performance, energy efficiency and maintenance, creating a single automated environment which improves safety and efficiency. 

How does OPTEX differ from its competitors in this field? 

OPTEX has helped shape the security industry over the last 45 years with a focus on research, development and continued innovation and introducing new, versatile detection technologies for a broad range of applications and industries.

Today we are renowned for the reliability and performance of its detection solutions which are trusted to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable sites.

Our people are also known for their technical expertise and delivering the highest levels of customer service. 

Can you provide an example of how your intrusion detection products have helped overcome a challenge in the industry? 

OPTEX’s innovations have improved the reliability and accuracy of intrusion detection; using digital logic and patented technologies, our sensors are able to provide high reliability and minimise the issue of false alarms, created for instance by wildlife; or weather changes.

OPTEX’s innovation has also improve the location of an intrusion to be identified with pinpoint accuracy, which helps reduce security teams’ response times.

OPTEX recently helped a data centre improve its perimeter and zone protection solutions. 

A data centre housing critical IT infrastructure decided to upgrade its security because the existing systems struggled to adequately protect the extensive perimeter or sensitive indoor zones from intrusions and was producing too many false alarms. 

To solve these issues OPTEX proposed a combination of REDSCAN LiDAR Sensors.

Inside the data centre, EN-Grade 3 high-security PIR and LiDAR sensors were installed to monitor restricted areas and detect unauthorised movements in server rooms and corridors.

To provide the security team with the ability to instantly verify the incident the sensors were integrated into the data centre’s VMS and the access control system enabling automated lockdowns to be triggered when needed. 

The REDSCAN Series LiDAR detectors were used along the perimeter to create virtual walls that could accurately detect intrusions, even in low-light or challenging weather conditions.

LIDAR sensors also helped reduce false alarms. 

How do you see the future of the intrusion detection market and how does OPTEX plan to be a part of that change? 

Increasingly, customers ask for data-driven sensors and systems that can provide deeper analytics and insights.

Tomorrow’s security solutions will not only provide the highest-quality and most reliable detection but also offer predictive insights, which enables proactive security measures to be taken. 

Also shaping the future of the industry is the rise of ‘connected’ devices and security systems.

With it comes a growing need for network security measures to guard against potential cyber-attacks as intruders and criminals become increasingly organised and sophisticated. 

To enhance security sensors and devices’ reliability and accuracy in the future, we will undoubtedly see manufacturers begin to harness the power and capabilities of artificial intelligence within security technologies. 

OPTEX will continue to anticipate and innovate to meet the ever-changing needs of the market and our customers.

We will continue developing our own advanced solutions and teaming up with technology partners to help our customers detect and prevent future threats. 

This article was originally published in the January 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.