Preliminary Design Process Steps

This chapter discusses the preliminary design process steps. The basis for the design is a document that sketches out the objectives, proposed methods and budget for the security system. Typically, the basis for the design includes a goal statement that outlines the objectives of the electronic security program and how it will interact with the security force to support its operational mission. The system should be described as a whole system and each of its subsystem components. The budget for the system is outlined in an attachment so that the cost can be separated from the operational aspects for internal organizational discussion. Designers begin researching what products to use for the installation. Research is not specification. Research is information gathering about what requirements need to be met. Once the objectives of the system are defined and agreed on by the client, it is necessary to survey the property to determine what types of devices to specify and how to coordinate their interface to the environment, the buildings, other systems, and users.