Everything you need to know before starting the renovation
The Intergarde case study
How do you approach upgrading an alarm control center to meet the latest European standard EN 50518? In this blog, we take you through the Intergarde case: the company thoroughly renovated its alarm receiving center to be future ready.
About Intergarde
Intergarde has been providing reliable security solutions for nearly 60 years, ranging from advanced security technology to professional guarding and everything in between. What sets the company apart is its personal approach and the fact that clients often start with a technical system that is directly connected to the alarm receiving center. The organization has around 700 employees, including approximately 200 flexible staff and 30 working in the control center itself.
The Support Request
The CCV PAC standard for alarm receiving centers will expire in June 2026 and will be replaced by the stricter EN 50518 standard. For Intergarde, this was the moment to commit to compliance and certification.
“We always want to keep improving. That motivation was the reason for us to start working with the EN 50518 standard,” says Sanne, Manager of the alarm receiving center at Intergarde.
The approach
Intergarde originated as a German family business, and that sense of unity is immediately noticeable. According to Managing Director Marc Roemen:
“We do it together. A project like this is not just about management; everyone understands how important the standard is and contributes.”
The existing control center had to be renovated. Thanks to strong teamwork between contractor, operators, and security technology specialists, the project was successful.
What I would advise other organizations: start early. At least a year in advance, otherwise you will overwhelm yourself.
The renovation was far from simple. The control room had to remain operational throughout the work. Drilling, demolition, and construction took place right next to the operators, who temporarily had to work in half their usual space, separated by a makeshift wall. This caused disruption and discomfort, yet everyone continued working in a practical, down to earth manner. The renovation itself took six months, with the total project lasting nine months.
Why Protify?
For the structural aspects, Intergarde asked Protify to perform a detailed gap analysis. This clarified the steps required for EN 50518 certification. Protify was chosen due to its reputation as a specialist in alarm receiving center certification.
“After the gap analysis, we were initially quite optimistic and thought we could handle the rest ourselves. But along the way, it became clear that it involved more than expected. It is definitely not something you can do alongside your regular work. Protify supported us in organizing documentation and setting up a management system. Thanks to Protify, the management system in the ProActive Compliance Tool (PCT) is fully configured with everything required for the EN 50518 standard. This ensures proper documentation and evidence during an external audit,” says Marc.
Results
The renovation delivered not only the desired certification but also a renewed sense of pride.
“The control center has been completely rebuilt and feels like a new home. Thanks to the adjustments made under the EN 50518 standard, response times for priority alarms have significantly improved. This standard strongly emphasizes response performance, allowing us to act much faster and more efficiently than before. In addition, the ProActive Compliance Tool ensures that each responsible person automatically receives a monthly email overview of required tasks to maintain compliance. This allows us to maintain the required certification level easily and with minimal effort,” says Sanne.
EN 50518 is more than a technical upgrade. It requires changes in processes, people, and infrastructure. A solid management system makes it manageable and future proof.
Do you also want to achieve EN 50518 certification?
Are you considering the step towards EN 50518 and need advice? Feel free to get in touch for an introductory meeting without obligation. Together, we will ensure your alarm receving center is ready for the future.
