An enterprise basis of design translates business and operational requirements into a coordinated technical plan. It gives stakeholders and vendors a common account of the intended architecture, authority, dependencies, and acceptance conditions.
Part of Enterprise Security Planning and Procurement.
Describe existing systems and intended operation
Start with site records, major systems, condition findings, known gaps, and expansion plans. State the user workflows the proposed system must support. Distinguish confirmed information from items requiring site survey or manufacturer validation.
Define requirements at the right level
Document site hierarchy, permissions, integrations, local continuity, data handling, health reporting, and support ownership. Requirements should describe an observable result. Separate a preferred product from a mandatory function so alternatives can be compared fairly.
Connect drawings and specifications
Use common device and location identifiers across plans, schedules, interface descriptions, and network diagrams. Define the expected content of as-built records and configuration handover. Product substitutions or site changes should be reviewed against the original operating requirement.
Build the acceptance matrix early
For each critical requirement, identify a test, the responsible witness, the expected result, and the evidence to retain. Include negative cases and interruption scenarios where relevant. Resolve acceptance responsibilities before installation rather than inventing them at the end.
Related planning resources
- Enterprise Physical Security & Security Infrastructure Evaluation
- Commercial Security Site Walkthrough Checklist
- Security Proposal and Scope Development Standards
- Security System Testing and Commissioning Standards
- Security System Documentation Handoff Standards
- Phased Security Upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an enterprise security basis of design?
It is a coordinated record translating business and operating requirements into the intended technical plan. Describe architecture, authority, dependencies, limitations, and acceptance conditions so stakeholders and vendors share the same expectations.
When should acceptance requirements be written?
Build the acceptance matrix during design, before equipment choices and delivery commitments are finalized. Connect requirements to drawings, specifications, and demonstrable operating outcomes. This gives the project team a common basis for review.
Let’s talk about your next step
Tell us what you want to improve and which locations are involved. We can help you work through the questions, check what your systems support, and define a practical project scope.
Define your project requirements
Compliance, Codes & Project Standards
NERSA plans commercial and industrial security work with applicable code, documentation, inspection and authority-having-jurisdiction requirements in mind. Requirements vary by system, property and jurisdiction. These resources support project planning; they do not establish legal compliance, certification or AHJ approval.
Related guidance: Regulatory compliance & inspection readiness · NERSA project standards · Documentation, testing & inspection readiness