Q: Many developments are now delivered in phases rather than as a single build. How does that change fire system design?
It shifts the focus from short-term delivery to long-term performance. Traditionally, systems were designed around a fixed scope, a building or a specific phase. But with phased developments, you need something that works immediately while also supporting future expansion.
That means thinking ahead. How will new buildings be integrated? How will the system scale? How do you maintain performance as complexity increases? This is where systems like Axis AX come into their own. Because they’re modular and flexible, they’re well suited to projects where requirements are constantly evolving, rather than fixed from the outset.
Q: Is that why networked fire systems are becoming the standard on large projects?
Yes, networked systems are now central to large-scale fire strategies. Instead of having isolated systems in each building, you’re creating a unified network across the entire development. With Axis AX, multiple control panels can be connected into a single system, allowing new phases to be integrated in a structured way as the project grows.
That continuity is important. It avoids the need for complex integrations later on and ensures a consistent approach to fire safety across the whole site.
Just as importantly, the system needs to maintain performance at scale. As networks expand, reliability and response times have to remain consistent.
Q: What are the main technical challenges when scaling systems in this way?
The biggest challenge is maintaining reliable communication as the system grows. As more panels and devices are added, the network becomes more complex. If the architecture isn’t right, that can introduce delays or vulnerabilities.
That’s why modern fire systems increasingly rely on distributed, peer-to-peer networking. With Axis AX, each panel operates independently while still being part of the wider network. This improves resilience because there’s no single point of failure.
If one part of the system is affected, the rest can continue to function, which is critical on large, multi-phase developments.
Q: With networks becoming so large, how do operators maintain visibility?
Central visibility is key. Even with distributed systems, operators need a clear overview of the entire network. Graphical command interfaces and command centres allow them to monitor alarms, faults and system status in real time.
With Axis AX, this information can be brought together into a single interface, making it much easier to manage complex, multi-phase environments. Without that level of visibility, it becomes difficult to maintain control as systems scale.
Q: What should consultants and developers prioritise when specifying fire systems today?
The key is designing for the full lifecycle of the project, not just the first phase. That means selecting systems that can expand without redesign, maintain performance as they grow, and adapt to different building uses and operational requirements over time.
Scalability, resilience and visibility are the fundamentals. Systems like Axis AX, with their flexible configurations and powerful networking capabilities, are designed to support exactly that kind of long-term approach.
Q: How do you see fire system design evolving in the region?
Phased delivery is becoming the norm, so fire systems will continue to evolve to support that. There will be an even greater focus on flexibility and future-proofing, with systems designed to grow alongside developments rather than being fixed at installation.
At the same time, there’s a real need to keep things manageable. Even as systems become more capable, they still need to be intuitive to configure, operate and maintain.
Ultimately, it’s about ensuring fire protection remains consistent throughout the life of a project. Systems like Axis AX, along with EN-based solutions where required, are helping to set that direction by combining scalability, resilience and usability in a single platform.
To learn more about Advanced’s approach to scalable fire system design, visit advancedco.com or email enquiries@advancedco.com.
This feature appeared in issue 70 of Fire Middle East magazine.
