Page 58 - Security Today, April 2017

Strengthening Security
with Integrated Systems
Exploring the capabilities of integration BTy Brian Wiser
he security industry is dynamic and ever-changing. Technological advancements continually enhance the quality of the video surveillance images we see and the data we glean from them. They also improve our ability to quickly catch intruders, ease communication
during emergency situations, and much more. While each new devel- opment offers added benefits to the user, integrating these technolo- gies together delivers even greater advantages.
Standalone technology silos can be inefficient to manage—espe- cially for larger organizations—and can lack the ability to provide an overall view of the security of the facility. Security technologies like intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance comple- ment each other very well and can work together to enhance facility control. Combining these technologies with communications systems offers the ability to create more complete solutions that help to miti- gate risk and improve the efficiency of personnel operating the system.
While integration is happening to some extent now, the prevalence will increase as awareness of the capabilities grows. As integrators and users alike have the chance to see integrated systems at work— at industry events like ISC West and others—there will be greater understanding of the possibilities and use cases for integration. In-
tegrated systems offer the ability to streamline manual security pro- cesses, enhance security of sensitive areas, alert security personnel or facility managers to potential risks, and much more.
Exploring the Possibilities
There are many different use cases for integration of security and communications technology, and the key to determining the best ap- proach is understanding how the user’s organization currently works, and would like to work. Here are just a few of the possibilities en- abled through integrated systems.
Integrating an intrusion system with access control and video sur- veillance can simplify operation for employees while keeping business owners or managers informed of the status of their facilities—par- ticularly useful in the case of a multi-site business. For example, when an authorized employee presents his or her access credentials at a facility entrance, the door can unlock, the intrusion detection system can automatically disarm, and the security operator can be alerted through video displayed from a nearby camera. The system can alert the owner or security manager with a text message when the system is opened and disarmed or closed and armed each day.
Video can provide improved situational awareness when other
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0417 | SECURITY TODAY
SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
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