Page 100 - Security Today, November/December 2018

MEDICAL FACILITY SECURITY
the implementation process, all on-property card readers were inte- grated and several keypad readers were added. Various hardware set- tings were also updated and continue to be updated as the facility’s occupant’s needs evolve.
SECURITY STRUCTURE
While Texas Biomed’s security is ultimately monitored from their 24/7 Security & Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), their DNA Fusion system can be managed locally from multiple areas around the cam- pus, including server rooms, the Director of Security’s office, and main entry and exit posts, to name a few.
“We have found DNA Fusion’s ability to customize a system opera- tor’s interface and privileges in the software to be extremely helpful in our day-to-day security,” said Hammargren. “For example, security officers at our facility’s entry and exit points use layouts specifically built to allow them to contact employees and supervisors, and to visu- ally verify the person using the badge is in fact the person holding it.”
Texas Biomed has numerous DNA Fusion operators, ranging from the director of security to SEOC officers.
“We have had one of our senior emergency communication special- ists attend Open Options training, which significantly helped close gaps in our knowledge of the product,” said Hammargren. “This knowledge allows us to easily conduct DNA Fusion training onsite between operators.”
In addition to the easy-to-learn interface, Hammargren also cites the clear layouts and menu options, ability to quickly change grid views, and effortless software updates as a few of DNA Fusion’s stand- out features.
FULFILLING A UNIQUE SET OF REQUIREMENTS
Because Texas Biomed houses laboratories full of expensive equipment and controlled substances and has numerous sensitive support areas such as HVAC and boiler rooms and server farms, it is extremely important that access be closely monitored and managed. As part of Texas Biomed’s security procedures, they implement dual authentica- tion and anti-passback at some of their more sensitive locations. The anti-passback feature requires that for every use of a card at the “in” reader, there be a corresponding use at the “out” reader before the card can be used at the “in” reader again.
“These measures ensure only the appropriate individuals are grant- ed access to restricted areas around the campus, which is crucial to our overall security,” said Hammargren.
Texas Biomed also has their DNA Fusion system time synced with video surveillance to further enhance their security.
“DNA Fusion’s reporting capabilities are extremely helpful in man- aging our day-to-day security,” said Hammargren. “For example, run- ning a ‘Who Has Access’ report quickly shows our team which employ- ees have access to what doors, and also allows us to easily modify that if necessary with just a couple clicks.”
Access levels are set according to facility and an employee’s need to access specific areas. For example, all employees have entry gate access but only IT personnel have access to communication and server areas. Access is also tailored to allow for direct path of travel if an employee needs access to a secure area in the middle of another secure area.
“It is extremely simple for us to assign or update access levels in the DNA Fusion software, which is invaluable if we need to make changes on the fly,” said Hammargren. “We also have the ability to do this with mul-
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CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY