Page 103 - Security Today, November/December 2019

and the choices continue to grow. One protocol that has been in active development since 1987 and continues to mature with current building technology is BACnet. BACnet is a communication protocol designed for integrating Building Automation and Control (BAC) networks.
Although BACnet started as a protocol primarily for the moni- toring and control of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, it has matured into a more robust communica- tion standard that includes interoperability with most building sys- tems – including life safety. Many of the major fire, security, access and building management system providers support BACnet as one of their preferred protocols. In September, many life-safety compa- nies participated in the 20th anniversary of the PlugFest Interoper- ability event held at the University of New Hampshire. Engineers from companies such as Automated Logic, Johnson Controls and Potter Electric Signal spent several days testing their products with each other to validate the interoperability and proper operation in large system environments. The real advantages with the BACnet protocol is that it has a large industry support base, is an ISO stan- dard (ISO 16484-5), and is in wide use in new and legacy building/ campus environments.
Graphical Systems
Graphical presentation of life-safety system data and high-speed net- working are the binding elements that will make campuses safer. These essential tools expedite the reporting of incidents and make system information more intuitive, enabling first responders to have controlled, fast and accurate responses. Campuses are becoming safer by implementing the most advanced detection systems in the world.
These systems can detect minute traces of smoke, nefarious intruders, images of activity and even the exact location of active shooters. Campuses often experience simultaneous alarm condi- tions from several systems, and this information can help identify the root cause of the situation. However, if this information is not
processed and presented correctly, the result is an ineffective, slow and sometimes inappropriate response.
This display is descriptive in that it clearly presents the signal sta- tus, time, date, location and even the device type. But is this descrip- tive enough for security staff on a large campus? Would a first responder from the local fire department know exactly where this specific IT closet is located given the information?
If, instead, the panel signal was augmented with a graphical pre- sentation of this data, the origin of the fire alarm signal and the loca- tion of the IT closet would be more readily communicated. Addi- tional information regarding events in the surrounding area would also be available. All these factors will impact the response plan.
Other examples of graphically-displayed data can help a first responder more completely evaluate the situation. If there is a fire alarm, as in the example above, the first responder can also look at all the other sensors in the area to determine how advanced this fire may be. If there are cameras in the area, a live-streaming video preview of the area is given to first responders prior to sending in staff. It may even identify building occupants that need assistance or are located at areas of refuge awaiting support.
For single events, like a fire alarm, it may be easy to identify and create an action plan. Perhaps the location is well known and there- fore graphics are not needed. But what if there were a gunshot detect- ed on campus? Systems such as Shooter Detection Systems Guardian can integrate with Potter Electric Signal’s PotterNet integrated sys- tems fire alarm graphics. This additional data would most likely cre- ate a different response to the initial fire alarm signal.
Prior to an emergency response, it is important to understand the entire situation. This can be accomplished with systems that integrate technologies and paint a clear picture that will elicit a more intelligent response.
Bob Teta is an engineering manager at Potter. LIGHTGARD WIFI FIBER OPTIC SECURITY SYSTEM
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | campuslifesecurity.com 43
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