Page 126 - Security Today, March 2020

Integrated Security
“Security directors need to work with solution providers who can assist them
Cthrough all phases of their process.”
ampus security requires a delicate balance of securing critical components such as patients, students, intellectual property or pharmaceuticals, yet provides an open and welcoming environment to its numerous and diverse visi- tors. Lobbies, gardens and public meeting spaces, for exam-
ple, must be available to the general public while a few feet away behind an adjoining door a laboratory full of cancer research may need protecting.
Campuses use internal security teams, contract outside officers or employ police departments to implement security programs. These teams use technology and rely on outside experts to help make decisions and execute their security programs. They require a lot of support.
Security directors need to work with solution providers who can assist them through all phases of their process. The solution providers
need to use a consultative approach. Ideally, if the solutions provider, integrator and any other parties involved can all work together—and put the customer first in all situations—the end user will benefit and achieve success.
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Where Do You Start?
Company stakeholders must come together and perform an audit of their current security system. When you gather all the stakeholders in one room and perform a deep dive of the current security system, operational gaps are uncovered. Silos between departments are removed and collaboration begins. By thinking beyond security and figuring out operational challenges, security directors can see the big picture and determine next steps. Operational gaps will provide a compelling reason to make a change and provide the important data needed to develop a business case to upgrade a security system or add new technologies to meet company needs.
Campus security directors need to look at everything from a risk, cost and compliance perspective. What is at risk? How much are inef- ficiencies costing the organization? In regulated industries, how is compliance achieved? What happens if compliance is not achieved? Answers to these questions will help determine what technologies and programs are needed for the next several years.