Page 12 - Security Today, May/June 2023

“A unified security solution can also lessen the burden on a company’s IT department because applications like Active Directory and general hardware and software maintenance can be done remotely through the same single pane.” system partner to another. A single vendor takes charge of re- solving the entire service ticket. There are financial benefits to adopting a unified security so- lution as well. Foremost is the significant reduction in licensing requirements. Typically, a unified solution vendor doesn’t charge additional fees to integrate video and access control systems or require recurring software service agreements for each system. Whether you are looking to unify access control with a video management solution, or seamlessly integrate intercoms, audio, and analytics into your security mix, there are always a few things to watch out for when choosing a unified platform solution. Verify integration and support. Not all unified platforms are created equal. It is important to confirm that the platform sup- ports the devices and software you intend to deploy in your secu- rity solution. Can you directly link access control events with vid- eo surveillance footage to visually verify who is walking through the door and when? Is there a close relationship between vendors and their development teams to ensure new firmware releases don’t negatively impact the operation of other devices in your security solution? Does the technical support team have the deep knowledge necessary to help you keep your various components working well with one another? Avoid being pigeonholed. When choosing a unified security so- lution, it is important to think long-term. What happens when you need to add more cameras and/or door controllers and you have maxed out the number of devices your platform can sup- port? What is your growth path? How much of your original hardware investment can you migrate to a bigger platform? You shouldn’t have to rip and replace all your components when you move to a larger unified platform. You should be able to take most of that investment with you. Make sure your future unified platform provider continues to support your older access control hardware and video cameras as they age, even as you add newer, more advanced devices to your solution. Share benefits across departments. Think more broadly. A uni- fied security solution can also serve as a platform for other de- partments, supplying an uncomplicated way to manage and sup- port their multiple systems. In addition to using the convenience of a single pane user interface, the open standards architecture makes it easy for other departments to incorporate new features into the ecosystem. For instance, your facilities management can integrate wireless door locks into access control systems in locations where hardwiring is not feasible. Your public safety department could integrate people counting analytics or tailgating detection to minimize overcrowd- ing or flagrant security violations. A unified security solution can also lessen the burden on a company’s IT department because ap- plications like Active Directory and general hardware and software maintenance can be done remotely through the same single pane. Expand credentialing options. While fobs and PIN codes continue to have their place in access control, a unified security solution should also give you the flexibility to incorporate next- generation, open standards credentials without having to go back and forth between platforms. Through the one user interface you should be able to easily link smart, mobile credentialing usage – such as Bluetooth apps on phones, QR codes, license plates, etc. – with relevant video streams to verify user identities in real-time or during investigations. Standardize cybersecurity measures. Consider the whole se- curity solution ecosystem. A unified security solution is not just about technology. It’s also about the relationships among part- ners. It is about maintaining the same cybersecurity standards across all devices and software to prevent compromising the se- curity of the entire ecosystem. In a unified security solution, the primary vendor collaborates closely with partners to ensure that security patches are issued promptly, that one partner’s patches do not negate functionality in other parts of the ecosystem, and that other cybersecurity measures are undertaken as needed to protect the ecosystem. Furthermore, a unified user interface should make it possible to push out patches, firmware revisions, and new cybersecurity updates to multiple devices simultaneously which helps to ensure prompt adherence to the most current cybersecurity standards. IS AN OPEN, UNIFIED SECURITY SOLUTION THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU? While a unified security solution isn’t for everyone, there are de- cided advantages to migrating access control, video surveillance and other security technology onto a single open standards plat- form. You get the flexibility to choose the hardware, software, and credentialing tools that best meet your needs. While the same could be said for an integrated solution, the experience is far more cumbersome when it comes to user interfaces, system operations, updating firmware and software, maintenance and support. In a unified security solution, integration is much more streamlined. Instead of jumping from one system platform to an- other to manage your ecosystem, you can access all your security systems through a single pane. In addition to being easier to oper- ate, a unified security solution provides you with a single point of contact for support – someone who takes responsibility for see- ing that certifications are met, that version releases and patches from product partners don’t disrupt functions between systems – all the while helping you maintain the highest level of cybersecurity for your ecosystem. Rob Druktenis is the program manager for access control at Axis Communications. 12 MAY/JUNE 2023 | SECURITY TODAY SECURITY AND IOT