Integrated security systems are at the cutting edge of security technology. Long gone are the days in which the security of a building would depend on one or two security guards roaming the corridors all night. Nowadays, security is controlled from a secure room, with a number of backup computers both onsite and externally. The key word to remember is integrated; this means that the security features will constantly relay information to one another in order to assess and evaluate threats and work out the best way to contain and capture them. Here I will look at some of the most important features of integrated security systems and consider the ways in which they work together to create a network of security devices which ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
PSIM
PSIM refers to Physical Security Information Management. This is the system which controls many integrated security systems. It operates as the brain behind the independent features and collates information in order to analyse risk and assert whether there is a threat or not. The management software will run the security system to a certain extent, meaning that businesses and facilities can reduce the number of security staff they need.
Data Migration
As security systems advance, so does the technology and ability required to tamper with them. One of the most recent features of integrated security systems is the ability for the systems to be remotely controlled and analysed in the event that the main security room is breached or if computers fail. Remote access means that the system can be controlled from any computer by people trusted with the information. This is important in the case of deliberate and high-risk threats which have the technology to disable computers.
Bio-Metric Technology
Bio-metric technology in a security sense will normally refer to fingerprint or retina security locks. Security systems are moving away from locks which require passcodes or access cards and towards locks which open only to specific users. Not relying on codes and cards means that only those who are assigned access can get access. It also means that codes and cards do not need to be changed regularly which can be costly. We only need to look at the iPhone 5s which has similar technology in order to see that bio-metric technology is going to play a big part in the future of integrated security systems.
Lockdown
This is a crucial feature for many buildings. In the event of contamination or a high-risk security breach, having the ability to shut down the entire facility can be crucial in order to catch the perpetrator or ensure that the risk does not spread.
Motion Sensors
These can be an important feature to have around perimeters where required. Motion sensors have the ability to detect any disturbance in the area, and the integrated nature of these security systems means that CCTV cameras will automatically turn to focus on the area which has been disturbed. This means that the security team can analyse the data and detect whether it is a potential security breach or whether it is simply an animal wandering around!
