This smart and innovative technology solution started as an enhancement to physical security integration and is evolving to encompass information management systems, such as building management systems and information technology applications.
Executives from large and small organizations around the globe are recognizing the value of enhanced compliance and decreased risk by implementing PSIM to create a common operating picture. Some are revising overall risk management by implementing business process re-engineering efforts that leverage PSIM.
When a security situation or threat occurs, it can be resolved accurately, efficiently and consistently through PSIM. This saves limited resources by quickly aiding in identification of false alarms.
Most security professionals recognize PSIM deployments as integrating a multitude of security cameras, video management systems, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, fire alarms, radars and other sensors and applications.
However, veritable PSIM goes beyond this systems integration to convert data points into meaningful and actionable information, using intelligence to correlate the data. The PSIM software uses filtering rules based on time, location, duration, frequency, and type.
Total functionality
This total functionality provides organizations with the comprehensive benefits of a true PSIM in order to enforce compliance and reduce overall risk.
PSIM provides organizations the ability to manage situations in real-time, and this is a force multiplier especially for organizations with a large geographical footprint. PSIM works especially well to enhance security for widely dispersed assets particularly those solutions leveraging mobile applications.
First responders, supervisors, security guards and even IT staff can all access PSIM via any mobile device (i.e., tablets, mobile phones) for enhanced situational awareness from virtually anywhere.
One Fortune 50 global organization is deploying the VidSys PSIM mobile application to manage security of their buildings and facilities across six continents in several different languages to enhance security and remote monitoring capabilities.
Organizations need to look for a PSIM that offers a scalable, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software solution that can meet the needs of a large public transit system in a major urban area or a small-town police department.
Smaller organizations can realize efficiencies and enhanced security by integrating disparate video assets, extending the life of existing legacy investments and later migrating to newer digital technologies. More systems and sensors can be added once the initial integration is up and running.
An authentic PSIM solution will feature five core areas of functionality; collecting, analyzing, verifying, resolving, and tracking information.
True PSIM software enables the gathering of data from virtually any type, brand, or generation of physical security system or networked applications and sensors.
Agencies including New York’s World Trade Center, Joint Transportation Management Center, City of Baltimore, Loughborough University, National Cancer Institute, and many others are incorporating non-security systems such as building management systems into their PSIM software to create broader business applications.
Work-flow tools
A PSIM rules engine and work-flow tools give management the ability to predetermine what data should be correlated and what should be filtered out.
For example, during a multiple attempt to use an invalid badge situation, the operator can be presented instantaneously with the exact location of the potential breach and surrounding security assets on a map, along with a step-by-step instruction on who to contact and what to do, depending on the situation details.
This includes pushing crucial information, in this case, a badge holder credentials, to a security guards and other stakeholders. After the situation is resolved and closed, a PSIM’s reporting feature is capable of automatically generating detailed reports for after action analysis or as part of a forensic record.
Businesses large and small from a range of markets are realizing a tangible return on investment through the implementation of PSIM by reducing response times, creating staffing efficiencies, enhancing security, and strengthening regulatory compliance.
VidSys will present ‘PSIM and Business Continuity: a match made in heaven’ on the IFSEC Global.com Centre Stage at this year’s IFSEC International at 2:30pm on 19 June. Register to visit IFSEC 2014 now.
