Situational awareness and visual intelligence is becoming increasingly more important in critical risk management and business continuity, not just in relation to the protection of people and property but also for reputation, brand and business success.
In simplistic terms, situational awareness can be defined as: “Knowing what is going on so you can figure out what to do” (Adam, 1993).
As threats both real and perceived continue to escalate, so developments in technology, security strategy and procedures have evolved to manage situational awareness and combat the increased risks.
As a result, many organisations are investing in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software platforms to manage the huge amounts of data generated by their life safety and security systems.
Managing complex security and safety systems
PSIM software comes into its own when managing complex security and safety systems, particularly in high risk environments or where an organisation has a large real estate portfolio.
Here, PSIM can be used to manage the various systems deployed at remote sites, enabling either common control, operating and response from each location or the centralisation of all control and reporting functions into one Command and Control Centre.
There are also a large number of legacy surveillance systems in existence. Being system agnostic, PSIM software provides a footprint in the road map of migration from analogue to the digital surveillance world.
PSIM software platforms are designed to identify, verify and resolve emergency and business situations in real time by providing integration at data level and the organisation of multiple unconnected security and life safety devices and applications, in turn controlling them through one comprehensive user interface.
Collecting, correlating, analysing
The PSIM collects, correlates and analyses the data, events and alarms from disparate security and information systems: intruder and fire alarms, perimeter detection, access control, video, analytics, intercom, sensors, networks, BMS, concierge, staff safety and other emerging technologies, and then manages the incoming information in order to identify the real situations and their priority.
The relevant situation information is then presented in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions, with set response parameters for verification and resolution of the situation at hand.
The response parameters are Standard Operating Procedures, empowering operators to identify and proactively resolve situations using common and consistent methods based upon step-by-step instructions, Best Practice and a given organisation’s policies when it comes to dealing with emergencies and mission-critical issues.
Aside from the high level of integration provided by PSIM is the comprehensive, integrated audit trail for all activities: tracking information, steps and sequences for compliance reporting, training, post-incident analysis and accountability.
What’s in it for you?
PSIM integration provides numerous organisational benefits, including increased control, improved situational awareness and management reporting.
It’s nothing if not a valuable management tool to be used for providing and controlling visual information and intelligence data, either for real-time use or for post-incident analysis.
It doesn’t affect the individual operation of any of the systems which continue to function independently as they always have.
Rather, it merely collects data from the disparate systems and displays it in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions with set response parameters in order to maximise Control Room efficiencies and provide a high level of security and accountability in the event of a critical situation arising.
Implementation will take time
As with any new software system, implementation takes time and a degree of operator training to obtain the optimum results.
The PSIM is an evolving system adaptable as situations change, thus training is ongoing to ensure system users are comfortable with the benefits resulting from the investment in the PSIM system.
The end result of the new system minimises the need for specialist operators specifically trained for the management operation of the various separate systems by converging the information data and output from these systems, available logically to any of the Control Room operators.
Ultimately, you realise a flexible and adaptable control and command system which provides a high level of security and improved response times, minimising manpower while also enhancing operator efficiency and providing accountability.
Peter Houlis is managing director of 2020 Vision Systems
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