Readers following this blog series across the first nine instalments will be familiar with the value of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) and how the technology can help public and private organisations alike minimise risk, improve operational efficiencies and maximise their investments in both safety and security technologies.
However, organisations looking to benefit from PSIM as a solution may not know where to begin when it comes to implementing such a set-up.
In most cases, public and private sector-based organisations will in the first instance turn to a systems integrator: a trusted advisor who can provide the domain expertise and demonstrated skills required to deliver services and solutions that enhance the PSIM platform to best address the host’s security challenges.
Since there are many elements underpinning a given PSIM deployment- among them analysing the existing systems environment to identify integration requirements, evaluating security operations and security systems use and consulting with customers to identify security policies, procedures and strategic plans – many systems integrators will themselves depend on their PSIM vendor to help complete a smooth implementation since they don’t maintain in-house the full array of multi-disciplined staff required to deliver PSIM projects.
Together, PSIM vendors and systems integrators combine their knowledge of – and expertise in – physical security technologies, situation management, security policy and compliance to provide organisations with a complete situation awareness and management solution that effectively manages any security, business-related or emergency situation in real time and across any industry.
To ensure future effectiveness, accountability and success in minimising organisational risk, it’s critical for organisations to find the right PSIM vendor and systems integrator partnership. When evaluating this type of partnership, would-be end users ought to examine how complete each vendor’s PSIM solution is, the partner’s reputation, past customer successes and commitment to security and safety.
Leading PSIM vendors offer more than just technology
To ensure the best possible PSIM solution deployment, PSIM vendors should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the specific sub-systems involved in a customer’s environment. They must possess a thorough library of existing subsystem integrations and a demonstrated capability to quickly develop others as needed.
In addition, they should be able to provide examples of previous and successful PSIM deployments within a similar industry and environment so that an organisation can make on-site visits and gain insight from end users regarding what worked, what didn’t work and what an organisation should keep in mind when readying itself to roll-out a PSIM deployment.
They should have a comprehensive set of tools, checklists and guidelines to assist in the PSIM planning and deployment process. Additionally, PSIM vendors require an experienced team of sales, engineering and technical support staff so as to guarantee high quality deployments of their product and support post-deployment.
If your business or organisation operates on a global basis, a PSIM vendor should also be able to provide availability and adequate support for your operations around the world: solutions providers that do so best often have global offices.
Leading PSIM vendors also have a strong financial backing and provide a true open environment that’s not limited to any specific hardware device or system.
Trustworthy security systems integrators remain by your side… even after initial deployment
Systems integrators should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of PSIM solutions and the benefits provided to end users. They will employ experienced members of staff who have received training and certification with the specific PSIM product.
Systems integrators must also be able to demonstrate past successful PSIM project experience and exhibit backgrounds encompassing various disciplines (including security management consulting, security systems engineering, network design and engineering, software development, database integration and project management).
Furthermore, systems integrators should also be able to demonstrate an ability for ongoing technical support of the PSIM solution after initial deployment.
Over time, a security systems integrator will be capable of deploying a PSIM solution on its own. However, leading systems integrators also invest in their partnership with the PSIM vendor. In a strong relationship, the systems integrator will be able to continually benefit from the solutions provider’s wise counsel long after technical needs are met and then extend that guidance to the end users by way of better customer service and support.
Gaining Best-in-Class security: the strong systems integrator-PSIM solution combo
A strong partnership between a security systems integrator and a PSIM vendor wherein each meets the criteria outlined above will help ensure a successful PSIM deployment.
It will also provide the necessary ongoing technical support required to maintain, customise and grow the solution within the end user’s organisational needs.
As these organisations continue to invest in various security solutions, PSIM software will be the unified platform that systems integrators use to accelerate the use and integration of additional technology. For these reasons, selecting the right combination of a PSIM solution provider and security systems integrator will be critical to enabling your organisation to effectively manage any security, business-related or emergency situation in real time.
Darren Chalmers-Stevens is vice-president (EMEA operations) at VidSys
To learn more about PSIM or VidSys send an e-mail to: [email protected]
