Just now there are certain topics capturing the attention of security managers and senior decision-makers alike within major companies. One is convergence. Another is Physical Security Information Management (or PSIM).
In essence, PSIM is a category of software that provides a platform and applications created by developers to bring together multiple security applications and devices such that they may be controlled through one comprehensive end user interface.
PSIM software, then, collects ‘events’ from existing and disparate systems – we could be talking about video, access solutions, networks or general building systems – such that personnel can better pinpoint situations as they arise and deal with them more swiftly.
PSIM integration, then, has the potential to offer the end user better control of events, enhanced situational awareness and slicker management reporting. Better efficiencies can result in reduced costs – a winner for many Boards of Directors given the present economic climate and enhanced security by dint of more intelligence being built into the whole process of security and business management.
Connecting systems at the data level
As you’ll discover if you register for the webinar, a PSIM platform can connect systems at the data level. There’s a key difference here with other forms of physical security systems integration (where, typically, not so many solutions can be interfaced).
Generally speaking, PSIM solutions may be deployed in a bid to centralise information around one or several control points. Typical deployments would be not just corporate security but also CNI, CCTV for local Government and the protection of educational establishments.
PSIM also dovetails with the whole convergence scene as it can physically close the gap that has traditionally existed between Information Technology and pure security.
Traditionally, of course, the function of Security Departments has been to secure people and buildings but, with the onset of Enterprise Risk Management strategies designed to address every type of security and legislative risk across all stakeholders, physical Security Departments are now being placed under the microscope.
More and more, the managers of these departments are required to report at Board level. New managerial roles have been created in larger organisations. In America, for example, the Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) holds responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management (including physical security).
On top of that, the ever-increasing need for policy compliance and a focus on Key Performance Indicators has touched the physical security management remit, in turn demanding more efficient business process.
If you’re in any doubt as to how important the whole PSIM debate really is then look no further than figures produced by market analyst Frost & Sullivan. The PSIM market was worth circa $80 million in 2009. Come 2015, you’ll be looking at a statistic that says $540 million.
The time to examine this topic is now… So make sure you register for our webinar and join the debate. (Readers viewing this after December can register in the same way and view the archived event.
PSIM on Info4Security
If you want to do some additional reading on PSIM, look no further than some excellent articles we’ve published of late on Info4Security.
For example, one of this afternoon’s speakers – Peter Houlis – wrote this superb discourse for our readers.
In addition, Darren Chalmers-Stevens at VidSys has scripted several PSIM-related polemics to date – focusing on the enterprise and the public sector.
Meantime, his colleague James Chong listed five reasons why you should care about PSIM and produced an excellent overview of the subject.
You can also check out reports from IMS Research and the aforementioned Frost & Sullivan.