When it comes to identifying and addressing a potential security threat or breach, mere seconds can be the difference between an ‘all clear’ and the loss of property, assets or even life.
One of the biggest overall security challenges is how to manage any business-related or emergency security situation across disparate devices, data and response teams in real time and across myriad silos of often bottlenecked information.
Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) tackles these security challenges head on, offering uniquely optimised device integration, analysis and end-to-end situation management for the benefit of any organisation, whether in the public or private sector.
Unlike other solutions that offer limited services while claiming full PSIM functionality, here are five key capabilities that define true, comprehensive PSIM software:
- Collection: the independent device management software collects data from any number of disparate security devices or systems
- Analysis: the system analyses and correlates the data, events and alarms to identify the real situations and their priority
- Verification: the software presents relevant situation information in a quick, easily-digestible format enabling operators to swiftly verify the situation
- Resolution: the system provides standard operating procedures (SOPs) and step-by-step instructions based on Best Practice and an organisation’s policies to resolve the situation
- Reporting: the technology tracks all information and steps for compliance reporting, training and even in-depth investigative analysis
PSIM in the private enterprise
Using these five key capabilities, PSIM enables ‘anywhere, anytime’ integrated visibility for enterprises, allowing them to seamlessly manage situations without the need to concern themselves with the management of cumbersome security technologies.
Think, for instance, of the early hours during the riots across England last summer. For businesses in and around the Tottenham Hale retail park and nearby Wood Green, being able to swiftly identify and react to unauthorised persons on premises and appropriately co-ordinate with emergency responders was critical to minimising loss and protecting people, property and assets.
Knowing the situation – be it terrorism, IP theft, workplace violence or something else entirely – and having the means to accurately assess impact and co-ordinate a swift and appropriate response can mean the difference between a minor incident and a massive security breach.
…and PSIM in the public sector
Just as PSIM is a necessity in mitigating physical and virtual risks in an enterprise, security needs in the public sector are equally pressing (often with even greater potential scale and impact).
Consider events like the upcoming 2012 London Olympics and the RIO +20 United Nations Conference and also commonplace locations where large numbers of people will gather (such as in public parks or at Government offices). No matter the size or complexity of the location or scenario, PSIM effectively bridges the gap between legacy and state-of-the-art security platforms. It facilitates communication and collaboration among unique groups like first responders and other authorised personnel, enabling real-time risk and situation monitoring, resolution and reporting across the board.
ROI: making the business case for PSIM
The need is clear. No organisation or enterprise, public or private sector-based, can afford to do without high quality security that enables fast responses based on real-time, detailed and actionable information.
In today’s cash-strapped global economy, investing in PSIM solutions is one way in which executives can extend the value of existing investments while improving overall security and operational efficiencies.
That said, how best to make the business case for PSIM? When it comes down to determining optimal bottom line and business impact, PSIM software can:
- Maximise existing resources
PSIM software collects and correlates data from myriad old and new security devices and information systems to empower personnel to identify and proactively resolve situations both quickly and cost-effectively.
By enabling organisations to leverage existing investments and integrate newer technologies without expensive custom integrations, PSIM deployments lead to lower risk, increased security and reduced operational costs.
- Provide unmatched intelligence levels
PSIM technology provides unparalleled data integration with built-in software intelligence. In addition, PSIM can identify, analyse and prioritise situations to ensure appropriate information is presented in an integrated, easy-to-use interface. This makes it simple for authorised personnel to focus on the situation, not the technology, and co-ordinate a swift solution without wasting precious time or resources.
- Improve operational efficiencies for additional cost savings
Acting as an intelligent system that analyses and learns from each security situation, PSIM helps organisations and emergency responders by providing step-by-step response instructions based on SOPs, industry Best Practice and real-time intelligence, in turn eliminating the guesswork involved in resolving situations.
Combined with an unmatched real-time intelligence and the maximisation of existing security investments, PSIM technology enables public and private sector organisations to effectively optimise resources and operations and address threats efficiently and effectively.
Identifying operational goals early
As with any new system, to ensure a smooth PSIM implementation it’s vital that operational goals and anticipated ROI be identified up front.
Early goal setting, training in use and Best Practice for authorised end users and early education of stakeholders across departments or organisations to help overcome pre-conceived notions or jurisdictional concerns are all key to a flawless, optimised PSIM deployment.
Ultimately, without PSIM it’s fair to say organisations will continue to lack a sorely needed ‘puzzle piece’, severely limiting their capacity to manage business or emergency security situations in real time.
Across industries and sectors, true PSIM technology delivers cost-effective, comprehensive, real-time situation data collection, analysis, verification, resolution and reporting.
Darren Chalmers-Stevens is vice president (EMEA operations) at VidSys
*To learn more about PSIM or VidSys send an e-mail to: [email protected]
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