PSIM – the integration of Physical Security and Information Management – has justifiably become a major driver in the world of security.
Like many progressive ideas, there have been some preconceptions that it’s only for large, cash-rich businesses and yet the falling costs and proliferation of intelligent access control systems (a key ingredient in PSIM) mean that, in truth, it’s rapidly becoming a very real and practical reality for smaller businesses. Smaller businesses who are just as likely to become the victims of both physical and cybercrime-based threats.
Far from being an automatic drain on resources, integrating Physical Security and Information Management can actually provide SMEs with a fantastic way of bringing together investments already made in access control, IT and security systems – as long as the whole process is well planned and executed.
The obvious caveat is that if the solution doesn’t pay for itself and save the host company money in the long-term then it has to be questioned whether it’s worth doing in the first place.
Just because an integrated system can be implemented doesn’t mean it should be, and installers need to be mindful of this, but in the IP-focused world it’s becoming a highly important weapon in guarding against potentially vulnerable access points for many businesses.
Attacks on IT systems from within
It’s also worth remembering that attacks on a company’s IT systems can come from within the business (and its premises) as well as from the outside. This is where PSIM can really come into its own, and where highly effective access control may show its true worth.
While cyber attacks via the IP connection are well documented, many IT networks have online security that render such attempts to extract information far more difficult than they were in the past.
Being able to send an individual into a company’s premises and physically download sensitive information onto a USB stick, for example, can be a much less complicated method of data theft for nefarious parties. Having a simple access card system in place may not be enough to counter such a threat.
Take the example of a disgruntled employee who has recently been sacked. They may see the appeal of using their security credentials to re-enter the premises out of hours and steal files or even maliciously tamper with records or information. Linking the physical access control to the main HR system (perhaps using a popular management system such as MS Active Directory system, for example) means that an ex-employee can be excluded from even entering the building as soon as the HR records have been updated without the need to laboriously remove them from each database system.
The integrated system can also make intelligent decisions in terms of whether or not to allow access to any employee by certain criteria (such as the time of day – something that can be checked against a time and attendance system, for example). PSIM offers far greater control over all the company’s systems to maintain tighter and more intelligent security.
Integration of databases and information
Naturally, security isn’t the only area that can benefit from a full integration of access control with other IT systems. The integration of databases and information to a single point of administration is also far more convenient, less time-consuming and, ultimately, cheaper to administer, host and use.
On top of that, it also cuts down the risk of mistakes (such as transcription errors) or duplication of records (which could cause confusion if updates are staggered).
The integration of access control and IT systems can also be a good way of keeping tabs on the whereabouts of authorised individuals. A good example of this is a school where the access control set-up can also be used as a pupil registering system. The School Information System holds pupil records and the access control system directly registers pupils as they enter and leave the premises.
This idea can be taken a step further with automatic notification to teaching staff and even parents (perhaps via an SMS) if there’s any irregularity in pupil movements, in turn flagging a potential truancy problem or situation.
As mentioned earlier the integration of access control with building security systems has become very popular already, but working with environmental systems can also offer wider green benefits, making sure resources such as lighting, heating or air conditioning systems aren’t wasted when there’s nobody present in the area.
Systems compatibility and CSR
As is the case with security integration, though, it should be considered whether the savings rendered will actually recoup the organisation money in the long term and not just prove to be a costly exercise in supposedly green Corporate Social Responsibility.
Happily, the majority of manufacturers now seem to have caught onto the fact that making their systems compatible and easily integrated makes sound business and sales/commercial sense. Much like many other areas of technology, access control and security systems are finally benefiting from the IP revolution, but installers still need to be aware there can be pitfalls that may need to be addressed.
Making a system too complicated can actually be detrimental to end users. That being the case, ensuring that integration is straightforward, logical and economical means the overall view of operations and the control that PSIM offers can be a reality for most customers – whatever their size, scope and security needs.
John Davies is managing director of TDSi and chairman of the BSIA’s Export Council
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