Security Oxford

On the face of it, integration sounds like a sound concept; different elements
working together to achieve one goal. What makes or breaks integration is
whether it can implemented effectively. we asked a selection of the leading
companies about the key factors that need addressing to give installers a
clearer understanding of the subject.

Like so many aspects of the security industry, terminology can be the source of much
confusion,and this is something that can certainly be levelled at the area of
integration. The very existence of intelligent integrated systems should, in
theory,make the job of the installer a lot simpler, but the definition of
exactly what integration means changes all the time as new technologies emerge.

Not only does the definition change,so does the job of the installer. Manufacturers
will claim that their job will become easier, and in some cases that’s true.
However, with new advancements comes the need to learn. Once the integration
has been developed, that solution is then avaliable for others in the market to
offer customers, but the partners who make sure they are trained in both the
software nd the integrated components( access control) will put themselves at
the top of the ladder for success. The more knowledgeable you are about your
products and integrations, the better your installation will be- and the more
satisfied your customer.

For example , an SMS/PSIM system vendor acts as the overriding control system. The SMS system software is able to manage all card production, cardholder details,
priviledges and such forth, and transfer them to multiple differing vendoors
access control systems. each access control system is also able to manage its
own card production and allows the overridding SMS knowledge of new, amended or
deleted card holders so the SMS in turn can update it’s database and pass on
these details to the other access control systems.

In the event of any access control event such us door forced, door left, the
access control system will notify the SMS, which will take control of the video
system to present meaningful visual information to the operator, along with a
workflow procedure. The workflow allows the operator to take overriding control
of the access control system to lock down access zones or similair.

For example without careful planning, the integration between an access control
system and a CCTV system can range from a simple hardwire connection to a
complete software integration including exchanges of video, alarms and metadata
permitting very complex functions. So the levels of usage, functionalities,
information and operation that end users will be able to utilise will vary
greatly. What is put forward here is that vendors should think bigger and
better and innovate; embracing the notion of a single platform that
intrinsically handles both access control and video within the same
architecture will drive future product development.

In a unified security platform, the same engine running the video system is running the access control system. A single user interface is used to configure and monitor the entire system, as opposed to several user applications. The same database is used to store the configuration and to log video and access control events. Basically, a truly unified user interface connected to a single platform not only monitors the entire security infrastructure but also allows users to configure and manage it.

The key to a good integrated product is scalability. Entry level solutions offering a hardware product vonsisting of a single panel or controller are avaliable. These products generally start at 16 zone intruder solution with integrated access control of a few doors, CCTV and