The Challenge of Multiples: How to Manage Physical Security Information in a Multi-Building Campus

Multi-building campuses such as universities, research facilities, convention centers, hospitals and others face unique problems in implementing a total physical security solution. All elements must be taken into consideration, from the type of space being monitored (i.e. public, restricted, parking lots, etc.) to specific integration requirements (i.e. license plate recognition systems, access control systems, etc.) to the type of cameras and other products needed. Further, the factors of when, how and by whom the system and information can be accessed may have very different parameters than what is needed in a single building application and must carry equally important weight in the plan.

Solving the Large Scale Application Challenge

In putting together a design to address these issues, the video surveillance system should provide physical security information management (PSIM) functionality, Such a system would offer the most comprehensive solution and would be able to deliver the best ROI (return on investment) benefit.

This sophisticated and less labor-intensive approach will allow security to efficiently manage virtually the entire physical security system, including the large number of cameras from all of the venues, from a single control platform as well as from on-site control centers and remotely. Additionally, complex video surveillance and security systems can be centrally managed with efficiency tool such as touch-screen technology, map-based interfaces, context-sensitive pop-up controls and time slice forensics.

The integrated video surveillance platform also allows the user to manage the storage of video, as well as correlate and fuse video and non-video events and/or alerts which can then automatically be delivered to viewers of interest. For example, if an alarmed door exit at a facility is breached, video of the unauthorized entry/exit would be automatically “pushed” to pre-selected monitors or command centers, enabling authorities to immediately view the incident and then take any necessary action.

This additional situational awareness provided by the pushed video stream can help to give security management actual “eyes at the scene” and broaden potential incident response in venues that cover several acres. It can also enhance the ability of management and staff to share/collaborate on different threat levels. To help ensure the integrity of the system, a management server can be programmed on a granular level for information access and control.

Total Cost of Ownership

Another benefit of the central solution is its open architecture platform, which helps curb total cost of ownership and optimize ROI.

A total physical security package, including video surveillance integrated with other physical security systems, can all be controlled from a single central management server. In addition to providing convenience and efficiency, this design eliminates the need for and additional cost of matrix switching systems and other expensive or proprietary hardware. Another advantage is that this system will typically run on standard IT servers and adheres to and supports recognized industry standards.

Central video surveillance and security systems also provide benefits in allowing users the power to fine tune the systems to match their needs, strategic objectives and budget requirements. The solution is highly scalable and supplemental cameras can be easily added, allowing users to view, manage and record video from an unlimited number of IP and non-IP video surveillance cameras.

Video and Beyond

The implementation of a integrated video and security solution can have enormous potential to help companies better address issues such as risk management and business operations, including asset tracking, traffic monitoring, inventory control, identity management, employee productivity and process monitoring – in addition to their main purpose of centrally managing the physical security system. Program features suchas smart search and motion sequence search can translate video from numerous cameras on multiple sites into usable information and evidence for a public safety team. With video analytics counting software, the public safety department at a convention center can determine the exact count of occupancy within the ballroom at a moment's notice or based on a threshold established within the system (i.e., 1,000 people triggers an alert).

The capability of a centrally managed solution to allow for distributed access, shared event management and ease of use can enable higher system-wide efficiency. In multi-building, large campus applications, this results in an ideal solution.

As On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (OnSSI) President and CTO, Gadi Piran has successfully brought the company to its current status as a leader in the IP video surveillance market. Piran started his career working for RAD Data Communications, a manufacturer of Data communications and Networking products, in 1985, as VP of Technical Services. In 1992 Piran moved to Dynetrix Corporation as a Vice President, and served later as its President, heading its deployment of voice compression technologies to world wide telecomm markets (with pre and post VoIP technologies). Piran also served as a VP at Metrocon Communications, an ISP/ASP company (company acquired by Metcomm.Net), and as a Director at Telekol Corporation, a software development company in the VM and speech recognition space (acquired by Nokia Corporation, Finland). In 2007, Piran was selected as one of Security Magazine's Influential Leaders in the security industry.

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In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, organizations face an ever-growing array of disruptive events, security threats and risks. Traditional reactive approaches to security intelligence often leave businesses vulnerable and ill-prepared to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats that could impact the safety of their people, facilities or operations.