What’s trending in access control in security enterprises? Interest in outsourced managed access control solutions, particularly for retail establishments, financial institutions and high-end commercial enterprises, says Nelson Barreto, enterprise sales director for North Canton, Ohio-based Diebold Security. Managed solutions streamline access oversight, enhance security and reduce operational costs, he says. Destination control systems that integrate visitor management and access control systems are gaining momentum, as well. As an example, Diebold implemented a system at Miami’s St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort that integrates the property’s hotel reservation, in-house key card and elevator systems. When a resort guest swipes a key card at the elevator, the elevator takes the guest to only his floor. 

What specific trends are you seeing with your security executive customers?

            Today’s evolving threats necessitate increased collaboration among organizations, security providers and responding authorities. All parties have a common interest in quickly sharing information about threats to ensure rapid, informed responses. New technologies are enabling direct, real-time sharing of video between private agencies and law enforcement to accelerate response times, streamline investigations and enhance security. For example, one system Diebold implemented at a New York City performing arts theater allows authorities to view the same video that security personnel access from the theater’s on-site command center.

What major risks/issues are your security executives facing?

            Hackers are staging more frequent and increasingly sophisticated attacks on data assets, attempting to penetrate networks to steal identities, funds and corporate data. But their initial targets aren’t necessarily high-profile assets. They’re targeting any asset that may enable further access into a network. Therefore, enterprises need to ensure security programs extend beyond minimum compliance regulations and that security solutions implemented uphold the integrity of the security enterprise’s entire network.

How are your security executive customers addressing cyber security in their enterprises, and how are you assisting with that?

            The convergence of security systems and data assets onto the same network is raising questions about segmenting resources. How do organizations assign security rights? How do they allocate bandwidth? Addressing these questions requires greater collaboration among internal security and IT personnel and outside security providers. Diebold is establishing firewall- and password-protected partitions that segregate security functions from data and organizational assets, and ensure sufficient bandwidth across networks. We are also enabling simplified and greater control of the internal oversight of customers’ security enterprises.

Do you see your security executive customers looking to upgrade their analog video systems?

            As legacy analog systems reach their end of life, enterprises are readily migrating to IP cameras. But that doesn’t mean they’re immediately abandoning legacy systems. To ease the transition, we helping customers implement hybrid systems that utilize existing infrastructure to spread out upgrades and capital expenditures. Such systems enable organizations to operate both analog and IP cameras concurrently, providing the immediate benefits of more advanced surveillance technology as they transition to full IP capabilities over time.

What types of specific ID management trends are you seeing with your security executive customers?

            Many of our customers are streamlining access control management between their human resources and security departments. Onboarding, offboarding and access permission changes can now be managed by a single party. Today’s software-centric systems enable one group to manage access control permissions and apply them immediately to an individual’s credentials, making one change in one centralized database.

What is the most unique installation that you have recently done?

            One of our recent premier projects is a fully integrated implementation that secures a water treatment facility. Diebold’s solution integrates a diverse range of systems, including access, video and perimeter protection, into a centralized command station. The perimeter protection system detects threats using video analytics. To protect points of entry, the security installation features under-vehicle screening cameras and X-ray machines to examine vehicles entering the site, as well as vehicle arresting devices, which are designed to rapidly stop vehicles attempting to forcefully enter the site. 

About the Author:

 Nelson Barreto is enterprise sales director for North Canton, Ohio-based Diebold Security. He has led a variety of highly complex security projects for the company. Serving as enterprise sales director for Diebold Security, Nelson Barreto has led highly complex security projects at the World Trade Center – Tower 2 and Tower 4, the center’s Transportation Hub, a New York City water treatment facility and the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, among others. His electrical engineering background, attention to detail and passion for his customers drive Barreto to challenge the status quo and help Diebold customers achieve better security outcomes.