What is PSIM?
PSIM stands for Physical Security Information Management,
however it certainly requires further explanation about why it is important.
Firstly, the future of all security systems is IP based, this means that CCTV,
Access Control, Intruder and Fire Alarms will be computer based. Analogue and
standalone systems are becoming more redundant and technology is moving rapidly
towards converging all these IP based systems onto a single software management
platform.
Assuming your security systems are IP based, then PSIM
software packages will make an incredible difference to way you secure your
school, business or public sector space. This means facility or building
management staff can centralise all systems onto a single platform and remotely
manage the building.
The key attributes of a PSIM system are:
1. Collection: Device management independent software
collects data from any number of disparate security devices or systems
2. Analysis: The system analyses and correlates the data,
events, and alarms, to identify the real situations and their priority
3. Verification: PSIM software presents the relevant
situation information in a quick and easily-digestible format for an operator
to verify the situation
4. Resolution: The system provides Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs), step-by-step instructions based on best practices and an
organisation’s policies, and tools to resolve the situation
5. Reporting: The PSIM software tracks all the information
and steps for compliance reporting, training and potentially, in-depth
investigative analysis
6. Audit trail: The PSIM also monitors how each operator
interacts with the system, tracks any manual changes to security systems and
calculates reaction times for each event
PSIM is considered essential for Control Rooms or Command
and Control Operations, as the software, provided all the systems are IP based,
converge all the disparate systems onto a single platform to provide full
management. Common security systems integrated onto a PSIM platform are:
- IP Access control systems
- IP CCTV systems
- Fire detection
- Video wall
- Intrusion detection systems
- Perimeter Intrusion detection systems
- Radar based detections
- GIS mapping systems
- Intercom or IP Phone systems
- Automated barriers & bollards
- Building management systems
The aggregated data, information and footage from the
various systems provides the operator with intelligence to effectively manage
situations (i.e fires, intruders etc) or day to day management of the building
(i.e remote door locking etc). Ultimately, this means the need for large teams
of facility staff can be reduce and the building managed centrally by key
operators. A key reason for the development of PSIM has been the technology
improvements of the systems listed above, which has meant software developers
have been able to integrate and converge these systems onto single platforms.
Technology in security systems is improving dramatically, prices are falling
for systems and the software required to manage them is now available. It
really makes sense to move forward and use PSIM to its full potential, let
Sunstone help you embrace the future.