About PSIM

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.