Technology Integration
“…in the past,
cameras were
installed to identify
criminal activity,
usually after the
event. Under the new
paradigm, CCTV
systems are now used
to prevent the event
from happening in the
first place…”
GE’s “Checkpoint of the Future”
more and more complex due to increasing security processes and the operational detection systems based on advanced
complexity of our business. concept and then to select the system computed tomography technology
In other words, the paradigm shift is that best supports it. available on the market at that time.
such that systems integration is no InVision did not come to this “wedding”
longer about connecting the dots. It is “Internal” Integration of empty handed. On 27 February 2003,
about connecting the processes and Technologies InVision had acquired Yxlon International
automating the security operations Internal integration of technologies refers Holding GmbH, a developer of X-ray
workflow
2
. mainly to the large corporations who diffraction systems for explosive detection.
The automation of security workflow develop and manufacture several different Naturally, the purpose of this acquisition
is an important factor in the technological security systems and then was to integrate InVision and Yxlon
performance of such systems; the also develop a method of integrating those products to create a new system, based on
abilities derived from it (to execute systems. A common name for this diffraction combined with deployed EDS
security policy in response to incidents, phenomenon is “sensor fusion”. Sensor systems. This new system was expected to
to update appropriate recipients on fusion integrates the sensors of two have reduced false alarms rate, reduce
alerts, to control the read and different systems to optimise the EDS operating cost (by reducing the
acknowledgement process of situational collective performance at levels beyond manual resolution of alarms), and to
orders in real time) significantly improve the capability of either system operating increase the security performance of
the management of security events, alone. The rational is to create a total installed EDS systems.
staff productivity on their daily routines security solution, meeting the client’s It did not end there. In mid-October
and free up management time to deal expectations that all sub-systems will work 2006, GE Security hosted a conference
with policy issues instead of duty together in harmony, and avoiding the aimed at introducing promising start-ups
management. worst fear regarding integration: there is developing state-of-the-art technologies in
The paradigm shift is demonstrated in always the possibility that sub-systems, the security arena to GE’s subsidiaries.
the following example: not originally designed to work together, And then, on 15 January 2007, two giants,
In the past, cameras were installed to will “refuse” to communicate. Smiths Group plc and General Electric
identify criminal activity, usually after the This concept of integration is a Company announced that they had signed
event. Under the new paradigm, CCTV contributory reason for some major a letter of intent to form Smiths GE
systems are now used to prevent the event business changes in the security Detection joint venture. The intention is to
from happening in the first place. Digital, integrators market. A fine example is the offer a broad range of technologies and
IP-based, technology is the tool by which case of InVision Technologies. deliver integrated solutions. By combining
this paradigm shift becomes realised. On 15 March 2004 GE Infrastructure, a unit each parent’s technological capabilities,
From a business point of view, the of General Electric Company acquired Smiths GE Detection will be well-positioned to
best way to choose the right security InVision Technologies Inc., the manufacturer develop and deliver the next generation of
system is to analyse the business’ of one of the two TSA-certified explosives integrated security solutions. trianglert
Aviationsecurityinternational February 2007 www.asi-mag.com 29
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