Technology Integration
GE’s vision for the “Checkpoint of the will now have new capabilities that did not months before their independent sub-
Future” (page 29) demonstrates a one- exist prior to the integration. The new systems begin to interact with each other;
stop-security-shop checkpoint, with functionalities are derived directly from the they expect the system integrator to already
integrated GE products, that can replace transformation of data to information and have communication protocols adequate for
all other solutions currently available. then to intelligence. The integration of their systems. This factor favours quick-to-
information that is available from several respond integrators, although the size of the
“External” Integration of sources creates functionalities such as system integrator’s company can also be a
Technologies automated response sequences (in line with big advantage as it may have a positive effect
The phrase “external integration” refers to the security master-plan), presentation of the on its ability to quickly allocate resources to
systems or sub-systems that were not originally threat in different manners (text, graphics, develop new protocols if they do not already
designed to be integrated with other systems, multimedia) together with relevant data (such exist in its database.
but offer the kind of integration that would as, but not limited to, GIS location, possible And, thirdly, is the ability to correctly assess
significantly improve the security of the client. implications and possible operator developing industrial needs and to create the
External integration in the natural responses), and automated report and opportunity. As an example, successful
advancement derived from the tremendous retrieval functionalities. The integrated systems integrators are able to identify future
growth in the information technology information can serve both to create early trends in communication protocols or in
capabilities of security systems. State-of-the- identification of threats and to reduce false systems architecture and to develop
art technology, primarily being command and alarms and, in doing so, significantly improve integration solutions before the first client
control software with improved intelligence the efficiency of the security system. even calls. Again, size does matter.
capabilities, can now be integrated to run in Within the sub-systems there will also be
conjunction with current systems from older new functionalities. For example, an Conclusions
generations. By doing so, customers finally access control system will now be able to The integration of systems becomes a critical
have real-time architecture systems with monitor the movement of a person, a aspect of a functional and functioning
capabilities to respond to events, suggest or CCTV system could now be used to track security system. The value in a “system of
execute responses according to pre- and identify suspicious behaviours and systems” lies not only in the functionalities of
determined set of responses, provide early perimeter security sensors will now be the overall system but also in the improved
alerts to threats being formed, provide able to distinguish between an intrusion functionalities of each of the sub-systems.
debriefing capabilities and information and a false alarm. Therefore, when an organisation is seeking
storage and retrieval algorithms. to improve its security level, the first step is
However, these capabilities will not be used Characteristics of Successful usually to bring in a CONOP expert to analyse
effectively if the system integrator is not able System Integrators the existing security systems, the
to implement the following factors: As soon as it was understood that security organisation’s security workflow and the
Operational Concepts (CONOPS) must be systems needed to be multi-functional and security needs. Then, according to the
integral part of the “system of systems”; that it was practically impossible to achieve subsequent recommendations, the
Existing systems, already deployed, multi-functionality if the sub-systems were organisation should choose a system
must be integrated into the over-all completely autonomous, the “system integrator capable to implement the CONOP
system; clients should not be expected to integration” profession started to bloom. The recommendations in full.
throw away older equipment and replace it first step was to “teach” independent But, perhaps, most important of all is to
with new because it might make the entire systems and sub-systems to “talk” with each remember that even after the integration
investment financially unviable. The other, to enable communication and process has been completed, the
integration should create added-value to exchange of information between systems. resultant security system will only be
pre-existing systems as well as a better The concept was developed in the IT world, effective when the human resources, the
overall security level. where the rapidly growing use of networks (in procedures and protocols can run in sync
The integrator must be familiar with the different topologies) and client/server with the new security “system of systems”.
kind of data that is gathered by the deployed architecture dictated an essential need for
systems and must have the capability to systems integration. Communication
create intelligence from the data. As an protocols (wired and wireless) were The author has held management
example, we expect command and control developed, and the internet protocols, positions with the Israeli Navy and Israel
software that is integrated with CCTV system although archaic, played a major role as we Airport Authority, and is now Chief
to be able to alert the security officer if an can see today in IP cameras, IP network DVRs Operating Officer of Athena GS3 Security
intruder is entering a prohibited area. The and IP sensors, to name but a few. Implementations Ltd.
CCTV system was, and is, able to provide the What does it take to be a systems
data (video) to the command and control integrator? First, a system integrator needs to
software; now the data is analysed and as a maintain an in-depth familiarity with state-of-
Notes:
1
result, information is created in the form of an the-art technologies. This familiarity is usually
Prior to the Pan Am bombing, the focus at aviation
security checkpoints was on the detection of
intrusion alert. achieved by investing in current employees’
metallic weapons, carried on the body or concealed
After successful integration, the new education and by hiring new staff capable of in carry-on baggage.
“system of systems” will improve the comprehending emerging trends.
2
Ray Bernard, “Security Integration: High-Level
capabilities and performance of all, or Secondly, there is a need to be able to
Drivers”, Security Technology & Design Magazine,
July 2006. Source:
most, of its sub-systems: provide clients with the solution in real-time
www.securityinfowatch.com/publication/article.jsp?
As a complete package, the security system given that they don’t like to wait several pubId=2&id=8834.
30 www.asi-mag.com February 2007 Aviationsecurityinternational
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