PSIM - Physical Security Information Management CSIM – Convergent Security Information Management
Concept
PSIM/CSIM are concepts that stays behind C2 (command & control), C4I (command, control, communications, computers & intelligence) environments based on the need of bringing together different systems and devices with the scope of creating a unitary system that can monitor and manage all using a single graphical user interface. In addition, PSIM makes the underlying systems work as one by programming interactions between them to obtain systems’ reaction for situational awareness.
Convergent security brings information security back into the scene. It is common sense to address IT security together with physical security as most of the systems used today are IP based.
PSIM is getting smarter and goes beyond physical security. In each PSIM project, non-security systems, sensors or devices are subject to integration. Building management systems, sensors and devices are also part of such a project. In addition, systems such as barcode readers, RFID, measurement sensors, 3rd party software applications are some of the elements that can be part of the bigger System.
alfrednet addresses both PSIM and CSIM, bringing a great value to the ones really aiming to achieve high levels of centralized operations.
[read more="Read more" less="Read less"]Reason
Most of the problems of today’s operations of individuals and companies come from the volume of data generated by different systems they use. As technology evolves constantly so the number, types and version of systems does too. Quite often it happens in an enterprise that multiple systems to be implemented in the scope of serving different jobs for multiple departments. It also happens that different systems to serve only one department, but in an independent mode, which causes difficulties in management. Therefore, multiple systems, not connected, serving different needs, disparate, without remote access, are some of the limitations in getting improved, efficient and cost effective operations.
Scope
PSIM is used for unifying disparate, different type, systems, devices and sensors in the scope of making them intelligently work together. There can be identified different levels of scope for bringing together systems into a unified one. This scope is generated by the application itself, based on operational requirements. Every system, sensor and device can work together in a System of systems architecture based on PSIM concept, or IOT trends. Even though IOT is getting a more precise shape that conduct manufacturers to follow the trend and supply their products 'IOT ready', there is still a need of the System (solution application) designed to connect devices and systems, including IOT, and manage them in the scope of serving operational needs of the user.
Technology
PSIM uses IT and networking. As IOT does, any IT system, sensor or device that can be connected to Ethernet can be monitor and managed. Open-architecture software platforms designed to withstand applications of small to large organizations. Modular design of PSIM software provides flexibility in adapting to multiple operational needs, businesses and verticals. Fully independent of any manufacturer, provides freedom in integrating almost any type of system, sensor or device. What differs though from the core of the software is the application layer. This layer is always fully customized based on the operational application. PSIM integration uses different methods for connecting underlying systems, sensors or devices. The correct method is determined by the capabilities of technology to be connected. The level of integration is given also by the requirements of user.
Applicability
PSIM approach is applicable to almost any type of vertical. Initially, PSIM took shape aiming the scope of connecting disparate security systems allowing monitoring in a centralized manner using one graphical user interface so that the operator to see them all as one system no matter the number and types behind.
Evolvement of technology and IOT trends, made PSIM open to assimilate non-security systems, sensor or devices and to adapt for addressing more than security operations. This makes PSIM a reliable concept that serves now projects such as: Smart City, Smart Power Grid, Smart Enterprise, Safe City and more.
The most important aspect for PSIM is defining the scope and operational needs it has to serve.
Integration
It all about your needs.
At alfrednet, we listen and ask correct questions that allow us to define exactly what your needs are. We have the experience to identify the correct operational requirements and to build the architecture of the solution that will match your needs. In addition, any technological solution shall address operational needs. Our solutions combines both technology and procedures to be implemented and followed by client’s human resources through embedded programmed policies and procedures. Technology aims to facilitate and automate, where should, staff work. Technology will not help in getting the desired results if not in harmony with people/staff.
Based on your operational requirements we will determine what solution match these needs. Therefore, if you realize that some, if not all, of your security processes can be automate, most probably an integrated approach shall be considered. Complexity level of the integration you need to achieve centralized command and control may vary and we can define which one suits your operations. You don’t need to trust fancy names and treat PSIM as the "GOD" of centralized security. You don’t need to think that to achieve centralized command & control you need to sit on a pile of money, and if you don’t have them, you most probably consider that you will never collect benefits of such solution, which is absolutely wrong. Achieving the goal of collecting the value of technology investment requires an intelligent approach 'from the top to the bottom' not vice-versa. Once you identify where you want to go, to which level, start analyzing and define the steps, stages, for implementing procedures and technology capable to work together and assimilate easily and effectively rise to achieve the goal. No such command and control solution, unification and centralization can not be put into practice in one step.
Solutions
Every enterprise may need centralization of security operations and not only. Very often we find situations where no strategy in acquisition of technology is in place. Most of clients are investing without any warranty that their investment will bring the expected results.
In order to achieve centralized management of security and non-security systems into a command and control environment it is necessary to determine precise operational needs. This is the starting point in the process of identifying the requirements of necessary technology. It is also important to be aware that succeeding to efficient and cost-effective operations is always a mix between human resources, procedures, policies, technology and budget.
Most of customers follow PR names and miss the fact that everybody wants to sell and not always they are following client’s interest. This is the reason why investment in technology requires adequate consultancy.
alfrednet team has proven experience in providing audit, consultancy, solutions architecture design, systems integration, software development, project management, support and maintenance. This chain of processes allows us to identify the optimal solution that suits the needs of every business’s security operations.
alfrednet is not competing with companies that provide physical security technology, but is complementary to them. Our experience and expertise in PSIM/CSIM, security integration, command & control solutions allow us to design and deliver the correct solution to our clients.
alfrednet has the expertise and capability to address almost any type of integration project related physical security & intelligence, telecommunications and ITS (intelligent transportation systems).
Benefits
- Connecting and centralizing disparate systems, sensors and devices provides a great step in operations and remote control
- Interconnection of systems, sensor and devices under the same System of systems provides efficient and intelligent use of those for more effective response in operations
- Intelligence layers within PSIM make these applications capable to manage large amount of data and deliver the right information to the right recipient, following situational awareness approach
- Workflows and procedures such as SOPs, CONOPS, being programmed and embedded into the application, significantly reduces reaction times and smartly uses the resources involved to response
- Vital pool of information from systems, sensors, devices, events, alarms, workflows, actions and reactions for generating fully customized management reports
- Greater control of what is happening among organization, users and contractors
- Intelligent use of technology for getting the most of any system, sensor, device in exact scope to efficiently address the particular operational needs
Working with us
Our team has a proven experience in convergent security integration and PSIM deployments. Our expertise cover consultancy, solution architecture design, tender documentation, project management, system integration, software development, project programming, commissioning, support and maintenance.
alfrednet is a one-stop-shop for every integration project of any size and complexity. There is no need to start performing surveys upon available solutions on the market. We did this already and our library is up-to-date with what’s new and available with majority of leading PSIM solutions and vendors. alfrednet has established partnerships with different PSIM manufacturers, and besides the commercial advantages, our engineering team has a constant dialog with product management of PSIM manufacturers so that we know in detail the possibilities of the platforms.
alfrednet has the ability and know-how to collect all required information that resides for the basis of PSIM solution architecture that shall match the end-user operational needs.
Our team of consultants and solution architects will define the most appropriate solution to withstand actual, medium and long term security operations requirements. We can guarantee that designed solution will easily and cost effectively assimilates further changes within your organizational structure and operational environment.
Work with us and will get real benefits:
- no need to have deep technical and IT capabilities
- no need to spend time on performing internal audits trying to extract related information for planning your PSIM solution
- no need to spend time in defining what solution would best suits your needs
- no need to spend time in performing market surveys trying to identify PSIM vendors
- no need to spend time in defining operational and technical requirements, for designing the required solution architecture and defining your tender documentation
- alfrednet covers the entire process from idea to operation, collecting advantages of operating the correct solution that match entirely your operational needs, and provides the expected value through greater control, efficient operations, reporting and quantifiable ROI.