Today’s security systems are far more advanced than those of the past and often feature many independent but related components. Because new technologies associated with the field of corporate security have been developed separately by many different companies, it can be difficult to integrate disparate systems.
That said, integration is an essential element of any effective security solution for the 21st century. Security officers can’t afford to just ignore problems because they could be expensive to fix. Instead, read on to find out about the factors that can influence the cost of integrating building access control with video surveillance systems for help with deciding how to move forward.
Presence or Absence of Existing Security System
This may seem counterintuitive but setting up an integrated security system on a new campus that has no current system in place tends to be less expensive. The process is straightforward, and the system’s designers have more leeway when it comes to product selection. It’s when there is already existing security infrastructure in place that things get complicated.
Type of System to Be Installed
The first consideration for business owners, whether they’re setting up new campuses or planning to integrate existing systems, is what type of system they want to install. There are three options for most applications:
A physical security information management (PSIM) system is custom-built to meet the integration needs of businesses that have multiple security systems currently in place. It is usually the most expensive option.
An interfacing or integration system requires basic development work but it is usually a more affordable option because it only offers limited functionality. It’s often the case that security officers still need to work from different systems due to the limited functionality, and incompatibilities during version upgrades are relatively common.
The most cost-effective approach to integration is known within the business security industry as unification. It involves utilizing a single platform to control both access control and video surveillance systems.
Factors to Be Considered Before Choosing a Type of System
Choosing which type of integration system to use isn’t just a matter of considering the cost. There may be factors that limit the effectiveness of one or more of the types of systems described above. These factors typically include the existing systems’ ages, architecture, and technical capabilities.
Upgrade or replace?
In some cases, it makes more sense to upgrade the existing infrastructure through the use of integration technology. In others, the most cost-effective approach is to replace outdated hardware and software so that system designers can start from scratch.
If the building’s current video surveillance and access control systems are outdated or ineffective, the choice is obvious. In most cases, though, business owners will have to consult a security expert about the pros and cons of each approach.
The Importance of Finding the Right Vendor
Whether business owners decide to upgrade existing security systems or replace them with new, fully integrated options built to tackle 21st-century threats, finding the right vendor is of the utmost importance. Avoid companies that offer deals that are too good to be true. Even if the products or services they are offering are real, the chances are good that customers will be sacrificing cybersecurity for physical security improvements when they need to prioritize both.
