Getting To Know You

Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Cynthis Freschi

With the rapid development of new security technologies and means of implementation, it is a difficult task to stay on top of all the nuances required to design and build a high-performance system. Add in integration of video surveillance, access control, intrusion and fire safety along with point-of-sale and RFID tracking, and the equation multiplies in complexity.

Working with an established security systems integrator will help ensure you receive the guidance and expertise you need to upgrade or install a new system with the highest levels of efficiency. Just like any professional or personal relationship, there are a few key indicators that can serve as a barometer to let you know if you are in for a stormy or a smooth ride through the process.

Comfort level is a significant factor in formulating a relationship with a security systems integrator. Take the time to meet with prospective companies to get a better feel for who they are and how you interact with them. The more comfortable both parties feel entering a relationship, the more you can count on communicating clearly, which is a critical factor on any project.

The system integrator's focus on planning is also a good early indicator. You should look for them to draw information from you and address concerns and issues that may affect the project. The more questions they ask, the better. Look for their attention to details as a sign of organization and their ability to plan ahead.

A systems integrator is also only as good as its reputation. Ask for a list of installations that the systems integrator has completed recently along with the names of any companies they subcontracted. The time spent making a few calls to reaffirm your initial evaluations will be well spent. Your peers' experiences can help determine your final decision.

Starting the process

Once you have selected the systems integrator for your installation, the initial phase of the project should start with a review of the site. If the installation involves new construction, you should review the architect's plans and site renderings with the systems integrator to determine key areas for coverage and protection. Generally, this is accomplished by first identifying critical internal locations for video surveillance, access control and alarm protection - such as areas where cash or valuables are handled - and then by working your way towards entry/egress points progressing to exterior surroundings and parking facilities. If you are working with a security consulting firm, they should be included in these meetings to detail their assessment of installation needs and previously identified security parameters.

The systems integrator should be able to provide an educated assessment of your requirements, which should be thoroughly discussed so that they can start to formulate their initial recommendations. At this point, questions regarding any additional security concerns and budget will surely arise. You will be wasting a great deal of your time if you neglect to plan and budget issues during the early stages of your project. By weighing your security expectations relative to your actual budget, the systems integrator will have a much clearer idea as to the parameters they need to work within.

The design/spec stage

During the next phase of the process, the systems integrator will actually begin designing the system. If a security consulting firm has already prepared a system design concept, the systems integrator will evaluate the plans and make recommendations. Whether providing the entire design concept or evaluating systems proposals provided by the client, the systems integrator generally offers designs at different levels with the objective of first fulfilling the clients' parameters and then applying value-added engineering based on that information.

When meeting with the client to review the proposals, the systems integrator should re-address the client's short- and long-term objectives. This review allows the integrator to identify and address specific issues that may affect the longevity of the systems outlined in the proposals. Of these concerns, the need for future system expansion is a top concern since it directly affects system capacities.

Once all parties agree on a design concept, the system integrator will proceed to specify the equipment in the installation - piece by piece. This is one of the most critical stages of the process since it dictates the performance, user-friendliness and the ultimate capabilities of the system. Similar systems with different components perform quite differently, so attention to the smallest detail can help to avert big problems down the line. But nothing is written in stone. When working with a large facility or new construction, changes should be anticipated along the way. There are always unforeseen obstructions or last-minute areas of concern that arise. It is simply the nature of the process. The more detailed the equipment lists and the more accurate the information provided, the fewer changes one can expect to face later on.

Installation

Once the final specifications and equipment lists have been agreed to, the systems integrator should consult with any contractors involved in renovations or new construction to review the security system installation. There needs to be a great deal of coordination among these parties to ensure that crew schedules are coordinated to specific timetables. Although there is great likelihood that timetables will vary throughout the course of a project, they will help keep everyone on track with deadlines for specific phases of the installation. Communication and coordination are key factors during the installation phase.

Commissioning the system

Once the new system is commissioned, it should be tailored to the user's specific application and expectations. The security staff should become familiar with every aspect of the system's capabilities, as well as with the facility and surrounding property. Comprehensive training should be provided on-site during the earliest phases of commissioning the system. Once a system is running, the integrator's training staff should provide detailed hands-on instruction on all aspects of the security systems' operations, and should not leave until all involved parties are comfortable with the systems' operation. Training is one of the most critical phases of the installation; any contract with a systems integrator should spell out provisions and timetables for training the user's staff.

Last but not least, consider service. In most cases, service is provided for limited terms after an installation is completed by the systems integrator and to some degree by manufacturers. However, long-term service should be planned at the outset to ensure that the system stays up and running continuously. Users should ask the systems integrator for a service program proposal in the initial discussions. In addition to being a budget consideration, it is in the user's best interest to trust long-term service to the company that designed and/or installed the security system. No one will know the system better.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

Step By Step

1. Determine coverage requirements/“zones of protection”

2. Assess situations/location

3. Discuss budget

4. Evaluate specific needs/expectations

5. Review proposals and design parameters with the systems integrator or review and bid on proposal from consultant/design firm

6. Discuss/review short-term and long-term system objectives

7. Review additional system parameters — networking, satellite systems

8. Evaluate systems equipment and manufacturer recommendations

9. Review and approve final system specs

10. Enter installation phase; address concerns for new construction or rebuilds and need to work around customer's business

11. Commission the system ? debug and get systems on-line

12. Train staff

13. Consider system service and support

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Cynthia Freschi is founder and president of North American Video, a Brick, N.J.-based systems integrator.

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