Fire Systems May Be A Stumbling Block For Building Integration

Jan 1, 2005 12:00 PM

           

As organizations recognize the benefits of combining physical and digital security, integration of building security systems with other security systems is fast becoming a reality, according to a new report from the Frost and Sullivan research group.

Accepting security as a single entity will allow end-users to combat threats, lower costs, and increase efficiencies as the number of corporate mergers escalate.

Stringent codes regulating fire safety, however, are restraining the trend of integrating building automation systems (BAS) into information technology (IT). The conflicting interactive levels of fire safety equipment, which require minimal user interaction, and highly interactive security systems, could lower system reliability.

“The fire industry is open to integrating its systems (with other control systems in buildings) at the island level but is not embracing the concept on a macro level as flawed integration may compromise the reliability of fire systems,” explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sapan Agarwal. “This has led to fire systems remaining a relatively closed small world with a clear demarcation between fire and the other building systems.”

Further, confining integration are the diverse personnel groups that handle fire, security, and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. To propel growth in the integrated products market, fire system manufacturers must collaborate with security systems counterparts, focusing on safety and reliability.

For more on the report, visit www.frost.com. The report is entitled “Strategic Analysis: Integration of Building Security Systems with BAS.”

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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