Security directors tell what they want

Dec 1, 1997 12:00 PM, TINA D'AVERSA-WILLIAMS

Changes affecting the security industry include escalating global crime and terrorism, new threats to public safety, new and evolving technologies, developing standards, intense merger activity, and changing and maturing distribution channels.

The role of the corporate security director is also changing, said corporate security directors from 3M, Hewlett Packard and IBM at the recent Security Industry Association (SIA) Industry Forum in Palm Beach, Fla. The biggest challenge facing security directors, they said, is getting the most cost-effective, technologically advanced solutions to security infrastructure needs in the rapidly changing corporate environment.

John Kingsley-Hefty, former corporate security director of 3M Corp.; Gary Sepulveda, CPP, group security manager of Hewlett Packard; and Tim Giles, CPP, director of corporate security for IBM, spoke to an elite group of security industry executives, manufacturers and suppliers on Nov. 3, 1997, and challenged the group to "partner with us." Joe Freeman, former president of SIA and president of J.P. Freeman Laboratories, moderated the session.

Issues facing security end-users, they said, include downsizing, more demanding customers, alternative work schedules, telecommuting, international operations, electronic access, information protection, emergency planning, incident management and new technology. Manufacturers and suppliers must have the ability to respond to changing end-user needs now more than ever, said Sepulveda.

Kingsley-Hefty said his biggest challenges are the global business environment, the necessity to maintain calm during change and increased security risks and exposure.

The role of the corporate security director in a Fortune 500 organization requires more focus on the bottom line while optimizing security systems. At IBM, security is managed by security directors as business managers. Managers are tasked with running the corporate security operation as a well-scrutinized business.

"As companies become more reliant on security to provide valuable services, we, as professionals, need to be ready for the challenge," say Giles. So what do security directors want?

- generic graphic user interfaces (GUI) for existing products; - the opportunity to streamline operations through integration; - interactive, corporate-wide databases for more efficient communications; - ease of operation; - integrated systems that really work; - ease of training; - stand-alone fire systems interfaced with open communication; - less dedicated hardware and multi-functional systems; and - all this at increased cost efficiency.

End-users say they have not seen much movement on the part of manufacturers to work with the larger companies. Competition is getting stronger, and manufacturers must understand end-user needs and solutions.

More industry forum highlights

- New revenue opportunities for security manufacturers and suppliers - Attendees were enlightened by panelists representing areas of commercial and residential services with natural connections and technological links to commercial security systems. From HVAC controls to home automation, security manufacturers must be open to interoperability of all commercial and home control systems. "Break out of the box," said discussion leader Richard Holtz of RRH Associates. "Think about your customers' needs, and provide benefits and solutions."

- The international security market - Joe Hurst, president of Caddax Control Inc.; John Hakanson, president and CEO of System Sensor; Larry Tracey, president of Detection Systems International and Radionics; and John Waldstein, CEO of International Electronics Inc. (IEI), discussed efforts to serve U.S. companies with international operations and how their own organizations have grown internationally. Fortune 500 corporations with international operations say they prefer to work with one large security provider, so security providers must be able to provide worldwide distribution. Trade barriers - an obstacle in the past are slowly being alleviated.

- New information technologies in security - Harvey Barnes, vice president of risk management for AIT, discussed remote interactive video and its uses for visually verifying alarms, remote guard touring and site management.

Other forum topics included utilities and the security industry, standards, trends in Internet communications technology for the security industry, and acquisitions and mergers.

As we move into the new year and toward a new millennium, whether you are a manufacturer, end-user, supplier or installer, let's make 1998 the year of partnerships and working together toward growth and efficient security solutions.

Have a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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