Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/178290
Safe and Sound SECURITY AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS ARE NO LONGER MERE ADD-ONS TO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS by Kim Wooder I f the language of an industry reflects its future, then the security business is headed for the clouds. Security experts agree that technology is transforming the business of keeping clients safe, whether the client in question is a concerned homeowner or a multinational corporation. According to Iain Morton, vice president Canada for ADT Business Solutions, "Cloud computing, reliable and cost-effective network connections, advances in technology and our investment in highly skilled technicians, network design staff and monitoring centre personnel allowed us to expand beyond our traditional offerings by providing more consistent, comprehensive and advanced solutions in a variety of key markets. These investments allow us to design both on-site and remote solutions that help drive operational efficiencies, reduce risk, increase compliance controls and allow us to act as a business partner to our customers versus the traditional deter, detect and respond approach of the security industry." Lobo Consulting Services principal Colin Lobo says industryapplicable technology is advancing all the time and companies have to keep up with the latest developments. His company is a security consulting firm specializing in high-level or maximumsecurity facilities such as jails and courthouses. It is also well established in the fields of police, health care and education. Lobo says his firm has a front-row seat at the two biggest security conferences of the year to get a first-hand look at manufacturers' new products. The company is also in constant contact with the various manufacturers and developers who often come to Lobo's headquarters to demonstrate products. Lobo says it is fascinating to watch the evolution of products and debate their potential. As independent security consultants, Lobo Consulting Services has no affiliation with any manufacturer and chooses the products that will provide the best design solutions for its clients. New technology isn't the only driver when it comes to design 48/ p.48-49Security.indd 48 APRIL 2012 solutions in the security industry. Changes in protocol are also factors. Lobo uses courthouses as an example, explaining, "Security screening has now become an essential element of any type of courthouse, which affects the architectural designs because now you have to ensure that everyone comes in through one point for screening. The only way in is the only way out." According to Lobo, security was often an add-on to the architectural designs in the past. "Today, we are seeing more of a push to involve security right from the beginning," he notes, "so it is an essential element in the building design, similar to other disciplines." Having the security consultants on board at the start of the project also allows them to look at the architectural designs and assess any potential security risks. Randy Krzak, vice-president of technology and marketing with Chubb Edwards, agrees that integration of services is the key to success. He admits it is a challenge for team members to keep up with the pace of security-related technology. "One of the things we try to do with these groups," Krzak says, "is to make sure they have the current information." Last year, Chubb Edwards hosted a road show across Canada. "We invited engineers, contractors and that whole community out to spend the day with us looking at the new technologies that we bring to the market: fire panels, our security monitoring and fire monitoring systems." Another important component involves changes to standards and how they impact the market. Krzak says it is vital to keep the community aware of what is going on in the industry, in terms of both standards and technology. Chubb Edwards' clientele includes big names in finance, retail, health care and education, all of which benefit from the company's ability to offer a wide range of security and life safety solutions, everything from fire to sound and communication systems, video management, IP-enabled remote services and mass notification. Krzak says interest in mass notification systems was triggered by attacks on U.S. military bases and university campuses. "More and more," Krzak explains, "we are seeing institutions – colleges, universities, municipalities, health-care authorities, university campuses – looking at mass notification solutions that allow them to broadcast, for example, to individual desktops and mobile phones." Chubb Edwards' system does that and more. It also allows the system to take over plasma screens in a building's lobby and broadcast warnings over loudspeakers. Mass notification is a clear illustration of the continuing movement toward total system integration. As Krzak notes, "Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is a key to enhancing the customer interface and it underpins all of our system integration efforts. A holistic approach anchored in PSIM principles optimizes workflow for the client and also delivers access to consolidated, centralized information. What results is better decision making and enhanced risk mitigation." Mark Thomas is the regional general manager, security and fire Canada for Johnson Controls. Thomas says the security business is driven by incidents that may have been prevented with the application of some of the solutions the industry now has to offer. Thomas says there is something on the horizon that will help and it is no surprise that technology plays a huge part. "Our Security & Life Safety Systems 3/26/12 2:25:19 PM