Enterprise security directors often count on an integration firm to handle jobs ranging from day-to-day activities to long-term, technology-laden projects.
However, before entering a relationship, you must know what's reasonable to expect from an integrator – as not all are created equal. Here are some tips that might make the selection process easier.
Completing comprehensive classwork
An integrator's experience working in an enterprise environment is an obvious consideration. Ideally, that experience fits well with your business. Any enterprise experience is a plus, but local, state, and federal regulations create precise yet very different rules for securing a utility instead of a hospital. That's also true for university campuses, manufacturing facilities, and many other operations.
Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing
Look for certifications indicative of an integrator's commitment to staying on top of industry changes. Organizations such as ASIS International and the Security Industry Association offer certifications showing an integrator's team members have mastered security principles and skills. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing. Also, ensure an integrator sells and services equipment that integrates with your current security systems. Using multiple systems for the same function is less efficient.
Project update meetings
Go beyond an integrator's slick brochures and websites to ask tough questions about previous experience. How would the integrator handle a hypothetical situation in one of your facilities? Ask the integrator if there will be one project manager for all jobs. And ensure that person handles all interactions with security subcontractors.
Ask if the integrator provides regularly scheduled project update meetings. It's frustrating to wonder how your project is progressing. Ask if the integrator's team can work during the hours and days that result in the least interference to your daily operations. Ask for onsite system training to save time and eliminate travel costs.
Gathering sensitive data
Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department
A malfunctioning component may be more than an inconvenience – it may be a severe security threat. You need to know how quickly your integrator can respond when things go wrong. Ask about available service plans. And consider the embedded staff approach in which the integrator places employees on your site full time to handle day-to-day and emergency activities.
Much of the security equipment – video, access control, intercoms, visitor management, and more – is wireless and dependent upon networks operated by your IT department. Network-based devices provide more opportunities for hackers to gather sensitive data or cause critical equipment to malfunction. Don't trust your security operations with an Integrator unfamiliar with at least basic cybersecurity principles. Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department. At a minimum, ensure the integrator can set and change security device IP addresses and port locations. Certifications from providers such as Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM indicate an understanding of various IT technologies.
Potential security partners
Knowledgeable integrators work with the well-encrypted Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), now an internationally recognized standard. Run from any integrator who suggests operating an access control system with used Wiegand technology offering no encryption between cards and readers. It's easy for hackers to capture data and clone a working credential.
Technology moves at a rapid pace. Your modern system of a few years ago may be long-of-tooth. You need an integrator capable of bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. You want an integrator who conducts in-house testing of new products, not relying solely on a manufacturer's claims. You want an integrator capable of thinking outside the box to solve a complex security problem. These ideas are just a start in assessing an integrator's value to your enterprise operation. However, they will help you sort through potential security partners to find one that best meets your needs.
- Network / IP
- Residential security systems
- Industrial security
- Remote security
- Commercial security
- Perimeter security
- Security management
- Security devices
- Security installation
- Security cameras
- Security camera systems
- Security monitoring system
- Security access systems
- Radio frequency Identification
- Fingerprint reader
- Network cameras
- Security software
- Security service
- Coastal surveillance
- Visitor management systems
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
- Security communication
- Integration software
- Network Video Recorders
- Warning Devices
- OSDP
