Physical Security Software Features
Physical security platforms vary in their functionality, given that they are often middleware solutions that connect disparate systems and solutions. Middleware software essentially acts as a glue between multiple unconnected software applications, allowing these applications to communicate and share information with each other. The full range of features depends on the user persona and the integrated products, but generally a base solution offers some or all of the following features.
Access control — Access control maintains facility security by controlling who can enter or exit any specific area. Users are given preset access permissions and must use some method to verify their identity, such as a key card, a code, or biometric authentication. Digital access control can also be established to secure sensitive computer data.
Incident reporting — Incident logs and reports can be completed with preset or custom templates to document ongoing and resolved incidents that security personnel are addressing. These reports may include details such as timestamps, GPS location, facility site locations, and images.
Computer-aided dispatch — Computer-aided dispatch drastically reduces the time it takes to mobilize security personnel to a specific location for a reported threat or incident. Operators can communicate with law enforcement officers, track vehicle and emergency locations with GIS mapping, and document any notes from officers or the person who reported the incident.
Security personnel management— Security personnel management ensures guards are scheduled properly, can receive and send communications, and that their locations are monitored by the system operator.
Mass notifications — Mass notifications allow the system operator to send out text or intercom announcements when threats escalate and all individuals in the building need to prepare for evacuation or lockdown. This could also apply to fire alarms or similar environmental threats. Additionally, many of these alarms are often automated and do not require an operator to trigger.
Video surveillance — Video surveillance footage from installed cameras is managed from a central interface. System operators can manipulate specific feeds to zoom, rewind, or stop footage, or they can transmit footage to appropriate security personnel.
Visitor management — Visitor management functions may include mobile kiosks for signing in and signing out, printing photo badges for visitors, and tracking total number of visitors over time. These solutions may also integrate with parking management solutions to track license plates and verify visitor identity.
GIS mapping — GIS mapping allows system operators to visualize the entire facility and quickly see marked locations for stationed personnel, specific individuals, or reported incidents. For dispatchers, these maps can show vehicle location.
SOP management — Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can be configured to each business's unique protocols, and these will be displayed in the system so staff can respond accordingly to specific incidents.
Analytics reporting — Analytics reporting allows system users to pull specific data reports for previous incidents, response rates, or personnel logs. Reports can highlight areas for improvement, such as time spent between threat identification and security dispatch, or provide insight into how many threats were prevented as a result of the physical security system.
Potential Issues with Physical Security Software
Human error — While physical security software offers organizations features to improve safety and security procedures, they are only as useful as the security personnel utilizing them. The system may detect threats, but if security guards are slow to respond to an alert, harm can still come to an individual or the property--even with automated alerts, alarms, and access control in place.
Interoperability — Physical security platforms are only as capable as the number of manufacturer integrations they allow. There are open industry standards within physical security, such as the physical security interoperability alliance (PSIA) or ONVIF (open network video interface forum), that are concerned with improving interoperability of IP-enabled security devices (such as video surveillance hardware). PSIM tools often utilize open technologies that are compatible with a wide range of physical security manufacturers, in contrast to more simplistic security software tools. When facing limited manufacturer integration options, businesses sometimes sacrifice functionality from their physical security platform.
