Just as security products have increasingly moved toward IP, the same holds true for access control, which inevitably becomes a part of the Internet of Things framework. Amid this trend, the role of the systems integrator will also have to evolve.
Just as security products have increasingly moved toward IP, the same holds true for access control, which inevitably becomes a part of the Internet of Things framework, connecting with a variety of networked devices. Amid this trend, the role of the systems integrator will also have to evolve.
Specifically, the integrator will have to transform from someone who merely installs physical security products to someone equipped with networking knowledge and various protocols in IoT. “More and more end users want solutions that relate specifically to each and every device that is connected to their networks. These integrators must take on more of a consultant role, working with end users to design systems that take into account IP and IoT protocols,” said Mitchell Kane, President of Vanderbilt Industries. “It’s important for integrators to learn more about how the products they work with operate within a network, particularly when dealing with critical sites that are vulnerable to cyber threats.”
“We believe that the system integrator plays a critical role in the adoption of the IoT in physical access control. Without the core life safety knowledge that they bring, the IoT solutions would likely be implemented incorrectly, possibly creating a bigger problem than the one they were attempting to solve,” said Rob Martens, Futurist and Director of Connectivity Platforms at Allegion. “System integrators and facility executives are coming up to speed fast on new technology and solutions in the market, and those who become savvy quickly will benefit.”
“The only way you can grasp all of these opportunities the Internet of Things brings is by knowledge and understanding. So you need to know what it's capable of and you need to know how you can control it to make sure you can deploy successfully what you say you're going to provide,” said Gareth Ellams, MD for Access Control at ASSA ABLOY.
As for the end user, they are affected by IoT in that decisions related to security are now transferred from building managers to IT, which is not necessarily well-versed in security.
“We see an increased CIO involvement as some budgets shift organizationally at the enterprise level without fully understanding the impact. The logic being that this is ‘more like IT now,’” said Martens.
“That is only a half-truth. It is absolutely tied to networks, and other IT-oriented technology, but there is no surrogate for the core physical access control knowledge that facility executives and system integrators possess.”
The end user organization, therefore, should bring the facility management and IT together and have them co-work effectively to come up with the best security solution.
“Now, this is a team sport. Security managers have always had to work with building managers in this regard, but now must call on the expertise of the IT department since a lot of the security hardware and software is run over the very network that the IT director oversees. They must be involved in making sure the connectivity and data being transmitted is secure,” Kane said. “Opening the lines of communication between the IT and physical security departments is absolutely best for the organization, and aids the relationship between the organization and the vendor/integrator in knowing that the two have discussed their needs and have a clear idea of how those needs can be met.”
“Facilities security and IT ... each one does their own thing. So it's up to the organization to make a conscious decision to streamline across those practices,” said Kurt Takahashi, SVP of Sales at AMAG Technology. “Until the organization makes that decision, there will always be departmental conflicts because those departments don't want to relinquish control. They have to learn to work together.”