Though the size and nature of businesses and their buildings differ – from a high street bank to a hi-tech nuclear power plant – what connects them are the challenges they face when it comes to establishing and managing an effective security system.
Though the size and nature of businesses and their buildings differ – from a high street bank to a hi-tech nuclear power plant – what connects them are the challenges they face when it comes to establishing and managing an effective security system; inadequate alarm response, unmanageable system diversity and lack of video verification are just some of the reasons why businesses question the value of their security investment.
Bosch believes this question is more than answered by their intelligent Building Integration System.
The Building Integration System (BIS) is a software solution that provides integrated management of subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address (PA/VA), intrusion systems and key technologies (IVA, VRM). All on a single platform.
BIS has proven its reliability in over 3,000 installations and 10 million detectors worldwide. Thanks to early uptake of the latest developments and features, enhanced pre-configuration and installation support via templates, white papers and extensive training material, the beneficiaries of this continuous optimization are the system itself and its end users.
With the release of version 4.6, Bosch has added new access control functionalities that are specifically suited for office buildings, and enhanced the integration possibilities with trusted third-party subsystems.
Fully embedded access control
The BIS Access Engine (ACE) is a complete access control software within the Building Integration System. It encompasses all the essential features of any standalone access control system, plus a wide range of optional enhancements.
Responding to the need for flexible, convenient management of access privileges in day-to-day operations, BIS ACE 4.6 provides offices with further control options for doors in medium and low security areas. The personalized ‘permanent open’ functionality enables users to leave predefined doors permanently unlocked, which is especially helpful in the case of events or during office hours when many people need access to specific areas.
The flexibility of BIS 4.6 is evident. Additionally, to the existing wired solutions for door control, it now offers the opportunity to wirelessly integrate the SimonVoss SmartIntego electronic locks, and introduces ‘fingerprint only’ and ‘card only’ modes for easier and quicker access. For those requiring higher security precautions, BioEntry W2 dual authentication (displaying fingerprint and card) remains an option.
Future-facing third-party integration
With the introduction of version 4.6, BIS now fully supports the Unified Architecture (UA) protocol developed by the OPC foundation. The support of OPC UA and the growing number of OPC UA supported devices enhance the integration of third-party subsystems, making it a future-proof system. To ensure that also legacy systems can still be integrated, BIS 4.6 continues to support Classic OPC.
Just one example of an integration via OPC UA is the ability for BIS 4.6 to support light and building functionalities via the Rexroth IoT-ready Programmable Logic Controller (ILC). The result of this collaboration is the ability to provide operators with a solution capable of monitoring and controlling systems such as air, lighting, utility, windows and shades from a single BIS user interface. This integration further increases safety and security in buildings by enabling operators to configure automatic lighting in the event of an evacuation. Furthermore, when combined with camera recordings and live views, BIS is capable of providing illumination and visibility precisely where and when it’s needed.
With this integration, BIS 4.6 evolves from security and safety-focused requirements into a centralized platform for operational building management.
Data security and privacy of individuals
BIS is always on-trend, thanks to regular software updates that keep your system up-to-date with the latest IT developments (operating systems, high-availability and virtualization solutions), plus essential data security and privacy requirements. By staying current, as demonstrated by the new 4.6 version, BIS is able to protect sensitive information like event logs and personal data, encrypt and secure all communication between servers, clients, controllers and readers, and safeguard against malware by testing the security of millions of passwords. What’s more, by staying true to this ethic, BIS can support companies requiring compliance related to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).