A good management solution incorporates the transit authority's standard procedures. “From dispatching responders and communicating with field personnel to updating traffic signs and rerouting traffic to streaming real-time information and video to mobile devices, the VidSys physical security information management (PSIM) software manages the situation,” said David Fowler, Senior VP of Marketing and Product Development.
PSIM reports also track for compliance and integrate data from multiple sources. This can range from dynamic message signs, signal controllers, road sensors, video cameras, ramp meters and more, Fowler said.
Getting Along Integration is straightforward in terms of technology. However, it gets more complicated with multiple stakeholders, who all require access to security but are reluctant to share resources. “The biggest issues we run into when integrating into a system isn't with the equipment, although it takes expertise to integrate in bus or rail car,” said Craig Szmania, Mobile View Business Leader, UTC Fire & Security. “The biggest challenge is integrating into the networks, for wireless and computer networks for transit authorities.”
Security vendors must cooperate so third-party devices work as one unified system. “The public address system is often integrated with the camera, intercom, sensor and indication systems,” said Kaz Shimizu, Product Marketing Manager, TOA.
The sprawling Shanghai Metro comprises different video protocols and brands. To enable operators to see video regardless of the manufacturer, Infinova integrated all the matrixes and DVRs, said Mark Wilson, VP of Marketing.
The lack of integration for video creates problems not just for vendors but for operators as well. IP video standards, such as ONVIF and PSIA, are welcome. “Everybody will prosper if they have an agreement to work together,” Segall said.
A large distribution of equipment, both fixed and mobile, makes it difficult for operators to have a comprehensive view. “In the future, what they want is to have all those systems integrate together so the transit security force can access all their platforms and buses from one location,” Szmania said. “The technology is there, but the will and the investment is still coming along. Different departments in the transit authority are responsible for different parts of the business; getting them to talk together is a job.
Forming a solution requires identifying the relevant stakeholders. “If there's a fire in the metro station, it's not just a problem underground, but it involves the local police, the public transit authority and the mayor,” Segall said. These parties must be able to share information for maximum benefit, such as video, audio recordings or messages received.