Security: Integration at Work
Greetings from EDI, Ltd. In this EDItion, we hope to provide you some helpful dialogue about physical security. The world of security is becoming one of the most converged of all systems design disciplines. As you will see in this EDItion, the planning of advanced security applications requires not only an in-depth knowledge of risk analysis and operational functions, but a keen understanding of the audio-visual, data networking, and power challenges associated with today’s systems.
In his debut article for EDItion, consultant Jason Barton, EIT, jbarton@ediltd.com explores the pros and cons of Edge Door Controllers. Don’t miss senior consultant Brian Murphey’s bmurphey@ediltd.com “fence-jumping” article on how audio-visual design choices can significantly enhance the functionality of a security operations center. And finally, we provide you with an overview of the master planning process for security in a campus environment.
At EDI, we recognize that today’s advanced facilities operate with a higher level of integration than ever before. As you face the challenges related to securing and protecting your organization’s most important assets, consider how these multiple elements of technology will affect your application.
We hope you enjoy this EDItion. Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated.
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Sincerely, Kevin Hebblethwaite, CPSM President |
Audio-Visual Design Practices for the Security Operations Center
By Brian Murphy, CTS
The Security Operations Center, or SOC, presents unique audio-visual challenges. The standards and accepted practices that apply to more conventional audio-visual spaces such as classrooms, meeting rooms and auditoria do not readily apply to the SOC.
The typical SOC is equipped to allow security personnel to view multiple images simultaneously. However, in the SOC this multi-image viewing occurs on a scale that usually exceeds that found in most other audio-visual environments. For example, while an advanced classroom might provide the capacity to display several images simultaneously, a SOC for even a moderate-sized corporate campus may require the simultaneous display of hundreds of images. To add to the challenge, most SOC’s are relatively small facilities, designed to seat only a few people at most, so a large amount of display capacity must be crammed into a tight space.
IP Edge Door Controllers: The Future of Access Control
By Jason Barton, EIT
Network cameras and recorders have been around the security world for a few years and are beginning to take over a significant portion of the market share, especially since the price has decreased and the technology has improved. However, on the access control side, development has been slower. Recently, the emergence of IP Edge Door Controllers has sparked interest and caused changes in access control hardware that hasn’t been seen in decades.
Introduction to Campus Security Master Planning
The basic perception of one who enters a healthcare campus should be this -- warm, inviting, and welcoming; a sanctuary that provides access to care. Those who enter a healthcare campus should perceive that value is placed on the patient, not in technology.
With that said, there are challenges to where controls should be applied. We all agree access to care is our primary focus. We do not want to hinder any part of that process. However, we must also maintain the integrity of areas within the healthcare campus that are critical to its operation.
New Featured Project
Children’s Hospital of Alabama
Children’s Hospital of Alabama is planning to build a 781,000 square foot, $480 million expansion facility in downtown Birmingham , Ala. Construction is expected to begin in early 2009.
Click here to learn more about this project.
Around the Office
EDI participated in the RiverEdge Summit 2nd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament. EDI came in 2nd overall out of 28 teams.
Click here to see pictures from the semi-finals and championship game.
