By Justin Rhodes

The IP security arena is an odd collection of components with varying needs, that has therefore not moved forward entirely at the same speed.  For example, access control manufacturers have embraced the new generation of technology for quite some time now, and there are a number of reliable and flexible systems on the market that can be installed without worry.  Bandwidths required for these applications are generally low, so they pose little challenge to the IT manager, who is the key person to convince, and the ultimate barrier to the Holy Grail -- the purchase order.  Access control manufacturers have come up with a winning formula -- they have built operational redundancy to the edge devices.  In other words, a door controller will quite often have enough processing power to function even if the network or servers are unavailable.  This feature immediately takes the pressure off the IT manager, as he does not have to guarantee the reliability of the network and is therefore happy for the security manager to proceed with the investment.  On the CCTV side, however, there is more of a problem.  Over the years, myths surrounding the installation of digital CCTV and video over IP have proliferated.  Whilst these are slowly being either eroded or addressed with faster network technology, the age old concerns over reliability and network load still pose a serious challenge.

Before the design of such a system can commence, many issues need to be tackle.  The following questions will be familiar to most installers…

• What about the heavier bandwidth demands?  How do I know exactly how much is needed?
• How do I cable to all these inconvenient camera locations, particularly with cable distance constraints?
• What about the reliability of the network components that are in place?
• Do I need a provision of battery backup to all the network devices?
• What about the encryption and security of the network itself so that the security system is not tampered with?
• Does the server have the redundancy required, and is it capable of handling such a large amount of data?
• How do I achieve near 100% network uptime needed for a surveillance system to be effective?

These concerns can deter even the most patient and capable IT manager from agreeing to consider such a system.

Return on investment is rarely far from the decision-making mechanisms of most enterprises these days.  Intelligent security technology can deliver outstanding return on investment and the long-term business value of advanced security solutions demands far greater promotion.

Whilst the initial outlay is often greater, an IP-based solution not only offers convenience, flexibility, mobility and interoperability, it increases operational efficiency, reduces resources, liability and loss.

Continuous monitoring and endless fruitless searches to retrieve relevant footage is a thing of the past.  Today’s event-based systems provide the ability to immediately detect suspicious events.  They have also significantly reduced the considerable delays between an incident taking place and action being taken.

Businesses that operate over multiple sites or remote locations can make immediate cost savings.  Sizeable organisations with numerous CCTV systems, each with its own overheads, maintenance and operational requirements can benefit significantly from the ability to monitor their sites from a single location over a network.  Investing in an IP-based security solution is also more future proof.  Network-based systems can be adapted and extended to meet the changing needs of an organisation.  The long-term cost of ownership is significantly reduced for businesses that anticipate their security requirements changing in the future.

There is another final benefit that is often overlooked.  Remote support and diagnostics can be supplied which provides a far more convenient and efficient way of managing such a system for the client.

So, given that most of the challenges and concerns surrounding IP-based security can be addressed and the arguments in favour of IP far outweigh the issues, why are installers still failing to make the sales?

EDUCATING THE END-USER

For a start we need more help from manufacturers.  The technology has enormous capabilities, but who is promoting the benefits to the end user?  Traditional manufacturing literature is product specific.  It is geared towards installers who need to know the practical features of a product.  Whilst this technical detail is very important to an installer facing the issue of specifying the right equipment, it does not provide us with the marketing edge required to ultimately sell it to the customer.

Customers need their fears addressed, and the benefits of the systems spelt out to them.  Literature and training has traditionally focused on addressing the educational requirements of the installer.  Content that is geared towards answering the needs and questions of the end user would significantly improve our sales success rate.

THE FUTURE, ADDED VALUE

Once a system is digital, another major benefit is automation and integration.  There are a number of software packages that can compliment a CCTV system and will predict and react to events, as well as send signals to other systems such as access control, intruder and building management services. 

In the past, high-end packages have been needed to measure work flow, traffic flow, footfall and unusual behaviour.   However, this is becoming more and more available -- even to the point of running on a chip in the actual camera.  Of course making use of the data (often referred to as metadata) that is captured and delivering it to the right person is another matter.  There could be a dozen entirely different roles in an organisation that might need to make decisions based on the data captured.  This brings me back to an earlier point -- the more technology in the edge devices the better.  A standard home camcorder probably has a thousand times more processing power than any CCTV camera, so why not put greater decision making in the camera unit and recording systems and take some of the load off the network?

COMPETENCE OF INSTALLERS

In my opinion the main issue blocking the sales funnel, lies with the competence of today’s installers.  Where some companies have been quick to recognise the potential of technological advances, a large number of the industry’s workforce have yet to embrace the changes.  Too many installation companies do not know how to competently design a secure and reliable network, and therefore cannot sell an integrated IP security system, let alone install one.

The sophistication of today’s security systems means that the knowledge and commitment of those within the industry has never been more tested.  Advanced technology has historically been heralded by the IT industry.  Professional security practitioners now face a simple choice; embrace the new technology or lose the majority of the market to the IT industry.  Whilst the IT industry can deliver the latest networks and understand IP technology, it lacks the training, knowledge and experience required to install a correctly designed security solution that meets industry standards and legislation.

INVESTING IN IT

Forward thinking security companies need a new breed of engineer.  Today’s security engineers will be working closely with the client’s IT department and therefore need to possess a good working knowledge of networks and an understanding of the software products.  So how do we get round these problems?  Security solutions providers such as Chris Lewis Security Services provide their customers with an integrated security and IT solution.  For many years they have recognised the opportunities of network-based technology, and have consistently embraced new technology as it is developed and comes to market.

Today the IT specialists of a security installer should work in close conjunction with their team of security engineers.  Whilst the skills of security installation engineers are still invaluable, they need to share their skills with IT engineers so that they both develop capabilities in this new technological arena.  Of course, this approach only works as long as the IT engineer is not tempted to pick up a drill!

Security practitioners across the industry need to rise to the challenge ahead of them or risking losing out on the fantastic opportunities.  As the knowledge of new technology and the obvious benefits of networked systems become more widely publicised to end users, networked and IP-based security solutions will be increasingly demanded across the UK and the world.  The sophistication of today’s security systems means that the knowledge and commitment of those within the industry has never been more tested.  If parishioners can gain the skills and first hand knowledge required to sell and install IP-based security solutions, then the predicted IP revolution can really get under way.

Justin Rhodes is IT Director at Chris Lewis Security Services (www.chrislewissecurity.co.uk).

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