Physical Security Information Management Archives

Frequently Asked Questions about PSIM

Physical Security Information Management or PSIM is the absolute best system to manage security in a well-organized and communicated manner. So what exactly is PSIM and why do you need to know about it? Here are a few frequently asked PSIM questions: Q: What is PSIM? A: PSIM is software that is designed to integrate multiple unconnected security application devices and control them through one comprehensive user interface. Basically, PSIM brings your security systems together to work as one efficient unit. Q: What does PSIM do? A: PSIM collects and correlates events from a wide variety of security devices and information systems (video, access control sensors, analytics, networks, building systems, etc.) to empower personnel to identify and proactively resolve situations. Q: What is the benefit of integrating PSIM into your organization? A: Some benefits of integrating PSIM into your organization include increased control, improved situational awareness, system management, and reporting. [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:09-05:00PSIM|

Effectiveness of metal detectors on school safety

There are numerous inquiries about metal detectors and school safety measures all year long, and usually they pick up after incidents of school violence that are heavily covered by the media. We get several questions about metal detectors: Are they effective? Is it a necessary addition to a school? Are they needed to ensure and improve school safety? All of these questions really depend on your school’s situation. Not every school district is the same. There are a lot of schools across the United States that do not use metal detectors and a vast majority of these schools never experience the horrific acts of violence such as Columbine or Sandy Hook. I think we all agree that violence has no place at a school, and if we lived in a perfect world, there wouldn’t be any violence in schools at all. But the sad reality is that there are evil [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:46-05:00School Security|

Additional considerations about metal detectors in schools

Our last blog post talked about the potential effectiveness of metal detectors in school. This blog post will relate to some arguments for and against using metal detectors that your school district should consider before implementing a metal detector system in your school. "Do everything we can to protect students" vs. "Not creating a prison-like atmosphere" This is a big component of the argument between getting a metal detector in a school. One side will argue that the school district must do everything they can to ensure student's safety. On the other hand, they don't want to make it seems like the children are going to a prison. School is supposed to be considered a safe zone; if students walk in and see metal detectors, does that really give a sense of security? Implementation Considerations There are many considerations to have when installing a metal detector as a source of [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:39-05:00School Security|

5 Tips to Improving School Safety and Security

It shouldn't take national media attention of a crisis, such as a tragic school shooting, to make you think about your schools safety and security. We already know the dangers that face our students. It is our job to try to prevent these issues and be prepared to quickly respond to any emergencies when they do happen. Below you will find the Top 5 tips to help you improve school safety and security. School Safety & Security Evaluate the school campus for areas where safety and security could be improved. This might include adding additional lighting in the parking lot, the installation or repair of fences, security camera installation, or emergency power solutions. The first step to school safety and security is knowing what current problems exist and what you need to do to correct them. Create an emergency response team. In the event of an emergency situation, your staff [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:19:49-05:00School Security|

Physical Security For Businesses

It doesn't matter if you own a small business or a larger corporation, there are still concerns for physical security. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to protect the physical assets of the company, your employees, and your clients. Security Access Procedures Are you controlling the physical access to your business and the areas within it? Valuable assets and confidential information should only be accessible to employees who require access to them in order to perform their job duties. These assets should be secured in a locked room and a procedure for key distribution put in place. You want to ensure that only those who need access are given access. Entrances to the building should be locked from the outside to prevent non-employees to enter the building. In most cases, customers only need one entrance which should be monitored at all times. Security Systems for Businesses You should [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:17:09-05:00PSIM|

JFK Airport Security Breached

Airport Security and PSIM Solutions are something of growing concern. When traveling, the security and safety of our families is the most important thing to us and it's something that some airports seem to be struggling with. Airport Security Breached In March, an accused rapist bordered a flight for London at John F. Kennedy Airport with a powerful weapon tucked away in his carry-on luggage. The weapon was a powerful 3,800-watt stun gun. This is possibly, the same weapon he allegedly used to subdue his 19 year old victim. The most frightening aspect was that the weapon made it through airport security and onto the plane. It was only discovered later during inventory after he was taken into custody at the request of New York City's special victims unit. While stun guns are allowed to be transported in checked baggage, they are prohibited from being in carry-on luggage. You might [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:17:15-05:00Airport Security|

Government PSIM Solutions

Even with todays technology, it's impossible to completely prevent a potential terror attack. However, that is not to say that your local government cannot prepare for these situations when they do take place. Many cities are now looking into implementing local government PSIM solutions to improve on their current security systems, which goes beyond simple video surveillance. Local Government PSIM Solutions Physical Security Information Management, known as PSIM, is a software solution that combines multiple security, communication, detection, and alerting systems into a single command and control interface. The surveillance system for most cities is broken up into sub systems. The city has a video surveillance system, DOT transit has their own video surveillance system, and private enterprises provide yet another group of video surveillance. Because of these multiple systems, the odds of a terror attack being caught on surveillance video is high. However, the odds of the operator having [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:04-05:00PSIM|

Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings
Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings

PSIM

Physical Security Information Management Software: Necessary for Government Buildings

Physical security information management solutions (PSIM) play an important role in protecting confidential information and safeguarding restricted areas. These solutions allow operators to gather vital information about any occurrence. In high security environments such as government buildings, security systems are particularly important. Instead of the traditional solution of administering systems individually, PSIM security software offers complete system integration. All of the connected systems will report to a rules engine, which will significantly reduce human error and react to an emergency or security threat. As part of the solution, cameras will offer video verification. Additionally, audio of the affected area may be broadcasted, or recorded, as the PSIM provides a list of responsive measures for the government operator to take. An integrated platform improves current investments, joining multiple systems in one interface. It collects and links occurrences from existing distinct security appliances and security systems as a complete solution. This in [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:32-05:00PSIM|

The Important Role of PSIM in Bank Safety

A bank is where we put our full trust and confidence that our savings, possessions, and important valuables are safely protected. However, because banks hold huge amounts of money and possessions, they are subject to various security threats, robberies, and other criminal activities. Bank safety is important to gain the trust and continued patronage of every client. Knowing that you can safely make your everyday transactions not only facilitates trust, but it also helps you sleep just a little better at night knowing that your assets are protected and secure. CCTV Security Most banks are required by law to install a CCTV camera to properly monitor all priority banking areas on a 24/7 basis. Aside from ensuring that their clients’ savings are in good hands, it also boosts the bank’s confidence and ensures their employees that they are in a safe working environment. Bank security personnel can also monitor high-risk [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:35-05:00Bank Security, PSIM|