Security IT networks
one another because of the different interfaces. According to Matthew Meade of security systems
provider Siemens, the main challenge when faced with the integration of products from different disciplines or manufacturers is that they typically use different methods of communication. However, the development of ‘open standards’ is changing this. ‘Open standard communication methods such
as OPC [Open Process Control] have enabled the communication between disparate systems to become a far easier task,’ says Meade. The use of Ethernet technologies has enabled products that used to use propriety and hard-wired communications to use a common infrastructure. ‘If the products are using a common infrastructure,
then they are indirectly already connected to each other. They may then just require an interface to convert communication data in one format to another.’ Another important consideration is the type of
equipment to use. IP may be the preferred solution for most new-build projects, but there is another option, says Brittle: ‘You can run analogue over IP. If people have good quality analogue systems that still have life in them, using something called Codec you can incorporate analogue into IP.’ He recommends that clients use IP for new buildings, but says that when refurbishing an existing one, the existing equipment must be evaluated. It may still have some life in it and may still be classed as fit for purpose. Perhaps one of the best recent examples of what
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can be achieved when analogue and IP are combined is in Las Vegas, where the new 18 sq m ft CityCenter development is integrating Honeywell’s newest IP video technology with analogue video and the facility’s IT systems. ‘Most newer facilities today will use a mix of
both analog and IP video technology, but the key to maximising their advantages is being able to manage both with a single platform,’ says Ron Rothman, president, Honeywell Security Group. Although there may be advantages in integrating
security systems into a structure’s existing infrastructure and valid reasons for using analogue equipment instead of IP, ultimately the equipment strategy must comply with what Brittle calls the three elements in security. These are technology, operations and procedure. ‘If those three are not in balance you could still
have a security system that is vulnerable to attack,’ says Brittle.
Building management There are some other important considerations when thinking about integration. According to Siemens’ Ian Ellis, who is also president of the British Controls Industry Association, the issues that need to be resolved in any integration project involve the interaction between the security system and the BMS. These decisions need to be agreed with the client before any work is carried out. Ultimately, clients will want to see
A key issue for different types of security system is their interaction with the building management system
> July 2010 CIBSE Journal 43
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