SECURITY Management in Australia has never balanced on such a pivotal moment. Whether you’re protecting assets in the public or private sector, threat potential has never been so acute and the capability of technology never so high. The challenge is finding solutions that bring technology and operational procedures together in the most powerful and cost effective ways.
For many government departments and private organisations, the current levels of threat demand the application of electronic security systems in support of procedures that wring out every last ounce of capability from devices and their underlying networks. And they do so in multiple different ways. On the one hand, the need for situational awareness at pivotal moments on very large sites stretches the capacity of what can be managed coherently using centralised integration of multifarious sub systems.
In other applications, security technology has 2 tasks – firstly the protection of assets and human life, and secondly, driving cost efficiencies that save hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars every year. Alongside the power of the latest security technology runs its ability, when used in tandem with fast-changing network capability, to change the way security operations are managed. If signals are adequately protected, it really is now possible to engage in proactive management anywhere there’s dependable Internet and to attain a fingertip sense of your entire application with a modest budget.
One of the core elements of any application of security technology is its support for security operations. It’s such a simple thing to say but melding technology and operations is relentlessly hard to do. And the larger the organisation, the harder. Technology is too often seen as the entire response to risk, rather than a means by which security managers can better and more efficiently manage response to risk. At its most raw, the failings of the interface between technology and procedures can be agonising.
In large organisations, there may be quality electronic security solutions but a failure to instil a culture of communication means electronic systems have virtually no value. In large facilities, lone workers may be supported by multiple alarm call devices yet have no idea what will happen if alarms are activated. At a defence installation, contracted security officers at a gate house might be thoroughly appraised of actions to take in response to aggressive intrusion, yet base residents on weekends receive no vital alerts.
The security management function has always been challenging – melding intelligence, access control, procedures, CPTED, intrusion detection, incident response, surveillance, and risk management to counter shifting threats in organic environments in real time, can’t be underestimated. Taking these and other factors into account, policies, procedures and controls must be established then governed live to defend a location in multiple layers; from initial deterrent, to detection; from resistance to entry, to response and investigation.
In today’s risk environment, with technology at its most capable and its most accessible in terms of cost and performance, we must create organic solutions that exhibit a blend of technological input and human management and response. And such solutions can only be created by fitting the best systems to the most challenging environments through a process of tough talk. Security and Government Expo, to be held at the Realm Hotel in Canberra on November 3 from 12 till 6pm is the perfect opportunity to discuss ways to merge security procedures with the latest security technologies without leaving the city.
SAGE is organised by <I>SEN<I> and supported by major industry partner ASIS ACT (register free at www.securityandgovernment.com.au). Luke Williams, chief security officer Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will speak on International Security Challenges, A DFAT Perspective, and the expo includes an application-specific shoot-out of wide angle cameras with angles of view ranging from 180-270 degrees.
SAGE Exhibitors include major industry sponsor, ASIS ACT, Dormakaba, BFT Automation Australia, TDSi, C.R. Kennedy, Bosch, Dahua, Axis, LSC, Pelco, Inner Range, Chubb, Add-on APAC, EKA, Avigilon, FSH, Direct Connect, Perimeter Systems, Gallagher, LED Sensormat, Geutebruck, NTT Communications, Sektor, Gunnebo, Honeywell, Ezi Security Systems and Hitachi, with Hills and Genetec sponsoring lanyards and drinks.SAGE Expo will show security managers, integrators, installers and consultants an excellent spread of solutions from quality providers.
It’s the only chance security professionals in Canberra have to see the latest technologies in 2016. If you’re serious about your security, we’ll see you there! ♦
