The UK’s current security threat level is ‘severe’. Within such a context, ongoing concerns about security and safety are paramount in the minds of today’s business and public sector leaders. Whether it’s potential national level threats or more localised security issues relating to the fight against drugs, local vandalism or health and safety – providing a proven means to protect and secure people and assets has never been more important.
The Security Solutions team at Siemens hosted a recent forum entitled ‘Securing the Future’, to discuss how available technology in access control, data system integration and network opportunities can be used to facilitate the delivery of a secure future for all.<br><br>At the event, Product Portfolio Manager for UK security solutions within the Siemens Building Technologies division, Gert Rohrmann, called for stakeholders and authorities to bring together the security technology and systems now available to create strategically-based, integrated ‘command and control’ centres to support high profile crisis situations – as well as improve the efficiency of security infrastructures generally. With London supporting over 100 public control rooms – each costing a minimum of £500,000 per annum to staff and operate – and many other privately operated control rooms also in operation around the capital, such a dispersed infrastructure, according to the company, is neither sustainable through a period of severe public spending cuts, nor operationally the most efficient when the infrastructure is needed most at times of crisis.<br><br>Gert called for the integration of security management and command and control systems into a single, powerful entity which can, in the case of a major incident, ensure that situational awareness is quickly established, essential information distributed to key stakeholders and the correct response decisions made without delay. <br><br>He said: “The issues that have been encountered by the emergency services amidst the confusion that follows major incidents can be tackled more effectively via an integrated approach to command and control systems. Indeed, an integrated security management platform would be highly effective in minimising any potential delays in dealing with any highly challenging crisis scenario.” <br><br>Gert cited the ability to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and improve response time to more localised incidents through integrated command and control platforms and highlighted a security surveillance system in place in Dubai as an example of such an approach at work. <br><br>As well as looking into the issues around national threats and subsequent security management solutions, speakers tackled business-related security topics of interest to a range of sectors. These included:<br><br>•Highlighting the work undertaken by Thames Valley Police, which has used advanced analytics available through advanced number plate recognition (ANPR) systems in their fight against regional crime<br>•The impact of technology to support access control to buildings and areas, including the further development of smart cards and growing use of intelligence-led biometric systems<br>•How advances in IP technology is now ensuring quality CCTV images can be captured and used by security professionals and authorities, as well as underpinning enhancements in, for example, visitor experiences <br>•How to manage the integration of data and access control systems to improve security and the performance for large-scale estates <br>•The role of the wide range of current transmission networks in determining successful data and information control and transfer.<br><br>Dave Pickles, business unit head for UK security solutions within the Siemens Building Technologies division, pictured, says: “‘Securing the Future’ enabled us to share our thoughts and offer expert advice concerning the current technology solutions available to assist the business community and public sector in tackling ongoing security-related issues and concerns. We took the opportunity to highlight some of the main advances in technology solutions, as well as debate some of the key trends that are set to influence future security decision-making.<br><br>“Feedback from the well attended audience suggested that the greatest challenge facing the public sector, utilities, property management and corporations is to lower costs whilst reducing risk and improving operations. Siemens can operate as a technology partner to enable all sectors to meet both current and future security challenges, as well as maximise their investment in technology.” Siemens is planning to run a number of themed seminars during 2011. For further details:
