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cost limits, by integrating ad-
ditional security verticals such as
CCTV, intrusion detection and
fire with access control, into a
single platform, can deliver a re-
turn on investment of around 30
percent. This is without sacrific-
ing functionality or performance
compared to installing separate,
isolated systems.
By seamlessly integrating
electronic locker management into
the access control platform, it en-
sures that the maximum number
of lockers are available for staff
to use. This reduces the number
of physical lockers and space
required. Eliminating keys also
removes the day to day adminis-
tration typically involved with a
conventional locker solution.
Consistent site-wide policy
When the security platform
provides distributed control, some
wards retain the ability to manage
security in their area giving the
same feel of ownership and con-
trol whilst utilising the one central
security system. In this way a
consistent security policy is main-
tained whilst people feel they have
control of their own area. This is
particularly important for highly
restricted areas within a typical
hospital such as the pharmacy and
high dependency units, where ac-
cess should be greatly restricted
and controlled.
Automatic response
An integrated security platform
can respond to situations that oc-
cur across any part of the security
platform. In this way, it is easy to
predefine responses to specific
situations such as emergencies or
lockdown policies. The security
manager can predefine what should
happen when a specific situation
occurs. This can either be activated
manually by a security manager, or
the system can automatically react.
For example, if the fire alarm system
is activated in a specific location,
the access control system may react
automatically by unlocking certain
doors whilst locking other doors to
facilitate a controlled evacuation
away from the fire.
Always ready
for future changes
In conclusion, an integrated security
management platform based on open
standards saves costs. This is done
by bringing everything onto a single
server and infrastructure platform.
This way systems that are already im-
plemented can be re-used and server
and infrastructure requirements
commonly associated with multiple
isolated systems can be reduced.
More importantly, the new
system is able to meet the security
policy, whilst retaining freedom for
different areas within the hospital.
In addition, usability is improved
through a single intuitive user
interface in which all security man-
agement tasks can be performed.
An integrated security solution as
described provides no end of life
or restriction as to what can be
achieved in the future. n
We frequently talk to both NHS
and privately owned hospitals
that have one or more exist-
ing access control system which
cannot simply be replaced. Most
hospitals in the past have either
purchased an access product for a
specific area or areas which over
time have multiplied into a num-
ber of different legacy systems,
managed by a variety of different
people across the site. This means
there is no consistent policy
across the hospital and people
may require one or more cards or
access tokens to gain access to the
entire hospital.
Trying to add in other future
demands such as lockdown, inte-
gration of CCTV and locker man-
agement is impossible or inflexible
with some legacy systems. In
addition to these more technical
constraints, budgets often mean
that hospital security managers
are tied to their existing systems.
This is unfortunate as upgrading a
legacy system might not resolve all
of the problems identified above.
The benefits
of open standards
An open platform that enables the
integration and management of
a wide range of different systems
into a single infrastructure enables
the hospital to achieve their desires
with regard to security without
significant capital expenditure.
This requires a platform based on
open IT standards. With a suitable
solution, the security manager is
free to choose the "best of breed"
components such as card readers,
Intercoms and CCTV cameras
from any manufacturer without
having to wait for integration
work or software to be developed
to support new products as they
are released.
Integration saves money
Being able to re-use existing
cabled infrastructure or card
technologies, whilst providing
new functionality and features,
minimizes disruption and keeps
costs down. In an environment
which is already under significant
Theendofdealing
withlegacysecuritysystems
dealing with legacy systems is a repetitive problem
in the security management industry. Meeting the
security policy with legacy systems can be tough,
maintenance is expensive and integration with other
systems is challenging at best; the problems associ-
ated with legacy systems are well known.
The Health Care sector is increasingly required to
demonstrate best value, and security is often seen as
simply a drain on resources, rather than as a way to
add value and provide additional services, making the
decision to replace legacy systems harder than ever.
Ross Bale, a security professional, explains the dif-
ficulties of dealing with legacy systems and offers a
solution for the ever existing legacy problem.
By Ross Bale, Nedap Security Management
Ross Bale, Nedap Security Management.