The phrase 'integrated security' has been bandied about the industry for many years, but what does it really mean? Is it merely the neat dovetailing of access control with CCTV to produce a seamless systems solution for the end user? Or is it a process whereby Information Technology and security products coalesce to protect your company's data?

Arguably the best description of the phrase would be something along the lines of: "Highly-skilled security officers working with sophisticated security systems to the ultimate benefit of the end user organisation."

Given the Security Industry Authority's (SIA) licensing of the manned security function – whereupon an estimated 30% of officers will no longer qualify to work in the sector – and the long-awaited onset of the Working Time Directive, the future must lie with an integrated approach. To this end, it's those forward-thinking contractors and clients alike who will reap the rewards of adopting such tactics now as they begin to steal a march on their competitors in the marketplace.

Of course, many practitioners know what they like and, for the most part, can be resistant to change. Particularly change as fundamental as that promised – not predicted – by the SIA. They'll need a kick-start in the right direction, which is why BSIA chief executive David Dickinson's announcement at IFSEC couldn't have been more prescient.

At the Annual Security Industry Awards dinner, Dickinson unveiled plans for a Common Interest Working Group that will involve many of the Association's dedicated sections in "exploring the means of developing cost-effective integrated solutions" (with one eye firmly fixed on the price increases that regulation of the manned services sector will bring).

Importantly, Dickinson used the IFSEC platform to make a further bold statement – one with which SMT is in wholehearted agreement... "If, as an industry, we recognise that laurels are for earning and not just for resting on, we'll view change as an opportunity rather than a threat."

The security community is blessed with dedicated professionals, including a host of excellent officers and supervisors. What we must do now, though, is harness that talent by truly combining the views of guarding contractors, manufacturers and end users for the first time in a bid to map out innovative, joined-up security solutions acceptable to all.

Source

SMT