8 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Software is playing a major role in the growth of physical security
James McHale, MD, Memoori Research:
voice of the
security industry
"... there are only a few commercial prod-
ucts with deep learning that are available
today in the field of video surveillance."
There is a need to rationalise this business in order to meet the needs of
clients, and fit into the World of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial
Intelligence (AI), ultimately delivering the high growth that is forecast.
TOdAY
Whilst software has made a significant contribution to the growth of the
Physical Security business over the last 10 years it is a relatively small part
of the business accounting for no more than 10% of the total annual value,
but growing its market share every year.
Software has been delivered through security hardware manufacturers for
the most part and software companies that have specialised in the physical
security business, unlike other Building Automation Services (BAS) where
software companies external to the business have had a major influence
on the business and shaping its future. However as our latest report shows
this is changing as deep learning and video analytics is being introduced
into initially the video surveillance industry with the major thrust coming
through independent specialist software companies.
Software packages that extend across the business include Video Manage-
ment Software (VMS), Intelligent Video Software, Physical Identity Access
Management (PIAM), Access Control Management Software, Physical
Security Information Management (PSIM), which is now often termed
Converged Security and Information Management (CISM). In addition
there are software platforms to integrate across all 3 branches of the physi-
cal security business and beyond into other BAS services.
Whilst almost all of these packages overlap one another, there are few sup-
pliers that offer more than one service. There has been some rationalisation
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over the last five years within these services and more importantly between
them, particularly PIAM and Access Control Management and VMS and
Intelligent Video through merger and acquisition and strategic alliance.
Physical Identity Access Management (PIAM) is a software product that
can weld together Physical Access Management with Identity Management
and makes the system much more secure, delivering many other valuable
features. Now that IP is becoming standard in Access Control it's relatively
simple to link these services together. Almost all Fortunes top 500 have
installed PIAM systems. The key benefit from PIAM solutions is opera-
tional cost reduction that can be delivered through this platform, providing
a bridge between the disparate systems, without stripping out and starting
again.
However connectivity between PIAM and Physical Access Control in the
mainstream market has been a relatively slow process but developments
this year are moving this along. HID Global is one of the leading PIAM
suppliers and acquired Mercury Security this year. This strategic acquisition
will put them in a strong position to provide this service to the mainstream
business.
Physical Security Information Management (PISM) is a category of
software that provides a platform and applications created by middleware
developers, designed to integrate multiple unconnected security applica-
tions and devices and control them through one comprehensive user
interface.
A decade ago, PSIM was the `next big thing', but demand has been
restricted to large complex sites, most in public ownership where safety
is critical. Whilst the cost and complexity of installing a PSIM has
improved it is still too high for most commercial buildings and for this
reason PSIM will remain a niche offering. Given time the IoT will deliver
a much more eloquent solution and a cheaper one. But the push to go for
Smart Cities right across the globe could open up a window of opportu-
nity for PSIM to extend its life.
However much of the security industry believe the principal of joining
all the different services through a top-end software solution through
bespoke software is proving to be fragile causing high maintenance and
does not deliver all the intelligence that is available. Big Data and IoT
could solve these problems, be a better proposition but its probably three
years away from commercial acceptance.
Software packages across the Physical Security indus-
try are numerous covering many different functions;
many overlapping each other causing confusion for
end users and resulting in a fragmented business,
writes James McHale, the Managing Director of Me-
moori Research.
Software packages that extend across the business include Video Management Software (VMS), Intelligent Video Software, Physical Identity Access Management (PIAM), Access
Control Management Software, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM).
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