NSCA Focus: A Secure Future
Feb 1, 2004 12:00 PM,
By Kim Doyle
NSCA made the decision last year to add a strong security component to the association’s biggest annual event, the NSCA Systems Integration Expo 2004. NSCA and the PSA Security Network entered into a partnership that included the collocation of their expos and conferences (see the January 2003 issue of Sound & Video Contractor).
This partnership will be of great benefit to systems integrators and NSCA members (not discounting the obvious plus of having one less event to travel to). More important is the real value security adds to the business plans of systems integrators everywhere. Many NSCA members already work successfully in the security market, and others are contemplating a new niche for 2004. Regardless of where you are in the process, the technology of digital security is here and now.
I spoke with Bill Bozeman, president and chief executive officer of PSA Security Network, which is hosting the Security and Life Safety pavilion at the Systems Integration Expo and overseeing the security education tracks.
What is security systems integration?
Let me define security systems integration from PSA’s perspective. Our members specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining sophisticated electronic security devices, which involves database and network driven access control and closed-circuit television surveillance systems.
Define burglar alarm companies and how they differ from security systems integrators.
Burglar alarm companies specialize in installing and maintaining alarm systems that range from low-end prices of $99 to a $10,000 security system for an executive’s home. In addition to residential, these companies service the industrial, commercial, and fire and life safety market, as well.
Although PSA has member companies that are in the alarm business, most of our alarm contractors service the high-end industrial, commercial, and government type of facilities. In fact, we have an alliance with the industry’s most prestigious alarm and monitoring organization, the Security Network of America. Many of their members are also PSA members.
Why would a systems integrator want to enter the security integration market?
According to statistics, the fastest-growing segment of the low-voltage systems integration business is electronic security. Of the entire electronic security menagerie — which includes fire, access, and CCTV — video surveillance is the fastest-growing segment.
How does a systems integrator benefit from PSA membership?
A systems integrator who specializes in nurse call, pro sound, or commercial sound would benefit from the recognition of being a part of the industry’s definitive source of access control and CCTV systems integration knowledge. We represent more than 200 manufacturers of access and CCTV products — products manufactured around the world — all represented under the PSA flag.
How easy is it to enter into the security field?
It depends on what level of security systems integrators want to provide. If they choose to do basic video surveillance such as what’s installed in convenience stores, then it’s not that difficult. Many of those systems have become plug and play. It’s a different story if they are interested in the mid- to high-end market.
An integrator has to be network savvy when working the high-end market, but this is where PSA’s affiliation with NSCA provides some great benefits. Many NSCA integrators are already network savvy or have realized the necessity to learn networking to survive in a systems integration world. They’ll need that skill set if they are in the structured cable, life safety, nurse call, pro A/V commercial audio, and telephony businesses.
Is there a benefit for systems integrators to provide security along with their current services?
It’s a perfect opportunity. They already have a built-in base. Churches need security — they are no longer the safe havens that they once were. Hospitals are an incredible market, as well. Most security directors are looking to consolidate their vendors and would rather deal with one or two integrators rather than multiple ones.
If systems integrators don’t want to provide security, can they network with PSA members?
Absolutely! Systems integrators may not be able to be experts in all aspects of low-voltage integration, so partnering with a PSA member is a perfect alternative. PSA has offices in more than 200 U.S. cities.
Even if they don’t enter the security market, should systems integrators at least learn the basics?
Yes. One way would be to go to the 2004 Systems Integration Expo and see the vendors at the PSA pavilion. There will be more than 200 hours of security training classes, casino security tours, and more than 100 booths focused on security. The big benefit that PSA really brings to the table is our expertise and our training. If systems integrators want to learn about access control, CCTV, biometrics, smart cards, perimeter protection, and fiber optics as its related to the security industry, there is no better place.
Which classes should beginners take?
Security Integration — Is It the Right Road for Your Business? is the perfect introductory class. In addition, we have classes such as Fiber Optics Made Easy for Security Applications and Biometrics 101, as well as business management courses for executives.
Do systems integrators have to be a PSA member to go to the convention or to network with PSA members?
No, though PSA has some activities restricted to just members. But there are plenty of other events available to nonmembers. I highly recommend that integrators attend this convention, discover the opportunities that security brings, and decide for themselves.
Kim Doyleis the NSCA communications director. She may be reached at[email protected].
NSCA BUILDING CONNECTIONS
For more information about NSCA, visit www.nsca.org, and for the PSA Security Network, go to www.psasecurity.com.
