How situation management systems are evolving and what that means for you
Situation Management and PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) first arrived on the “security scene” a few years ago as a way to deal with a burgeoning number of security sensors/systems (video, access control, etc)., and the resulting challenges of managing this overwhelming amount of information. With Situation Management, for the first time, security operations were able to connect the many dots and achieve a common operating picture, with alerts and automated workflows to guide their actions.
Since its introduction, Situation Management has been embraced by all types of security operations – including seaports, airports, utility companies, government operations and large corporations. But it’s Situation Management’s growing popularity in another area that just might surprise you. Did you know that Situation Management can serve the operations needs of an organization in much the same way as it addresses security needs – by integrating systems and sensors and triggering operational alerts and workflows?
At the end of the day, Situation Management technology has applications way beyond security.
Power utility companies, for example, can integrate their grid devices into a Situation Management solution. In so doing, the system can automatically send error messages or device alerts to notify operations personnel when maintenance is needed. This could in turn initiate maintenance work orders, or instruct personnel to follow-up or escalate if work is not completed on time. A seaport, on the other hand, might integrate their critical cranes operations so that maintenance personnel can be automatically alerted if a vital crane component goes down.
Look around your company. Situational awareness isn’t just about security. Do you see any opportunities for improving “operational situational awareness?” If so, I’d love to hear from you.
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