Not unlike the airline pilot, the dispatchers or control center operators can override the pre-set protocols if specific corrections are needed. The other benefit is if additional resources and personnel are needed to assist the dispatch operator, those individuals can join the PSIM remotely as quick as it takes to connect to the Internet, login and engage to assist with those already on site. If the threat is endangering your dispatch center or control center, these PSIMs are web based, so physical location is not an issue. While relocating the physical location, the remote logins can continue the work that simply cannot not be interrupted.
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Now you have utilized your investment of various entities in a proactive and effective manner for a comprehensive response.
Put Prospective Vendors Through Their Paces
Okay, you say, this is all good and wonderful, but what is needed to initiate the introduction of a PSIM, and are there down sides?
You must first have a conversation with the PSIM vendor, explain to them what your expectations are and detail what types of security and monitoring products you currently have deployed. Are they proprietary products, and if so does the vendor have current agreements with those vendors? Not unlike asking a vendor about the R&D of a product enhancement, make sure it is a current state and not a wish list.
You must have the PSIM vendor conduct an assessment of those products and provide you with a written report regarding compatibility.
Before you make any financial commitment to this project, arrange for an on-site demonstration of the product using a cross section of your systems to include a 30-day testing period with a written feasibility assessment. During this testing period, make sure you have truly “kicked the tires” so to speak by having the feasibility test involve old systems, newer versions, older buildings and recently built ones. Insist that the PSIM vendor cover the costs for this testing and provide written documentation of the feasibility tests prior to agreeing to a more expansive inclusion.
Do Your Homework and Ask Tough Questions
These systems are not inexpensive, but their costs should be weighed with the needs and the expected response by your community in an emergency. It should be noted that many security systems are adopting the PSIM concept in various forms. So, do your homework, and ask all the tough questions, because it may already be at your fingertips,you simply don’t recognize it.
Thomas Komola is manager of MIT’s security and emergency management office.
