It does cost more money and time to add another piece of software to your existing system. So why do it? If the software is designed to create a unified security platform of disparate systems it just might make sense. Unifying disparate systems into one platform, using one graphical user interface, simplifies the operators experience and makes them more effective in securing the facility.
Not all software is created the same.
Setting up the Aegis Unified Security Platform is simple when compared to a PSIM. PSIMs are typically a custom software installation using scripts to make the product work. Your installation team is usually replaced by the PSIM team, which means you lose out on those billable hours. You might be happy that you missed out on the billable hours because of the headaches you will get installing a PSIM! But why should you have to miss out?
The Aegis Unified Security Platform is designed to make version upgrades of subsystems easy. When the underlying subsystems versions are changed, it is an easy process for KapLogic to upgrade the existing Aegis Driver so it works with the new version of the subsystem. Once the Driver has been upgraded (usually within 4 days), the integrator loads it onto the Aegis Distribution Server. The next time the operator logins in, Aegis is automatically updated with the modified Driver. With a PSIM, a version change in the subsystem can be a total stoppage until they rewrite their integration to the subsystem.
A mid-level technician with 6 to 8 hours of training via an internet webinar will be able to install, program and maintain Aegis. The programming is conducted using a drag-and-drop installation process. When it takes a PSIM 6 months to install, the Aegis software takes 1-2 weeks.
Operator onboarding and training is an issue. For an operator to learn multiple security systems can take 1+ weeks for each system. With the Aegis Unified Security Platform it will only take 2 hours of training to manage all of the security systems. They only need to learn Aegis, not all of the other systems!
Managing the functions of the subsystems must be done as seamlessly as possible. Many operators who use Aegis don’t realize there are many subsystems in the background. The look and feel of Aegis is one of a seamless, unified product. This eliminates confusion as to where to go to gain access to unlocking doors or accessing cameras. It is on the screen in front of them! It eliminates toggling between screens or stacking windows on top of each other. Instead of toggling between the multiple systems, the operator responds to all the alarms, access video, open intercom talk paths, etc. in Aegis. Making the operators life much easier and the facility more secure.
Accountability and compliance information is in one location. Aegis provides one place to capture and report data including who acknowledged alarms, how long did it take them to initially respond to the alarm, who consistently closes alarms, etc. You no longer must go to each subsystem to gather the audit information.
Cost savings in installation, maintenance and enhanced security more that compensate for the additional initial costs of a unified security platform of disparate systems compared to a PSIM or to no integration. Since 2002, Aegis Unified Security Platform has been making security operators more efficient and effective and the facility more secure. Well worth the investment!