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Chasing operational efficiency

In July last year, Hi-Tech Security Solutions published an article on Sukema’s new management solution, Chase IMS (http://www.securitysa.com/46224n). We caught up with Kevin Buret, MD of Sukema to find out how this platform has evolved over the past year.

Buret says the Chase platform has changed significantly over the past year as the company looks to expand its management capabilities into other business areas as an operational and enterprise efficiency platform. Some of the changes are related to security, but many bring other areas of business into the management scope of Chase.

Possibly the most important change is the Chase Fusion Centre, an API (application programming interface) layer that enables the platform to integrate with third-party systems and manage it from a single interface.

From a security perspective, the system provides true PSIM, command and control, and security incident data management that ensures operational elements across departments are well managed and simply presented. All operational incidents and non-compliant events are displayed on the system’s real-time dashboards, allowing operators and management to make better decisions, faster, assured they are acting on verified information.

Through the API layer, older systems can also be integrated into one managed platform, from access control to CCTV and even scada systems. The Chase Security Management Platform (the PSIM platform) provides a centralised Web-based operations and incident management platform capable of managing all aspects of a security system.

The operational aspect of this management function can be seen in the way incidents are automatically recorded, reported and followed up. In the case of a security alert when a camera is down, for example, Chase will access the asset register to identify the camera, check its SLA (service-level agreement) and warranty, generate the appropriate E-job cards and manage and monitor the service provider’s response. This ensures equipment is repaired or replaced with the minimum of downtime, without relying on an operator to report the failure.

Chase is integrated with an RFID component that assists in tracking assets, although it does more than that and has been deployed in three hospitals to date to track babies and stop the theft of babies. The RFID tracking is integrated with access control and CCTV cameras, which raise an alarm if a child is removed without authorisation. The RFID solution makes use of active, passive and infrared technology, and integrates with a multitude of third-party systems, including fire panels and non-intelligent devices such as pumps and generators.

Operational efficiency

In its quest for efficiency, the system offers a Web-based recruitment platform integrated with biometrics and an automatic AFIS screening option. If a candidate is accepted, they are then moved onto the staff roster and payroll system. As the roster incorporates the payroll, everything is done in real time and there is no need to import or export data. This ties into the HR management system to assist in the day-to-day management of human resources issues.

Buret says the system is mobile compliant and can scale onto almost any mobile device. This is part of Sukema’s goal of integrating data from various sources, interpreting it and providing it to the relevant people in ways that best suit their requirements – this can be on a mobile device, a management dashboard or a graphical interface in a control room. It also manages the timeframe of each event to ensure it is dealt with timeously.

He says it is a complete PSIM offering, but offers more enterprise functionality than any other PSIM available, at a vastly lower cost than its international competitors. The company is already selling Chase OEM in Africa, South America and Australia, and has changed its business model to expand faster in the various regions.

Chase Operations Enterprise Management consists of the following modules:

* Security.

* Maintenance.

* Occupational health and safety.

* Surveillance.

* Facilities.

* Roster and payroll.

* HR, recruitment and vetting.

* Fusion Centre.

* PSIM.

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