The efficient running of the South African healthcare sector is of great importance as access to quality healthcare can be described as one of the most basic human rights. But due to infrastructure and funding deficiencies in the national healthcare system, this often becomes hard to obtain. Nonetheless, integral to providing a quality healthcare experience is the issue of quality security provision and the establishment of proper security management protocols within healthcare systems.
In an environment where every second counts, the seamless operation of the security system becomes paramount. In a crisis situation such as a fire breaking out, having in place security systems that timelessly communicate with each other need to be in place to ensure the most rapid response times are met. An effective and efficient building management system needs to be implemented to ensure that the health and safety of all patients, visitors and staff is given a higher level of prominence. This is where the strength of integrated security systems becomes invaluable.
The challenge
Many industrial sites and office buildings, including healthcare facilities, today require security and building management systems for their day-to-day operation such as fire and intrusion systems, video surveillance and access control, IP infrastructure, etc. Malfunctions and downtimes of those systems cause additional costs and extra staff to properly and safely operate the facility. Such installations are equipped with 24/7 monitoring stations or reception desks that often contain different front-end workstations for each of these systems.
Furthermore, many times, no real interaction between them is possible. In such complex installations, an alarm can cause stressful emergency situations. A fire alarm or intrusion attempt can cause operators to make mistakes or simply need more time to find the right button. Stress levels are higher and often the operator feels strained or unsure on how to proceed.
Integrated building management
Bosch Security Systems, Bosch BIS, an integrated building and enterprise management system. Unlike older, less flexible hard-wired systems, Bosch’s Building Integration System seamlessly integrates physical and electronic security, access control, CCTV, fire systems, imaging, photo badging and building management systems. By allowing all components to easily exchange data, they work together more efficiently and effectively than they would independently. This thereby leads to improving component performance, value and enhancing overall protection.
Based on cross-platform open connectivity standards (OPC); an innovative, open design that blends security system technology with information technology, Bosch’s Building Integration System helps cut operating costs and increases operating efficiency. OPC technology eliminates the need for expensive custom interfaces and helps drive and promote interoperability among the widest available range of security, CCTV, building management and process control systems; as well as different computing solutions and platforms. BIS uses OPC standard connectivity for most Bosch security system components as well as host level interoperability with many other systems such as BacNet, LonWorks, Modbus, ProfiBus, and X-10.
BIS provides a unified point of control to manage one site or many sites that simplifies operation and reduces training costs as well as the number of trained operators needed. The HTML-based interface is customisable, user-friendly, easily accessible via Internet or intranet, and offers identical message handling for all connected systems. The database is designed around Microsoft MSDE and SQL Server 2000 for database management, ensuring the upgrade path of the system.
The system fully supports AutoCAD graphic drawing display formats, including optional layered 3D and 2D site/floor plans, pan/zoom navigation and installed device control. Operating on Windows workstations and servers, BIS is network-ready and scalable to fit any size business, from a single site to enterprise-class operations. With its modular design, the system can be extended at any time with additional security, access control, video and automation engines.
All those systems can be connected with a high-confidence level to a central BIS server equipped with a worldwide open interface standard. The customised or standard system configuration between the different subsystems can be set up. Specific instructions can be pre-programmed and corresponding site maps can be displayed on the operator screen in association with each alarm type to optimise decisions during such high-alert situations. Automatic and scheduled controls are also possible to allow operators to concentrate on the important things. In addition, individual operator authorisations provide a separation in access and control of the different systems to assure authorisation only to specific individuals to see and manage different data available in the system.
For a live product demonstration please contact Matt Short, Pentagon, +27 (0)11 401 6700.
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