The Industrial Security market is the big leagues and often means big bucks. It is not an area of security to be taken lightly. Yet, Industrial Security is based on several key elements that are not unlike other market segments. These include:
• Occupational safety.
• Process control & integrity.
• Physical security.
• Electronic measures for intrusion detection and access control.
• Background checks and cyber security to protect the networks and other corporate soft targets.
In an exclusive interview with Tim O’Leary, Security Dealer Technical Editor, Jerry Blackman, Global Director, Industrial Security Solutions for Honeywell, offers insights into what is involved in entering and succeeding in this arena. Blackman joined Honeywell in 1989 and during his 17-year tenure has been involved in major security related initiatives.
SD: How big is the industrial security market?
JB: It is large and growing every year. Because it is an emerging market, it is hard to put exact figures on it. However, when considering the total installed cost of systems, including infrastructure, we expect this segment to be over $1 billion soon.
SD: What requirements differentiate industrial security from other security markets?
JB: I would say there are four significant elements that distinguish industrial security from other segments.
First of all, this environment is quite complex to both work in (from an installation and service standpoint), and operate a system in. The requirements to hold a sterling safety record, and have certifications in safety training are very stringent. From a systems standpoint, you have devices and infrastructure that intersect from building to building and from interior to exterior applications—all on the same circuit, across a large geography. The personnel that use the systems work at all different times, and is a blend of subcontract and employed workforce. In many instances, these sites are located in environments prone to adverse weather.
Secondly, there is a high use of perimeter intrusion detection (PID) technologies at these sites—other than military bases, which are probably the biggest user of PIDs globally. Because these sites have varying types of perimeters (waterside, urban, forest, etc.) one type of PIDS solution usually does not suffice. You have to deploy multiple technologies in providing an effective PID strategy at these sites.
Thirdly, while we all know that the trend toward integrated systems is pervasive across the industry, there is not a place that this is required more than the industrial segment. The need to integrate access control, CCTV, PID’s, and visitor management systems is not just an option in this space—it is a requirement. In fact, this integration can extend to non-security applications such as process control, life-safety, background check programs, and HR systems.
As you might imagine, the process systems at these sites are quite complex. In an industrial setting it can represent a major factor in the profitability of a plant and how safe a plant operates. By integrating certain security information into the process system, you are able to maintain profitable operation in a safe manner, even if a security threat to the plant exists. Also, because of the size and complexity of these sites, there is a need to have all security applications managed on one integrated and centralized platform.
Finally, industrial sites can be some of the most dangerous locations to work in if safety-related systems are not properly implemented and maintained. Security systems at these sites are also an important “safety system” as they control access to dangerous work areas and can provide video information of areas that are not suited to being occupied. Mustering is a staple application at all of these sites.
SD: Specifically, what is the role of system integration in industrial security?
JB: Stopping or altering the business operation of an industrial site due to a security breech can be very costly, and could introduce a higher risk to safety. Integration of the multiple security applications at a site helps ensure all security relevant information is captured quickly, so a proper response can be made. Also, the cost and effort to monitor an integrated system of various security applications is much more efficient than having to monitor systems on separate head-ends.
SD: What types of systems are used in Industrial Security?
JB: Access control, video surveillance, perimeter detection, visitor management, and alarm monitoring are the most common. As mentioned previously, the requirement to integrate these systems—and extend that to integration of other applications—is large at these sites.
SD: What qualifications/certifications must the dealer possess in order to work in industrial security?
JB: As mentioned earlier, safety is a big deal at these plants. A dealer needs to process all the OSHA related safety certifications and keep them current. Most sites have stringent contract qualification programs to meet, that have a high emphasis on safety qualifications. It can take some work getting qualified to work on a site, and you can lose that qualification quickly with a single safety violation.
With the use of multiple security technologies at these sites, especially in the area of perimeter intrusion detection, an integrator also needs to be trained and certified on all applications to be installed. Proof of factory-certified training and some level of installation and service experience on the systems is required by most of these end user customers.