Do You Need Physical Security Information Management?

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is a technology that collects information from different security systems and brings it all into one, easy to control platform. Every company that wants to succeed  today needs to collect as much information as possible. PSIM is one great tool to help you not only collect information, but decide what to do with it.

In order to have an effective information management system in your operation, you need to understand these 3 things about PSIM:

1. What physical security information management (PSIM) is & why it’s necessary
2. The benefits of using a PSIM system
3. What kind of PSIM system you should use

By the end of this article, these areas should help you evaluate how PSIM can be implemented into your security operation and make the best decision for your company.

1. What is Physical Security Information Management? (PSIM)

Physical Security Information Management collects and displays information from various security systems in a central technology platform. That type of technology can look very different depending on the size of the security operation. The important part to focus on is that PSIM is a technology platform that collects, stores, and sorts critical data from things like video feeds, access control systems, and incident reporting.

PSIM systems are important, because more information means better decision making which leads to a  more efficient, successful physical security business.

All PSIM systems have 6 main capabilities. Every security company needs to think about how their specific operation benefits from each capability before they make a decision about which specific system to use. Download this checklist to evaluate your company's needs across these 6 capabilities

1. Collection - Data collection from different systems and processes in a physical security operation.
2. Analysis - Analyzing data, events, and alerts to help come up with solutions on how to run operations more effectively.
3. Verification - How the data is presented. Data should come in an easy to understand format so the person looking at it knows exactly what is going on.
4. Resolution - Standard operating procedures and step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the specific incidents (i.e. access control system crashing, theft, etc.).
5. Reporting - Gathering all the data to help management evaluate the entire operation.
6. Audit trail - Something to monitor a user’s activity on the system.

2. Benefits of Using a Physical Security Information Management System

There are 3 great benefits of using a PSIM system in security operations that make a huge difference.

Real-time reporting

Better decision making

More information leads to making better decisions in any industry. With that information easily accessible, you can spot the holes in your operation and fill them fast. Reward your best guards and discipline the low-performing ones backed up with facts and show every client the benefit of your services through reports.

Scale your business

With good data collection and reporting in place, you can better manage your operation in less time with fewer resources. Combine this with better decision making and you will start seeing growth in no time.

3. PSIM Options

Like any software solution, there are tons of options for companies looking to implement a PSIM system. All of them will meet different demands depending on the size of the company and the kind of services they offer.

When you are deciding which PSIM system to implement at your company, reference the 6 capabilities above. Answering your companies specific needs in each one of those areas should give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll need in the software when you’re comparing options.

If you offer security services and all of your operations are still run through pen & paper reporting, switching to a guard management software is a good way to start the transition. For those companies, Silvertrac provides the basics across all 6 PSIM capabilities.

• Collection - Guard tours through checkpoint scanning collect critical data from the core of a security operation - the guards themselves.
• Analysis & Verification - The live issue monitor in Silvertrac analyzes and verifies all the information that guards submit on a tour in a simple but useful portal.
• Resolution - Pass down notes and tour instructions make sure that security guards know exactly what to do in any situation in the field.
• Reporting & Audit Trail - Daily activity reports (DARs) and summary reports present crucial information to management to help make decisions.

Running a security operation is not easy. But with the right systems in place, like physical security information management, you can start improving faster than you ever thought possible.

When you’re considering implementing PSIM, remember these three basic points:

1. The importance of PSIM in a security operation
2. The benefits of increased efficiency and effectiveness after implementing PSIM
3. What options are available and appropriate for your specific needs

If you are looking to improve data collection and reporting in your security organization, we want to help - especially for those of you who need to transition from pen & paper reporting. Check out this guide on buying guard management software if you want even more help evaluating your technology needs.