Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)—Emergencies don’t always involve a person. If a fuse blew, a boiler room went down, or a projector bulb blew out, MNEC systems alert the proper first responders so a service call can be made immediately.
Some of these “events” can be very costly to organizations if they are not made aware of them in a timely manner. The water leak in the server room referenced earlier can cost an organization tens of thousands of dollars in damages, and lost productivity.
Other technologies tied to the building include fire panels, sensors, door access panels, security cameras, and other alarm systems, to name a few. These technologies require a system “brain” to unify these disparate systems. This ensures that critical data is harnessed and routed automatically to the right people so they can deal with the unfolding situation right away.
The Future of MNEC
Two-way listening —We’re starting to see schools utilizing two-way listening so authorities can put eyes and ears on a situation. In an emergency, authorities can listen to what’s going on using the school’s PA speakers. Touch screens with SIP intercom can also act as a means of putting ears on a situation.
Analog to digital—When utilizing a digital PA system, more digital content can be pushed back and forth over CAT6 cable and, therefore, allow for organizations to receive a live feed from remote cameras.
More integration—We foresee more integration between the various systems within a building. The systems will be unified together by a single platform to work intelligently to provide the organization with more flexibility and visibility.
Infrastructure—The good news is that not one platform does everything. While this sounds like bad news, it means that you don’t have to rip out existing technology to accommodate a new MNEC system.
With the implementation of a flexible control system that acts as the central brain, organizations can integrate the BMS, PA system, door system, security cameras, fire and alarm system, lighting, HVAC, and phone system so they can improve communication and information flow for faster, more efficient incident alerting and response management.
The team—The AV integrator and/or consultant designing a MNEC system will be working closely with the organization’s IT Manager, Security & Safety Department, and Facilities Manager. The role of the integrator/consultant is to design a system that satisfies the agendas of all three.
Each has a vested interest in the system. The IT Department has fought hard to establish a growing network; the more endpoints you put on their network, the happier they are. Organizations can properly monitor and manage installed technology added to the network.
For the safety and security department, a MNEC system will enhance student and staff safety/well-being and improve coordination and collaboration with emergency responders – fire, police, EMS. The facilities department can make sure critical infrastructure and equipment are working properly.
MNEC serve many different purposes and can be applied to every industry. The benefits of having such an elaborate system far outweigh the cost when it comes to life and property.
Emerging MNEC Markets:
- Education (Higher Ed & K-12)
- Healthcare
- Malls/Shopping Centers
- Public Transportation
To learn more about Crestron Fusion, click here.
To learn more about the MNEC/Situational Awareness Projects VistaCare Communications has worked on, click here.
About the authors: Glen Marianko is the Technology Manager for Enterprise Solutions. He collaborated this article with Jason Snow, Project Manager and Mike McCarther, Account Manager, Integrated Communications Solutions, both from VistaCare Communications, and Joyce, Essig, Public Relations Manager for Crestron.
