Integration Methods Center on Continuity
The assimilation of securityand fire/life-safety systems with a BAS is attainable through a number of integration methods: vertical integration, star integration and horizontal integration.
The vertical integration method is said to be the fastest to implement because it’s built around specific vendors and their hardware. Moneywise, this is probably the most inexpensive way to install building automation on the upfront cost, but long term it can be more expensive when it comes time to replacing portions of the system. Vertical integration essentially creates silos built upon proprietary standards and protocols, thus proprietary equipment.
Security professionals above all should understand the difficulties of using proprietary systems from an integration point of view. In this case, lighting control is separate from HVAC, which is separate from security, which is separate from fire protection systems. In short, this method of integration limits the overall capability of the whole because each one acts alone and on its own.
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The star integration method will provide some degree of systems integration. At its lowest level, hardware is used to integrate subsystems together using relay logic, which acts to isolate subsystems while providing on/off electrical signals among subsystems to indicate changes of one kind or another. This can be accomplished using dry contact relay outputs.
Another method is to integrate silos that function using dissimilar languages is horizontal integration, where a single enterprise service bus (ESB) links each silo.
An ESB is designed to speak the language used by each silo or subsystem, thus bringing them all together under a single integrated command and control system such as large-screen GUIs in a high-end integrated security platform. And when motion detectors, door switches, temperature sensors and other devices are added, you have the basis for an advanced occupancy detection system that unites events in realtime.
According to Buhagiar, ESI Malta technicians deploy any method of integration available, combining it onto a single integration platform. The firm strives toward high-end integration ways that center on real data as much as possible.
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“It does not make any difference as we use whatever is necessary to make it work. Our engineers begin by working to understand how the various third-party-manufactured system components communicate. This is where we start,” he says. “What methods of communication do they offer? Then we as integrators adapt to them. We identify the physical connectivity method and then the communication protocol.”
When a manufacturer uses an industrial standard protocol it makes the job of integration a lot easier, thereby reducing the time it takes to tie systems together. Otherwise, if it’s proprietary the integrator has to write a driver to accommodate the interfacing of hardware. Buhagiar then uses a framework made by a firm called Tridium to connect everything.
Creating a Platform That Approaches Holistic
Because of the communication infrastructure that security integrators install throughout a large building, end users are able to interact with each building subsystem in a seamless, transparent manner. As noted, this usually is accomplished using a GUI.
Through the GUI’s relatively large solid-state display, one or more floor-by-floor blueprints graphically show the status of sensors and actuators so when an event does occur stakeholders can quickly 1) determine the nature of the problem; 2) establish the location, as in the case of a fire or the failure of a temperature sensor or actuator device; and 3) take immediate action if necessary.
These same GUIs also have the capability of displaying the area(s) involved through the use of video surveillance cameras positioned throughout the facility. A live video window can also be enlarged to full screen if needed in order for a user or first responder to see what and where the problem is occurring.
Video also allows all stakeholders to quickly determine how extensive and progressive the problem is, such as a fire. With multiple sensors in alarm, video is extremely helpful.
Although the security integrator may not always be in a pivotal role where building automation is installed, it’s important to understand the concepts involved in order to facilitate the overall integration process. For those who have the vision and advanced know-how to orchestrate and install a wall-to-wall BAS, the hard work also comes at a price, which we call profit.
