Integrated security

Could you explain what exactly an integrated security system is and why it is becoming increasingly in demand?

Ousama Kabbani. With the worldwide rise in crime and terrorism, integrated security systems are becoming a necessity for sensitive sites. An integrated security system is, by virtue of its definition, a combination of various sub-systems, each performing a certain function with the purpose of detecting a threat and identifying the perpetrator so that action can be taken to neutralise the threat before damage is done. A typical integrated security system in a facility may be composed of an intrusion detection system, CCTV cameras and monitors, an access control system and of course the software platform that combines all those sub-systems together in one homogeneous entity that is both coherent and user friendly.

What are the criteria that govern a successful integrated security system?

OK. The whole idea of the integrated security system is to detect threat and prevent damage. Unfortunately, many end users expect the integrated security system to be a plug-and-play machine. It is far more complicated and requires understanding and above all a close interaction between man and machine and full coordination among all the people involved. In order to have a successful and effective integrated security system, you have to think out of the box. Don't limit your thinking to the machine, but think of the ambient in which the machine is going to serve. Just as the system must be adapted to the facility it is supposed to protect, the facility must be made suitable for the system to permit it to operate correctly and efficiently. This is normally defined in what is called Concept of Operation, or CONOPS*.

Do you help your clients in defining their CONOPS?

OK. Although we, at Abdulla Fouad, do not basically work as consultants, we often render recommendations and advice to consulting offices and to end users with regards to the latest technologies available on the market and to the most suitable systems for their facility. We also submit recommendations with regards to the best way for them to deploy these systems in their facility for various threat scenarios. So, although we do not get involved in writing the CONOPS, we do assist by identifying risk areas and recommending proper actions accordingly.

Do you normally offer your clients one solution or provide them with several alternatives to choose from?

OK. Our policy has always been to offer our clients alternatives to the technologies that have already been specified for them. You must understand that by the time the project reaches tendering stage, considerable time would have elapsed from the date the project was on the drawing board. This lapsed time sometimes extends two to three years during which significant advances in the technology would have taken place. We feel an obligation toward our clients to make them aware of these developments so that they are not deprived of the benefits that come from the new technology that normally offers better capabilities and features. As it is with all electronic developments, such as computers, cameras, and storage devices, new technologies usually offer more features at lower costs. So, there would be additional savings for our clients from adopting our up-to-date technologies.

From where do you serve your clients?

OK. Our Head Quarters is in Dammam with branch offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Bahrain. We recently moved into a new Headquarter building on the Dammam-Khobar Highway. It is a prominent nine-story building fully equipped with the latest Hi-Tech equipment of security and building automation and encompassing our corporate offices and service centres.

Biography

Ousama Kabbani, General Manager of Abdulla Fouad Industrial Security & Safety Division, one of the leading security solution providers in Saudi Arabia, is a veteran of the security industry with 40 years of experience in the security field.