Traditional security industry companies are under attack. The invasion of the access control market by building automation systems (BAS) and IT manufacturers evolved from a void generated by the traditional security industry itself.

Several challenges exist for traditional security manufacturers and service providers when competing against BAS and IT companies. The BAS and IT industries currently operate on communication standards and protocols that are standard, well-known and adaptable, resulting in integration solutions across differing manufacturer's products.

In contrast, the security industry historically established few standards and prefers closed, proprietary solutions without the ability to integrate with other products. The industry has attempted to adapt to consumer demand for networkable solutions. But, for the most part, these attempts produced warmed-over, second-generation RS485-based systems with network connection modules. In reality, these solutions are no more IP-based than an analog camera and produce little business value offered through true systems integration.

What end-users want

Traditional security contractors must realize end-users are becoming more educated and are requiring more intelligent applications within a facility's automated systems. End-users now demand the ability to openly procure best-of-class solutions that produce the most efficient operations and buildings. Access control, for example, no longer will be thought of as a keyless entry system. Security is integral to the facility and most, if not all, of its sub-systems. Integrated, these systems produce measureable cost savings.

For perpetual efficiencies and cost savings to occur, however, ongoing education is crucial to understanding how ever-changing technology is impacting the face of security applications. IP/network appliance based systems, for example, that reside on customer networks may require software integration to human resource databases, lighting control, HVAC, network security, single sign-on appliances, visitor management systems, phone systems, intrusion detection, fire alarm, video surveillance and other systems. This level of integration demands deeper training and expertise. As customers demand smarter applications of their systems to obtain the highest efficiency from their most expensive asset-their building-there will be fewer of the traditional security providers and more of the BAS and IT-type systems providers.