SSI’s 2013 Industry Forecast: Siemens’ Perry Levine

The January edition of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION includes our annual industry forecast as a cornerstone of our special 2013 Industry Forecast Issue. For the piece, I interviewed 20 of the industry’s most knowledgeable market analysts, business experts, systems integrators, manufacturer representatives and trade association directors. Some of their perspectives can be found in the magazine article, with the balance of their assessments appearing in separate Under Surveillance blog posts.

Featured in this installment: Perry Levine, Senior Director Business Development – Product Portfolio, Siemens Industry Inc.

What do you expect will be the biggest changes, challenges and/or opportunities as they relate to security technology?

Perry Levine: The convergence of IT and physical security continues to evolve, challenging traditional integrators to quickly ramp up their IT skillsets. As devices are becoming IP-enabled, securing the security network is critical. Tremendous amounts of data are now being generated by these IP devices, especially high-definition video devices, and planning the proper storage and backup facilities are critical. Physical security information management [PSIM] systems are becoming more common and accepted as a platform to bring together disparate security solutions in order to provide the proper situational awareness and management of larger projects.      

What do you envision as far the industry at large is concerned in 2013?

Levine: Standards as it relates to both products and installations continue to evolve, and are being addressed by multiple organizations. Organizations such as Security Industry Association [SIA], Open Network Video Interface Forum [ONVIF] and Physical Security [PSIA] have committees addressing product standards for video and access control in order to provide greater interoperability between products and value for the end users. Organizations such as National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] have technical committees such as NFPA 730/731 Premises Security Standards and Guidelines working to help establish installation guidelines/standards. It is important to keep up with the current developments, and participate in the committees as much as possible, in order to be prepared, as well as contribute as electronic/physical security evolves to the next level and becomes IP-centric.

What are some pressing security issues and surprises we might see in 2013?

Levine: The one big issue that we are close to is the proposed action to move NFPA 730: Premises Security Guide to become a code rather than a guide. This is drawing attention from all levels of security organizations and groups. It will clearly raise the bar for quality, application and performance of security systems. This will allow government bodies to adopt this code and have it as a requirement in their areas. I expect more organizations and groups to be against this, as a response from the smaller security installers and producers.

Scott Goldfine

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About the Author

Contact:

Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].

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