The PSIM Platform enables the integration and organization of any number and type of security devices or systems and provides a common set of services for analyzing and managing the incoming information. It also serves as the common services platform for video and situation management applications. Within the PSIM Platform are five key components:
Integration Services
Multiple strategies are used for connection, communication with, and management of installed devices and systems from multiple vendors. The PSIM Platform offers complete support for the industry's most commonly-used device types. In addition, it employs a customizable "pipeline" architecture to receive device events. The modular, plug-and-play approach to device adaptation and connectivity allows organizations to change, add, and upgrade security devices without the need to modify software configurations. Network connectivity is achieved using combinations of multiple communications protocols.
Geospatial Engine The Geospatial Engine provides spatial recognition for geo-location of devices and supports situation mapping functionality. The physical position of devices is stored in an internal knowledge base as GIS/GPS positions or building coordinates. The engine uses the information to determine relevance, select, and relate devices involved in a given situation. This information is used to overlay graphical representations of security assets and activities onto Google maps or building layouts.
Routing Engine The Routing Engine is an intelligent switch that connects any security device to the command interfaces or output device and accommodates any required transformation of formats and protocols between connected devices. In most cases, devices connect directly to each other and exchange data streams directly, avoiding possible bottlenecks that would arise from routing all traffic through a single centralized server. An internal knowledge base of all connected devices and their characteristics is maintained by the Routing Engine, which uses that information to ensure a viable communication path, compatibility of signal format and acceptable quality of service.
Rules Engine The PSIM Platform contains a powerful Rules Engine that analyzes event and policy information from multiple sources to correlate events, make decisions based upon event variables and initiate activities. Pre-packaged or user written rules define the events or event combinations for identifying and resolving situations in real time according to business policies.
Dispatch Engine The Dispatch Engine integrates with communications infrastructure to initiate external applications or the transmission of messages, data and commands. Dispatch actions are automatically triggered by the rules engine as it executes recommendations for situation resolution. Operators can manually initiate actions as well.
