Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/31498
12 NEWS www.securitysystemsnews.com MARCH 2011 SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS It’s important to have a security improvement plan By Leischen Stelter CHARLESTON, S.C.—When the South Carolina State Ports Authority first developed its security improve- ment plan, it made a concerted effort to bring everyone on board. “We sat down all parties and met with everyone from operations and the port police to tenants and the Coast Guard and all entities who are affected,” said Jeff Brown, security program manager for the South Carolina State Ports Authority. “The plan outlines the footprint [I follow] to implement the security program and it helps even further with the grant application process,” he said. Using the security improve- ment plan, which Brown refers to as his “bible,” he knows what the next step is for the port and the funds necessary to further the program. Most recently, Brown improved perimeter security coverage, includ- ing water- and land-side. The port installed a fully integrated perimeter system that utilizes more than 100 visible light- and IR video surveil- lance cameras that are integrated with the port’s Lenel access control system and Southwest Microwave fence sensor system. The PureActiv system by PureTech Systems, has analytic capabilities, which notify operators of an alarm and provide autonomous tracking so operators can focus on coordinat- ing a response to the alarm. During an alarm, the closest camera will “move over and start automati- cally following an intruder,” said Larry Bowe, president of PureTech Systems. Prior to the installation of this system, the port relied largely on roving physical patrols. Moving forward, Brown said the port plans to use the feder- ally mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential as the only card used at the port. Port information will be stored in a database along with the information from the TWIC. In terms of video surveillance, the port will continue adding additional cameras at its other six terminals. SSN Barnes Continued from page 1 However, he said, when you consider the ROI for investors, “focus” had the strongest correla- tion to value. Leading Megapixel the way in video Cutting-Edge Innovations Superior Performance Broadest Selection of Megapixel Cameras So what exactly is focus? Barnes said he “included segments of the residential market as vertical markets—for example if a com- pany focused only on entry-level residential using low/no cost sys- tems, we considered that a vertical market, as we did someone that did only ultra-high end residential to the very wealthy.” Barnes said he did not have a specific list of vertical markets, noting his team took a close look at each of the companies and “scored” their degree of reliance on vertical markets. Barnes surmised that companies with a vertical market focus were likely to have greater operation efficiencies, a more defined value proposition, a clearer competitive landscape, and a better narrative that is easier to tell. “The Broadview valuation, and its contrast to Protection One sup- ported this thesis, as Broadview was highly focused on the resi- dential middle market vertical ... [while] Protection One was less focused: commercial, residential, wholesale, multi-family.” He also said the higher valu- ations/returns realized by dealer program players in a very tough market (Monitronics, Security Networks, CSG) supported the vertical focus thesis. 1.818.937.0700 • ArecontVision.com made in the USA Do these findings suggest alarm company owners should begin specializing in vertical markets? It’s not that cut and dry, Barnes said. Other traditional correlat- ing factors (size, performance metrics, geographic focus) still are extremely important. However, he said, “Having operating focus, including focus on vertical markets, can and is statistically rewarded with higher valuations and/or inves- tor returns.” SSN