Take AIM ... fire up security systems

European prosperity depends on an interconnected infrastructure in transport, energy, technology and many other sectors. However, those increasingly open borders that make travel and the distribution of goods quicker and easier also bring multiple security headaches.

Managers with responsibility for security at airports, seaports, railway, metros, highways, coach stations and international borders are on the front line in the battle to protect that critical infrastructure - the transportation and service delivery platform that is vital for travel and the delivery of utility services.

Any disruption to these essential services can be potentially devastating with knock-on effects that could ripple round the world within hours, thanks to our global society. As well as deliberately hostile acts such as cyber crime, physical attacks and terrorism, environmental and natural disasters can pose serious threats. High-profile examples include the terrorist attacks on London and Madrid while in the USA Hurricane Katrina caused destruction on a massive scale.

Today's security issues versus tomorrow's threats

The need to be constantly vigilant and the ability to identify imminent threats and eliminate any operational weaknesses places a huge burden on security managers - who are only too aware that the solutions used to address today's safety issues will not necessarily overcome tomorrow's threats.

The challenges intensify as equipment becomes redundant and advanced technologies are introduced. The answer lies in fully integrated software systems that, whilst maximising the efficiency of disparate legacy equipment, can be easily adapted to incorporate new technology.

And who better to provide that answer than an international company with unrivalled expertise in transport communications, engineering, systems integration and project management?   

Step forward ARINC, which has decades of experience in providing hardware, software and networking solutions that merge effortlessly with existing IT systems. As you might expect from a company with such a pedigree, ARINC's flexible AIM (Advanced Information Management) command-and-control platform is a market leader in the USA's critical infrastructure security industry. Its ability to create a common interface that combines advanced technology and functions to enhance security across an entire operation has resulted in it being successfully configured for the protection of nuclear power facilities, mass transit systems, airports, seaports, government facilities, military installations and education campuses.

Affordable solution for range of applications

Now this tried-and-tested security technology is available to offer similar protection for critical infrastructure across Europe, says ARINC's Andy Nicholson.

"AIM is, above all, a highly effective and affordable solution for a diverse range of applications and for organisations of all sizes," he said. "It's deliberately positioned in the middle ground between costly, custom-built, one-off designs and pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all offerings."

The AIM service begins with consultation and advice on selecting the most appropriate equipment and software, with solutions based on industry standards, open architectures and certified interfaces designed and implemented to leverage existing infrastructure. ARINC's project teams, with over 65 years of directly-related security experience, aren't finished until they have completed system-wide testing to ensure correct operation and interoperability between new and legacy systems.

"In a nutshell, we offer fully-managed, end-to-end solutions on time, in scope and within budget," says Nicholson.

Statistics reveal need for urgent action

The need for powerful and reliable security devices is undeniable, as official statistics and forecasts illustrate. Europe, home to seven of the world's top ten tourist destinations, chalked up 500 million arrivals in 2006. The transport sector generates an annual turnover of around €400 billion. The growth in traffic between EU member states is expected to double by 2020. By 2025, dozens of European airports will be unable to handle their daily traffic without encountering delays.

"Vastly increased movement of people and goods leading to hold-ups and bottlenecks could be a security nightmare," said Nicholson. "What's more, it could be catastrophic for the economy. Yet this grim scenario is completely avoidable. That's why we believe AIM is not so much an 'optional extra' but a 'must have' for any site that depends on real-time awareness to ensure the safety of its personnel, customers and facilities."

Scalable across multiple zones and facilities

AIM is scalable across single or multiple zones within one or more facilities, providing sophisticated monitoring of all sub-system activities and alarms and giving operators a common picture of their facilities. Hand-held devices can also be used, enabling first responders to receive video and data for real-time decision-making on the front line.

By offering interfaces for intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance management, physical security information management (PSIM), credential management, biometrics-based identity management, closed-circuit television (CCTV), vehicle identification, asset management and integrated geographical information systems (GIS), AIM ensures continuous and safe operations for an entire facility.

AIM's most recent implementation was to provide high-level supervisory control and communications for the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve sites where the brief includes integrating the many legacy alarm, access control, security, and surveillance systems that have been installed over the years, as well as adding new equipment upgrades where needed.

"This involved integrating many legacy third-party access control and video surveillance systems, some 15 years old, as well as a number of separate intrusion detection and alarm systems," said Nicholson. "This is, of course, exactly the type of application for which AIM is designed."

Scaled-down version available

For sites where quick deployment and straightforward integration with existing infrastructure are primary concerns a scaled-down version, AIM Enterprise Security Platform (ESP), allows organisations to manage their own migration to newer types of security technologies at their own pace. This version is also useful for any facility with changing security needs or where fast response to threats is crucial.

AIM ESP also provides security integrators with a 'technology bridge' for those seeking a newer and open security enterprise environment while maximizing the return on their existing investment in security infrastructure.

Like all ARINC's 150-plus products and services AIM and AIM ESP are designed to achieve the highest levels of operational efficiency and reliability. This has been the modus operandi for ARINC since its beginnings as a pioneer of air travel technology 80 years ago and through its subsequent years as a communications, engineering and integrations trail-blazer, providing solutions for commercial, government and defence customers around the world.