Post-9/11 security concerns remain top priorities for corporations and local governments alike. The following examples show some of the complexities involved in addressing these issues, and how end users have lessened the vulnerability of their facilities and systems.
Protecting the ERP
Composites manufacturer Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) regularly brings in an external consulting firm to conduct audits of its internal systems and procedures to ensure safety, security, and regulatory and financial compliance. During recent audits, the company was told that it needs to better secure its existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) application against unauthorized access. Unfortunately for the IT team, the code base for the application had been purchased and customized years ago -- before the widespread adoption of secure password protection for such applications.
MFG turned to SAFLINK for a solution. SAFLINK offers software solutions that provide Identity Assurance Management, allowing administrators to verify the identity of users and control their access to computer networks, physical facilities, applications, manufacturing process control systems, and time and attendance systems.
"We were familiar with the concept of biometrics from a general security perspective," observes John O''Neill, Sr, corporate director of information technology at MFG, "but we certainly didn''t realize that we could use the technology to overcome the security limitation of a specific application."
Implementation went smoothly. "I can''t say enough about the ease of integration with the SDK -- it went off without a hitch," O''Neill comments. "We had a working model in two to three days, and most of that time was just reviewing the various parameters, API calls, coding conventions, etc."
MFG was able to roll out the secure authentication addition to its Microsoft Active Directory in an afternoon, and plans deployment to the company''s multiple divisions. The company also plans to leverage the solution for general network and Microsoft Windows security and authentication. "I''m eager to tighten security and ease sign-on companywide, especially if I don''t have to increase IT overhead and try to force users to memorize 12-character alphanumeric passwords," O''Neill adds. (For more, click here.)
Installation With Maximum Uptime
Waste-to-energy power provider American Ref-Fuel chose Panasonic Security Systems technology when it decided to replace a 1989 video surveillance system. Panasonic dealer Intelli-Tec understood that it had to limit downtime during installation. And at the beginning of the design process, American Ref-Fuel maintenance manager Ken Hinsch and electrical/instrumentation and controls supervisor Anthony Notaro emphasized that control room operators needed the ability to monitor each key area of the plant. "It is critical that our operators can see if there are any disruptions in the process, starting with our east and west crane operations, which begin the process," explains Hernandez.
To achieve high video quality in the dimly lit environment, Intelli-Tec vp Marty McMillan selected Panasonic''s WV-CL924A CCD cameras for their extreme low-light capabilities, coupled with Panasonic''s 5-50 mm auto-iris varifocal lenses. To avoid the high costs associated with shutting down the plant, McMillan specified that the cameras be placed in Panasonic''s dry-nitrogen pressurized camera enclosures to protect them from dust and other caustic elements.
The new security installation also uses WV-CW864 dome camera systems for exterior surveillance with 22x zoom lens, high-speed pan/tilt operation, 510-line high resolution, and day/night operation. Three networked Panasonic WJ-SX150A matrix switchers, a Panasonic WV-CU650 controller, and three Panasonic WJ-MS424 color quad multiplexers control the cameras. Panasonic''s PS-Data protocol links all these components, as well as a Panasonic WV-HD316 digital video recorder. (For more, click here.)
Safeguarding Reservoirs and Power Plants
Pasadena, CA is home to the Rose Bowl and numerous public facilities where 3,000 residents work each day, including a remote reservoir that, until recently, was being used to illegally dump hazardous materials. Other reports claimed someone was jumping the fence and tampering with the city''s water controls.
David Chau, senior information systems engineer for Pasadena, knew something needed to be done about the reservoir''s trespassers. He also wanted to comply with ISO recommendations for upgrading the security system of Pasadena''s power facilities after September 11th. He contacted security dealer Stewart and Associates. Richard Chiang, part owner of Stewart and Associates, chose a Honeywell system to manage security at the reservoir, power plant, a large city office building, and yards where the city keeps its fleet vehicles.
Stewart and Associates installed cameras in and around all facilities, and issued smart cards for the city''s employees. When employees arrive at work, they scan their smart card to receive access to the building.
"Smart cards are upgradeable, so Pasadena can choose to add additional features to the cards in the future," said Troy Riedel, regional sales manager for Honeywell. Cameras and smart cards are part of a larger security solution based on the integration of two products. WIN-PAK Pro allows all security system components to be integrated in one user interface, making it easier to manage systems with multiple locations, like Pasadena. RapidEye Multi is a digital video and transmission system, combining digital recording, multiplexing, remote viewing, alarm detection, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera control.
The city plans to install security equipment in 23 additional remote public facilities, including an additional power plant location, water treatment facility, power grid, dispatch center, and 12 power substations. (For more, click here.)
Keeping an Eye on 132 Doors
Rhode Island-based Ocean State Job Lot has implemented GE''s Secure Perfect access control system at its new 1 million sq ft corporate headquarters and distribution warehouse. The system includes GE''s Secure Perfect software, which integrates all aspects of access control at the three-story warehouse and corporate office complex, according to Tom Nelson, the retailer''s director of loss prevention and safety.
Ocean State Job Lot''s legacy intrusion system integrates smoothly into the GE software. The implementation will also include GE surveillance equipment, including GE cameras and digital video multiplexer recorders with Ethernet (DVMRe) capabilities. The site eventually will have its own alarm-monitoring central station system. And the new system will be integrated into the company''s IT backbone and linked to the older building via fiber optics.
"In our existing building, which is located next to the one that is currently being built, we do not have access control," Nelson notes. "Our in-house security cannot cover every door all the time. With the new system, we will be able to control which person is allowed through which door and in what timeframe. This far exceeds our previous capability." There are 132 doors and 38 controlled access points at the new complex. Executives on the third floor of the new building will use both proximity cards and keypads for access. All other employees will use proximity cards. (For more, click here.)