A Smarter Approach to Security Integration

The security industry is evolving rapidly, with a growing need for integrated solutions that bring together various systems - security, fire, safety, and IoT - into one streamlined platform. 

Traditionally to do this, businesses and organisations have had two primary options when considering integration: investing in a Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) system or opting for a manufacturer-led solution that primarily supports either Video Management Systems (VMS) or access control.

The Limitations of Traditional Solutions

PSIMs have long been the go-to choice for large-scale operations, particularly in environments such as city centres, nuclear power plants, and other critical national infrastructure. 

They offer immense power, versatility, and a high level of control, making them essential for organisations requiring a dedicated control room setup. However, while they provide an advanced level of integration, PSIMs come with complexities and significant costs that may not be feasible for every business.

Manufacturer-led solutions, which focus on either VMS or access control with built-in integration capabilities, provide another pathway. 

These solutions are often effective on new installations, but they require organisations to replace a core part of their security infrastructure if not, which can be costly and disruptive.

Integration options to third-party systems can also limited, making choices restrictive around additional security components such as intruder detection systems, access control or IoT sensors. It also means systems need to be the across a portfolio which may work if each property has the same requirements but if an end-user has outlets, distribution and corporate buildings then then must be compromises made.  

A Smarter Alternative: CPIM

Recognising these challenges, a new solution has emerged - Centralised Platform for Integration and Monitoring (CPIM). 

A CPIM acts as an overarching integration layer that consolidates all building technology systems into a single platform. The technology brings a hybrid approach with a both onsite and cloud interfaces which provides a holistic view of all connected devices.

What sets it apart is its vendor-agnostic nature, allowing businesses to integrate various security, fire, IoT, and Building Management Systems (BMS) without being tied to one manufacturer. 

This approach is designed for organisations that need a more versatile alternative cost-effective solution and wanting to explore centralisation to reduce costs and drive efficiencies within their organisation.

Unlike PSIMs, which are best suited for large, critical single sites with extensive control rooms, and CPIM caters to both single-site businesses with smaller operations and multi-site organisations seeking a unified, scalable security solution.

For the traditional single manufacture options, a CPIM will allow existing hardware to be utilised where practical and means additional AI technologies to be layered on top, ands eliminates the need to replace existing hardware, ensuring that organisations can maximise their current investments while still enhancing overall security and monitoring capabilities.

Why Choose CPIM?

CPIMs offer a cost-effective approach, with flexible capital expenditure and operational expenditure pricing models. They work seamlessly alongside VMS systems, centralising all other alarms and faults across an entire portfolio, providing organisations with a holistic view of their technology landscape. 

CPIMs enable greater flexibility in integration, allowing businesses to adapt and expand their infrastructure as needed by exploring and utilising emerging AI technologies.

Pinnacle: Leading the Way

Pinnacle Systems stands at the forefront of this new era in security integration, leading the way as the first CPIM provider. 

As a UK-based company, Pinnacle Systems is redefining how businesses manage their security and monitoring needs, ensuring they have a robust, adaptable, and cost-efficient solution that meets today’s demands while being future-ready. 

With a CPIM, businesses no longer have to choose between complex, high-cost systems or limited integration options - they can have the best of both worlds.