How does PSIM compare against FMS and SMS?

March 31, 2021

Previously we took a look at the SMS and VMS systems and how they compare against the lesser known PSIM system. Today we are throwing another well-known system in the mix namely the fire management system or FMS.

Our goal is to explain the similarities and differences between the three types of management systems, to give you more insight on when to implement which type of system.

Security-system centralization

The corporate world has dramatically evolved over the last few years. In order to expand accessibility or increase business capacities, companies have relied upon both physical and digital platforms in private or public clouds. Enterprises need a centralized security solution: a mechanism connecting the networks to allow the smooth two-way transfer of data between each system and the security center of the company.

Multiple systems are available on the market to provide more safety and security. So let’s take a closer look at 3 of the most occurring ones.

Fire management system (FMS)

Fire remains the dominant threat and one of the leading causes of death and loss of property at work. Failure or lack of awareness or carelessness may be the main causes of fire breakdown. Each organization has a fire-related management committee. However, post-risk incidents show that a large divide exists between security and mainstream business. This illustrates the fact that risk control systems for coping with fire accidents are not so successful. The fire control system controls, identifies and prevents fire risks. The fire protection system is in some ways analogous to the human body's autoimmune system, which removes bacteria and viruses from the human body.

There are several reasons to combine fire alarm systems with other automation and control systems in the buildings. Examples include smoke detection, single-seat access to building information, easier maintenance, exchanging sensor data, collecting information on people 's position during an emergency and providing modern technology services to increase security and protection. But it is more beneficial if you integrate the FMS system with other systems.

Security Management System (SMS)

A Security Management System or SMS is capable of integrating all these different kinds of security systems centrally in one monitoring platform. This way, security operators have all the information about their security systems close by, from a central location. Instead of multiple systems operating next to each other, they are now integrated in one central solution. This way, using them can be clear and consistent, as they only need to learn how to operate the SMS instead of the multiple screens and software applications you often find in a security control room.

In short, the SMS enables the organisation to centrally manage their security systems, increase the level of security and situational awareness, while providing a better way of evaluating security risks. Also, an often-overseen advantage is the fact that security operators only need to know how to use one software application, thus reducing training costs. The integration of data from multiple sources makes systems smarter and therefore more effective. With SMS you can acquire a higher degree of protection. With the help of camera footage, you can operate heavy machinery.

The SMS does however have its limitations, and that is where the Physical Security Information System or PSIM comes in.

Physical Security Information System (PSIM)

A PSIM (Physical Security Integration Management) software platform is a platform that integrates all security-related systems of a building, multi-site area, venue etc. into one, intuitive interface. Fast decisions can be made using extensive analysis and reporting capabilities. This while being guided by pre-defined workflows and processes. The ultimate goal of a PSIM software platform is to reduce costs as a result of improved efficiency and security. And we have the platform you need.

As you can see on the picture below Sky-Walker integrates a fire management system with other systems within the platform. In almost every modern-day building a fire detection system is present. Fire detection is one of the most important safety related systems, as its job is to make sure that a possible fire is noticed as soon as possible. Once a possible fire is detected, evacuation can be put on motion, the fire brigade can be called and so on.

Most fire installations consist of the following components: smoke detectors, heat detectors, duct detectors, manual pull stations, beam detectors, interface units, strobes, and sounders.

The similarities and differences between PSIM, SMS ans FMS platforms

Fire and security technologies are equipped for the identification and warning of fire outbreaks in building automation, like if you sound an alarms in entire building. An automatic fire alarm device for buildings has a receiver that senses when one of the wire-connected sensors is activated by a fire. By hearing warning bells or voice warnings in the building, the device then warns the inhabitants of the building. In buildings and houses, fire alarms use the same methods of sensing, but vary since building systems are connected with grids, whereas home systems are autonomous and sound the alarm independently. Fire warning and suppression systems can stop an emergency from being a disaster. But for all of these services, management will become a challenge.

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) offers a solution to the problem. A PSIM framework can connect these different security systems together to provide a single interface for overall security control.

The job of a PSIM platform is to converge the elements of a company into a very smart software layer, which exists over other management structures. This layer resides on top of other management systems. The core component of PSIM is its ability to incorporate large diverse subsystems and its interoperability with third parties outside ordinary video management systems. PSIMs are also suitable for organizations with many different processes in many places.

On a technical level both systems are the same, but SMS unites many simplified systems and PSIM unites these systems into one interface. These two technologies give you the ability to incorporate almost every solution from various suppliers smoothly, saving companies resources and simplifying processes and offering more comprehensive reports on incidents. With a PSIM platform the possibilities are endless but with SMS it is fairly limited.

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