VidSys, a leading provider of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, is previewing findings from its second annual EMEA Security Survey at IFSEC International 2013.
This year’s survey of senior-level IT and physical security professionals from public sector, corporate enterprise and national government organisations reveals an increasing focus on integration technologies—specifically tools that facilitate improved collaboration and information sharing. In keeping with last year’s survey results, organisations across the board continue to highlight the importance of implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and are focusing on risk assessment as a key tool in prioritising security spending.
Survey findings also indicate that financial challenges continue to be the biggest obstacle to more rapid deployment of security solutions for some organisations.
Research Highlights
Organisations Operating Within Increasingly Complex Security Environments
More than 35 percent of respondents reported that they use security devices and systems from six to ten manufacturers, with a clear majority describing their security environment as being composed of multiple technologies that are individually managed (49 percent) through multiple, distributed locations (49 percent).
PSIM Becoming a Part of Organisational Security Planning
With so many disparate technologies and views, organisations increasingly are adopting integration solutions to create a common operating picture and improve collaboration and information sharing. PSIM software specifically continues to gain momentum across EMEA security organisations, enabling the integration and real-time analysis of information and data from numerous sources. This year’s survey also reveals:
- 25 percent of respondents say they plan to invest in PSIM software for their organisation in the next 12-18 months.
- 55 percent of those surveyed rank the deployment of integration technologies as one of the top three items they plan to implement to improve their operations in the next 12-18 months.
- 80 percent of respondents rank the ability to leverage both physical and IT security together to identify, manage and resolve security situations as “important” or “extremely important.”
- 71.5 percent of respondents say the ability to integrate data from traditional security devices and systems into a common operating picture is “important” or “extremely important.”
Elevated Focus on Risk Management
When asked to identify the areas of biggest concern to their organisation’s current situation management operations, 50 percent of respondents named risk management. In addition, 71 percent specifically note plans to invest in risk management technologies in the next 12-18 months—up from 57 percent last year.
Budgetary Concerns Continue to Slow Momentum
Though beginning to show signs of improvement, budgetary concerns continue to hinder organisations in the development of their security environment. Respondents say that insufficient budget is by far the biggest organisational obstacle to moving their security organisations forward during the next 12-18 months.
“Today’s organisations are dealing with increasingly complex security environments and technologies,” said Darren Chalmers-Stevens, vice president, EMEA operations, VidSys. “For budget-conscious security leaders, PSIM inexpensively brings together disparate systems in one unified view, proactively identifying potential risks or issues for a real-time response.”
About the 2013 EMEA Security Survey
The 2013 Security Survey is an EMEA-wide survey designed to provide insight into the security concerns and buying patterns of private and public agencies throughout the region. Sponsored by VidSys, the survey was conducted in late April and early May via Survey Monkey, an online survey services provider, and is based on input from respondents representing public sector, corporate enterprise and national government organisations. A Research Brief providing detailed information on the findings will be available in late Spring 2013.
