Are you getting the most out of your security system? This is a question that many security leaders should be asking themselves. As growth in an organization occurs, so does the need to enhance its security measures to ensure its assets are protected. However, one of the biggest pitfalls organizations run into inadvertently is the inability to maintain a unified security system, and often end up with a less than desirable disparate security system. For larger corporations this typically comes with mergers or acquisitions.

To best describe the difference between the systems, let’s first look at what they are. The most common use of a disparate security system is a series of isolated or a single-purpose system that may work great independently, however, falls short when it comes to communicating with the overall system. For example, an organization may have both an access control system (ACS) and a video management system (VMS) that monitor designated points and log all pertinent information. However, if these two systems do not communicate effectively with one another, it can delay the response from security personnel who are actively monitoring the system. Another drawback to disparate systems is the inability to tap into and hardness of the new technology devices. One often limits the capability and capacity in which their system functions due to the lack of communication and integration among devices.