One of the main premises of the security industry is the possibility of integrating all devices into the same automation and integration platform, that is, the possibility of controlling from a single screen all the elements involved in an event that threatens security. This in theory would seem a simple task, but what today begins to be a reality is the result of years of development and standardization of communication protocols between different manufacturers.In this sense, it is important to establish what will be the function of each of the security devices and how they have to interact with each other in order to control a risk situation. Suppose that a detector reports a possible fire in a building, it is logical to think that in this situation automatically the evacuation routes must be marked and released, activate the extinguishing systems, notify the ambulance bodies, firefighters, etc. To the extent that we define what are the variables of the environment that we must consider and how they determine the actions of the devices, we can talk about a true total security solution.
Multiple devices are involved in a given event, from a simple electronic lock to a highly available server, through panels, detectors, elevators, etc. It is at this point where the definition of a common communication protocol becomes fundamental, no matter the nature of the device itself you have to speak the same language.
The OPC Protocol
OPC Foundation is an international organization made up of multiple manufacturers around the world with the vision of laying the foundations of a communication protocol that allows standardization in the acquisition of data between devices of different technologies and from different manufacturers. The reason why the OPC (Ole for Process Control) protocol has more and more acceptance in the industry over another group of standards is because it is based on existing industrial protocols.
OPC defines a group of objects, interfaces and methods to be used in the process of control and design of automated applications in order to facilitate interoperability between different equipment from different manufacturers.
BIS (Building Integration System)
A typical infrastructure contains a wide variety of security equipment (intrusion panels, fire, access, CCTV) and automation (HVAC, lighting, data networks, etc.). BIS, functionally based on the OPC protocol, acts as an integration platform for the management functions of these devices in complex environments.
BIS incorporates the Automation Engine within the same platform which allows the acquisition of data from equipment of multiple manufacturers through OPC controllers. Now, the task of communicating with other devices is not of the platform itself, but of the controller, allowing the platform to specialize in its own functions. But the main advantage is that you have the benefit of opting for the hardware that best suits your needs without worrying about the huge compatibility issue.
Bis also offers the mobility and multiple benefits granted by the WEB platform to monitor the status of system devices from any PC connected to the Internet.
About the Author: Fernando Meza is a Communications and Electronics Engineer. He currently works for Robert Bosch Mexico in the Security Systems division as a Technical Support Engineer. You can contact him via e-mail at [email protected]
