Evolution Never Stands Still

There is a famous (but sadly untrue) story about the Forth Bridge in Scotland, which suggests that once fully repainted the restoration team has to start over again because of the considerable time it takes to apply the protection it requires from the elements. True or not, it’s a great analogy for an unending task and equates well to the continued evolution of security software and access control solutions.

This is a process that is at the forefront of our minds at TDSi, it was a factor with our old EXgarde access control management software and is even more so with our flagship GARDiS software. Inevitably, as threats continue to change so too must the defences needed to protect people and property against potential attacks.

Equally, these systems need to fit the day-to-day requirements of security operators, so improving and evolving the functionality and the way users interact with them is another key part of the ongoing developmental process.

Customer needs

One of the most interesting aspects of security evolution is that (in the long-term at least) nobody really knows for certain what will be required further in the future. The pandemic has of course been a lesson to the whole world about expecting the unexpected, but this is always a core consideration for the security industry.

When there was a sudden demand for touchless systems well-prepared providers like TDSi already had a raft of solutions available for this. Its our job to consider the myriad of possible security scenarios and to deliver solutions which cater for these as well as more anticipated requirements.

Flexibility to change

A good example of security systems evolution in action is when it comes to integrating previously disparate solutions. For example, many of our customers, particularly in the Middle East, have been calling for greater integration between TDSi’s access control solutions and Pelco’s popular Video Management System (VMS). We have developed and are currently readying an update for the next version of our GARDiS software which includes a live view of surveillance and integrates alarms and access control events with the Pelco system.

This particular example was triggered by a number of projects we were working on with a systems integrator in Bahrain, which also required the Pelco systems. A further example is another Middle East-based systems integrator we are working with, whose clients required integration with VMS provider Digifort’s systems. These sorts of insights from our partners and customers are invaluable in ensuring our systems continue to evolve and grow to support real-world requirements.

Further forthcoming evolutionary enhancements to GARDiS include integration with Dahua Technology’s and Hikvision’s video systems, along with the Suprema Biostar 2 web-based Open Integrated Security platform. Additionally, we are also testing Active Directory and LDAP Directory integration for imminent release.

Designed to evolve

Our GARDiS platform was always designed to evolve and grow like this. Built upon a REST API platform (which already allows for close integration with authorised partner software) but with a highly intuitive user interface on top, GARDiS is a vital part of a larger and broader network of security components and devices.

With the Internet of Things (IoT) promising to incorporate any number of systems to shared networks, security operators have an almost unlimited scope to ‘mix and match’ the components that best suit the needs and budget of the project. With GARDiS’ highly flexible foundations we can move quickly and incorporate functionality for our partners and customers to match these needs.

Going back to the Forth Bridge analogy – security systems must always improve and evolve to resist the ‘elements’ that threaten to break their protective shell. But also, like the bridge these systems need to operate efficiently and effectively, protecting and supporting the operations of the organisations and people who rely on them.

Evolution and change are inevitable and necessary for us all. Speaking of which, TDSi has turned 40 years old in 2022, so it is fair to say we know a lot about evolving and meeting the changing needs of the world!