Future Fibre Technologies (FFT) is a world leader in fibre optic perimeter security and perimeter intrusion detection for the airport, government, military, defense, oil and gas industries, as well as to a broad range of commercial organisations. The integration of IPsecuritycenter PSIM and FFT CAMS, a key component of FFT’s fibre optic security detection and location systems, cements the two companies’ technology partnership under the CNL Software Technology Alliance Program (TAP).

The challenge for refinery facilities includes maintaining the security of personnel, buildings and facilities, engineering structures, storage tanks, pipes, generators, transport systems, heavy machinery, equipment and accessories often located over large geographical areas on land and water. The perimeter is the first and arguably the most significant barrier to protecting any facility. Numerous genuine alarm triggers such as authorised personnel, maintenance contractors and security patrols are continuously passed to the control room. Responding to all of these events is unfeasible, so a method of quickly aggregating intelligence from all security systems is required to verify and prioritise each incident.

“One of the biggest hurdles for end users on vast critical infrastructure estates is identifying and verifying nuisance alarms, whilst maintaining maximum sensitivity to intrusion events”, explains Erick Reynolds, PSP, Manager Critical Infrastructure - Americas, of FFT. “FFT CAMS integrated with IPsecuritycenter PSIM will offer the refinery comprehensive perimeter alarm information supported by data from other security systems all housed within a robust, flexible and easy to operate PSIM solution.”

“More specifically, this enhanced integration allows IPsecuritycenter to receive sensor, zone, event, GPS and alarming information from FFT’s Secure fence fibre optic perimeter sensing systems onsite, as well as send back isolation and acknowledgement control commands.” he added.

“The integration between IPsecuritycenter PSIM and with FFT CAMS is part of a comprehensive situational intelligence solution which will optimise situation planning, training, and response to security situations and life safety emergencies at the refinery plant and tank farm facility”, explains Ramon Grado, CPP, Director of Sales at CNL Software – Americas. “Our work with FFT is key to intelligent management of all perimeter alarms at the facility.”

IPsecuritycenter PSIM plays a central part in critical national infrastructure projects around the globe, helping to secure utility companies such as Cleveland Water, transportation networks such as WMATA, port locations such as WSDOT Ferries Division and oil and gas facilities in South Africa and Kuwait for example.