SFI Electronics Spotlight

Universal Protection Service Increases Their Security Strength Across the U.S.

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America and one of the largest providers of security services in the U.S., is excited to announce that they have acquired Security Forces, Inc. (SFI) and their electronic security systems company, SFI Electronics, Inc. (SFIE). With their outstanding reputation in the security industry, SFI has been providing security guard services since 1949 and employs over 3,500 security professionals who are supported by 31 offices throughout the southeastern U.S.

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SFI Electronics, Inc., a security systems integrator headquartered in Charlotte NC, announced today that it has been included in the Top 25 System Integrators in the 2011 ranking of the nation’s Annual Top Systems Integrators by SDM Magazine.  SFI Electronics ranked #25 in 2011 and #41 in 2010. 

SDM Magazine publishes the list of top security integrators once a year. The report ranks, by reported North American systems integration revenue, the largest firms that contract electronic security projects for commercial, industrial, institutional, government and other non-residential markets. For ranking purposes, these systems integration firms are businesses that derive more than half of their revenue from the sale, design/engineering, installation and service of multitechnology electronic security systems such as access control, video surveillance, alarms, perimeter security and other network-based technologies.

SFI Electronics has been in business since 1977 and has eight offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

SDM Magazine Article

          SFI Electronics, Inc. – Ranked # 41

15th Annual SDM’s Top Systems Integrators: Some Halted Spending, Fierce Competition
by Laura Stepanek
July 1, 2010

In the security systems integration business, fewer than 20 firms operate globally or nationally. The majority of integrators are regional and local businesses, which depend on construction and spending in a defined geographic area. This fact has a profound impact on how the Top Systems Integrators performed in 2009 — one school district, a single medical center or one corporate office building could make or break an integrator’s sales goals for the year.

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SFI Electronics Wins Partnership Award

SFI Electronics was presented with the 2009 GE Security Strategic Partner of the Year Award for the Eastern United States at the recent United Technologies Fire & Security (UTCFS) / GE National Security Conference. SFI Electronics is one of the two largest GE Security strategic partner dealers in the US. Bob Hinton, Dennis Smith and Tom Fogle accepted the award at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, NV, on behalf of all SFI employees. GE Security enterprise access systems include Facility Commander WinX and Picture Perfect. Earlier this year UTCFS closed on the acquisition of GE Security from General Electric Corporation. SFI Electronics is also one of the largest Lenel OnGuard UTCFS strategic partners.
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Ask the Expert

This month’s expert discusses the practical application of biometrics

By Larry O’Brien – August 2009

A recent survey showed that spending on biometrics could increase by about 140 percent within the next five years. If the mass adoption of high-tech technology found in spy movies is imminent, what tools are most useful, and where might we be seeing practical implementations?

We spoke to Larry O’Brien, CEO of Security Forces and SFI Electronics, to find out more.

ISSUE: Can you give us an overview of the most common biometric technologies?

SOLUTION: Leading biometrics technologies include fingerprint identification, iris scanning and voice recognition. Fingerprint readers lead the way in adoption rates and may even become the primary source of identification in the future over personal identification numbers. No two fingerprints are exactly alike, and readers scan the unique valleys and ridges in an individual’s finger to distinguish one person from another, usually with a high accuracy rate.

This is a relatively inexpensive method of biometric identification and is already in use in many modern laptop computers. Fingerprint readers could soon find their way onto frequently used equipment such as ATM kiosks and vending machines or in schools for access control, cashless catering and library access solutions. However, there are ways around the technology. Gel molds of another person’s fingerprint may fool the system. Fingerprint readers also may struggle to identify fingers that have changed since an initial scanning, for example, due to small injuries that can alter a person’s prints.

ISSUE: What are some of the more advanced biometrics?

SOLUTION: Iris scanning is less susceptible to physical change, yet it is just as accurate as a fingerprint reader— mainly because the iris is unique to each individual. Identity verification can be checked from several feet away and involves no direct eye contact. Practical applications of the technology can be found in several airports in North America and Europe, and within border agencies in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

However, the technology can be expensive and is not foolproof. In fact, in one example, a group of German researchers were able to fool an iris-scanning system by placing a high-quality printout of an iris in front of the scanning device

Perhaps the most easy-to-use biometrics system is voice recognition technology. It attempts to verify an identity by analyzing the unique acoustic patterns in an individual’s voice. The system is noninvasive and is most useful for long-distance identification, over a phone line or through an Internet device. Unfortunately, small changes in a person’s voice, such as a cold or a sore throat, may throw off the system and compromise identification.

ISSUE: What are some of the ways in which biometric technologies are used in the real world?

SOLUTION: Using biometrics in combination with existing security systems can enhance procedures at a facility. For instance, access control systems may now require PIN numbers, an iris scan or a fingerprint reader to create a more secure system. While logging in to a remote voicemail system, a user could provide a pass code, and the system also would verify the user through voice recognition software.

The Department of Defense Common Access Card is an example of biometrics integrated with existing security procedures. This smart card contains biometric data and digitized photographs on a microchip, placed on an identification card. Laser-etched photographs and holograms add security and reduce the risk of falsification. More than 17 million of these cards have been issued.

Using biometrics in a security system can greatly enhance existing procedures, but choosing the right tool will require an experienced integrator. Be sure to consult an integrator who has the knowledge to recommend the right blend of technologies to complement an existing system or when installing a new system.

READER QUESTION: I manage a small boutique law firm that stores highly sensitive client data. Our office has only one entry door and three windows. We need a system that will provide reliable access control, but for our small company biometrics and cameras seem a little over the top. What other technologies could we consider?

SOLUTION: There are several major lock manufacturers that provide systems that feature traditional-looking locks with basic access control functions. These products have digital keys that can be quickly added or deleted as employees are hired or terminated. Additionally, these locks can provide an audit trail to show who has entered your office and when.

They can be installed in only a few minutes, without any wiring or modifications to the door or frame.

Also, be sure to have a fire-safe file cabinet and think about installing an intrusion system to sound an alarm if anyone were to attempt to break in through the windows.

This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of Security Products.

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Source: SecurityInfoWatch.com
SFI Electronics names new president

Thomas Fogle was recently named president of SFI Electronics.

Thomas W. Fogle to succeed Larry O’Brien
SFI Electronics
Updated: 03-8-2009

Charlotte, N.C. – February 23, 2009 – SFI Electronics, Inc. (SFI), a leading commercial security systems integrator in the southeast United States, has announced that Tom Fogle has taken over as its new president. Fogle succeeds former president Larry O’Brien, who remains as chairman and chief operating officer.
“Tom has many years of experience in the security industry,” said O’Brien. “His work in both the public and private sectors will ensure that he can continue to lead the company to future success.”

Fogle gained broad security operations and leadership experience as a manager and business executive in the military and private sector. After graduating from American University with a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice, Fogle served as an officer in the military intelligence branch of the United States Army. Prior to joining SFI, Tom advanced through operations and management assignments to senior vice president of a national security provider over the span of a 20 year career. Since 2004 Fogle has served as director of the executive committee for SFI Electronics and its parent company, Security Forces, Inc., a role in which he will continue to serve.
Fogle is an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), and is a former member of the American Society of Criminology and the national public affairs honor society Pi Alpha Alpha.
“I look forward to the challenge of building on SFI Electronics’ solid foundation of strong customer service and support, and ensuring that SFI remains a leader and financially strong partner in providing integrated security solutions that add value to our clients’ business enterprises,” he said.
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New president plans to continue growth of 22-member international security systems integrators network

SecurityNet

Updated: 02-6-2009 12:20 pm

SecurityNet, a 22-member international network of top independently owned security system integrators, today announced that Robert McMenimon, president of Canton, Mass.-based MAC Systems, will serve as president of SecurityNet for 2006-08.

Other organizational officers include Dave Shelton, president of D/A Central of Oak Park, Mich., serving as vice president; John Krumme, president of Kansas City-based Cam-Dex Security serving as secretary; and Larry O’Brian, president and chief executive officer of Charlotte, N.C.-based SFI Electronics, serving as treasurer.

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Larry O'Brien

Special Event Security
(from Security Dealer and Integrator, Sept. 2008)

By Larry O’Brien

Special events – those public or private occasions that may attract between a few hundred to thousands of people – can be one of the most unpredictable challenges facing the security professional.  Advance planning and preparation are critical to helping ensure a smooth and safe event.

In many cases the majority of the security load will be carried by either a private contract security service or public law enforcement.  But there is a place for the security integrator and technology, especially when celebrities or politicians are involved or when the location may be the site of important corporate or government facilities.

Whether the event is public or private, the integrator should begin by helping to implement an access control plan.  Entry and exit points should be kept to a minimum to ensure that only desired guests can enter.  Security officers or law enforcement officers can man the gates to check for invitations or tickets.  They may also perform routine bag inspections.  Guests may even be required to wear credentials designating which areas they are permitted to access.

Higher profile events may employ electronic access control systems.  Dignitaries may be required to enter through separate entrances that require an access card or be equipped with biometric readers.  These are steps that will require the assistance of a qualified security integrator.

An integrator can also give advice on fencing to keep people in – or out – of prescribed areas.  Proper lighting can also be critical to everyone’s safety for events that extend into or begin after sunset.  Both fencing and lighting can be used to help secure parking lots.  Explosive-detection canines can sweep large areas and help to detect explosives in parked cars or carried by events attendees.

It is vital to have as much information as possible to maintain the highest possible level of security.  That may lead the integrator to also suggest the use of video surveillance for the detection and prevention of problems. Video, in many instances, can exponentially extend the range of the manned security force.  Likely placements include all entries and exits, stage areas, property perimeters and parking lots.

A central command center is also appropriate and will require the assistance of the security integrator.  The center can serve as the location where the video and access control systems are monitored.  Communications are also critical to ensure tight security.  The center should also serve as the communications hub for all security personnel.  Make use of landlines, cellular phone and two-way communication to help keep everyone coordinated.

Make certain there is a clear, concise chain of command and that all members of the security team has a thorough understanding of their roles.  The integrator can help with training to make sure that staff employing the security technology is well versed in its use. It is also important to test all equipment to spot any problems and remedy them prior to the event.

With proper planning and preparation, events – both big and small – can run smoothly and safely.  And a system integrator can play an important role by adding expertise, training and technology. 

(Larry O’Brien is president and chief executive officer of Charlotte, N.C.-based Security Forces and SFI Electronics. He is also an owner-partner of SecurityNet, an international network of 24 leading system integrators offering clients a single, responsible source for meeting all their electronic security needs.)

Web-Based Access Control

Ask the Expert
By Larry O’Brien · April 2008

Web-based access control is a great example of the growing convergence of IT with the security industry. The technology works by enabling users to view and manage a system remotely, from any location in the world, as long as they have Internet access.

ISSUE: What kinds of Web-based access control are available?
SOLUTION: There are two types of access control systems that allow remote management: private server-based and Web-hosted. In the first scenario, a company hosts a server with software that enables applications to control access within the security system. Using this Web-based system, security managers can control and manage access cards, engage alarm systems or change the time door locks are engaged, all online, from anywhere in the world. Another possibility is using a specialized company, usually called an application service provider (ASP), to host the server and provide the necessary software.
Classic access control is an application program running on a server attached to the corporate network. As an alternative, ASPs can host this service and provide the necessary software. In either case, security directors can manage access, control doors, engage alarm systems or change door-locking schedules from anywhere in the world through an Internet connection. With the in-house server application, the IT department must provide a secure connection from the Internet to the corporate network, which is normally called a virtual private network (VPN), to allow the security director access to the application. With the online provider, the security director only needs Internet access to manage the system.

ISSUE: Are there any drawbacks to consider when selecting a Web-based access control system?
SOLUTION: The benefit of hosting your own server is that it can be relatively simple to install and use. However, products that initially seem easy to use often become more complex when implementing the software’s advanced features. Also, company-hosted servers require maintenance, upgrades and virus protection— an added cost. Potential system failure and downtime could be disastrous for a company using a security manager inexperienced in access control.
ASPs can take the burden and headache off the security manager. Also, system maintenance, server upgrades and data backup would be provided as part of the service. The downside to this solution, however, is the ongoing monthly cost associated with each ASP.
Web-based access control is a relatively new technology and, as such, has its share of problems. Scalability is a factor that may stop larger companies from adopting a security system that could “dead-end” in the future. There are some Web-based systems that can handle larger amounts of data, but all of these solutions have some sort of size limitation, meaning that in the future, the system may not be able to cope.
Other problems include the security of a Web-based system, as anything connected to the Internet leaves itself vulnerable to hackers attempting to gain access to valued security information. Using an ASP with a robust firewall may mitigate this problem. It also should be understood that by contracting with a Web-based access control provider, you are granting this ASP full access to your facility as well as possible sensitive information on your employees. Like all Internet companies, ASPs can be bought or sold overnight and sometimes go out of business without warning. Due diligence requires a through and complete investigation into the ownership of the ASP and what level of screening and background checks are required for ASP employees.

ISSUE: What types of organizations are best suited for such a system?
SOLUTION: Successful deployments of Web-based access control systems often have included buildings with multiple tenants. Each tenant can access the system with its own coded cards. Meanwhile, the building security director can monitor the activities that are going on in public areas, such as lobbies, elevators and parking garages.
Evaluate if a Web-based access control system is the right fit for your security system, and talk to an experienced security integrator about the best option.
READER QUESTION: I operate a successful restaurant/nightclub in an urban area. Each night we bring the proceeds into a counting room to tally and prepare the bank deposit. Additionally, we have dozens of credit card numbers at any given time. We have a deadbolt lock on the room, and only an assistant and I have a key. But we have had several restaurant robberies in our area recently. Can you recommend some ways to better protect ourselves?
SOLUTION: An intrusion system that is connected to a central station can offer panic buttons in the form of key fobs that each person can carry and use to initiate a panic call to the central station. Some central stations have the ability to monitor surveillance cameras, and this would allow the central station to assess the current situation during a panic event and provide valuable information to the responding authority. The central station also could be alerted when the employees are ready to leave the counting room with deposits and monitor the surveillance cameras in the parking lot to verify everyone
safely got to their cars. Again, panic alarms should have the range to reach from the parking lot.

About the author
Larry O’Brien

Larry O’Brien is president and COO of Charlotte, N.C.-based Security Forces and SFI Electronics. He has more than 30 years of security industry experience, and is active in both national committees and the North Carolina state chapter of ASIS.