If modern security weren’t complicated enough, government facilities often face another challenge: managing outdated legacy security systems. The systems may have been top-of-the-line when initially installed, but new technology and constantly evolving security threats render many of these systems obsolete. Security teams must decide whether to replace these systems completely, often at significant expense, or find a way to integrate their legacy systems with more modern solutions.
Is this kind of system integration even possible?
In many cases, yes. System integration helps reduce expenses while also making your system more efficient, secure, and future-proof. Learn more about enterprise-level system integration and how it can be tailored to the needs of government facilities.
Is It Possible to Integrate Legacy Systems?
Integrating an outdated legacy system with a cutting-edge security system might seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible. Many modern systems are created to work with these legacy platforms, enhancing rather than replacing existing infrastructure. It’s not without its challenges, though. Here are a few criteria to consider before taking on this kind of project:
- Current infrastructure. Evaluate the existing system and determine which components to keep, upgrade, or replace.
- Scalability. Select components that offer future upgrades and expansion to future-proof the system.
- Compliance. Ensure that any upgrades meet FedRAMP and other security requirements.
System integration can be a technologically complex process requiring precision and expertise. The first hurdle is often determining whether new and old technologies will work together without disrupting system operation. Outdated software and hardware can be challenging to update, especially when they don’t support newer features like encryption, AI-based analytics, or cloud integration. This can leave legacy systems vulnerable to both physical and cyber attacks, as they may lack the required security measures found in newer systems.
To avoid problems, it’s best to work with an experienced security system integration technician. They can ensure that old and new security systems are correctly integrated by first evaluating a facility’s current system. The professional can then recommend modern security measures that work with the existing infrastructure.
With their help, a government facility can enjoy modern security solutions built on legacy systems — all designed to scale as security requirements change.
The Benefits of Mixing Legacy & Modern Security
While integrating legacy and modern security systems may present challenges, the effort is worth it. System integration delivers many benefits for a facility, including improved security, enhanced functionality, and cost savings.
Improved Security
Modernizing existing security equipment can help close security gaps within a facility. System integration can introduce modern measures like encryption, AI, and real-time monitoring, which are crucial for high-security government facilities today. In some cases, these newer technologies are required under federal regulations.
Enhanced Functionality
Integrated systems allow legacy equipment to use modern technology, creating a more cohesive security network for a facility. This might include:
- Upgrading access control systems with biometric systems, mobile credentials, or smart card readers.
- Adding AI and video analytics to existing CCTV cameras.
- Integrating smart intrusion detectors into existing alarm systems.
- Creating cloud-based control systems for real-time monitoring from anywhere
Cost Savings
Rather than completely overhauling a facility’s security infrastructure, system integration allows you to upgrade specific components while keeping the working parts of the legacy system in place. It’s a much more cost-effective approach to security — often necessary for limited budgets — and will extend the service life of existing equipment.
Let Ariel Secure Technologies Handle System Integration
Integrating legacy systems with modern security solutions requires expertise and precision. Ariel Secure Technologies specializes in enterprise-level system integration for high-security government facilities. We can help you evaluate and upgrade existing security infrastructure, enhancing your security while minimizing costs. Ariel also offers ongoing support after installation, helping teams make the most of their updated systems.
Call Ariel Secure Technologies today. We can evaluate the facility’s existing security infrastructure and create a tailored plan to upgrade and future-proof security operations.
