PSIM System Evaluation and Recommendation

The client operated multiple sites with critical infrastructure requirements. Over time, security technology was procured and deployed without a centralized architecture-resulting in multiple VMS, access control systems, and perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) operating in silos across regions.

• Lack of integration across VMS, ACS, and sensor platforms
• Disparate incident response workflows with no centralized command view
• Redundant training and inconsistent SOPs across regions
• Manual reporting, escalation, and compliance auditing processes

To address these gaps, the client initiated a comprehensive PSIM evaluation to centralize operations, enhance threat visibility, and streamline incident management.

1) Information gathering & requirements definition

• Discovery workshops with Security Operations, IT, and Facilities
• Use-case definition: real-time visualization, automated workflows, integrations, audit compliance
• Captured 45+ functional requirements (federation, health monitoring, prioritization, playbooks, forensics)

2) Vendor qualification & demonstrations

• Released an RFI to leading PSIM vendors
• Shortlisted three vendors for live demos: SureView, Advancis WinGuard, Genetec Mission Control
• Built demo station test cases using real-world incident simulations

3) Business case development

• Side-by-side comparison matrix: licensing models, integrations, analytics support, deployment models
• Modeled ROI drivers: fewer staff hours per incident, faster time-to-resolution, centralized compliance reporting
• Mapped reporting outputs to common audit frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001 / SOC2 supportability)

4) Budgetary analysis & recommendation

• Built 5-year TCO projections: licensing, integration development, sandbox/testing lab, training, managed support
• Recommended phased rollout: SOC + two pilot sites, iterate, then expand by region/site archetype

• Requirements catalog (45+ functional requirements) aligned to operational use cases
• Vendor demo plan with test cases based on real incident scenarios
• Comparison matrix (licensing, integrations, analytics, deployment model, operational fit)
• 5-year TCO model including integration, enablement, training, and support
• Phased rollout plan starting with SOC and two pilot sites

The evaluation produced a data-backed recommendation that met functional requirements and aligned with the organization's strategic goal: a resilient, interoperable, audit-ready security ecosystem.

Key projected improvements included faster alarm response, standardized training and SOPs, and automated reporting for incident forensics and compliance.

PSIM selections fail when organizations jump straight to vendor demos without requirements, test cases, and a cost model. This engagement ensured the client could compare vendors fairly, forecast total cost, and sequence rollout to reduce operational disruption.