THE SYSTEMS APPROACH TO PHYSICAL PLANT SECURITY

This paper describes the rationale, methodology and advantages inherent in the application of the system engineering approach to physical plant security systems development. In classical format, the systems approach encompasses an orderly progression of data collection and interpretation to identify and categorize unique characteristics of a security need. In close coordination with utility management and its design/construction team, the systems engineer executes an objective analysis in determining configuration influences, operational constraints, and performance options. Ideally, freedom from product bias and inventory limitations allows the systems engineer to select appropriate commercially available equipments based solely on established performance data and conformance to design criteria. From analysis to implementation phase, the dedicated systems approach entails a cohesive plan with defined milestones. Beyond the minimal satisfaction of regulatory guidelines, this approach further assures plant management of operational acceptance through early planning and comprehensive consideration of the candidate system's projected environment.