Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide 2nd Edition Review
A solid physical security program uses the principle of defense in-depth to protect its assets because security controls will fail and a backup control is always needed. Defense in-depth is a combination of overlapping and complementary security controls that start at a perimeter and end at the asset to be protected. Defense in-depth requires the right combination of technology, written procedures and personnel. This combination is known as a Physical Protection System (PPS). Employing a PPS is no easy task and it takes the correct project management processes in order to effectively implement these systems.
Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide 2nd Edition by David G. Patterson, CPP, PSP is an excellent starting point for learning how to implement a PPS though its life cycle phases. The book’s 9 chapters cover a variety of PPS project management topics. The topics include purpose of a PPS, PPS life cycle phases, and PPS project management topics such as risk assessments, cost of loss calculation, bidders’ processes, change orders, cost estimation, installation, training and even team building. This book delivers a clear and straightforward approach to PPS project management in an easy to understand way without over complicating the process.
This book was written to guide security professionals in the implementation of PPS and is also part of the ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) study material but I have also learned valuable management/supervisory skills from this book. For example the book discusses developing project objective using the SMART acronym: specific, measurable, aggressive but achievable, realistic, and time bound. I have recently seen this acronym used by HR professionals when helping employees to develop career goals and objectives. Â Learning this from the book has better helped me set goals and objective for not only team projects but personal projects as well.
Chapters 1-3 cover what a PPS is and its primary functions; the 6 life cycle phases of a PPS; and various project management topics such as  planning, team building, developing objectives, project stages, project pitfalls and much more. The remaining chapters cover the 6 life cycle phases of a PPS in more depth:
- Chapter 4: Planning
- Chapter 5: Design & Estimation
- Chapter 6: Procurement
- Chapter 7: Installation/Operation/Training
- Chapter 8: Commission & Warranty
- Chapter 9: Maintenance/Evaluation/Replacement
This book is a must read for all security professionals tasked with developing and implementing PPSs, and anyone studying for the ASIS board certifications. I keep a copy of this book on my desk at work to use as a reference guide anytime I start a new project. I have used this book so much it is starting to fall apart, and has sticky notes and highlighter marks all over the pages. I recommend all security professionals who are wanting to develop their security project management skills to read this book!
This book can be purchases though ASIS International or Amazon.com:
ASIS International (Paperback}: Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide 2nd Edition
Amazon (Kindle Edition):Implementing Physical Protection Systems: A Practical Guide, 2nd Edition
