Specifically Speaking: David Mitchell

What's your title and role at the company?

I am the principal security consultant for Mitchell Technical Consultants, LLC.  I negotiate new business opportunities, secure client contracts, perform physical security site surveys, technical analysis, design an array of technology systems and specify products.

What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?

Mitchell Technical Consultants designs and specifies electronic systems utilizing smart building technologies including IP cameras, video management software, electronic access control, intrusion detection systems, network infrastructure, Wi-Fi, digital signage, VoIP telephones, building automation, and fire detection systems.

We provide a range of services, which comprises physical security site surveys, safety and risk vulnerability assessments, technical evaluations for design improvements of physical security infrastructure, building technology systems design, product specification, engineering support and technical training.

MTC designs building maps in AutoCAD, Visio, and Genetec Plan Manager, crafting electronic floor plans to display a visual representation of smart building system objects.  We use WELS4 design software to configure equipment layouts, creating construction drawings for security control consoles, secure room layouts, and global security operation centers.

We apply NFPA National Electrical Code design standards, ASIS International (POA) Protection of Assets physical security principles, BICSI Electronic Safety & Security Design Reference Manual, NIBS Whole Building Design Guide, and Cisco IP Video Surveillance Design Guide to achieve business goals and objectives.

In addition to plan and specification construction document creation, we implement a value-added service where we review conceptual plans and specifications to determine appropriate product selection and provide technical project support.

What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

We service clients with properties throughout the continental U.S., and our design experience covers the following market sectors: commercial, government, financial, education, healthcare, luxury condo complex and super-regional shopping malls.

An ongoing project of interest is our design of Global Security Operations Centers for a Real Estate Investment Trust with ownership of over 50 properties located across the country.

The scope of the project includes the design and specification of security systems to command, control, monitor and communicate with the properties from centralized management locations, while utilizing an enterprise physical security infrastructure integrated with access control, video management mapping software and communication system technologies.

How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

I began my career as a security and fire service technician, developed a commercial/ industrial electrical, security and fire alarm contracting business in the Chicago area executing design build projects. I went on to perform design and consulting work for system integrators; Tyco SimplexGrinnell, Johnson Controls, United Technologies and Kratos Public Safety and Security.

I held electrical, fire and security contractor's licenses in Illinois, was a State of Texas fire alarm planning superintendent, a State of Arizona responsible party, past executive officer of the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (Arizona Chapter), American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (Phoenix Chapter), and ASIS International (Arizona Chapter). I have designed and managed commercial systems projects since 1986.

Safety and security courses and certifications were achieved throughout my career. My current certifications and recent industry trainings are the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - Level IV, Axis Certified Professional, Genetec Security Center System Design Training, and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants - IAPSC Successful Security Consulting Course.

What is your view on the industry moving forward?

The unfortunate reality is that global and local events dictate the increasing need for the products and services that our industry specializes in; however, I find the physical security and fire systems industry to be a dynamic and energizing space to work and provide professional services.

The influence of the Internet of Things on the security industry opens up many new possibilities. The convergence of physical security systems and IoT provides enhanced security benefits to end users. Manufacturers are developing forward-looking solutions to integrate, communicate and secure IoT devices.

Usage of the MQTT messaging protocol is one example of how devices will communicate with each other in a more connected environment. This technology will be deployed with Mercury hardware to provide integration of their panels into an elevator destination dispatch system. This will benefit tenants and visitors with personalized elevator service while improving the flow of building traffic.

The ongoing development of new technology feature sets as well as the growth of dedicated industry professionals provokes us to imagine robust solutions and predicts a bright industry future.