Specifically Speaking with Ray Navarro

YARMOUTH, Maine—Ray Navarro calls himself a “worker bee,” and his daily responsibilities at engineering consulting firm TEECOM certainly keep him nice and busy like a hard-working bee in a hive.

“I am involved in the design development and design for the installation of access control systems, video surveillance systems, emergency communications, visitor management systems, alarm monitoring systems, intercommunication systems, security operation centers, and perimeter protection systems, just to name a few,” Navarro told SSN.

TEECOM is a San Francisco-based company that works with building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to choose the right technology and design integrated, efficient, and user-friendly systems.

TEECOM’s mission statement is “We make technology work in buildings,” and the company implements that strategy by taking on the complexity of technology planning in buildings to create a seamless experience for clients and end-users.

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Navarro:

SSN: What's your title and role at the company?

NAVARRO: I am a principal consultant, aka worker bee!

SSN: What kinds of services does the company provide?

NAVARRO: Some of the systems that TEECOM designs, specifies and project manages include:

● Telecommunications

● Audio-visual

● Acoustics

● Network and Wireless infrastructure

● Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

● Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS),

● Nurse call

● Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

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

NAVARRO: We work closely with owners, developers, and architects on projects in the following markets:

● Mission Critical (data centers)

● Technology and manufacturing

● Bio-medical and healthcare

● Transportation

● Fortune 500 companies

● Education

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

NAVARRO: I was a radio communications technician in the Marine Corps. In 1984 I left active duty and came home to Dallas and was looking for a job. It just so happened that a Vietnam-era Marine by the name of Jack O’Neil had a company in the commercial security business and hired me on the first interview. After some 30-plus years as an integrator I joined Combs Consulting Group as a consultant, and five years later I joined TEECOM.

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today?

NAVARRO: Of course, everyone is talking about AI. I am interested in seeing how true artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a role in the security industry. A few products are making their way into the market that show promise in the ability to use AI and machine learning to find and report security anomalies. So far much of what the market is saying is artificial intelligence is still rules based and not really taking advantage of machine learning. Real AI will provide 24x7 security monitoring and processing of data freeing security staff from any type of direct human intervention.

The other interesting technology that I think will play a major role in the industry is the use of drones and robots. Combining alarm monitoring with the dispatching of drones makes sense, again freeing security staff from direct human intervention, response times to perimeter alarm could be fastest and safer with the use of drones and/or robots.

Lastly, I think it’s time to move away from 8-32 door control panels mounted to the wall of an IDF [intermediate distribution frame] room. I think we can also move away from the use of card readers and access control cards. Some beacon technologies on the horizon will better control who is allowed into what room or area of the building than our current access control products and design.

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward?

NAVARRO: Looking back on when I started in the security industry to where we are today, and considering the technologies that are on the horizon, I think it’s a very exciting time to be in the security industry. Let’s face it, shortly after Cain killed Abel, the security industry was born. Like it or not there will always be the need to protect people, places, and things from those in our society that seek to bring harm and destroy our future. The challenges are considerable for the next generation of security professionals, but so are the awards. I believe the next 20 years will bring changes to our industry that we simply cannot imagine today