Specifically Speaking with William J. Hall

What is your role at ADRM? What verticals and what types of projects does the company specialize in?

I have a strong background in network-based access control, intrusion detection and digital video management systems. Our goal at ADRM is to provide a secure and robust solution that is specific to the customers’ needs, and we are experienced beyond technical specification production in also providing Risk assessment, development of policy and procedures as well as contract management throughout a project.

Some of the vertical areas that we specialize in include: Financial institutions, biosafety labs, biotech, financial, aviation and transportation, higher education, corporate, energy, government, and municipalities, for example.

ADRM is currently engaged in numerous projects to include: One Post Office Square in Boston, a Biosafety Lab with Georgia State University, as well as projects with the Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

How did you get started in security and specifying?

My personal background began as a field technician for a local security integrator in suburban Maryland in the late 1980s. After working in the field for some time I gained experience with AutoCAD and was able to secure a position within the company’s Engineering department. That move created opportunities to expand my knowledge of products technologies and practices as security technologies began to change with the advancement of IP based products and network integration.

Following a relocation to Massachusetts, I was able to continue to grow with another local Security Integrator. Ultimately, I worked as an Integrator, a Manufacturers Representative and then as a security consultant on a large security project for the Massachusetts Port Authority. That project created an opportunity as well. I became the first manager of access control systems for Massport where I worked for more than 16 years before retiring. With time on my side and maintaining my connections with Dan O’Neill who is the President of Advanced Data Risk Management, I was able to re-emerge back into the public sector to continue as a security consultant.

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

The pace of change has never slowed. Between the challenges that the post 9/11 world brought to today’s issues related to the COVID-19 virus, clients are constantly searching for the best in class product and applications. ADRM works to stay updated with the latest applications of quality products and services for our clients.
Emerging technologies in access control, digital video management as well as biometric based tools are constantly changing. Sensors and servers integrate in complex systems that rely on the strength and security of the network that host them to ensure a secure operation.

What is your view on the industry moving forward?

A useful working knowledge design, installation and programming is needed, but to sustain an application, security practitioners have to embed their products into complex network infrastructure which may compete for resources. Successful projects will require a close association with the security practices of information technology as well as traditional security technologies.
True integration through careful application will be the success stories looking ahead. Manufacturers, as well as specifiers and integrators, have a role to play and responsibilities to our
clients.       
                           
Specifically Speaking, a Security Systems News monthly column, features Q-and-A with a security consultant provided to SSN by SecuritySpecifiers.