The growing concerns about the emerging threats to security mean that intuitions have to upgrade their security system to include intelligence gathering system based on information technology. In this hospital security as well as information technology officers concerned with security issues do want to upgrade and include intelligent building IT based systems in a new medical office building housing. Intelligence building works on the platform of GPS that integrates a variety of functions that includes sensing, tracking and information gathering systems. These systems are used for improved control, monitoring and management of buildings (Wang, 2010). However upon consideration this system has been forum to have a number of risks. In spite if the risks, the system are still applicable as it is possible to secure this system to ensure that the risks are minimized.
Intelligence building and gathering technologies use Global Positioning System (GPS). For this systems, to be effective in the hospital new building it means that specimens, staffs and certain object must be installed with a tracking device, which will be sensed by remotely installed sensors (seed nodes) which provide information including the movement, speed, direction of movement, the location as well as the time. There a number of risks involved in establishing this type of systems. The systems have been know to record and reality incorrect data especially when the tracking device is being read from a longer distance, moisture content of the air as well as when working in the vicinity of tall buildings. In this case the sensing seed nodes may not be able to accurately record the correct location, speed or time of the object being tracked (Klingbeil & Wark, 2008). That the system can be inaccurate thus brings to the fore another risk. In case the system provides inaccurate information that may led to any for of losses to the hospital, the issue begs the question as to who become liable for bearing the weight of such losses. The hospital intends to use this system and require that all staff carry with them a tracking device for easier monitoring. This will improve the efficiency of human resource management as well as responding to emergencies. However, another risk emergences when such an occurrence is evaluated. Tracking device placed on staff may have the tendency to reveal private information to the hospital administration and as such the privacy of such employees is comprised in efforts to ensure work process efficiency. This may reduce employee morale. Furthermore, private GPS systems, the platform under which this system operates on is subject to interference by government security agencies. Incase of extreme occurrences such as terrorism, the government has the right to shut other system to allow for efficiency and accuracy of is own system (Michael, McNamee & Michael, 2006). This renders the system useless.
These systems can however be secured to improve efficiency and thus overcome these risks. To improve the accuracy of information begin relayed, the system can employ the enhanced hardware component to improve the strength of the signal. Such equipment includes the Radar system that significantly strengthens signal especially for tracking within the same building. Ultrasonic receivers also help in enhancing the accuracy of information regarding locations and movement using the angle of arrival model. Ultrasonic receivers are also capable of recording of both radio and sound waves and using this combination they can relay much accurate data about time. Common algorithm used to calculate and encrypt data collected by the system has a number of weaknesses. They are affected by such factor as noise. However localization algorithm can solve this risk as it operate above such interferences and sis also able to trace motion of an object if lost to new locations when the object finally come to view (Klingbeil & Wark, 2008). To reduce the chances of the device relaying private information the staff will only be required to wears the tracking equipment when on duty. This means that the employee cannot be tracked when off duty. Furthermore, to secure the system from recording private information, there are certain areas within the hospital that will be designated as out of range. Employee’s data cannot be read when employees are within these vicinities. Such areas include toilets and canteens and other place where the staff intact with the public for reason that are not related to work (Michael, McNamee & Michael, 2006).
Intelligence building systems have been found to be more efficient than just reliance on human ability. The hospital business practice needs better management practices and improved efficiency. This system enhances the efficiency of the business. However there are risks associated. Ethics issue scuh as the compromising on privacy of staff emerge. Furthermore this system is known to be insecure and can at times relay inaccurate due to interference from external and factors relay inaccurate information. There is however modern hardware and software solutions developed to ensure the efficiency of this system. These enhanced features thus make the system more secure and as such the hospital should consider them during the planning stage.
Reference List
Klingbeil, L., & Wark, T. (2008). A wireless sensor network for real-time indoor localisation and motion monitoring. Proceedings of the 2008 International Conference on Information Processing in Sensor Networks, 39-50.
Michael, K., McNamee, A., & Michael, M. G. (2006). The emerging ethics of humancentric GPS tracking and monitoring. Proceedings of the International Conference on Mobile Business (ICMB’06), 1-10.
Wang, S. (2010). Intelligent buildings and building automation. Oxon: Spon Press