Professional services are the glue that holds physical security projects together. In a previous blog on professional services for security projects, we outlined how third-party professional service providers bring the structure, expertise, and objectivity needed to translate operational needs into effective solutions.
This topic is then further explored with a use case on alarm reconciliation. By connecting key elements of professional services to a familiar security challenge, their real-world value becomes clear.
But no one understands the day-to-day impact of professional services better than the practitioners delivering them – practitioners like Matt McQuinn.
Matt currently serves as the Senior Security Consultant for Atriade. With a focus on security technologies, he regularly integrates various systems, plans device layouts, and (re)configures solutions for Atriade’s consulting clients. As such, he finds himself engaging in and providing many of the professional services covered in our previous blogs.
Matt’s use of that on-the-job experience is twofold. First, he brings his real-world consulting insights into the classroom as an adjunct professor of Security Technologies at Washburn University. His goal is to equip students with the basic knowledge and practical skills needed to manage security projects.
This includes covering some of those professional services’ best practices. For example, Matt spent one class introducing students to the various stakeholders involved in a security project, from integrators to consultants, HR, procurement, and beyond. He emphasized why early and frequent engagement with “who sits at the table” is critical for project success.
Here, he’s using similar examples gathered from experience to explain why external professional service providers are often essential to the success, adoption, and long-term sustainability of security programs:
“When I really think about what professional services are, it’s becoming intimate with the client’s environment and understanding their needs,” Matt says. “We want to know what their standard operating procedures are, what software or technology fits their culture, and even what they’re already doing right.” Designing solutions without this context risks implementing systems that are not functional, sustainable, or optimized for long-term use.
Much of the value of professional service providers stems from their position as third parties. They are well-positioned to navigate client organizations without being hindered by internal politics or assumptions. As Matt explains it, “We don’t have the same red tape,” which allows them to engage with various stakeholders while maintaining objectivity and sensitivity. Clients benefit from a trusted partner who can advocate for their needs across teams without fear of conflict or bias.
Matt highlights the value of configuration as a professional service in the context of access control naming conventions. “I once saw a system where some doors were named correctly, but others had names like ‘Tammy’s office,’” Matt recalls. “As an outsider, I had no idea where that was, and if I needed to work on that door or respond to a security incident, I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Doors should follow a consistent, logical naming scheme (e.g., building, floor, and function) so that anyone accessing the system can quickly identify each location.
Matt acknowledges that security is heavily reliant on technology and, therefore, the success of a security program depends on how that technology is used. Bringing in an outside perspective to conduct UAT allows organizations to identify inconsistencies (offline devices, inconsistencies in standard operating procedures (SOPs), or gaps in operational readiness) before they become larger issues. Beyond revealing areas that need improvement, externally conducted UAT highlights what’s already working well, providing much-needed encouragement during high-stress times of change.
A professional service provider goes beyond basic instruction to provide the context needed for training to stick. Matt explains this in terms of alarm response. “Instead of saying, ‘this is an alarm this is how you respond to it’, we can go in and say, ‘this is the alarm, this is why you’re getting the alarm, this is how you need to respond to it because we’ve written SOPs for you, this is who needs to be notified, this is why they need to be notified’, and so on.”
A professional service provider offering security program and project management services excels by leveraging the experience of its team. They have seen the challenges that arise from a lack of structured oversight, as well as the benefits of clear coordination across teams. In short, they know what works and what doesn’t. Matt sums up the benefit of that experience by saying, “Our clients know that they can call us and we’re going to find the right answer.”
“If we’re looking at a system and we see a lot of inconsistencies or outdated elements like floor plans, it’s usually a sign that the system and team would benefit from an outside perspective,” says Matt. These gaps often stem from ad hoc changes, inconsistent standards, and a lack of structured oversight. Proactive third-party change management can introduce a more disciplined approach. By establishing clear processes for change and stepping in to reinforce said changes, organizations can ensure their systems remain aligned with operational needs.
Security professional services are absolutely something organizations can manage on their own. Matt’s standpoint is that there is added value when you don’t have to. Experienced external providers offer objectivity, deep technical expertise, and combined experience that internal teams simply cannot replicate. It’s this truth that Matt has seen play out firsthand.
“Clients may have small security teams or be very busy,” he says. “But we don’t try to force a round peg into a square hole. Our recommendations are based solely on what’s best for the client.”
Why is functional design important in physical security systems?
Functional design is important because security systems must reflect the client’s environment, standard operating procedures, existing practices, technology culture, and operational needs. Designing without that context can lead to systems that are difficult to use, poorly adopted, or unsustainable over time. Effective design supports long-term program performance by ensuring the solution fits how the organization actually operates.
Why should access control doors follow consistent naming conventions?
Access control doors should follow consistent naming conventions so users can quickly identify locations during daily operations, troubleshooting, or incident response. Names based on building, floor, and function are more reliable than informal labels such as an employee’s office. Inconsistent naming increases confusion, slows response, and creates unnecessary risk when staff or outside support need to act quickly.
What is the value of outside user acceptance testing for security technology?
Outside user acceptance testing helps identify issues before they become larger operational problems. An external reviewer can find offline devices, inconsistencies in standard operating procedures, and gaps in readiness that internal teams may overlook. UAT also confirms what is working well, which matters during periods of change when teams are under pressure to validate technology, processes, and adoption.
How does change management affect long-term security system performance?
Change management affects long-term performance by keeping systems aligned with operational needs as conditions change. Inconsistencies, outdated floor plans, and ad hoc updates often indicate a lack of structured oversight. A disciplined third-party change management process can establish clear standards, reinforce updates, and reduce the risk of systems becoming fragmented, inaccurate, or harder to manage over time.
About Atriade
Atriade is a trusted security consulting firm with decades of experience delivering tailored security solutions. We specialize in security system design for access control, perimeter protection, video surveillance, visitor management, and other advanced physical security technologies.
Our expertise also extends beyond system design to include security master planning, program development, risk assessments, professional services, and end-to-end project management.
For more than 20 years, we have partnered with Fortune 50 companies, Ivy League universities, and leading technology firms in Silicon Valley to help them navigate complex security challenges with a strategic, forward-thinking approach.
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