What is a Master Systems Integrator (MSI) and why do you Need One?

Modern asset management, sustainability, and customer satisfaction demands require facilities to implement complex, smart systems and devices. In order to maximize their utility, these disparate yet complementary technologies should be integrated into a single interface. Integrating system components helps facility managers to better monitor and control assets and resources, ultimately improving responsiveness while reducing overall costs and energy demands.

How is this integration achieved? A Master Systems Integrator.

What is a Master Systems Integrator?

A Master Systems Integrator (MSI) is an individual or company responsible for integrating and managing various complex systems or sub-systems into a single, cohesive, and functional system. They participate in and oversee the integration of critical building management systems such as security systems, fire protection, HVAC, lighting control, and access control systems to ensure smart automation of a facility is both possible and effective.

The MSI works closely with the customer to understand their requirements and then develops a detailed plan for integrating their various systems. This plan includes the selection of hardware and software components, the design of the network infrastructure, and the deployment of the integrated systems. The MSI also provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the continued performance and reliability of the integrated systems.

Their plan and support ensure the integration of technology, software, hardware, and other components to deliver a complete solution to a customer.

The MSI coordinates the installation and commissioning of these systems, ensuring that they work together seamlessly to provide a secure and comfortable environment for the building’s occupants.

Why do you need a Master Systems Integrator?

The MSI acts as a project manager, coordinating the efforts of multiple sub-contractors and suppliers to ensure that the final product meets the customer’s requirements. This is important because most buildings utilize a variety of technologies installed and provided by multiple vendors. In order to accomplish a fully integrated building, an MSI would orchestrate the design and integration of these technologies, ensuring uniform integration and sustainability.

The MSI participates in the development of phasing plans based on in-progress design drawings, prepares schedules or estimates related to in-progress systems design drawings, and provides value engineering services related to in-progress design drawings. They also field verify in-progress design drawings and oversee outreach to, and investigation of trade Contractors and the procurement of subcontract packages related to systems. The MSI provides coordination services to ensure systems requirements are integrated into project planning, design, installation, testing and commissioning phases.

Having an MSI on board from the planning stages of a project allows for overall infrastructure integration per the owner’s needs & requirements. The advantages of a single infrastructure extend into almost every aspect of a facility, including reduced up-front construction costs, lower life-cycle costs, improved system management, enhanced back-office reporting, better service, and proactive maintenance.

Effective system integration lowers costs and increases value over the project lifecycle.

In an airport setting, for example, an MSI can be used in large-scale reconstruction projects to coordinate the integration of various systems and sub-systems outlined below to ensure a seamless passenger experience:

• Access Control System
• Video Management System
• Passive and Active IT systems
• Fire Protection Systems
• Terminal Announcements System
• Electrical Power / Lighting
• Common-Use/ FIDS / MUFIDS / BIDS
• Baggage Handling systems
• Building Management System
• Queue Management System

Overall, organizations seeking to seamlessly integrate multiple systems, reduce costs, improve reliability and performance, and provide a single point of accountability for their entire important project should engage a Master Systems Integrator.

Contact info@aroraengineers.com today to learn more about MSI’s and the benefits they present!