Videx Access Control Accessories

The physical security market continues to experience growth as users look to capitalise on the promises of emerging technologies and because of this, 2017 proved to be a great year for Oncam. In fact, this year was the best year in Oncam's history in terms of sales, as 360-degree fisheye cameras have gone from being a “specialty” camera used only in certain applications to a primary device for enabling total situational awareness. Today, many of our customers leverage 360-degree cameras exclusively to provide extensive coverage inside a facility or in a large outdoor area, with traditional narrow field-of-view cameras used only at “choke” points. Increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches At the end of 2016, we predicted a major trend this year would be an increase in cybersecurity concerns for users of physical security systems, and we were right. An increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches have put organisations on watch. Based on this and the adoption of more IT-centric infrastructure and protocols, there is significant collaboration between IT and physical security, and true “convergence” is finally starting to happen. The adoption of video analytics also continued to increase this year, as most video surveillance projects involved the use of some form of analytics and data analysis. Demand for safeguards As we move into 2018, the trends of 2017 will roll over, and cybersecurity will continue to be a major issue. Suppliers of hardware and software will put an even greater emphasis being cyber secure and end users will increasingly demand safeguards. Additionally, the deployment and use of advanced analytics based on newer artificial intelligence-based technologies will continue to increase. It will be the technology providers that find ways to allow users to capture additional value from the information collected by security systems that will accelerate growth. Oncam made significant investments in new products that leverage analytics and cloud technologies. In 2018, we will continue to invest in the development of new products, with a focus on solutions for particular applications across industry segments. Beyond our technology advancements, we've invested significantly in boosting our sales force in the Americas and adding industry experts to ensure sustained customer and partner success with our solutions. From our vantage point, Oncam is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities for growth in the coming year.

2017 was quite an interesting and eventful year for the physical security industry. The economy has been robust and technology has become progressively sophisticated—with interactive services, cloud computing and network-based solutions taking charge to provide new insights to installers and their end-user customers. The Internet of Things is creating increasingly integrated solutions, with a heightened emphasis on total connectivity. Changing security expectations World events have also put the spotlight on the need for comprehensive security at public events, tourist attractions and schools and campuses. Security is an expectation and systems integrators are becoming trusted advisors to their customers, who are looking to them to solve problems or issues. Residential systems are more robust and now, are migrating to the commercial side of the business. There’s a blurring of the lines of technology—many of the products that come to the security industry originate from the consumer side. This proposition is also changing expectations by both residential and commercial customers, who want common, easy operation from their smartphone or user interface. Unexpected was some of the biggest deals in the industry, including acquisitions by dominant companies who grew even larger and continued ongoing consolidation on the manufacturing side. Those who remain will need to be progressive and step up their game with the latest proven technologies. Selling hardware isn’t the end game any longer. It’s providing solutions that generate revenue for security dealers and offer a solid return on investment for the end-user. In addition, solutions need to be easier for the user, and integrate many different systems and components across the enterprise. Cybersecurity safeguards End users want to get the most out of their solutions—and they want to be able to have more than safety and security. They are looking for the types of products that yield insights into system performance and give them the data the need for greater control and to proactively address any challenges or problems before they occur. Downtime is not an option and therefore, there’s an increased emphasis on consistent power so solutions are always on and running reliably. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines Cybersecurity is a dominant conversation in the security industry these days and that buzz will continue into 2018. Because solutions are increasingly network connected, they have vulnerabilities that will have to be addressed by service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers will need to take the upper hand in providing hardened products—testing and certifying for cybersecurity safeguards. That is not an easy task and can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Because cybersecurity is in constant evolution, many will go the route of outsourcing this component of their manufacturing to third parties well-versed in threat detection and hardening. Hardened products will also need to evolve with new emerging attacks. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines. Intelligent access control solutions Manufacturers no longer operate in silos. They are working with systems integrators to more fully understand their needs and those of the end-user. Manufacturers are also partnering with technology providers—bringing in the expertise of others so their solutions are comprehensive and holistic. We will continue to see integration of formerly disparate components, open systems and open APIs. There will also be strong migration to access control systems with edge intelligence and power over Ethernet, leveraging existing cabling for network connectivity. The winners will be those who take the lead in providing cyber secured and hardened products, as well as companies who partner with others to bring best of breed solutions to market. The losers will be those who continue to develop proprietary, closed systems and fail to recognise the importance of network connectivity for real-time, proactive reporting. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7 Ongoing partner success LifeSafety Power® has been working consistently and diligently on elevating the status of power from unintelligent hardware device to network-connected component that yields rich data for the user and allows the installer to provide remote monitoring and managed power services. We have changed the paradigm of power but there’s additional work to do to get people to understand the new, critical role power plays in comprehensive enterprise and campus security. Now, security installers can help the end user know what’s happening with locks, access control, gates or other connected solutions and fix problems before they happen. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7. We have also had continued, ongoing successes with our many partners in the access control community and that’s where we will further focus our efforts in 2018—working with leading security solution providers to present the best technologies and solutions that are reliable, certified and present the types of insights security dealers need to offer customers to provide the highest levels of service. This will also help security dealers and integrators differentiate themselves and compete more effectively in the crowded marketplace.

Part 1 in our Intercoms in Security Series Lambert-St. Louis International Airport uses Code Blue intercoms Organisations are demanding a new level of interoperability among mission-critical security systems. Intelligible audio, the ability to hear, be heard and be understood, is critical to communication, which is essential to the core security processes within an organisation, as well as to emergency situations. Intelligible audio provides a platform to optimise various processes, including the use of security officers. “Our main thrust is to ensure our clients see intelligible and interoperable audio, not as an option, but as instrumental to their budget optimisation, stakeholder communication and risk mitigation efforts,” says Jim Hoffpauir, President of Zenitel North America, a manufacturer of intercoms and other communications solutions. Iintercoms in building safety and security  The role of intercoms in building safety and security is a given across many markets, and that use is growing. Intercoms are used in campus call boxes, elevators, muster locations, and for emergency notification. The trend is toward video, audio and access control, all tied together. There is also an emphasis on providing intelligible audio in any environment, even demanding ones. The education market has historically been a large sector for intercoms. Emergency phones and intercoms traditionally have been found throughout education settings, including colleges and universities, where they remain quite popular. Expanding markets for two-way communication In recent years, however, their popularity has also grown within the healthcare and mass transit sectors, where their versatility allows authorities to react to emergency situations while also providing a wide range of applications for non-emergency situations, such as car trouble or requests for directions. Intercoms can fulfill a variety of emergency and non-emergency needs in places like downtown Santa Ana, California (Photo courtesy Code Blue) “Markets of all sizes and shapes can benefit from a two-way communication solution that can help individuals place calls for assistance with first responders, police departments or customer service representatives,” says David Fleming, Chief Design Officer for Code Blue Corp. Intercoms for public and private sectors Aiphone is another intercom manufacturer for which education is a big market. Bruce Czerwinski, U.S. General Sales Manager, Aiphone Corp., says about 80 percent of both public and private K-12 and higher education campuses are using at least one intercom in some form. That percentage grows to nearly 100 percent for hospitals, which are using intercoms as nurse-call stations and at parking facilities, exterior door entries, nurseries and pharmacies, he says. "About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms" Up to 70 percent of larger multi-family facilities are also using intercoms. And that percentage is even higher in older, heavily populated Eastern cities. Many locales have laws mandating the use of audio and video intercoms on buildings beyond a threshold number of units. About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms, says Czerwinski. In the past year, Aiphone’s emergency stations have become very popular, particularly in campus settings; both commercial and higher education. Also, a growing number of unmanned parking garages are using the stations to allow patrons to immediately reach first responders or security personnel. Each of these markets still has growth potential, but by its sheer size, the commercial market offers the greatest opportunities, according to Aiphone. Video-enabled IP intercoms Intercom usage differs widely in various global markets, according to Craig Szmania, CEO of 2N USA, a manufacturer of IP intercoms. In the North American market, intercom usage is relatively low compared to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, where intercoms are a more mature market. Security, convenience, systems integration and IP-versus-analogue adoption are driving usage and growth to more than 20 percent year-over-year. More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution, according to Szmania. “Our intercom portfolio targets all the major verticals, but we have had particular success in the education sector – K-12 and universities,” says Szmania. “These end users are looking for specific features in securing their campuses, providing convenience to their administrators, employing programmability for differing use scenarios throughout the campus, and integration to their telephony or other systems.” More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution Szmania says the latter point is becoming a particular need in light of a requirement for campus-wide communication and coordination in emergency situations. “Our intercoms integrate seamlessly with third party solutions such as Cisco’s telephone systems that are the communication backbones of many schools and campuses,” he adds. IP-based solutions in residential verticals Considering near-term growth potential, single family and multi-tenant residential verticals have fantastic opportunities for increased usage of door stations/intercoms in the United States, according to Szmania. The company has entered this space over the last several years and has grown to be a market leader in IP-based integrated solutions, especially in the home automation space. The adoption of IP networked solutions for condominiums and apartments is just taking off, driven in part by consumer demand for mobile-anywhere video, audio and door control. The service is also a driver for integrator/dealer adoption of the technology to provide recurring monthly revenue (RMR). 2N has also achieved triple-digit growth in commercial building installations over the past two years. Building owners, IT departments and security managers want and need a networked solution for control and security. 2N’s open platforms are a good fit, says Szmania. Read part 2 of our Security Intercoms series here

Globally renowned access control and door entry systems provider, Videx has introduced a new range of its 4000 series keypads that offer improved features and enhanced functionality. New range of 4000 series keypads The new range includes three new models that replace the existing keypads and now feature a new adjustable backlit keypad that’s available in a new matt finish 316 Marine grade stainless steel (Suffix /M) or mirror finish stainless steel. The new 4000 series keypad range provides great flexibility, features and convenience to users" Neil Thomas National Sales Manager at Videx said, “The new 4000 series keypad range provides great flexibility, features and convenience to users. Each of them have a backlight that can be adjusted to the brightness users need whether that’s full brightness all the time, full brightness only when in use, low light level or no light at all. The back light level can be set for both standby and during operation. The new keypads also carry an impact rating of IK07 and an IP rating of IP6X.” GSMPRO range of intercom systems The three new keypads are the 4901, a direct replacement for the 4800, the 4902, which replaces the 4900 but with the added benefit of up to 1000 codes, and the 4903, a brand new keypad that’s been specifically designed for the GSMPRO range of intercom systems. The 4901 includes three relays, each with one access code, two push to exit button inputs and can be powered from either 12VAC/DC or 24VAC/DC. The 4902 includes two relays and 1000 access codes while up to 400 access codes can be stored in the 4903 plus an additional 32 temporary access codes that can be programmed for duration of 1 - 255 hours before expiring automatically. Remote programming functionality The 4903 can also be programmed remotely via SMS and the GSM app. Additionally, the 4903 also includes the same programming menu as the 4800 for backward compatibility. All codes can be 4 – 8 digits in length and programmed to operate a relay from 1 – 99 seconds or used to latch and unlatch a relay.

Videx, global manufacturer and supplier of access control and door entry systems, has improved its standalone offline Mifare proximity access solution, MiAccess, by introducing a new handle to compliment the current range of readers. Mifare proximity access control The handle, with a brushed aluminium finish, is a standalone and surface mount addition that includes an integrated offline Mifare proximity fob/card reader that is battery powered from an internal 6V lithium battery allowing up to 60,000 operations on average.  Sian Luxton, Access Control Manager at Videx, said “The AL500-MF door handle can provide access to an unlimited number of users and used to create a multiple door system, making it ideal for a range of buildings which require specific access control solutions and minimum disruption during install. Installation is simple as no wiring is required. It’s designed to mount onto internal wooden doors ranging from 35mm to 55mm thickness. The handle is reversible for mounting onto left-hand or right-hand opening doors.” MiAccess readers The handle can be used standalone or as part of a multiple entrance system comprising of handles and MiAccess readers The handle can be used standalone or as part of a multiple entrance system comprising of both handles and MiAccess readers. It is compatible with both the free PROA MS and PROH MS MiAccess software, where programming, configuration settings and event logs can be transferred between the PC and the reader using micro-USB or Mifare cards. The programmed information is transferred from the card to the reader and from the reader to the card so there is no need for a connection between the readers and the PC. User cards are created via the software with the PROX-USB desktop enrolment reader where access rights are saved directly to the user’s card. Programming cards are also created in the same way to configure the reader’s settings. Personalised access control Other helpful features include the ability to collect events directly from the reader via the micro-USB port or from a programmed ‘events collect card’, ‘black list’ cards that have been lost or stolen (up to 500 cards) and personalise access rights for each user to restrict the users access to certain times, days and readers.

Videx, a manufacturer and supplier in access control and door entry systems, improves its flagship VX2200 door entry system, by introducing a lift interface module which enables lift control via the entry intercom within an apartment or office. The 2216 is the latest accessory for the VX2200 system, a two-wire audio and six wire video system for up to 998 apartments with multiple entrances and full concierge facilities. Door entry system The 2216 makes the VX2200 an even more ideal door entry system for a wide range of buildings" Neil Thomas, National Sales Manager at Videx UK, said: “The 2216 makes the VX2200 an even more ideal door entry system for a wide range of buildings, from residential flats to commercial offices, by enabling occupants to control the lift from their office or home.” “When entry is granted, the lift can be called and access to floors can be restricted accordingly so the visitor can only access the floor where they’ve been given authority by the resident or occupant. For example, a tenant on floor two can call the lift for their visitor and will only allow them to get off at floor two. Restricting visitors’ access to only the floors they’re allowed to visit strengthens the building’s security while also helping the visitor to find the apartment or office they’re visiting.” Serving eight floors The 2216 is fully programmable via bespoke software allowing any floor to be assigned to any apartment. Additionally, the entrance panels which are allowed to call the lift can also be selected. The interface includes eight relay outputs, which can each be assigned to a floor, serving eight floors at a time. It’s possible to use multiple 2216 modules for a maximum of 128 floors For buildings with more than eight floors, it’s possible to use multiple 2216 modules for a maximum of 128 floors. Neil continued: “Once set up, the module is controlled via the lock button on the intercom telephone within the apartment. When the occupant grants access to the visitor by pressing the lock button on their telephone or videophone, as well as opening the door to allow them into the building, the lift will also be called automatically.” Third party technology The 2216 can be used on new or existing installations and is powered from a 12VDC power source. Additional features include a lift override feature to either disable all lift calls or enable calls to all floors and both USB & RS485 connection for programming via the Videx VX2200 PC software. The 2216 accessory is also ready for the new Videx IP system where it can be used as either a lift interface or additional relays controlled by apartments for features such as turning on lights and activating third party technology and integrated appliances.