Raytec CCTV Cameras

The global pandemic has triggered considerable innovation and change in the video surveillance sector. Last year, organisations around the globe embraced video surveillance technologies to manage social distancing, monitor occupancy levels in internal and external settings, and enhance their return-to-work processes. Forced to reimagine nearly every facet of their operations for a new post-COVID reality, companies were quick to seize on the possibilities offered by today’s next-generation video surveillance systems. Whether that was utilising motion sensing technologies to automatically close doors or switch on lighting in near-deserted office facilities. Or checking if people were wearing masks and adhering to distancing rules. Or keeping a watchful eye on streets and public spaces during mandated curfew hours. Beyond surveillance and monitoring use cases, organisations also took advantage of a raft of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to undertake a range of tasks. Everything from automating their building management and optimising warehouse operations, to increasing manufacturing output and undertaking predictive maintenance. Behind the scenes, three key trends all contributed to the growing ubiquity of video surveillance observed in a variety of government, healthcare, corporate, retail, and industry settings. Video surveillance takes to the Cloud Last year the shift to digital working led organisations to rapidly embrace cloud-enabled services, including cloud-hosted Video Surveillance As A Service (VSaaS) solutions that provide tremendous economies of scale and flexibility. Alongside significant cost savings, these solutions make it easier for organisations to enhance their disaster recovery and manage their video surveillance estate in new and highly effective ways. Surveillance cameras with audio recording were used more than 200% by customers between 2016 and 2020For example, in addition to enabling remote access and maintenance, today’s cloud-powered systems eliminate any need to invest in local storage technologies that all too often fail to keep pace with an organisation’s growing data storage requirements. Indeed, data from our worldwide customer base survey reveals how in 2020 an impressive 63% of organisations had abandoned using any on-premises storage option and were instead only storing all their video surveillance recordings and data in the Cloud. A deeper review of the global stats shows that the average cloud recording retention period for this stored data was 28.2 days, with organisations in Asia topping the global average at 38 days – 33% higher than was observed in any other region. Improvements in bandwidth and scalability engendered by the Cloud have also helped boost the growing utilisation of audio recordings in addition to visual image capture. Indeed, our research found the number of surveillance cameras with an audio recording facility used by customers jumped more than 200% between 2016 and 2020. Making sense of Big Data The enhanced ease of connectivity and scalable bandwidth made possible by the Cloud is stimulating more companies to connect a lot more video surveillance cameras to their networks. The top motivation for doing so is to generate live metrics and data that can be utilised to deliver enhanced business insights and operational intelligence. In recent years, a rich choice of video analytics solutions have been developed for a variety of industry verticals. The range of functionalities on offer is impressive and covers a variety of applications. Everything from making it easy to classify and track objects and behaviour patterns in real-time, to undertaking anomaly detection, or generating predictions based on past and present events/activities. Data collected via today’s cloud connected cameras can now also be used to feed deep learning training and AI analytics, utilising the unparalleled virtualised processing capacity of the Cloud to convert Big Data into usable information quickly. By integrating this information with data from other enterprise data capture systems, organisations are now able to gain a 360-degree view of their operations – in almost real-time. IT is now in the driving seat No longer the sole preserve of on-site security staff, the wider application and business use of video surveillance means that IT is increasingly taking the lead role where the management and control of these systems are concerned. IT is asked to integrate video surveillance into key enterprise platforms to generate the data that business leaders need Aside from the fact that IT has a vested interest in addressing the cybersecurity implications that come with attaching a growing range of IoT devices to the enterprise network, they’re also increasingly being asked to integrate video surveillance into key enterprise platforms to generate the data that business leaders need. As organisations expand their integration of video with other business applications, such as point of sale, access control, process control and manufacturing systems, this trend is only set to accelerate. Looking to the future Right now, the video surveillance industry is at a key tipping point, as video systems become increasingly strategic for enabling the enterprise to boost productivity, stay compliant, and fulfil its obligations to protect employees and customers. As the technology’s contribution to enhanced data-driven decision-making and problem solving continues to increase, expect the adoption of IP connected video cameras to burgeon as organisations look to capture more data from their day-to-day business operations.

Though many office workers across the globe have found themselves working remotely for the past year, we are seeing a bit of a silver lining, as vaccine rollouts hint at a return to some pre-pandemic sense of normalcy. However, while some of us might opt for a fully-remote work life, others are anticipating a hybrid solution. Even before the pandemic, offices were taking a new, more open layout approach—moving past the days of cubicles and small office configurations. Going forward, offices and other workspaces will be tasked with supporting a hybrid work solution, as well as increasing hygiene measures. Video intercom solution This is where an IP video intercom solution can assist. Below are four ways they can help usher in a smarter, safer work environment: Video intercoms assist in creating a more hygienic work environment - The outbreak of COVID-19 has raised awareness of germs and just how easily a virus can be transmitted by face-to-face contact. Germ barriers are popping up in many aspects of our daily lives, where we were not likely to see them before Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach As such, we’re becoming accustomed to seeing plexiglass barriers at restaurants, grocery stores, and even coffee shops. However, many don’t realise that one of the best germ barriers is a simple door. Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach. All it takes is a knock or a doorbell ring to make us open our germ barrier and be face-to-face with whomever is on the other side. Increasing hygiene safety A simple step to increase hygiene safety and visitor security in commercial buildings and workspaces is an IP video intercom. Installing a video intercom will allow staff to see and speak with visitors without breaching that all-important germ barrier. A video intercom system provides a first line of defence, enabling the user to visually confirm the identity of the person on the other side of the door first before granting access. It can also be used to make sure proper procedures are being followed before a person is allowed to enter, such as using hand sanitiser, wearing a mask, and following social distancing guidelines. Basic security needs A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities Video intercoms for occupancy management and basic security - A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities—ranging from grocery stores and retail shops to restaurants and commercial buildings. Workspaces and offices are no exception. A video intercom provides a quick and convenient method of seeing who, or what, is on the unsecure side of the door before opening. For basic security needs, if a business has a door opening into an alley, a video intercom would be used to ensure no one is waiting outside to force their way in when the door is opened. Personal protection equipment Such solutions can also be used to ensure a person is carrying proper credentials, or wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE), before entering a sensitive area. For example, if a lab has a room which can only be accessed by two persons at a time wearing specific protective gear, a video intercom could ensure each person is properly equipped, before allowing access that particular room. Additionally, for office or workspaces that have shared common areas, such as a cafeteria, gym or even conference rooms, managing access to these spaces will remain a priority, especially with post-pandemic restrictions in place. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace Deliveries of packages, work-related materials, or even food are common in any office or workspace. Video intercoms can assist in facilitating safe deliveries by visually and audibly confirming the identity of the individual. The visitor could be your next big client, your lunch delivery, a fellow employee with a faulty access card, or your mail. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace. Visitor management systems Video intercoms provide a cost-effective solution in small to mid-sized office facilities - One significant advantage of video intercom systems is the variety of applications available. Systems range from simple one-to-one video intercoms, to buzz-in systems, to full-fledged visitor management systems in mixed-use buildings. While they might lack the resources and manpower many enterprises have, small-to medium-sized offices can also take steps to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. Like any business, controlling who comes into the building is a primary way of maintaining safety. Video intercoms work in conjunction with access control systems to provide an identifying view of visitors or employees with lost or missing credentials. They allow staff to both see and hear those on the unsecured side of the door to determine intent before granting access. Most quality video intercoms will provide a clear enough image to allow an identification card to be read by holding it close to the lens, adding another opportunity to verify identity. Touchless intercom activation One major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation Video intercoms provide a touchless option - Even prior to COVID-19, one major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation or touchless intercom activation of a video intercom for those without proper credentials. Though touchless isn’t a new solution to the access control market, the pandemic introduced a renewed focus on these types of solutions to provide hygienic access to visitors. For offices and other workspaces looking to make investments into post-pandemic solutions to assist in reopening, touchless can support these efforts. When it comes to smart, secure workspaces, many people think instantly of cameras or monitors, access control, and alarm systems. Proper access credentials However, video intercoms are often the missing piece of a building’s security puzzle. A video intercom provides an identifying view that is not always available from a camera covering a large area. They allow those without proper access credentials a method of requesting entry, and just like cameras, they can be activated by alarms to allow staff to clearly see and communicate. If a workspace or office is important enough to be secure, it’s important enough to be sure of who is there before the door is opened. In 2021, it’s not enough to ensure the physical security of your staff and visitors, but also to ensure they are accessing a hygienic environment. Video intercoms provide that security and peace of mind.

With pupils in the UK set to go back to school on 8 March, there are a number of safety measures schools need to implement to ensure the health and wellness of the staff, students, and school communities.  The first lockdown and closure of schools brought on by the coronavirus pandemic fired a “warning shot” for education facilities managers, forcing head-teachers to re-examine school safety standards. Now that a third lockdown is here and schools have been shut down for a second time, anyone behind the curve with the benefits of smart technology should get on board now before children return to the school environment. And with the ever-changing variants of the COVID-19 virus, schools can’t afford to be “late to class” when it comes to health and safety. Preventing the spread of disease Some schools in the US have been using smart technologies for a while to measure utility consumption and efficiency, streamline maintenance and enhance general school safety. These technologies are playing a significant role in keeping school buildings healthy and preventing the spread of disease. Let’s take a look at how smart technology can help schools to become safer, as well as more energy-efficient and cost-effective.   Thermal detection cameras  Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing. These cameras provide medically-accurate, real-time temperatures of individuals in real-time. If a high temperature is detected, the software sends an instant alert to the relevant party. It can also be set to deny access to those with high temperatures or to people not wearing masks.  Safer water  As the coronavirus continues to sweep through the world’s population, healthcare providers should also be on heightened alert for Legionnaires’ disease, another potential cause of pneumonia with similar symptoms. Legionella is a potentially deadly bacteria that can infect a school’s water supply and cause an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. It’s a school's duty of care to prevent Legionella infection by monitoring the risk of the bacteria proliferating.  Particularly as schools reopen and previously stagnant plumbing and cooling systems return to use, additional Legionella cases could rear their ugly head to emergency departments in the coming months. Traces of Legionella were recently found at a Worcestershire school. The school was forced to remain shut while treatment and testing took place. Automated flushing and temperature testing Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters The Health and Safety Executive advises, “If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease… If the water system is still used regularly, maintain the appropriate measures to prevent legionella growth.” Typically, managing the risk of Legionella includes running all outlets for two minutes, taking and recording the temperature of the water to ensure that it’s not conducive to Legionella growth. This is a time-consuming process, which is why schools are looking for automated water temperature monitoring systems. This smart system with automated flushing and temperature testing reports and records water temperature data in real-time. Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters.  Cleaner air  Advisers say that improving air filtration and ventilation in schools can help mitigate the potential airborne transmission of COVID-19. Strategies include: Increasing outdoor air ventilation Filtering indoor air Using portable air cleaners with HEPA filters  Smart building technologies such as advanced HVAC controls can help facilities managers promote cleaner air with less hassle. For example, smart HVAC systems use sensors to remotely monitor and control variables such as:  Humidity Temperature Indoor air quality The level of carbon dioxide and other pollutants The technology is also energy-efficient and cost-effective.  While these solutions may be key to the reopening of schools in the era of COVID-19, they also bring long-term benefits. Although COVID-19 may have accelerated the adoption of smart technology, many of these solutions are focused on health, wellness, and security in general; which have been needed in school systems for a long time.

OPTEX and RAYTEC, both OPTEX Group companies, will be exhibiting at SICUR (25-28 February, Hall 10, Stand A37) with their Spanish speaking team to showcase its new outdoor detection sensors and the latest suite of renowned LED lighting solutions, and engage with the market. OPTEX sales, marketing and technical team, will be attending one of Spain’s largest security fair to support successful growth in the Iberian region and to have the opportunity to hear the voice of the market. Part of the engagement is to showcase the new outdoor sensors, including the QXI series a family of compact, outdoor sensors that complements the existing suite of short-range outdoor PIR’s. A particular benefit of the new range is that the sensors are specifically designed to be mounted at heights of up to 2.7m, making them less obvious to intruders and out of reach from vandals. Reliable outdoor detection The sleek design makes them ideal for both residential and commercial buildings and the sensors will trigger both intruder alarms and CCTV. The event will also see the preview in Iberia of VXI-CMOD, OPTEX’s 180° day/night Wi-Fi camera module that can be easily integrated with its best-selling outdoor sensor VX Infinity (VXI) to create a visual verification solution. The VXI series provides highly reliable outdoor detection and is used for both residential and commercial applications, detecting intrusions in courtyards, gardens, driveways and secured car parks. For larger and bespoke projects, the team will demonstrate how LiDAR technology can be tailored to suit niche applications, including transportation, critical infrastructure, museums and other high value assets. Intrusion alarm systems SICUR has been a great event for us in the past and I look forward to exhibiting there again" The award-winning laser RLS-2020 series is now Grade 3 compliant meaning it can be added to indoor graded intrusion alarm systems, giving installers the opportunity to enhance site security by adding virtual walls and ceilings, as well as thrown object detection. Corinne Vaughan, Regional Sales Manager for RAYTEC, says: “SICUR has been a great event for us in the past and I look forward to exhibiting there again.” Milton Acosta, Regional Sales Manager for Iberia, adds: “SICUR provides the ideal platform for OPTEX and RAYTEC to connect with our partners, discuss projects, technical requirements and gather industry feedback, as well as showcase a selection of our new solutions that are generating greater demand across Iberia to potential future customers.” Number plate recognition systems Beside its core intrusion detection portfolio, OPTEX will be showcasing its innovative ViiK vehicle sensor, which has been named as part of the SICUR Innovation Gallery 2020 by a panel of industry experts. ViiK’s technology combines both microwave and ultrasonic waves to detect vehicles for a range of operations, while having the ability to ignore human traffic. The sensor requires no civil engineering works and can be easily mounted on the ground, making it ideal for historic city centres or other locations where digging is not possible. ViiK sensors can also be part of a solution to trigger ANPR cameras and LED lights to increase the capture rate of number plate recognition systems. The values of adding LED light on enhance the performance of not only ANPR systems but also security and safety applications will be demonstrated by RAYTEC.

Wavestore, developer of highly secure and open platform Video Management Software (VMS) solutions, will be hosted by three of its technology partners at ISC West, which is taking place at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas on 10th -12th April 2019. Visitors to the Feenics, Mobotix and Raytec booths will have the opportunity to see how easy it is to benefit from a fully integrated security system with Wavestore at its heart. Wavestore VMS solution As a truly independent company, Wavestore focuses solely on the development of its highly secure VMS platform to deliver an ever-evolving feature set and ensures compatibility with associated devices and sub-systems from its technology partners. If the requirement is just for video, or there is a need for a fully integrated solution from one to tens of thousands of cameras and devices, Wavestore is able to demonstrate how its VMS can help deliver a scalable and completely future-proof solution for your next project. Wavestore has a well-established Technology Partner programme that allows users to benefit from seamless integrations across a host of best-in-breed brands" “Wavestore has a well-established Technology Partner programme that allows users to benefit from seamless integrations across a host of best-in-breed brands encompassing cameras, access control, video analytics and much more”, says James Smith, Managing Director of Wavestore. “In addition, Wavestore’s open platform is fully compliant with ONVIF profile-S, bringing enhanced flexibility to camera choice, enabling users to achieve maximum return on investment from their security solutions.” VMS Upgrade Bundles As well as demonstrating the latest features of Wavestore’s VMS, the team will also be highlighting how choosing Wavestore can help reduce the total cost of ownership through provision of free technical support and flexible VMS Upgrade Bundles, which enable partners to stay up-to-date with the very latest features over time, without signing up to expensive recurring support contracts. The Wavestore team will be demonstrating the latest features of its award-winning VMS on the Feenics booth (22130), Mobotix booth (16089) and Raytec booth (22075).

The announcement that Wavestore’s open platform Video Management Software (VMS) has been successfully integrated with Raytec’s lighting solutions means that operators are now able to match the security requirements for individual locations throughout a site, with a wide range of lighting options which are managed directly from Wavestore’s front-end ‘one screen, total control’ display. Automated lighting solution Raytec and Wavestore’s technical teams have worked closely together to develop an intelligent lighting solution which can be controlled via Wavestore’s VM Raytec and Wavestore’s technical teams have worked closely together to develop an intelligent lighting solution which can be controlled via Wavestore’s VMS by simply clicking on fully customisable buttons. The solution also enables the ideal lighting for each situation to be automatically selected when a moving object is detected or by metadata triggered events from other systems and software, such as access control, ANPR, alarm sensors, cameras, face recognition and other forms of video analytics. “There are so many different reasons why our end-user clients may need supplementary lighting and this smart solution provides them with the flexibility to choose from a long list of options which exactly meets their requirements,” said Enrico Bizzaro, Head of Integrations for Wavestore. Licence plate reader and video surveillance system “Our clients tell us that minimising energy costs and light pollution is important to them and so this integrated solution has been designed to ensure lights are only turned on when needed. This could be, for example, at an access control reader location in order to visually verify the identity of a card holder or to enhance the ability to read the number plate of a vehicle entering a site. Lighting is also quite often used to add to the deterrent factor of a video surveillance system and in this respect, operators can choose different options such as SOS, Hi-Lo and Wave light effects.” The benefits offered by the deep level of integration between the two technologies are available as standard across Wavestore Premium, Enterprise and Ultimate channel license levels. Wavestore VMS supports Hybrid LED illuminators Wavestore was the first VMS to support Raytec’s Hybrid LED illuminators which brings the benefits of White light and IR technology into a single unit. With less cabling required, the 2-in-1 solution reduces installation costs as well as negating the capital cost of deploying two separate lighting units. Wavestore enables the Hybrid LED illuminators to be controlled individually or as a group with all commands, such as scheduled on/off timings and brightness, securely authenticated by Wavestore to prevent unauthorised access to the illuminators over the network.