LILIN CCTV Mounts

  Ergonomics are a critical, but often misunderstood aspect of designing control rooms for security. Ergonomics have a deep impact on the integrity of an operation, and the issue goes beyond the control room furniture. Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles, divides ergonomics into three areas: physical (reach zones, touch points, monitors); cognitive (the individual’s ability to process information without overlooking a critical element) and organisational (how the facility operates in various situations; e.g., is it adequately designed for an emergency event?). He says the Evans approach is to determine the precise placement required for each element an operator needs, and then to design and build console furniture to position it there. Basically, the idea is to tailor the control room to the operation. What tasks must an operator perform? Are they manageable or should they be divided up among several operators? Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate, and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations. It all begins with understanding the information that needs to be processed, says Papic. Increased productivity in the workplace Because personnel are often stationed at a specific console, desk or workstation for long hours, physical problems and productivity issues can result, says Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Ergonomically designed furniture and related products have been proven to increase productivity and alleviate physical stress in the workplace. Ergonomic furniture solutions are crafted for the ultimate in safety, adaptability, comfort and functionality. Coleman says AFC Industries can tailor furniture to specific needs and environment. For example, a height-adjustable workstation can be combined with adjustable monitor arm mounts to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Furniture offers modern designs, comfortable ergonomics, and comprehensive features. Rugged materials withstand the 24/7 use of command control centres. Health benefits of ergonomic workstations A sedentary office environment is often an unhealthy one. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking,” says Martha Grogan, Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. Ongoing research and studies have shown that a change in posture (i.e., using ergonomic sit-to-stand workstations) is an effective means to combat these negative health issues. Using sit-to-stand workstations helps to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders caused by long-term sitting. They can also improve productivity and focus from the increased blood flow. Energy levels can rise and employees burn more calories. Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations “The ergonomic environment we create for control rooms involves considering every need of the staff at each workstation and their equipment, as well as workflow within the entire room,” says Coleman. “From the proper setting of screen focal lengths to sound absorption and glare reduction, each requirement and phase of a control room design is a necessary process to ensure the protection and safety of people and property.” Emergency operations centre “The military has figured out that you are more alert when you are standing,” says Randy Smith, President of Winsted, and the realisation is guiding emergency operations centre (EOC) design toward sit-stand. “As soon as there is an emergency, everybody stands up,” Smith adds. Designing EOC environments also requires systems be integrated with annunciating signal lights to facilitate communication among operators. Winsted’s sit-stand consoles can be combined with a motorised M-View monitor wall mount, enabling a 60-inch wall monitor to be raised and lowered to match the positioning of the sit-stand console. Larger, wall-mounted screens are easier to use for operators, since a larger monitor size can make it easier to read text on a screen, for example. Combining the larger monitor with sit-stand capabilities provides the best of both options. Many operators today stand for 50 percent of their day, says Smith. Ergonomic standards guide the design of Winsted’s control room consoles, including ISO 11064 standards for the design of control centres. The furniture also is designed to accommodate industrial wire management (larger wire bundles), unlike furniture that might be bought in an office supply store. Read part 3 of our Control Rooms series here {##Poll37 - How well do you incorporate ergonomics into your control rooms?##}

Significant technological advancements have created endless possibilities in how security is not only deployed, but also leveraged by the end user – the customer. For example, customers can now view surveillance at eight different offices in eight different states from a single, central location. A security director can manage an enterprise-wide access control system, including revoking or granting access control privileges, for 10,000 global employees from a company’s headquarters. However, with that increased level of system sophistication comes an added level of complexity. After successfully completing the installation of a security system, integrators are now expected to formally and contractually prove that the system works as outlined in the project specification document. Tom Feilen, Director of National Accounts for Koorsen Security Technology explains that this formal checks and balance process is gaining momentum in the security industry. The step-by-step process of Acceptance Testing is more commonly being written into bid specifications, especially for projects that require the expertise of an engineer and/or architect. Simply put, it is a way for the end user to make sure the system they paid for works properly and is delivered by the integrator as outlined in the project’s request for proposal. While Acceptance Testing can be a time consuming process, it is a valuable industry tool. It is estimated that at least 95 per cent of integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process. Security systems have become more complicated in recent years. The introduction of IP-based, enterprise-wide and integrated solutions have all opened the door to more sophisticated access control and surveillance systems than ever thought possible. This process can vary depending upon the size of the project, but for a larger scale project, it is not uncommon for Acceptance Testing to take several weeks from start to finish. This timeline can be especially lengthy when the project involves hundreds of devices, such as access control readers, surveillance cameras, video recorders, intrusion sensors, and intercom systems. Most integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process What is involved in the Acceptance Testing process? While the specific process can vary from integrator to integrator, many follow a similar process with their customer to ensure the system works accurately and that the customer has the proper certification documentation. The initial part of the process typically involves generating a report of each device installed as part of the system. This list enables the systems integrator to systematically test each device ensuring that individual devices are not specific points of failure for the overall system. For example, in a building equipped with a system that automatically releases the egress doors upon the fire alarm activation, it is important to make sure each door’s electro-magnetic locking system is operating properly. The systems integrator would not only test that a door releases when the fire alarm sounds, but also to make sure the access control system is notified if the door is propped open or held open longer than in normal usage parameters. For a door that is also monitored by a surveillance camera, part of the testing would also involve making sure that an image being transmitted to a video monitor is coming from the correct surveillance camera and that the actual angle of the image is what the customer has requested and is correctly labelled as such. If a device does not function as it should, it is then added to a punch list that would require the systems integrator to repair that device within a certain period of time. Once repairs are made, the system integrator would then submit a letter to the client stating that every device has been tested and works properly. It is also important for the integrator that once the testing process is complete to obtain a customer sign off (Certificate of Acceptance) on all systems tested and documentation provided. This limits liability once the system is turned over. From a safety perspective, Acceptance Testing is also used to verify that T-bars and safety chains are installed on cameras that are mounted in drop ceilings. It can confirm that panels are mounted in a room that is properly heated and cooled to avoid major temperature swings. Also, as part of the Acceptance Testing checklist, it can insure that power supplies that drive all the security systems are properly rated with the recommended batteries for back-up. And, that emergency exist devices or card readers are not mounted more than 48-inches above ground. An Acceptance Testing process serves to protect the end user's investment After the project is complete, Acceptance Testing protects both parties involved against liability issues. One example is if the building has a fire and the functionality of the life safety system comes into question. Acceptance Testing can be used to prove that the system was able to function as specified and dispel any concerns about its performance. At that time, all close out sheets are turned in, along with as-built drawings and a manual providing a complete listing of each device and system installed. Today, these manuals not only come in paper form as part of a large binder, but also digital files saved to a disc. The benefit of providing the customer with a binder or documentation of the system is that should the end user/customer replace the person who manages security at the company, valuable information will not leave with that former employee. While this checklist to close out a project may appear trivial at first, it is an important part of the security project process. By implementing an Acceptance Testing program, it serves to protect the end user’s investment, ensuring that the systems integrators hired for the project is knowledgeable and provides quality work. For the integrator, it helps towards the end goal of a satisfied customer.

LILIN Americas, an entity of Taiwan based IP video manufacturer Merit LILIN, has further strengthened its line of IP cameras with the MR832 bullet camera. Designed to help security professionals easily deploy an outdoor surveillance system, the MR832 features a 4mm fixed lens with an IP66 environment rating, an operating range of -40° to 122°F, along with 30M IR LED illumination and Day/Night imaging. "As IP technology has evolved, so have the expectations of our customers," said Joe Cook, VP/GM of LILIN Americas. "They want IP outdoor cameras that are easy to install, configure and maintain, that integrate seamlessly, offer high resolution HD images, even in complete darkness, and are competitively priced. The new MR832 delivers these capabilities, and much more." LILIN MR832 IP cameras feature 2D wide dynamic range, which provides accurate video capture in high-contrast lighting 3D Noise Reduction for maximum clarity LILIN MR832 IP cameras feature 2D wide dynamic range, which provides accurate video capture in high-contrast lighting and use 3D Noise Reduction for maximum clarity in low light conditions. Energy-efficient IR LEDs automatically illuminate scenes in complete darkness for discovering subjects at a range of up to 30 meters (98 ft.). To save installation time, the MR832 camera is designed with a multi-angle adjustable wall/ceiling mount bracket for flexibility and ease of use. In addition, the camera supports ONVIF Profile S and is powered by either PoE or DC12V. The MR832 delivers full 1080P HD resolution at 30 FPS while being remarkably compact and lightweight for wall or ceiling mount applications.

LILIN Americas, an entity of video surveillance provider Merit LILIN, serving North, Central and South America, announced that it has added an Amazon Alexa skill to its Device Hub device manager that enables customers to simply ask for a live or recorded view from any supported LILIN IP camera or NVR and have it displayed on their TV monitor. Amazon Alexa converts the end user's command to a directive and sends that directive through the Device Hub. This fast, hands-free solution eliminates the need to navigate on screen menus or have a mobile device in hand whenever video is needed for monitoring. Using the voice-controlled Alexa features of the LILINHub skill provide a convenient way to monitor the property" Enhancing the end user experience "Using the voice-controlled Alexa features of the LILINHub skill provide a convenient way for end-users to easily monitor their property, such as viewing live camera feeds, playing back video footage from a LILIN NVR and reviewing motion events," said Joe Cook, General Manager of LILIN Americas. He further added, "All the end user needs to do is tell Alexa the command to view the front door camera and the live view will display. This integration is another example of LILIN enhancing the end user experience." In addition, Device Hub provides a security professional the ability to remotely monitor multiple sites in one centralised dashboard via the LILIN Device Cloud with the up-to-date status of connected LILIN devices. The LILINHub App has a site mapping feature that plots multiple site locations within Google Maps.

The ZMR6442AX-P IP dome camera from LILIN serves as a first line of defense for stores, homes, offices and hotels when monitoring suspicious activity indoors and outdoors. With its 4MP video resolution, IR LED long-distance illumination, and P-IRIS support, the ZMR6442AX-P ensures around-the-clock safety and security. The ZMR6442AX-P achieves 2688 (H) x 1520 (V) resolution or roughly thirty percent more area coverage than an 1080p HD camera to help reduce the required number of cameras installed. Significantly higher resolution, combined with a 2.8-12mm motorised auto-focus lens, means the ZMR6442AX-P can be adjusted to cover both a wide field-of-view or a smaller area for zoomed-in forensic detail. Day/Night sensor technology P-Iris allows the camera to perform in diverse lighting conditions by delivering better depth of field Because night time surveillance is crucial to any security program, the ZMR6442AX-P is also outfitted with a high-efficiency IR LED that enable it to capture images up to 30 meters away in the complete absence of light. Night vision is further enhanced by Day/Night sensor technology that converts blurry color images into crisp black and white video when monitoring in darkness. P-Iris allows the camera to perform in diverse lighting conditions by delivering better depth of field, preventing the blurred video that can occur when an auto iris overcorrects for bright lights. Versatile as it is powerful, the ZMR6442AX-P can record video using different codecs: True H.264 AVC High Profile video compression, Smart H.264 or Motion JPEG for maximum network efficiency. Improved compression allows for faster, more fluid remote viewing, along with the ability to view more channels remotely. Rugged performance and vandal resistance The ZMR6442AX-P was environmentally engineered with an IP66-certified housingStandard cameras cannot be deployed outdoors without damage occurring to their sensitive internal networking components. However, the ZMR6442AX-P was environmentally engineered with an IP66-certified housing that protects it from rain and snow. It's operating range of -40° to 122° F qualifies it for reliable installation in outdoor spaces subject to wide temperature swings. In addition, the camera is IK10-rated vandal resistant. This rating is critical when cameras are located where they can be physically breached such as in schools or prisons. To maximise vandal resistance, the ZMR6442AX-P features a rugged polycarbonate dome cover that can withstand a powerful blow from a baseball bat. Labor costs play a major role in determining a dealer's profitability in a video surveillance job. To minimise time the dealer has to spend on install, the ZMR6442AX-P offers flexible mounting, one-push auto focus, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and seamless compatibility with LILIN and third-party ONVIF compliant hardware.