Videotec 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.

Videotec presents NTX, the new IP68 stainless steel thermal camera, developed to provide an efficient and preventative surveillance system in the most critical environmental conditions. The NTX thermal camera offers temperature detection based on the 4 central pixels of the image, and with the advanced version, the temperature of a specific object can be measured at any point in the image by means of defining a specific area. As well as this, the radiometric functions offer the option to set a temperature limit, beyond which an alarm will be raised. Unwanted intrusions These functions are necessary where fire prevention is required or in applications such as monitoring industrial processes or critical equipment, where the ability to identify something quickly and accurately, thus preventing problems or failures and keeping intervention times to a minimum, is essential. Configuring and controlling thermal image parameters is possible via the ONVIF Thermal Service Standard NTX can export all the data necessary for a centralised management of video feeds, data and alarms, and make it available to VMS via the ONVIF Profile S and Profile Q communication protocols. Also, configuring and controlling thermal image parameters is possible via the ONVIF Thermal Service Standard. NTX allows exploiting fully the features and the advantages offered by the thermal camera. This includes the ability to raise an alarm and initiate immediate actions in order to prevent accidents or unwanted intrusions into monitored areas. Adverse environmental conditions The NTX camera is made entirely from electropolished AISI316L stainless steel and stands out thanks to its compact design and light weight. This, and the fact that it can be connected quickly, makes installation and maintenance easier. The modular support for wall, ceiling or parapet is supplied as standard. The NTX has obtained Lloyd’s Register Marine Type Approval certification for the maritime and naval sector and complies with the standard for railway applications. NTX is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and has a wide operating temperature range (from -40°C to +65°C). Its IP66/IP67/IP68, NEMA Type 4X and Type 6P grades guarantee maximum protection and optimal camera operation in even the most adverse environmental conditions. The fact that the NTX is extremely sturdy and of high quality means it is ideal for the most demanding applications in the marine and industrial sectors, in critical infrastructures, power plants and transport sector, including railways and motorway tunnels.

Videotec announces the ULISSE EVO camera, another technologically innovative step forward in their pursuit of increasingly high-performance and reliable video surveillance products. This new versatile PTZ camera offers performance, competitiveness and design at an unprecedented level. ULISSE EVO IP Network camera The result of meticulous and dedicated planning, ULISSE EVO is a combination of technology and design that guarantees the highest levels of security for monitoring urban areas, critical infrastructures, transport, traffic and railways (in accordance with the railway standards).  The Super low-light, Full HD, 1080p, 60 fps IP camera with 30x optical zoom and integrated Delux technology offers unbeatable clear and detailed images with vivid colours, day or night. The camera’s motion detection function, with masking of privacy zones, allows intelligent management and immediate raising of alarms if an unwanted intrusion is detected. All-weather full HD IP surveillance camera ULISSE EVO can operate with maximum efficiency constantly, even in presence of hostile environmental conditions and temperatures from -40 ⁰C to + 65 ⁰C. The IK10 and IP66/IP67/IP68 protection ratings guarantee maximum resistance to dust and severe weather, hard impacts and vandalism. The camera is also equipped with a wiper to ensure a clear view in any environmental conditions ULISSE EVO stands out due to its modern, linear design that combines maximum strength and operational reliability with greatly reduced weight. This means easy and quick assembly, and therefore lower installation and maintenance costs. Effective night surveillance The camera is also equipped with a wiper to ensure a clear view in any environmental conditions. An LED illuminator is available to give visibility even in total darkness. This comes as a separate accessory, with 850nm, 940nm or white light, and can be integrated directly into the unit. The camera will automatically recognise the type of illuminator installed and calibrate the light beam accordingly. ULISSE EVO can be installed in different ways, even in the inverted position typical of the speed domes, using the large variety of brackets and adaptors available to satisfy every installation need. The brackets are also available with quick connectors for Ethernet/PoE, for power and I/O, which allow fast and easy installation operations. ULISSE EVO is available in two standard colours, black or grey-white, to suit specific application requirements. The new ULISSE EVO camera is available on the market from March 2019.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be described as the ‘use of shared digital representation of a built object (including buildings, bridges, roads, process plants, critical infrastructures, etc.) to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions’. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) defines it simply as the “digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of an object”. Understanding BIM construct BIM is neither a product nor software but rather is a “cache of building information” to which graphic data (such as drawings) and certain technical attributes (such as technical data sheets and associated characteristics) that are also related to the foreseen life cycle can be added. BIM represents a collaborative planning method as it allows for the integration of useful information for every phase of planning in a single model What BIM represents therefore is a collaborative planning method as it allows for the integration of useful information for every phase of planning – architectural, structural, plant design and installation, energy, management – into a single model. Project functionality and performance While CAD allows a project to be designed with 2D or 3D drawings, BIM also specifies the functionality and performance of each BIM object in the project or in the entire building process. A BIM object can hold any information pertaining to the building as a whole, or its parts. The most common information collected in a BIM is geographic location, structure, the properties of the materials/components/systems and technical elements, construction phases and maintenance procedures. Fields of application Building Information Modelling is used both in the construction sector, for design and installation (architecture, engineering, technical installations…) as well as in facility management. BIM supports the general improvement of a project along the entire life cycle of the construction process The role of BIM within the construction industry (by means of participants such as architects, engineers, surveyors, experts, builders, consultants and clients) is to support communication, cooperation, simulation and the general improvement of a project along the entire life cycle of the construction process. Advantages of BIM technology BIM technology offers a great number of advantages, such as greater efficiency and productivity, fewer errors, less downtime, reduced costs, greater interoperability, maximum information sharing, and more accurate and consistent control over a project. Generally, a BIM object is saved in .ifc (Industry Foundation Class) format. These IFC files are classed as 3D image files that also contain other technical information and are compatible with any software that works with BIM technology. Standard process and regulation BIM will become the standard process for all buildings and is currently being integrated into public contracts legislation across Europe. With Directive 2014/24/EU, the European Union has introduced a few guidelines to member countries on using the BIM system in the design and construction of public works. The BIM system is therefore strongly supported as a means of increasing the effectiveness and transparency of procurement procedures. Comparable BIM tools are necessary in order to allow the various softwares to ‘read’ the relevant data to manage all different parts of the construction sector Mandatory use of BIM process in public works In terms of the BIM process spreading to European operators (planners and companies), the leading nations are the Netherlands followed by the United Kingdom, whose government is bringing in a plan to make the use of BIM mandatory for public works. Even in Northern Europe and the United States, BIM technology has been used since 2000. Since the construction sector varies so widely (plants, structures, energy), it has become evident that no software exists that can manage all these different parts. Instead, comparable BIM tools are necessary in order to allow the various softwares to “read” the relevant data. BIM technology makes it possible to ascertain exactly how the cameras will fit into a building’s layout, reducing the risk of unexpected blind spots BIM and video surveillance Security has now become an integral part of the design process of any new large building. To provide the highest levels of security and avoid any blind spots that might constitute a security breach, the video surveillance system has to be planned in conjunction with other essential services, such as the electrics and hydraulics. BIM allows security system designers to interactively understand camera coverage, making it easier to identify the required models and to optimise the system layout. Reducing camera installation risks In actual fact, the technology makes it possible to ascertain exactly how the cameras will fit into a building’s layout (both internally and externally) and to determine whether the view of any camera is blocked by columns, lighting posts, trees, etc. This reduces the risk of unexpected blind spots. It is therefore possible to see how the cameras will be configured before they are installed, and which areas will be covered by the surveillance system after installation.