MOBOTIX 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.

MOBOTIX, the manufacturer of premium-quality and secure IP video systems, will showcase its latest advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) video surveillance technology at ISC East from November 20-21, at the Javits Center in New York (Booth #760). Furthering its mission to go ‘Beyond Human Vision,’ MOBOTIX will be showcasing the new MOBOTIX 7 Platform and the award-winning M73 camera that uses it, along with the company’s flagship Mx6 IoT series and MOVE line. Artificial intelligence and deep learning MOBOTIX will preview its latest video surveillance solutions, including the 2019 IoT Integration Award winning M73 camera. The M73 IoT camera features high-octane processer technology, combining three separate image and environmental sensors with AI-based analytics for unparalleled performance. The Mx6 line provides intelligence at the edge with video analytics and programmable logic Additionally, MOBOTIX will highlight the new MOBOTIX 7 Platform. The MOBOTIX 7 open solution platform comes with pre-installed applications supported by artificial intelligence and deep learning, covering a wide range of vertical-deployment needs. MOBOTIX will display the flagship Mx6 IoT camera line, featuring cutting-edge 6MP moonlight sensor technology for brilliant images. The Mx6 line provides intelligence at the edge with video analytics and programmable logic and can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure, thanks to a decentralised architecture. Enabling seamless integration MOBOTIX will also showcase the MOBOTIX MOVE line, featuring enhanced infrared technology and pan-tilt-zoom functionality. Both product lines are embedded with MOBOTIX’s layered cybersecurity protocols and support ONVIF standards to enable seamless integration into third-party systems. “We are excited to introduce our latest innovations in intelligent video solutions at this year’s ISC East,” said Joseph Byron, Vice President: America’s MOBOTIX. “We look forward to sharing our new MOBOTIX 7 platform and M73 camera, highlighting the nearly endless customisable solutions this new system can offer our customers.” All MOBOTIX solutions are manufactured and hand-tested in Germany, featuring low failure rates and exceeding product warranty standards.

MOBOTIX is making the next big advance in intelligent video technology, furthering its mission statement of going ‘Beyond Human Vision’. By launching its new MOBOTIX 7 open solution platform and the M73 high-end camera that uses it, the company is once again cementing its position as a pioneer in this technology. Supported by artificial intelligence and application solutions based on deep learning, the new generation of video cameras not only enables an unlimited set of functions; it also opens up brand new possibilities far beyond traditional video security. This means that the MOBOTIX systems remain fully reliable and secure, as cybersecurity and data security continue to have the highest priority. New Standards For Intelligent Video Technology The MOBOTIX 7 is by far our most powerful decentralised and secure modular IoT-video system" The M7 system platform and the M73 camera were presented to over 500 international technology and sales partners, as well as representatives of the press, at this year's MOBOTIX Global Partner Conference (GPC) in Mainz. "The MOBOTIX 7 is by far our most powerful decentralised and secure modular IoT-video system based on deep learning modules, and sets new standards for intelligent video technology," explained Hartmut Sprave, Chief Technology Officer at MOBOTIX AG, in his opening speech. "Our hardware and software are 'Made in Germany', and tailor-made camera apps provide limitless possibilities for expanding the MOBOTIX 7. This will revolutionise numerous IoT processes — not only for us, but for our technology partners and customers in various markets too," says Sprave. The MOBOTIX camera apps can detect when a building is in danger of becoming overcrowded Future market requirement Even at its launch, the MOBOTIX 7 already comes with pre-installed apps that are verified and certified by MOBOTIX and meet the highest standards in terms of cyber security. These apps are supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, and cover a significant number of industry-specific, individual requirements. It is also possible for partners, customers or users to develop and program their own solutions and have these certified by MOBOTIX. "This means that the range is growing dynamically in response to customers' needs, so virtually any current and future market requirement can be met with a tailor-made application installed directly on a camera featuring the MOBOTIX 7 platform," explained Sprave. AI-based analytics One of the MOBOTIX camera apps can detect when a building is in danger of becoming overcrowded The new MOBOTIX video system is also suitable for our customers' very particular and individual challenges in specific areas: For example, one of the MOBOTIX camera apps can detect when a building is in danger of becoming overcrowded. In this case, the camera immediately and automatically triggers a diversion for any further persons wishing to enter the building, thus reliably preventing accidents and panic. By combining image sensors and environmental sensors with AI-based analytics, industrial enterprises can increase their production efficiency and improve fire prevention measures, for example. The object-based recognition of individual road users, such as trucks, cars or people, and their behaviour, such as stopping, accelerating and so on, is enabled for traffic and transport applications. The information that is immediately available can improve the road safety for drivers and passengers, while enabling other road users to continue moving in an unobstructed flow. Video management software "Together with our partners, we aim to develop a multitude of other solutions based on artificial intelligence and deep learning to help predict events and facilitate the early introduction of effective countermeasures aimed at protecting the environment, buildings, systems, people or animals," said Sprave, the Chief Technology Officer. MOBOTIX offers a unique platform and thus facilitate the search for global partner network Partner Expo — Presentation of the Newest Partner Solutions and Technological Alliances In line with the motto of the GPC 2019—‘Evolution. It Continues With You’—and across a space of more than 200 square meters, 19 MOBOTIX technology and solution partners from the Partner Society are presenting their industry-specific and cross-industry complete solutions. These solutions cover the fields of industry solutions, video management software, IT infrastructure, AI-based video analysis and much more. Together with the Partner Society, MOBOTIX offers a unique platform and thus facilitate the search for global partner network by using intelligent components for individual requirements. MOBOTIX camera apps can detect when a building is in danger of becoming overcrowded Smart video technologies Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Pave the Way for Smart Video Technologies In his keynote speech, Thomas Lausten, CEO of MOBOTIX AG, highlighted the fact that camera functions based on artificial intelligence and deep learning are becoming increasingly important: "With Konica Minolta, we have a partner that provides leading technology. We also collaborate with other leading companies and institutions in research when it comes to artificial intelligence." We offer customers around the world access to applications that are perfectly tailored to their requirements" Thanks to the MOBOTIX system now being more open and our collaboration with strategic partners, the video security market is being expanded to include new solutions for a wide range of industries. "By developing and marketing specialised apps, we offer customers around the world access to applications that are perfectly tailored to their requirements. The profit models resulting from this new technology will open up almost unlimited opportunities for us and our partners in the market," predicted Lausten. Highest cyber security standards "When we unveiled the MOBOTIX 7 system platform and the once more ONVIF-conformant M73 camera, the feedback we received from our technology partners was overwhelming," Lausten was pleased to announce, adding that MOBOTIX expects to make many more innovative developments in intelligent applications that can be marketed worldwide. "With the MOBOTIX 7, we are launching one of the best IoT platforms for apps on the market. It meets the requirements of a wide variety of industries," says CEO Lausten. "Thanks to the MOBOTIX 7, the M73 and all subsequent IoT camera models will have no limits. It goes without saying that protecting our customers' data remains our top priority in all of these endeavours — and as you would expect, the M73 also meets the world's highest cyber security standards." Read more about MOBOTIX 7 here.

Bolloré Logistics is one of the top ten transport and logistics companies in the world. Its warehousing and logistics facility near Auckland Airport, New Zealand, has seen significant growth in recent years and often handles in excess of 2,000 items in a day. As a customs bonded warehouse, the location is subject to strict security requirements. All movements and processing in the warehouse must therefore be monitored closely, as the consequences of damage to facilities or loss of stock could be catastrophic. A combination of c25, v25 and i25 hemispheric cameras, along with several MOBOTIX Dual D15 cameras, provides complete coverage of the 6,600-square-meter site. The new system provides full visibility of the warehouse aisles to protect both employees and customers should an incident occur. Tool for risk management A security system that enables monitoring of business processes and guarantees the availability of historical footage can help companies avoid facing expensive compensation claims. As such, the MOBOTIX system is an invaluable tool for risk management, compliance enforcement and dispute resolution. The stream of metadata generated alongside the video feed cannot be manipulated, which ensures that the images will hold up in a court of law. Moreover, this kind of security system even helps save money: Some insurance companies reduce their premiums when this kind of system has been installed.