SNAPserver CCTV Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)  (8)

In the new era of work, our relationship with the workplace is defined by flexibility and mobility. Employees are working across the home, office, and blended spaces more than ever before, as well as working varied hours to suit the modern work schedule.  This new hybrid workforce model holds the potential for more diverse talent and better productivity, but it also comes with its challenges – one being how to ensure security, health, and safety in the workplace.  Strong and smart security ecosystem While nearly one-third of companies report that they’ve implemented a hybrid model, according to a recent survey by STANLEY Security, many still have much to do to prepare their office for the future.  Building a strong – and smart – security ecosystem is crucial in preparing for the future. As such, businesses should consider technologies that help protect their people, as well as safeguard their assets, optimise their operations, and secure their network. 1)Protect your people  Implementation of a security ecosystem combines health, safety, and security hardware and software solutions seamlessly Nearly 60% of mid-market and enterprise businesses across the UK and US report that the health and safety of their employees and customers are a primary concern when implementing modern and hybrid working models.  This begs the question: How can businesses create a safe and healthy work environment when 59% are planning to bring employees back on-site in some capacity within the next 18 months? The answer lies, in part, in the implementation of a security ecosystem that combines various health, safety, and security hardware and software solutions seamlessly. Integrating platform Nearly half (46%) of business decision-makers say they are interested in adopting an integrated platform such as this. This means integrating traditional and digital security solutions, then leveraging the data and insights they produce to further enhance the workplace experience. Take this example:  With employees and visitors moving in and out of the office at different times, a business may lack oversight of occupancy or density levels, people flow, workspace scheduling, visitor check-in processes, and more. However, with visitor management, access control, and other building/business systems integrated, employees can reserve a workspace for a specific date and time and be granted access to the building. Leveraging AI and machine learning Visitors can pre-register, answer a health screening questionnaire, and receive a mobile credential before arriving. Once the visitor arrives on-site, the system can alert the respective department – all without the close contact typically required for traditional visitor check-in processes. When layering artificial intelligence and machine learning on top of the data, a business may identify trends in people flow and opportunities to optimise congested areas. They may also see that certain rooms within the building get more use than others and leverage these insights to manage their space more effectively.  All of this is powered by a security ecosystem that can help a business better protect its people while realising other benefits in the process. 2) Safeguard your assets Businesses are concerned about the security of their assets when it comes to the hybrid workforce model Even more, businesses are concerned about the security of their assets when it comes to the hybrid workforce model. About 72% of leaders say this is, in fact, their primary concern with the hybrid approach.  This figure isn’t surprising when you consider the impact of the pandemic, which left many businesses closed either temporarily or permanently, with few people allowed on-site to manage facility operations.  As a result of the pandemic, we saw tech adoption accelerate at an astonishing rate – simply because businesses had to implement cloud and remote technologies to survive during a time when buildings were closed indefinitely.  Remote management and visibility This was particularly true for security solutions, such as cloud video surveillance and cloud access control solutions like wireless IoT-connected locks. Nine out of 10 businesses (91%) report that they have already implemented cloud security technology; of those, nearly half (48%) stated that this was due to the pandemic. These technologies allow for remote management and provide visibility into business operations at the same time. In a retail setting, for example, cloud video surveillance allows businesses to identify and track not only criminal activity, but also foot traffic patterns, peak operating hours, staff shortages, and more.  Loss prevention strategy When integrated with the retailer’s point-of-sale (POS) system, businesses can gain greater insights into their traffic counts, end cap effectiveness, loyalty card activity, and a variety of POS exceptions, such as high-dollar transactions, repeated transactions, excessive returns, employee discounts, and more. For retailers especially, a security ecosystem means a more efficient loss prevention strategy that helps safeguard assets and profits. 3) Optimise your operations The “future of work” is still very much a work in progress, but one thing is clear: Businesses are looking for ways to increase efficiencies, drive cost savings, and, ultimately, optimise their operations – especially now with the challenges posed by price inflation. A relatively untapped opportunity for businesses to achieve these goals lies within their security infrastructure. Security technology and solutions gather incredibly rich data which, when unlocked, can help businesses understand how their buildings are being used, when the busiest times are, where there are highly trafficked areas, and more.  Leveraging cloud video surveillance systems, businesses could identify emerging staff training needs Cloud video surveillance systems For example, by leveraging the insights produced by cloud video surveillance systems, businesses could identify emerging staff training needs, which could ultimately result in improved employee satisfaction and reduced attrition. However, much of this data sits untouched within the infrastructure, leaving businesses unaware of the opportunities in front of them. 44% of businesses that currently use a cloud security system for its primary use say they want to know how else this technology can be utilised, and an additional 20% aren’t even aware that it could be used in other ways. AI and analytics The interest in adoption is promising for the office of the future, especially when we see that the majority of businesses (78%) would consider using AI and analytics technologies to optimise their operations, helping their business to operate more effectively and efficiently.  The increase in adoption of cloud technology – paired with the rise in interest in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics – could make it possible for businesses to uncover invaluable insights from their security infrastructure and leverage them to adapt and build business resilience. 4) Secure your network Advanced technology help businesses improve their cybersecurity, making it harder for hackers to gain entry With cyber threats becoming more prevalent, businesses are increasingly looking to secure their networks and protect their data. More than half (54%) of those surveyed expressed interest in using AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to secure their network by identifying and eliminating cybersecurity threats.  Advanced and automated technology can help businesses improve their cybersecurity, making it harder for hackers to gain entry to the larger corporate network. Modern cybersecurity tools that use AI and machine learning can detect anomalies in network traffic or alert and act on suspicious behaviour.   Cybersecurity software For example, if an IoT device suddenly begins broadcasting and establishing connections with multiple devices, cybersecurity software could detect this abnormal behaviour, send an alert, and suspend traffic or quarantine an endpoint immediately – saving precious time during a potential breach.  A single data breach could result in widespread distrust from workers and customers, potentially leading to decreased business as well as litigation issues. As such, businesses need to take action to update and strengthen their defences so that they can avoid downtime and continue to operate with peace of mind.  Prepare your business for the future Businesses will continue to look for more ways to extract value out of their existing infrastructure, including their security technology. For many, the tools to do so are already in place, it’s just a matter of unlocking the insights with a security ecosystem.  With such an ecosystem – one that helps protect a business’ people, assets, and network, while optimising operations – companies can better safeguard the future of their workspaces and usher in the new era of work with confidence. 

Technology has certainly become an intrinsic part of our day-to-day lives, from the retail industry, to food and beverage outlets, and even within the health and fitness industry. It’s all around us, in varying formats, making processes more efficient. It has refined some of our older approaches, and in the hospitality industry, this is certainly true. Technological advances are leading the way forward for the future of hotels, and with the sector now free from COVID-19 restrictions, venues are looking for ways to improve the guest experience with technology. A staggering recent statistic has suggested that 75 percent of activities in hospitality could one day become automated — so where exactly are we heading on this journey into the future of hotels? Join Cairn Collection, owner of The Stirling Highland, and explore a whole host of innovations that are changing the face of hotel management systems. The 21st-century check-in desk The breadth of technology that is slowly becoming more widely available is transforming the hospitality industry The digital age is constantly finding new ways to innovate and prove its value and worth for modern consumers, and the breadth of technology that is slowly becoming more widely available is transforming the hospitality industry. In the past, connotations of a check-in desk were long queues and excessive pieces of paper — from room service menus to a mini catalogue of highlights of the local area. Technological innovations such as face recognition are one of the major ways that this process is changing. Using artificial intelligence A handful of hotels have already trialled or introduced artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily running, and it looks set to become far more mainstream by 2025. From paying the bill by using biometrics to allowing hotel managers to handle data more efficiently, AI looks set to be welcomed with the potential for it to reduce costs by 13 percent. The entire hotel check-in process could become automated, making one of the most established parts of the hotel experience redundant — but staff could be freed up to engage with customers, allowing them to get into their rooms quicker in the meantime. Many venues have even gone fully paperless when it comes to checking in, choosing instead to upload the process to cloud computing systems where information can be stored and viewed by connected devices. Convenience is the key More hotels operate their room unlocking facilities through mobile phone-connected technology, NFC After having checked in to a hotel, guests will want to explore the room that they’ve booked. Doing so has never been easier, and the classic magstripe locks which were once the most commonly used method of accessing hotel rooms are being progressively phased out. More and more hotels now operate their room unlocking facilities through mobile phone-connected technology, near-field communication (NFC).  This technology allows for data transfer at up to 424 kb per second, and it is enabled when connected devices come into contact with each other. Mobile key systems Most mobile key systems require guests to download and activate a key through the hotel’s digital app, and upon arrival, they can use the activated key to unlock the door to their hotel room. Combined with online/digital check-in services, guests can use the e-key to check in early or at a time that suits them best, knowing that they don’t have to wait around to pick up a physical key. Small touches like this build a sense of brand familiarity for customers, as well as streamline their hotel experience, and this distinguishes them from competitors. Hotel management systems Hotel management systems need to account for the experience that guests have while staying at the venue Of course, hotel management systems also need to account for the experience that guests have while staying at the venue and technology can do a lot to enhance this. Hotels have to innovate the spaces that they are presenting to their customers and technology has become a valuable asset to help enhance customer satisfaction, as the hotel room is certainly not simply a place for rest anymore. Voice-enabled devices Voice-enabled devices are becoming common features in rooms, with popular models such as Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon Echo providing guests with information on the local area — if you’re looking for the perfect backdrop to the business dinner you’re attending, just ask Alexa! Hotels could even record and distribute their personalised voice messaging to help reinforce the brand presence into the technology. Technology can help you attract and retain customers by offering services above and beyond what they’d usually receive A room and then some As the generational switch to millennials and Gen Z continues, the need for an experience has grown and, through a mixture of technology, hotels can cater to these revised consumer needs. From setting up messaging platforms to providing a remote control that monitors absolutely everything in the room — from atmospheric mood lighting to music streaming services and more, a hotel room can be whatever the user wants, and the experience is therefore generated by the customer. Technology doesn’t stop advancing, and there are constantly new, refined approaches to hotel management systems that have marked a stark departure from ways of the past. With guests returning after over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, competition for their business is even tougher. Technology can help you attract and retain customers by offering services above and beyond what they’d usually receive.

More and more business security practices are going digital. Mechanical keys are still the backbone of most corporate security plans, and it can be very expensive for companies to switch to electronic access control on a large scale. Therefore, enterprises need to choose the most suitable access control system. What is key management? Key management is the process of protecting, tracking, and scheduling mechanical keys. Why is this important? Because the key carries access to sensitive locations and assets within the organisation, when you increase the security of the key, you can enhance the security of these valuable resources. The key management system also controls the cost of using physical keys. The system reduces the overhead caused by key loss or security breaches. Some smaller companies may be able to adopt a paper-and-pencil key management protocol. Larger companies, or those who want to better understand and control keys, usually choose to use an electronic key management system. Key management systems can store and assign keys securely and increase the efficiency of organisation Why use a key management system? The key management system can become the cornerstone of your key control process. At the most basic level, key management systems can accomplish two things that paper and pen systems cannot: they store and assign keys securely, and they increase the efficiency of your organisation's use of keys through automation and analysis. What can key management systems do? 1) Improve access control By better protecting the keys, you can improve the access control to the spaces and devices unlocked by these keys. You can use your key management to simplify the process of providing temporary employees with one-time-key access. In addition, the system can record all their key access records, so that everyone's behavior can be traced. 2) Enhanced accountability traceability The software is a good key management system that can generate reports on key usage, user access requests, access exceptions, and loss. In addition, you can track and audit key usage in real-time. Combined with a comprehensive key control strategy, you will implement better accountability for key use to meet any industry or risk management compliance standards. 3) Reduce costs and prevent losses When an employee loses a key, you will incur direct costs for a replacement key or relocking it when it is lost When an employee loses a key, you will incur direct costs, including purchasing a replacement key or relocking it when it is lost. However, the indirect cost of key loss is usually more significant. This is because employees first spend time looking for the lost key and then process the replacement request, all of which time is not spent on production work. 4) Improve workflow As we discussed, keys are often used in important workflows. The key management system allows you to better control these workflows. A passive electronic lock system, also known as a key-centric access control system, has outstanding advantages in key management. Compared with the electronic access control system, the passive electronic lock system's "passive" characteristics have reduced the update cost for many enterprises.

Richard Parnell of Total Security Protection based in Watford won the competition Mayflex, the cabling infrastructure, networking and electronic security solutions distributor, ran a competition from 1st February to 30th April to encourage customers, particularly those new to IP Security from Mayflex, to place orders for their range of IP based electronic security products, with the winner receiving a 3D HD bundle. Mayflex is at the forefront of the distribution of innovative IP-based Electronic Security Solutions, with a focus on product performance and customer support. Mayflex offer an extensive portfolio from some of the best manufacturers in the industry including: ACTi, Agent Vi, Avigilon, AXIS, Bosch, Fluidmesh, Illuminar, LevelOne, Milestone, MOBOTIX, Overland, Panasonic, Paxton, QNAP, Raytec, Razberi, UTC and Veracity. The winner of the competition was Richard Parnell of Total Security Protection based in Watford. Commenting on the win Richard said ‘We started working with Mayflex back in 2012 and we have seen a significant increase in business in the last 6 months, particularly in IP Security. Our experience of working with Mayflex has been extremely positive and we’ve received great service and support so far which has helped us to deliver that same experience to our own customer base.’ Richard concluded ‘I’d be more than happy to recommend Mayflex, they’ve got a good range of products to choose from, a team of staff that know what they’re talking about, generally the products are in stock and when we order and we get the products delivered free of charge the next day.' Commenting on the promotion Gary Harmer, Mayflex Director of Sales for Electronic Security said ‘We are continually building our portfolio of IP Security products and the competition was a good way of helping to get that message across to a number of customers, particularly those that haven’t dealt with us on IP Security.’ Gary concluded ‘Together with our vendor partners we really are leading the way in IP Security and working with installers to provide a complete solution, offering them a choice of product and functionality to fit their specific budgets and operational requirements.’

Dan Eames & David Cawkell of SeSys Ltd. with Dr. Magnus Ekerot, Chief Sales Officer of MOBOTIX MOBOTIX AG, a leading manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems has released details of its annual National Partner Conference which was the venue to announce new Partners Programmes, products and longer term strategy. Even within a tough economic climate, MOBOTIX recorded a strong second quarter with revenue growth of 17% for the fiscal year compared to the prior year. Boosted by strong growth and innovative new products, the event was opened by a keynote presentation from Chief Sales Officer, Dr. Magnus Ekerot. The CSO outlined a new Global Partner Programme that aims to help MOBOTIX channel partners to differentiate themselves and enable better delivery of solutions. Dr. Ekerot also talked about the strategy needed to deliver complete solutions and the support MOBOTIX will provide to partners to help sustain the strong growth achieved over the last year. In several technical breakout sessions, MOBOTIX provided details on the new hardware platform and upcoming Mobile Applications as part of new remote viewing and control solutions. Innovation has been a key driver with several new products entering service in 2012. These include the new S14 FlexMount, the world's first flexible double hemispheric camera and the Q24 Video Analytic Camera with integrated Automatic People Counting and HeatMap reporting. The NPC expo area also hosted stands from several technology partners including Wavestore, RayTEC, Remoteguard, Business Insight 3, Exus Technology, Overland Storage, Lancom and Sedi GmbH.  MOBOTIX also took the opportunity to award several notable attendees. The ‘Partner of the Year’ award was scooped by Clear Image MMS Ltd, a highly respected partner that has consistently exceeded targets over the last 12 months. The Alarming Company Ltd was awarded ‘Growth Strategy of the Year’, following a string of high value deals. David Collins from Bournville College accepted the award for ‘Prestige Project’ following his comprehensive presentation detailing the innovative use of MOBOTIX technology within a £66 million purpose built campus in Longbridge that kick-started a wider regeneration of the area. Highly regarded partner SeSys Ltd was awarded the ‘Solution Award’ for its use of MOBOTIX technology within its Torch Cam rapid deployment video system used extensively within the utilities and defence industry. "said Dan Eames, Technical Director for SeSys. Vaisala Ltd, a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement, was awarded a new “Fellowship Award” for its use of MOBOTIX technology across the globe within a range of innovative observation and measurement products and services for chosen weather-related and industrial market. Vaisala Ltd.'s Gerald Sharp with Dr.Magnus Ekerot Peter Harris, Sales & Marketing Manager for Voicepath added “The NPC event was a great opportunity for Voicepath to network with many MOBOTIX UK Partners, enabling us to forge both existing and new strategic relationships for the future, and in addition, with the exciting new product range that was released at the conference, we are confident that we have the most effective technology to help us develop our Security business for the future.” “The annual National Partner Conference is an opportunity for us to meet, educate and share with our partners and I would like thank all the participants that made it one of the best events to date,” explains Dominic Chapman, Business Development Manager for MOBOTIX UK & Ireland, “The inclusion of our technology partners and the technical tracks helped to create a high value event and the new Partner Programme, we feel, will help our channel to successfully address a wider market with our continued assistance.”

 Mayflex offers a true one-stop shop for anyone looking for a complete surveillance solutionVersion 2 of Mayflex's Security Product Guide is now available, highlighting products from the full range in Mayflex's security portfolio.In the last 6 months Mayflex has taken on board a range of new suppliers, such as Sanyo, QNAP, Netgenium and Grandstream, and the new guide highlights some of the key products from these vendors as well as those products more familiar.Mayflex's portfolio covers a broad spectrum of products, such as lighting solutions from Raytec, software from Milestone, storage from Overland, and transmission from UTC Fire & Security (formerly GE Security). This is in addition to the many camera manufacturers, like ACTi, MOBOTIX, Panasonic and Bosch.Mayflex also offers more than just security solutions and can provide networking and cabling infrastructure products, all of which are featured in the guide, offering a true one-stop shop for anyone looking for a complete surveillance solution.Tracey Calcutt, Marketing Manager at Mayflex, explains, "We have a large portfolio of products and the Security Product Guide has not be designed to be a complete catalogue but more a handy guide that highlights our offering and gives people a chance to see the range that we supply. We find a handy guide is much easier for people to have on their desk or take around with them. Full product details can be found very easily on our website, and we have a dedicated security sales team on hand to offer advice or provide further information."