ioimage Ltd CCTV Network / IP Cameras

Today’s environment has evolved into something that according to some may seem unexplainable. But in the context of video surveillance, this is something that we understand. Allow me to shed some light and understanding in terms of security and why it truly is a necessity. Security is not a luxury, it is a necessity. An essential practice now peaking the interests of all businesses small and large. A video surveillance system is a cost effective option that does not require monitoring fees. As business slows, temporarily shuts down or closes, an increase in vacant properties is inevitable. This pandemic will continue to put severe pressure on many businesses around the country. With so many considered non-essential, it is really sad to see how many must shutter their doors and lay off employees. Keeping an eye out for suspicious activity using a commercial grade surveillance system that supports advanced analytics, may end up saving your potential customers thousands of dollars down the road. Demand for video surveillance and security products We can certainly draw on the conclusion that security is a “need” more so than a “want”. Times like this just further cement that thought process. In today’s economic spiral, people aren’t actively looking for lighting controls or home theaters. What they look for is a way to keep their loved ones safe, protect their homes, businesses and property. Video surveillance technology provides added security for you, your family and your business In my opinion, you will see video surveillance and security product sales skyrocket in the coming months and years. It has been reported that response times for first responders may be impacted as a result of COVID-19, leaving those with bad intent more time to ransack a property knowing that law enforcement may be slow to respond. Criminals will always take advantage of the situation. All we can do as a community is use common sense, stay vigilant through these odd times and watch out for one another. For some of us that may mean mitigating risks with technology. Affordable video monitoring solutions Having a solution that can quickly and securely share video footage may be the difference between identifying a perpetrator and becoming a victim. Ella, a video search platform developed by IC Realtime, makes every second of video instantly searchable and shareable, either with the authorities or your neighborhood social apps. Plus it is compatible with any RTSP streaming device. To wrap this up, it’s not about pointing out the obvious, it’s really about bringing awareness as to how technologies can be implemented to provide peace of mind without breaking the bank. Video surveillance technology is a way to do that and provide added security for you, your family and your business.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorisation and the appropriate credentials. But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customised and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms power continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

Large event venues spend significant resources on physical security, and the vast majority invest in video surveillance systems as a way of monitoring public areas such as parking lots, garages and seating, as well as “backstage” areas such as loading docks and offices. Even though the camera footage is often preserved for investigating incidents, for the most part, video footage goes untapped because – realistically – security staff cannot constantly and efficiently monitor cameras in real-time or review the high volumes of archived video. Video analytics powered by Artificial Intelligence Increasingly, event venues are overcoming this challenge and maximising this video data by investing in intelligent video surveillance. In this article, I will explore how the combination of traditional surveillance and groundbreaking video content analytics enables event venues to not only optimise physical security and safety, but also improve customer service, streamline operations, and gather valuable business intelligence. Deep learning and artificial intelligence-based video content analytic systems detect, identify, extract, and catalog all the objects that appear in video footage based on classes and attributes such as gender, appearance similarity, color or size. This – along with behavioral detection, such as object interactions, dwell times, and navigation paths, as well as face and license plate recognition – enables searchable, actionable and quantifiable analysis of video. The technology makes it easy for users to accelerate post-event investigations, improve situational awareness, and derive critical business insights from video data. Accelerate post-event investigations, improve situational awareness, and derive critical business insights Accelerating investigations Where there are crowds, it’s not uncommon for medical or criminal incidents to transpire. In the aftermath, security teams must quickly understand the scene and, by making video searchable, video analytics helps them efficiently gather information or evidence from multiple camera. Whereas a manual search of video footage would require hours, if not days, of valuable time and staff resources – while being subject to human error – a video content analytics system enables effective multi-video search using a variety of filters, so that post-incident investigations can be focused and, thereby, accelerated. For instance, if witnesses claim that a man in a yellow shirt caused a disturbance and then drove away in a blue pickup truck, security could filter video to review instances where people or vehicles matching those descriptions appeared, and then focus their investigation on relevant video evidence. For the same example, if the perpetrator was still at large in the venue, security managers would want to track the person’s movements and, ultimately, apprehend him. Using the same cataloged metadata that drives video search, intelligent video surveillance accelerates real-time response to developing situations from threats and suspicious behaviors to emergencies, or even any behavior that requires closer monitoring or intervention. Something as mundane as an unwieldy queue forming at a concession stand can alert logic that increases operators’ situational awareness and ability to effectively intervene. By understanding developing situations in real-time, they can respond more quickly to prevent or solve a problem. Rule-based real time alerts Users can configure rule-based real-time alerts, based on specific scenarios – such as when people counts in the defined space next to the cashier are higher than the specified threshold, indicating a queue, or when vehicles are detected dwelling in a no-park zone or sensitive security area. In the case of the offender in the yellow shirt, security could configure alerts to notify for appearances of men in yellow shirts or blue pickup trucks within the event complex. If they’re able to extract the perpetrator’s face or license plate from the video search, security officers can also identify and track the specific person and vehicle of interest. Intelligent video surveillance users can compile “watchlists” Object recognition is helpful for tracking specific, identified threats, but it can also be leveraged for locating missing persons or vehicles or offering VIP services to guests who comply. Intelligent video surveillance users can compile “watchlists” – that include persons of interest, such as past agitators, recognised criminals or terrorists, missing persons or VIPs – to be alerted when matches for these faces appear in video. Face recognition can also be used to differentiate recognised employees from visitors that are not authorised to be in certain spaces in order to prevent security breaches. Because camera conditions aren’t always optimal for “in the wild” face and license plate recognition – where lighting conditions or camera angles don’t always allow for a pristine face or plate capture – it is critical to have a comprehensive video content analysis tool for triggering alerts based object classifications and non-personally-identifiable parameters. Optimising operations based on business intelligence While having real-time situational awareness is crucial for proactive intervention to developing situations, understanding long-term activity and trends can be equally important for an events venue or stadium. With video analytics, video surveillance data can be aggregated over time to generate statistical intelligence, trend reports, and data visualisations for operational intelligence. This capability transforms video surveillance from a siloed security tool to an intelligence platform with broad value for business groups across the organisation. Marketing departments can gain visitor demographic information for targeted advertising and product placements. On-site retailers can uncover how visitors navigate their stores and the products or spaces that draw the most attention. Property management can follow heatmaps demonstrating where visitors dwell and the durations they stay at certain exhibits or areas, to base rental and leasing fees on actionable and quantifiable intelligence. Operations managers can more effectively plan and hire staff for events, by analysing visitor traffic trends, entry and exit points and occupancy statistics.   Video surveillance data can be aggregated over time to generate statistical intelligence For these reasons and more, event organisations that already rely on CCTV networks should consider how to better leverage those existing investments to deliver substantial value across the organisation. By making video searchable, actionable and quantifiable, intelligent video surveillance empowers event managers to enhance public safety and physical security, while also streamlining operations and improving customer service.

 ioimage and Milestone Systems have announced a technology partnership to deliver enhanced security solutions ioimage, the pioneer of intelligent video appliances designed for simplicity, and Milestone Systems, the leading global developer of open platform IP video management software, recently announced they have established a partnership to deliver comprehensive and enhanced security solutions.ioimage intelligent cameras and encoders can now be seamlessly integrated within the Milestone XProtect™ video management open platform, offering unique IP video surveillance capabilities to enterprises of all sizes. Video from ioimage's intelligent encoders and IP cameras is viewed through the intuitive Milestone XProtect user interface, alerting operators to threats and recording relevant events for easy indexing and searching."The Milestone open platform enables the integration with ioimage analytics, so customers can benefit from the expertise of both companies and gain more effective tools for managing security. This partnership illustrates the value of leadership alliances in the industry," stated Henrik Friborg, VP Strategic Alliances and Co-founder of Milestone Systems."Our partnership with Milestone leverages our commitment to open architecture, offering our users and system integrators an integrated video analytics platform designed for simplicity in installation and use," said Zeev Farkash, ioimage's CEO. "Coupled with Milestone video management capabilities, ioimage intelligent appliances provide a best-of-breed solution that ensures reliable, cost effective and proactive video security."

 ioimage solutions outranks competition ioimage, the pioneer of intelligent video appliances designed for simplicity, announced that its products have been installed at Bosch Korea's automotive motor plant in Buyong (RBKB).RBKB is a leading Korean domestic automotive motor and system supplier, wholly-owned by the Bosch Group since 1998. The company has annual sales of approximately $255 million and produces about 29 million automotive motors per annum.  The RBKB plant was retrofitted with ioimage intelligent video encoders with built-in self-sustained video analytics, providing automatic autonomous Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) and trespassing applications. Self-directed, vision-guided PTZ tracking capabilities keep a moving target in constant focus, offering numerous identification and information-gathering possibilities. The system can be rapidly configured to detect fence-jumpers and security breaches both incoming and outgoing activity along the facility's entire 90,000 sqm perimeter fence. "ioimage's solution outranks the competition when it comes to key parameters such as performance, cost effectiveness, customer satisfaction and low false alarm rate," said Jung Dong Young of Samsung Aerospace Information Co. Ltd., who installed the system in collaboration with  local ioimage partner G2 Solomon Co. Ltd., ioimage's local business partner and distributor. The RBKB plant was retrofitted with ioimage intelligent video encoders with built-in self-sustained video analyticsThe ioimage system has enhanced the effectiveness of guards monitoring the plant and at the same time alleviated their workload. A spokesperson for RBKB's management team commented: "Knowing that we have the best video surveillance system on the market protecting us against intruders gives us real peace of mind." "More and more companies worldwide are realizing how simple and cost-effective it is to retrofit their site with video analytics," said Maoz Tenenbaum, ioimage Senior Sales Director, Asia Pacific. "With its reputation for easy installation and maintenance, and true video analytics, ioimage is their natural choice."Further ioimage installations are planned at other Bosch subsidiary factories in Korea.

 ioimage's solution proved to have the highest overall level of effectiveness and reliability With thousands of packages moving through its European hubs every hour, security hasalways been a top priority for DHL Express, the leading global provider of international road, air and rail-based courier and express services. In order to better protect its valuable cargo against the growing threats of theft, vandalism and terrorism - and to comply with increasingly stricter EU regulations - DHL has upgraded its security systems at several key sites. To date, these include sorting hubs at Heathrow Airport in the UK and Leipzig Airport in Germany, as well as ground hubs, terminals and other facilities in Bonn, Germany; Genk, Belgium; and Budapest, Hungary.Myriad requirementsA Deutsche Post World Net company, DHL has some 300,000 employees and an international network linking more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Thousands of packages move through its European ground operation and airport sorting hubs, every hour.DHL needed a highly reliable security solution that was able to detect intruders and perimeter breaches, deter theft and vandalism and identify suspicious activity around the aircraft and various facilities. It also had to be easy to use and minimise false alarms. In addition, EU security regulations stipulate that cargo that has already been screened must be constantly monitored until take-off.DHL realised that a top-notch system would have to include intelligent video, and subsequently conducted rigorous head to head testing of several analytics products. ioimage's solution proved to have the highest overall level of effectiveness and reliability. It was also the most efficient at overcoming environmental challenges and the problem of multiple false alarms, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of human guards required to perform security tasks.Another prerequisite for the new solution was its capability to seamlessly integrate with the different security solutions already in place at the various DHL sites.  DHL needed a highly reliable security solution that was able to detect intruders, and deter theft and vandalism and identify suspicious activityComplex challenges Each site presented particular security challenges with regards to structure, size and complexity. For example, DHL's newest and largest aviation hub in Europe, at Leipzig/Halle Airport, measures 48,000 sqm and entails surveillance of up to 1,500 tons of freight and up to 60 aircraft daily.Different DHL sites required different applications. Aviation sites such as aprons needed highly effective perimeter protection, while ground operations hubs - such as sorting facilities where high value packages are delivered to be sorted before being loaded on the planes - required additional applications such as trip wire and fence trespassing.Practical, effective surveillanceOut of thousands of activities monitored by a vast array of CCTV cameras, ioimage intelligent video pinpoints only relevant incidents. The system tracks suspicious people, vehicles and objects - such as stray freight and luggage - while ignoring extraneous activities, thus radically reducing the incidence of false alarms. When an alarm does go off, security staff can quickly check the monitors to decide on the next course of action, such as sounding a warning; dispatching security guards; or summoning the authorities.Video footage captured by the ioimage devices is also often reviewed by DHL officials for investigate purposes, to resolve reported incidents or to confirm a suspect's identity. Out of thousands of activities monitored by CCTV cameras, ioimage intelligent video pinpoints only relevant incidentsTangible resultsOnce the cargo is screened - by x-ray, dogs or physical checking - and loaded on the plane, it needs to be guarded at all times until it leaves the airport. ioimage video analytics replaces the need for a human guard to monitor the cargo while it is awaiting take-off.Since installing the new systems, DHL has also benefited from a dramatic decrease in false alarms. ioimage continues to work closely with DHL security management in deciding how best to monitor its critical European sites, providing efficient and cost effective solutions in demanding field conditions. DHL locations in Spain and Italy are currently being equipped with ioimage technology while similar projects are in the pipeline in other European countries.