IDIS CCTV Network / IP Cameras

Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the business benefits from merging video surveillance and access control technologies as demand for ACaaS grows. The big question facing businesses today is how they will use the data that they possess to unlock new forms of value using emerging technologies such as the cloud, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Some data is better utilised than others: financial services were quick to recognise the competitive advantages in exploiting technology to improve customer service, detect fraud and improve risk assessment. In the world of physical security, however, we’re only just beginning to understand the potential of the data that our systems gather as a part of their core function. Benefits of ‘Integrated access control’ The first thing to look for is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functionsWhat many businesses have yet to realise is that many emerging technologies come into their own when used across multiple sources of data. In physical security, for example, we’re moving from discussions about access control and CCTV as siloed functions, to platforms that combine information for analysis from any source, and applying machine learning algorithms to deliver intelligent insights back to the business. ‘Integrated access control’ then looks not just to images or building management, but to images, building management, HR databases and calendar information, all at the same time. And some of the benefits are only now starting to become clear. The first thing to look for, of course, is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functions. For example, by combining traditional access control data, such as when a swipe card is used, with a video processing platform capable of facial recognition, a second factor of authentication is provided without the need to install separate biometric sensors. CCTV cameras are already deployed in most sensitive areas, so if a card doesn’t match the user based on HR records, staff can be quickly alerted. Making the tools cost-effective In a similar vein, if an access card is used by an employee, who is supposed to be on holiday according to the HR record, then video data can be used to ensure the individual’s identity and that the card has not been stolen – all before a human operator becomes involved. This is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalisation of a vital business functionThese capabilities are not new. What is, however, is the way in which cloud-based computing platforms for security analytics, which absorb information from IP-connected cameras, make the tools much more cost effective, accessible and easier to manage than traditional on-site server applications. In turn, this is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalisation of a vital business function. With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments, greater flexibility to scale up and down, and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. Simple installation and removal of endpoints What’s more, because modern video and access control systems transmit data via the IP network, installation and removal of endpoints are simple, requiring nothing more than PoE and Wi-Fi. Of all the advantages of the ‘as a service’ model, it’s the rich data acquired from ACaaS that makes it so valuable, and capable of delivering business benefits beyond physical security. Managers are constantly looking for better quality of information to inform decision making, and integrated access control systems know more about operations than you might think. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lightsRight now, many firms are experimenting with ways to find efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, lights that automatically turn off to save energy are common in offices today, but can be a distraction if employees have to constantly move around to trigger motion detectors. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lights depending on exactly who is in the room and where they are sitting. Tracking the movement of employees Camera data has been used in retail to track the movement of customers in stores, helping managers to optimise displays and position stocks. The same technology can be used to map out how employees move around a workspace, finding out where productivity gains can be made by moving furniture around or how many desks should be provisioned. Other potential uses of the same data could be to look for correlations between staff movement – say to a store room – and sales spikes, to better predict stock ordering. What makes ACaaS truly exciting is it is still a very new field, and we’re only just scratching the surface of the number of ways that it can be used to create new sources of value. As smart buildings and smart city technology evolves, more and more open systems will become available, offering more ways to combine, analyse and draw insights from data. Within a few years, it will become the rule, rather than the exception, and only grow in utility as it does.

With the recent news headlines about store closures and the collapse of well-known chains, alongside clear adjustments in business strategy amongst established high street favourites, there is no denying that the UK retail industry is under huge pressure. A recent report suggests growing issues are leading some retailers to increase risk-taking in the supply chain. But here, Steve Bumphrey, Traka UK Sales Director, looks at ways to help retailers embrace the storm, including paying attention to security, management processes and efficient customer focus. Challenges plaguing retail industry It’s been an awful year to date for UK retail if you believe the cacophony of negative headlines about the health of the UK economy and the confidence levels of the UK consumer. The sector is facing huge challenges in dealing with the evolution in on-line and smart mobile retailing The sector is undoubtedly facing huge challenges in dealing with the evolution in on-line and smart mobile retailing. Further concerns include an unwillingness of policymakers to address the changing retail environment and how business rates and general business taxation and regulation is making a difficult situation worse. Supply Chain Risk Report According to the latest Global Supply Chain Risk Report, published by Cranfield School of Management and Dan & Badstreet, those under pressure, are now facing increased exposure to risk if they are forced to cut costs in their supply chain. The report cites data for the retail sector that shows increased levels of risk-taking since Q4 2018, with retailers reporting high levels of dependency on suppliers and indicating a propensity to off-shore to low-cost, high-risk countries where suppliers are more likely to be financially unstable. In-store technology revolution The underlying evolution of technology taking hold of the retail industry and consequential changing consumer behaviour is what is really forcing the industry to step up and act. This is not only in the shift to online and smart mobile purchases, but also with the increased use of technology in store. Self-scanning and checkouts In a bid to enhance the physical shop experience, especially in supermarket outlets across the UK, retailers are increasingly giving customers autonomy with self-scanners and checkouts and need to be able to trust them to ensure an honest transaction. And for the shoppers, this dependency on technology and not human interaction to complete a shop means scanners must be instantly available and ready for use. Many different underlying competing challenges impact the retail industry Compensators At the recent British Retail Consortium’s ‘Charting the Future’ conference, looking at retail crime and security, Dr Emmeline Taylor, a criminologist at the City University of London identified in self -service shops, several new types of ‘offenders’ such as so-called ‘compensators’ including the atypical ‘frustrated consumer’ who, “fully intended to pay but were unable to scan an item properly”, adding to the security challenge. There are clearly many different underlying competing challenges impacting the retail industry. Arguably, the increase in technology and autonomous shopping, where less staff are present (or staff cuts planned) throws up more vulnerabilities, such as the opportunity for store theft. Use of body cameras Staff needs emerging technology such as body cameras to act as a deterrent to crime and keep employees safe Furthermore, staff may need greater use of emerging technology such as body cameras to act as a deterrent to crime and help keep employees safe. In essence, prevention is better than cure, and it’s certainly cheaper. Whether combating crime physically or online, or looking to find ways to counter the high street trends, working together, sharing information and taking a more holistic approach will help the development of a shared language between retailers. Retail banking It is also here where common approaches can help to deliver on efficiencies, in time, resource and budget that can serve to operate right through the supply chain, and minimise, or even negate the need to take any risks. It can even serve to enhance the customer experience, increasing confidence in the shopping environment. Of course, when discussing the high street, it is not just the department stores and chains that are feeling the impact. Well known banks are also having to redefine their priorities and role on the high street, with customers (especially younger generations) demanding a more efficient service than ever before. Well known banks are also having to redefine their priorities and role on the high street Asset protection Leading the way is Nationwide, globally renowned building society, which prides itself on being one of the largest savings providers and mortgages provider in the UK, promoting itself as running purely for the benefit of its customers, or ‘members.’ Richard Newland, Director of Branch & Workplace Transformation at Nationwide said, “Even more than getting a good ‘deal’ from a building society, the quality of our welcome, or our renowned level of service, we make sure our members feel safe with us, enough to trust us with their greatest assets. We are doing everything we can to evolve our business and focus our efforts on providing the best and most secure services that people value.” Key management systems Traka has supported Nationwide with the introduction of dedicated key management systems So committed to its branch network, it has pledged to its 15 million members that every town and city with a Nationwide branch, will still have one for at least the next two years. A bold statement in today’s climate. Traka has supported Nationwide with the introduction of dedicated key management systems, moving its branch network into a more digital system. Keys no longer need to leave site and the audit trail capability has helped to remove the manual paper recording, allowing status of keys to be established instantly, at any time. Changes in retail market This example, together with Traka’s portfolio of high street brands and globally renowned department stores that cannot be named for security reasons, demonstrates the need for retailers to embrace the need for change, both from a product offering and operational running perspective to achieve aspirations of resonating with customers. They also prove the opportunities for success, in an unquestionable difficult market environment. If retailers can listen to customers and respond accordingly, taking into consideration staff safety and security, alongside an ability to respond quickly to personalised enquiries and expectations. This way, perhaps, the current environment can be seen as an opportunity to innovate and embrace technology to form the high street of the future.

Where are video surveillance cameras headed? At the core of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are advanced chips with artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, enabling cameras to gather valuable information about an incident: scanning shoppers at a department store, monitoring city streets, or checking on an elderly loved one at home. Thanks to advanced chip technology, complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras —professional to consumer — fueling the democratisation of AI in the IP camera market. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras Expanding the global IP camera market  The video surveillance equipment market grew to $18.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase this year, according to IHS Markit. The latest research points to video everywhere, edge computing, and AI as the top technologies that will have a major impact in both commercial and consumer markets in 2019. Computing at the edge means that the processors inside the camera are powerful enough to run AI processing locally, while still encoding and streaming video, and are able to do it all at the low-power required to fit into the limited thermal budget of an IP camera. New SoC chips will be able to perform all of the processing on camera and provide accurate AI information, with no need to send data to a server or the cloud for processing. Instead, data can be analysed right in the camera itself, offering high performance, real-time video analytics, and lower latency — all critical aspects of video surveillance. This new AI paradigm is made possible by a new generation of SoCs, a key driver behind the market growth of IP cameras. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras to fuel the advent of AI in the IP camera market Micro-processor-enabled video analytics Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time Microprocessor-enabled analytics allow users to more easily extract valuable data from video streams. How about an insider’s view into retail customer behavior? Consider video cameras at a department store, monitoring shoppers’ behavior, traffic patterns, and areas of interest. Next-generation cameras will recognise how long a shopper stays in front of a specific display, if the shopper leaves and returns, and if the shopper ultimately makes a purchase. Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time, so retailers will be able to adjust product placement accordingly. Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly. By understanding customers’ behavior, retailers can determine the best way to interact with them, target specific campaigns, and tailor ads for them. Cue the coupons while the shopper is still onsite! Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly Fast processing for rapid response at city level City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations such as loitering, big crowds forming, or cars driving the wrong way.Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations, adjust traffic lights, identify license plates, automatically charge cars for parking, find a missing car across a city, or create live and accurate traffic maps. Real-time HD video monitoring and recording When it comes to home monitoring, what will next-generation video surveillance cameras offer? Real-time monitoring and notification can detect if a person is in the back yard or approaching the door, if there’s a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, or if a package is being delivered (or stolen). Advanced video cameras can determine when notifications are and aren’t required, since users don’t want to be notified for false alerts such as rain, tree branches moving, bugs, etc. Next-generation video camera capabilities can also help monitor a loved one, person or pet, helping put families at ease if they are at work or on vacation. For example, helpful analytics may be used to detect if someone has fallen, hasn’t moved for a while, or does not appear for breakfast according to their typical schedule. City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations Next-gen IP cameras When evaluating next-generation IP cameras (cameras on the edge), look at the brains. These cameras will likely be powered by next-generation SoCs chips. Here is what this means to you:       Save on network bandwidth, cloud computing and storage costs. There is no need to constantly upload videos to a server for analysis. Analysis can be performed locally on the camera, with only relevant videos being uploaded. Faster reaction time. Decisions are made locally, with no network latency. This is critical if you need to sound an alarm on a specific event. Privacy. In the most extreme cases, no video needs to leave the camera. Only metadata needs to be sent to the cloud or server. For example, the faces of people can be recognised in the camera and acted upon, but the video never reaches the cloud. The cameras can just stream a description of the scene to the server “suspicious person with a red sweater walking in front of the train station, has been loitering for the last 10 minutes, suggest sending an agent to check it out.” This could become a requirement in some EU countries with GDPR rules. Easier search. Instead of having to look through hours of video content, the server can just store/analyse the metadata, and easily perform searches such as “find all people with a red sweater who stayed more than five minutes in front of the train station today.” Flexibility/personalisation. Each camera at the edge can be personalised to work better for the specific scene it is looking at, compared to a generic server. For example, “run a heat map algorithm on camera A (retail) as I want to know which sections of my store get the most traffic; and run a license plate recogniser on camera B (parking lot) as I want to be able to track the cars going in/out of my parking lot.” No cloud computing required. For cameras in remote locations or with limited network bandwidth, users have the ability to perform all analytics locally, without relying on uploading video to a server/cloud. Higher resolution/quality. When AI processing is performed locally, the full resolution of the sensor can be used (up to 4K or more), while typically the video streamed to a server will be lower resolution, 1080p or less. This means more pixels are available locally for the AI engine so that you will be able to detect a face from a higher distance than when the video is streamed off camera. AI at the edge Professional-level IP cameras capable of performing AI at the edge are coming soon with early offerings making their debut at this year’s ISC West. As we enter 2020, we will begin to see the availability of consumer-level cameras enabling real-time video analytics at the edge for home use. With rapid technology advancement and increased customer demand, AI is on the verge of exploding. When it comes to image quality and video analytics, IP cameras now in development will create a next-generation impact at department stores, above city streets, and keeping an eye on our loved ones.

IDIS has teamed up with integration partner ISD Tech to support the Men’s Shed community group in Church Crookham and Fleet with the donation of a state-of-the-art video monitoring solution. The donation is part of the IDIS ‘Create a Better World” campaign that has run on company’s social media channels since the start of the year to support a global commitment to enhance safety and security for social welfare projects and non-profit community organisations. The system, supplied and installed for free, is protecting a fully equipped new workshop, built with National Lottery funding and opened on the 22nd September 2019. IDIS NVRs, IP bullet cameras and domes with IR capability, now provide 24/7 video coverage of the new facility, inside and out, helping to protect high value power tools and other equipment. “The workshop is in quite a secluded location and it houses high value items, so it needs watching over out-of-hours,” explains Nicky Stokes, MD of ISD Tech. Video solution “We were delighted to provide this IDIS video solution to enable the volunteers who manage the site to receive alerts on their phones, and to view footage, if ever there’s an attempted intrusion or problem with vandalism.” The Church Crookham and Fleet Men’s Shed, is one of more than 520 across the UK helping to reduce isolation, particularly among older men, and supporting them as they contribute their knowledge and practical skills to local good causes – everything from building library shelves for primary schools, to making bird boxes for conservation groups, says Chairman Alan Walker. Research has warned about the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on health and wellbeing “We have 25 regularly active ‘shedders’ meeting twice a week and, as that number grows, we’ll increase the times that our workshop’ is open. Now, instead of just being old blokes tinkering away in isolation, we can have a joke and work together – in many ways it replicates the working environment." For a long time, research has warned about the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on health and wellbeing, with millions of people reporting feeling lonely on a daily basis. Video surveillance equipment Men’s Sheds have emerged as a practical way of tackling the problem, particularly for older men who find it more difficult to build social connections – although the organisation welcomes members of all ages and genders. Group members meet to work on projects – fixing things, making things – to share tips and simply to enjoy each other’s company. Alan Walker, says more than 45 projects have already been completed by the group, and thanks to the IDIS video solution, both the ongoing work and the tools can be stored safely out-of-hours while the workshop is unoccupied. IDIS is Korea’s pioneer in-country video surveillance equipment manufacturer and, as it continues to expand in markets globally, the company is committed to supporting community initiatives and charity work, particularly efforts focused on mental health and wellbeing. “We were really pleased to help Men’s Shed with our video technology,” explains Jamie Barnfield, Sales Director, IDIS Europe. "This is a great community group, not only concerned with the wellbeing of their own members but also supporting the wider community around them with the projects they work on.” Surveillance technology James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe, noted: “Since IDIS was founded over two decades ago our corporate mission has been to develop technology that makes the world a safer and more secure place. And while we have witnessed giant leaps forward in surveillance technology, our ‘Create a Better World’ campaign is leveraging those innovations to benefit charitable causes that are close to the hearts of local staff as well as close to our facilities around the world.”

An upgrade of surveillance, using the latest video technology from IDIS, has put Circuit Zandvoort in poll position as host venue for the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Netherlands. As well as wider improvements to the track, a top priority at the circuit was a complete overhaul of the video monitoring capability to meet the requirements of Formula 1. Security and safety surveillance For Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis a key objective was to rapidly implement a solution that would be much easier than the previous system to use, maintain and adapt in the future. To achieve this, he brought together a team including IDIS – Korea’s surveillance manufacturer. Significantly improving security and safety surveillance of the track, their solution will also let the Formula 1 organisers temporarily receive functional authorised access of video data for the duration of the competition. Video management software Circuit Zandvoort will be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS At the heart of Circuit Zandvoort’s new system is IDIS’s server-crunching, 64 channel DS-IR300 NVR technology, pre-loaded with IDIS Solution Suite video management software (VMS). This allows all the track’s existing cameras to be easily integrated and operated alongside the latest IDIS 5MP speed dome PTZs and 12MP bullet cameras. It also delivers impressive new functionality, including ultra-high-definition monitoring capability using IDIS Smart UX Controls. The system now provides real-time image capture of the highest quality, with no lag, ghost-shadowing or stuttering of images, even when cars travelling at high speed are displayed. Critical Failover technology Images on the racing control room video wall are now crisp and clear. And looking ahead, the IDIS Solution Suite VMS will make it easier to sustain this high standard by allowing cost-efficient, remote firmware updates and system maintenance. Circuit Zandvoort will also now be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS. This protects against video data loss due to a wide range of potential fault conditions, such as network instability or power failure. It ensures that recordings are automatically updated without the need for engineer callouts and with no risk of gaps in recordings while the fault is resolved. No interruption to surveillance IDIS demonstrated a deep understanding of the security and operational requirements of our circuit"The entire upgrade was completed while the original system continued to run in parallel, confirms Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis. This meant there was no interruption to surveillance during implementation, which was vitally important as the track is in almost continuous use. “There is fantastic mutual communication between IDIS and the different suppliers – they think ahead and complement each other,” says Mr Luttikhuis. “And from the start IDIS demonstrated a deep understanding of the security and operational requirements of our circuit and a passion for motor racing.” PTZ cameras for tracking With the new system operational as promised, in the control room a rotating team of 10 people work with the IDIS Solution Suite VMS, with minimal training required to use all its features and functions – including easy search and retrieval, and silky-smooth control of the ultra-high-definition (UHD) PTZ cameras for tracking in real-time. Authorisation levels can be set, giving each individual specific user rights, and during the Grand Prix itself the Formula 1 organisers will also be given access to the system. If necessary, this will also include the ability to view and retrieve footage on mobile devices via the IDIS Mobile app – helping the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix to run smoothly behind the scenes.

The advances in video analytics – including improved classification, accuracy and speed – were unveiled at a Global Partners Summit of international security and video surveillance professionals, hosted by IDIS in Seoul, South Korea. The three day event, attended by senior executives from security distributors from 23 countries, focused on how IDIS is responding to market trends and needs, developing end-to-end solutions, including specialist technologies for a range of vertical markets, and pushing forward with improvements to the IDIS Deep Learning Engine, the technology which powers the company’s AI in the Box and IDIS Deep Learning Analytics solutions. Reduce false alarms, people counting, fall detection Earlier this year IDLA Version 3.0 was introduced as a service module for up to 80 channels within the IDIS Solution Suite VMS and it set new performance benchmarks by achieving an accuracy of 97% - 98% and dramatically reduces false alarms. Responding to customer demand for easier, more affordable analytics for smaller applications, IDIS also launched its DV-2116 AI in the Box solution. Delegates learned of future enhancements in meta-data searching by class, colour and number Delegates learned of future enhancements in meta-data searching by class, colour and number, plus the ability to search a specific area of interest. People counting, fall detection and the ability to search by the direction of an object’s movement were also previewed and delegates got advanced notice of a new range of AI-ready 5MP cameras, featuring deep learning on-the-edge analytics, due for release next year. Growing importance of cyber security The global summit also previewed IDIS’s ambitious video product and technology roadmap for 2020, further building out its end-to-end solutions for core vertical market sectors. Innovations in recording and camera technology, and the growing importance of cyber security, extended warranties and the advantages of delivering lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and lower Total Cost to Serve for systems integrators and installers were among key topics discussed at the event. Strategies for product development IDIS works closely with its partners and hosts the annual summit as an opportunity to exchange market insights and steer its strategies for product development, technical support and marketing. Partners shared best practice implementations and case studies in core vertical markets including retail, education, logistics and distribution, and hotels. Joon Jun, President of the IDIS Global Business Division, recognised outstanding project implementations and presented special awards for best practice to Alarm Automatika from Croatia and BTCO from Chile. Video surveillance manufacturer This collaborative approach, focusing on long term partnerships is a key element in the company’s success. It’s a customer-focused model that has seen IDIS grow continuously since 1997 to become Korea’s pioneer in-country video surveillance manufacturer, with regional operations now expanding across over 50 countries. Together we are giving our customers the most advanced video surveillance solutions" Concluding the summit, special partner awards were presented by Y. D. Kim, CEO of IDIS, recognising outstanding collaboration and sales growth over the last year. These were given to Alarm Automatica of Croatia, CCTV Center of Spain, EPCOM of Mexico, JES CQTEC of Thailand and Secure Inc of Japan Protection against cyber-security risks “The expertise, energy and commitment from all our partners at this year’s summit demonstrates, again, that collaboration is that the best route to success,” said Joon Jun, President of the IDIS Global Business Division. “Together we are giving our customers the most advanced video surveillance solutions, offering industry-best TCO value, ease-of-use and installation, scalability and protection against cyber-security risks.”