Airports & ports security applications

Booth number: 14039 Dahua Technology USA Inc. will display video surveillance solutions, access control and intercoms at ISC West. Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. The first year that we exhibited at ISC West was in 2012. That was before we had a local US operation. The market started to pick up our brand and was surprised that we offer extensive product portfolios. In 2014, we registered our US office and continued to participate in ISC West. Through our presence at the show, customers get to know us better and understand that we are not just a product manufacturer but can also support them from the service and operation standpoints. We are local here and help our customers to grow their business and increase their satisfaction with us. A trade show is not just for marketing; ensuring the best ROI requires work by several parties in an organisation Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? A trade show is definitely a lot of investment within a few days. Therefore, how we create the best ROI and meet the right customers are very important. A trade show is not just for marketing; ensuring the best ROI requires work by several parties in an organisation, including products and technical expertise as well as the sales team. We use an internal and highly coordinated plan with the team to get a better result. We make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of the products/technology we are going to present and have the people with the best knowledge to present to customers who visit our booth. Therefore, a highly coordinated team strategy is required. Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? Every company has their ways to follow up with the leads and evaluate the ROI from the show. The way we are using is to upload all our leads to our software and track all these leads afterwards. If they are not already buying from us, our goal is to convert them to become a registered dealer. Customers get to know us better and understand that we are not just a product manufacturer but can also support them from the service and operation standpoints If they are already our registered dealers, we seek to grow their business by using our latest technology solutions. In general, all marketing activities in business today require a clear ROI, and it has to tie into the sales numbers. From our experience, the ISC West show provides the best ROI among other shows in the North American market. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? We have a partner event and invite our value-added dealers and partners. We’ve been hosting this event since 2015. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? As I mentioned, ISC West provides the highest ROI among other shows in the North America market. This show also brings many of our customers and partners to the city as well. I guess people value this opportunity to meet and discuss the technology, the industry trends, and the business to figure out how we can grow together. Other trade shows might be smaller than ISC West and targeted at different markets or address different scopes of the industry need. Every show we attend in 2019 plays a strategic role for us to communicate with the market and find the customers we are looking for.

Booth number: 8045 Costar Technologies, Inc. is a public company that designs, develops, manufactures and distributes a full range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. Costar consists of five operating companies: Arecont Vision Costar, CohuHD Costar, Costar Video Systems, Innotech, and IVS Imaging. The combined product portfolio consists of surveillance cameras, video surveillance systems, recorders, monitors, lenses, cables, accessories, and cloud-enabled services. For more about their presence at ISC West, we contacted Jeff Whitney, Vice President of Marketing for Arecont Vision Costar, a Costar Technologies, Inc. business unit. In 2005, the technology was extremely new and unproven to the typically risk-adverse security industry Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. One of our companies, Arecont Vision, exhibited in ISC West booth 17147 in 2005, a tiny space on which the hopes of the company rested. At the time AV was focused on pioneering IP megapixel surveillance cameras, but today we are part of Costar Technologies, offering cameras, VMSs, and recorders. In 2005, the technology was extremely new and unproven to the typically risk-adverse security industry. Talking with those who were with the company at time, the enthusiasm of the booth team reached the security dealers and systems integrators who were attending, helping bring megapixel cameras to a much wider audience. Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? The Costar companies have a very deep portfolio of products for the security market, and we bring our latest products from each business unit to ISC West. Attendees come in part to see the latest tech, and we drive our development cycle to have exciting new products to unveil on the show floor. We also have meeting space in the booth to provide one-on-one time with our executives and sales team, while sponsoring free admission to the expo for all who want it. Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? Unveiling our latest products and solutions to existing customers and partners is key to a successful event, and ISC West’s large impact on the industry ensures that many will attend. Perhaps even more important is informing those attending of the strength of the Costar product portfolio, including many Made in USA products and services that others don’t deliver. Both help to drive leads for projects in which we can really benefit our partners and end user customers. Each of our companies will participate in meetings, dinners, and events with our customers and partners throughout the days of the show Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? A large show like ISC West brings many of the Costar business units together, providing an excellent opportunity to continue bonding as a team, as well as to participate in events beyond the show floor. Each of our companies will participate in meetings, dinners, and events with our customers and partners throughout the days of the show. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? ISC West brings a very large number of interested, security-focused systems integrators, dealers, consultants, and end user customers all to one place for a three-day expo. That audience and opportunity to share our message validates the investment any large show requires from Costar or others. While some industry events have struggled to find and maintain their audiences, ISC West continues to deliver quality, knowledgeable attendees from across the Americas and around the world.  The show differs from other events we do, which are typically regional in attendance or focused more on specific vertical markets.

Booth number: 12089 At this year's ISC West, VIVOTEK USA, Inc. will be showcasing their 180⁰/360⁰ product line plus other general form factors with new features and benefits, including a cybersecurity application embedded onto the cameras, crowd detection, smart motion detection, tailgating, and many more. In addition to IP cameras, VIVOTEK will display a comprehensive product line that also includes NVRs, video receivers, video servers, PoE switches, and video management software. Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. We have come a long way from a little-known surveillance manufacturer with a small booth size VIVOTEK has been an exhibitor at ISC West for many years now. Looking back, we have come a long way from a little-known surveillance manufacturer with a small booth size to one of the global providers in the security industry with a recognisable and trusted brand. Now, we are well-known in the industry and are proud of our accomplishments, but we feel greater things are still in front of us. Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? Each year, we want our booth to tell our stories – who we are, what we do and what we are capable of, and where we are heading. We do not want to just be another camera manufacturer who only promotes and displays products; we want to be the solution provider that customers are looking for. In addition, we have very knowledgeable sale managers who can assist visitors at our booth who are looking for surveillance, whether it’s an upgrade or a totally new solution. Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? Gain industry knowledge and perspective as to where surveillance security industry is heading Like any trade show, it is difficult to quantify success. We attend ISC West to promote the VIVOTEK brand, meet and discuss with customers and gain industry knowledge and perspective as to where surveillance security industry is heading. If we achieve these, then ISC West is a success for us. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? Our main focus each year at ISC West has always been the interaction with customers and potential customers on the show floor. We pride ourselves in the products and technology we offer, and there aren’t any other trade shows in North America to showcase our capabilities than ISC West. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? ISC West is the industry standard of security trade shows in North America. Since we are a security surveillance manufacturer, ISC West is the one show that all manufacturers in this industry must attend.

Booth number: 10053 Seagate develops computer drives and storage to store the world’s data from consumer to client specialised drives (i.e. surveillance optimised drives) to the enterprise. Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? 2014 Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? We meet customers, use digital marketing, and display eco-system partnerships in our booth. Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? Our success is based on relationship building with new and existing customers and lead generation. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? ISC West is definitely one of the biggest shows in US, where all the industry professionals, system integrators and dealers converge. The attendees are a highly knowledgeable base with expertise in security and surveillance – making it a great place to have conversations with customers and partners alike.  

Booth number: 26041 March Networks is a global provider of video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions. Their product portfolio is end-to-end, ensuring that customers can deploy comprehensive solutions designed to help them address real business challenges and improve performance. At ISC West this year, March Networks will be showcasing new hosted services, new PTZ cameras and additional offerings. Attendees will also be encouraged to discover their solutions for banking, retail, cannabis and transportation – all of which help organisations transform video into business intelligence through the integration of surveillance video, analytics, and data from business systems and IoT devices. For more about their presence at ISC West, we contacted Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. And not surprisingly, the technology was a lot less sophisticated compared to what we see today Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. I believe March Networks first exhibited at ISC West in 2001. I did not join the company until 2003, however I had been working in the industry for several years already, and can recall that the exhibitions back then had a much different feel. For one thing, there weren’t the very large companies we see today dominating a lot of the landscape. And not surprisingly, the technology was a lot less sophisticated compared to what we see today. Anyone who has worked in physical security for a long time can attest to the remarkable shift we have seen over the years, first with the transition from analogue to IP video and all that entails, to security analytics, to today’s truly advanced business intelligence applications, hosted solutions, and artificial intelligence, computer vision and similar content analytics. Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? Our most effective strategy by far is scheduling our business meetings in advance of ISC West. Our sales team does a very good job of planning meetings with enterprise end users and channel partners ahead of time, so we’re hitting the ground running even before the doors open on Day 1 of the event. In addition, our channel partners are also very well organised, and know which organisations they are going to bring to our booth during ISC West. This pre-planning saves us a tremendous amount of time and ensures that we make the most of the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the many decision-makers who have travelled to the show. The quality and quantity of our planned business meetings is definitely how our company measures the success of our ISC West participation each year Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? The quality and quantity of our planned business meetings is definitely how our company measures the success of our ISC West participation each year. Of course we do track the number and quality of the leads we capture as well; however, our face-to-face meetings with end user organisations and channel partners are the primary measures of our ROI. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? The activities we organise outside of the show floor vary from year to year. We have hosted customer appreciation events and roundtable events. We will typically organise an internal sales meeting as well to take advantage of the fact that many of our salespeople and product managers are in the same location. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? The timing of ISC West is good for most people, as it is still early enough in the budget cycle for most customers to leverage the show to help make decisions – particularly in our banking, retail, cannabis and transit target verticals. Holding the event consistently in Las Vegas is also beneficial, as it makes it easier for people and exhibitors to plan in advance. The city itself is well equipped to handle large exhibitions, offering everything from a central conference space at the Sands to the convenience of nearby accommodations, restaurants etc. Travel is typically convenient as well. In our opinion, ISC West is the premier industry show in North America and appears to be gaining momentum each year.

Booth number: 18037 Hikvision will showcase a wide-range of its video surveillance solutions and security products such as its DarkFighterX dual-sensor with patented bi-spectral fusion technology for low light color imaging; thermal technology for critical perimeter applications, as well as preventive maintenance through temperature alarming and fire detection; specialty solutions for vertical markets including retail, education, gaming and commercial real estate with tailored products and valuable business intelligence analytics; TurboHD (HD over coax) for high resolution video using existing cabling; PanoVu and multi-sensor cameras. We will also feature Hikvision’s central management system, HikCentral, which provides a highly-scalable, reliable, and efficient centralised system management. We bring the latest and greatest in technology and a knowledgeable workforce to meet our customers and partners Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience?  Hikvision has exhibited at ISC West since 2006. Our presence has grown considerably since then. Each year we showcase Hikvision’s latest technologies and the evolution of the brand through ad campaigns: “Heartbeat of Security” (2016), “Art of Video Surveillance” (2017), and “Achieve Extraordinary” (2018). At ISC West, Hikvision enjoys re-connecting with existing customers and developing new partnerships. Over the years, Hikvision has demonstrated growth and strength within the industry and will continue to support its partners through the dedicated workforce that makes up Hikvision North America.  Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? The strategy is simple. We bring the latest and greatest in technology and a knowledgeable workforce to meet our customers and partners. With our latest products displayed at our booth and our team of product managers, vertical-market leaders, and other technical gurus readily available in one place, it’s a great opportunity to connect with our current and future partners. Of course, we also have one-on-one client meetings in our meeting rooms throughout the show. And, we also host interactive experiences including trivia games, product demonstrations, and other technical presentations at the Thought Theater in our booth.  Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? Hikvision quantifies its success with a variety of metrics including traffic throughout the booth, attendance at educational sessions we host, the number of meetings we conduct with customers, and responses from our sales team on the engagement with integrators and end users after the show. We also measure the feedback we receive from our advertising campaigns whether it’s through our signage at the show or coverage in publications.  Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? We host a Hikvision Partner Celebration @ ISC West, an invitation-only event to celebrate Hikvision Dealer Partners, distribution, technology and design partners We host a Hikvision Partner Celebration @ ISC West, an invitation-only event to celebrate Hikvision Dealer Partners, distribution, technology and design partners, and end users. We consider it a fun way for us to say thank you to our valued partners in a casual setting. We’re also an enthusiastic sponsor of the Mission 500 Security 5/2K. Hikvision is fielding a running team, and we’ve begun our fundraising in earnest. Corporate social responsibility is part of our DNA at Hikvision, and the Security 5/2K is a wonderful way to join with our security industry colleagues to make a difference in kids’ lives and give back. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? Hikvision attends a variety of important conferences and trade shows throughout the year, but ISC West is the big show that attracts international attendees that everyone looks forward to. We wouldn’t miss it.

Protecting against fire and security risks is an essential aspect of life for people and across all sectors. However, there is an increasing expectation and demand on fire and security providers, in areas such as education. The securitisation of our world paired with the rapid speed of communication and news updates means that young people especially have the potential to be more aware of potential dangers and threats to their own safety and the safety of those around them. Education institutions are large and sometimes sprawling sites that present considerable fire and security challenges. From kindergarten to university Each education site brings distinct challenges, with differing facilities and specialties, as well as the need to maintain the capacity of students, teachers and lecturers to study, learn and teach at the high level expected.Each education site brings distinct challenges, with differing facilities and specialties While some schools and universities are based in urban areas with a mix of heritage and high rise buildings, others are sprawled across green open spaces. Some of these sites have specialised sporting facilities, while others may be focused on engineering or scientific study, with costly technical equipment. Kindergartens and primary schools have their own unique requirements. Parents expect the highest safety standards, while schools require safety in addition to efficient facilities management. The demographic of these institutions is predominantly young children, who are often unaware of or only just learning about fire safety and personal safety. This creates a huge vulnerability and an added onus on teachers to keep their students safe. Facial recognition at West Academy of Beijing In response to this need, Chubb China upgraded the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) focusing on elevating video content analytic features, including maximised CCTV monitoring, automatic police calling, and a smart search solution. Complementing this, a facial recognition system capable of finding the exact location of a student on campus within 30 seconds was added, aided by real-time remote gate operation. This integrated and advanced system resulted won the "High Quality Educational Technology Suppliers for School" award for the WAB project at the 2019 BEED Asia Future Oriented Construction of Universities and Schools Seminar. This award recognises outstanding solution design and project execution. Parents expect the highest safety standards, while schools require safety in addition to efficient facilities management Awareness remains important at university As students graduate from kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior school, they become more aware of fire safety, relevant dangers and how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, external dangers remain. There are particularly high stakes for university campus facilities managers The safety of students in a university environment is also critical. It is often the first time young people live away from their family home and have the independence of adulthood. For this reason, there are particularly high stakes for university campus facilities managers. In the eventuality of a fire, students could be at great risk and, beyond the immediacy of physical harm, this can have serious ramifications for the reputation of an educational institution. Integrated solutions Integrated solutions must be nimble and adapted to a range of site types including campus residences, recreational areas, open spaces and lecture theatres. Chubb Sicli recently identified and overcame these challenges through the installation of a full suite of fire safety and security equipment and services at Webster University Geneva. Established in Switzerland in 1978, Webster University Geneva is an accredited American university campus that offers programs in English to students interested in undergraduate or graduate-level education.  Located in the Commune of Bellevue, just a few kilometres from Geneva's central station, the campus of Webster University Geneva includes five buildings in a park-style atmosphere. Full fire and security audit Chubb Sicli provided Webster’s fire extinguisher maintenance for over 25 years. This business relationship led to a full fire and security audit that identified the need for updates to the university’s security installation. The initial audit showed several improvements to the university’s security profile were needed.The challenge was to create and provide an effective and interconnected fire and security solution The challenge was to create and provide an effective and interconnected fire and security solution, enhancing the security of the student population and its ever-evolving needs. This included complete fire detection and intruder alarms for all five buildings, upgrades to existing CCTV systems, new video surveillance equipment and an automated fire extinguishing system in the kitchen areas. In addition to this integrated system solution, Webster University required access control for all main entrances, with the requirement that all documentation to be made available in English, because Webster is an American company. Customised solution Chubb Sicli’s quality, capability, and security expertise provided a customised solution for the unique educational establishment. Not only was the solution both tailored and integrated, the approach and planning were based on audit, fire extinguisher and emergency light maintenance, fire detection, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance and Fire Detection. Through dedicated and integrated fire safety support, Chubb provides students and families peace of mind and security. From the moment a young child enters the education system, Chubb’s diligent and effective surveillance and fire safety systems work to prevent and protect, offering a new kind of ‘end-to-end’ service for education systems around the world.

Video surveillance is commonly associated with security. But in most cases, it's used to record incidents and assist in investigations after the fact rather than prevent undesirable events. Artificial intelligence–powered video analytics is a highly promising trend that fundamentally changes the way things work. Extracting manageable data from a video stream can help recognise risky situations early on, minimising damage and, ideally, completely avoid emergencies. At the same time, AI significantly expands the areas of application of video surveillance beyond security systems. AI significantly expands the areas of application of video surveillance beyond security systems However, the hype around this new, trendy technology prevents the potential user from choosing quality solutions in a wide variety of products. This often leads to over-expectation, followed by a complete let-down. Can AI-powered video analytics really be the key to a technological breakthrough in video surveillance? We'll take a look at what the technology can do, what it can't, and where it can go from here. Technological breakthrough or just another bubble? It's often said that the video management software (VMS) market is becoming increasingly commoditised and widely available. A lot of products with similar features (or, at least, similar promises from the manufacturer) make it hard to choose. As a result, vendor names and reputations are turning into one of their primary selling points. Manufacturers have two choices available: get wrapped up in a price war and rely on cutting expenses, or offer a product that's truly innovative and revolutionary. Manufacturers have two choices available: get wrapped up in a price war, or offer a product that's truly innovative and revolutionary VMS developers who choose the second route are gravitating towards creating products that use artificial intelligence based on neural networks and deep learning. Emerging two or three years ago, the AI video analytics market is experiencing a boom in growth. This new tech wave has stirred the still, stagnant backwaters of the VMS world and gave small, ambitious developers something to be optimistic about. It seems they now have a chance to emerge as market leaders in the next few years. However, the hype around this popular trend is raising reasonable concerns among experienced security industry professionals. These concerns come from clients looking for a solution to their problems, and from suppliers building a long-term development strategy. This largely resembles another tech bubble, like the one built up around pre-AI video analytics and burst when it became clear that the sensational promises around it were pure marketing hype (and rather unscrupulously so). However, there are a lot of factors that indicate that AI-powered video surveillance systems aren't another bubble. The three factors The first — and the main one — comes from systems already in place on customers' sites. They fulfill the same promises made during the previous bubble by hotheads in a rush to teach the computer to analyse events in real time using a classical algorithmic approach. The second is the fact that this new technology has seen investment from not only software and cloud startups, but also established VMS developers. Even giants like Intel, which has presented a full line of neural network accelerator hardware and a set of software tools that streamlines working with them, specifically in the field of computer vision. This new technology has seen investment from not only software and cloud startups, but also established VMS developers The third factor lies in artificial intelligence's abilities. AI plays chess, drives cars, and works wonders in many other fields. Why shouldn't it be applied to video monitoring and analysis? What AI can do Just what can artificial intelligence do in video surveillance systems at this stage of development? It can't quite analyse a sequence of events and understand the "logic" of what's happening in the cameras' field of view. At least not yet. But it's probable that AI will learn to do this in the next few years. But neural network analytics can already detect, classify, and track objects very well, providing high accuracy even in busy scenes. Artificial intelligence can be used in the real world to: Detect smoke and flames for early fire warning at open areas (forest, open warehouse, parking lot, etc.) Distinguish people/vehicles from animals and other moving objects, e.g. to protect the perimeter of a nature park from poachers Distinguish a person in a helmet and protective clothing from a person without them to prevent accidents at a dangerous production facility or construction site Count objects of a specific type, e.g. cars in a parking lot, people in the sales floor, wares moving on a conveyor belt, etc. in non-security-related solutions Those are just a few examples. After training a neural network, it can tackle other, similar tasks, too. Generally, a neural network trained in specific conditions isn't replicable. In other words, it won't work as well under different conditions. On the other hand, developers have learned how to quickly train AI for the needs of a specific project. The most important requirement is having enough video footage. Somewhat apart from that is the use of neural networks in facial and automatic number-plate recognition. This is an example of reproducible neural networks (train once, deploy everywhere), which makes them more appealing commercially. If non-reproducible neural networks have only recently become economically feasible due to the rapid evolution of specialised hardware (aforementioned Intel's product, for example), then the use of AI in facial recognition and ANPR has been well established for a long time. The use of AI in facial recognition and ANPR has been well established for a long time Another kind of AI analytics that we'll explore is behaviour analytics. This function, probably more than any other, is bringing video surveillance systems closer to understanding what's happening on camera. Its potential is vast. How behaviour analytics works From a technical point of view, behaviour analytics combines artificial intelligence with a classic algorithmic approach. A neural network trained on a multitude of scenarios can determine the position of the bodies, heads, and limbs of humans in the camera's field of view. The algorithm outputs an array of data containing descriptions of their poses. Conditions can be set for data to detect a specific pose, such as raised hands, prostrated or crouching persons. Developers can use this to quickly create new detection tools to identify potentially dangerous behavior specified by a government or business client. There's no need for additional training of the neural network. How behaviour analytics can be deployed Someone crouched down next to an ATM could be a technician, CIT guard, or burglar. Bank security should be notified in any of the cases. A person in shooter position, together with a bank employee or cashier with their hands raised could indicate a robbery. The system can be configured to automatically send alerts with a surveillance snapshot to the police so they can assess the threat and take action if needed. It's vital that the police receive the alert, even if the employee is unable to activate the alarm. In many cases, attention should be directed to a prostrate individual. This could be somebody who needs immediate help, or it could be someone sleeping in an inappropriate public place, for example, a 24/7 ATM space. Behavioural analytics can also be used to ensure workplace safety. For example, tracking whether employees are holding the handrails when using the stairs at a manufacturing facility or a construction site. What now? Behaviour analytics can be deployed wherever your clients' imagination takes them. With this feature, practically any pose that indicates potentially dangerous behaviour can be detected. Timely response to an alarm helps avoid material damages or, in other situations, casualties. Practically any pose that indicates potentially dangerous behaviour can be detected An area of potential development for behaviour analytics is the ability to analyse a sequence of poses by the same person or a combination of poses and relative positions of several individuals. That will be the next level of evolution in AI's use in video surveillance: moving from "detecting" to "understanding" behaviour in real time. In its most basic form, this type of analytics can be deployed to detect deviations from the search procedure in correctional facilities when a person being inspected must assume a pre-defined sequence of poses. A more advanced form allows it to detect any kind of abnormal behaviour, such as a brawl breaking out in a public space. Ideally, behaviour analytics can predict dangerous situations based on nearly imperceptible cues gleaned from collected statistics and a Big Data analysis. At the moment, this sounds like pure fantasy, but what seemed like whimsy not too long ago is now a reality with AI. It's already beaten humans in chess and the game of Go (Weiqi). Will artificial intelligence be able to outplay humans at charades one day? It's entirely possible that we'll soon see for ourselves.

One of the responsibilities of construction project managers is to account for risks during the initial planning for a project and mitigate them. With all the tools, construction materials, and heavy machinery during the initial stages of a project, the construction site is a dangerous place to be at. However, this is not the only risk that project managers need to protect a site from. With plenty of valuables both physical and virtual within a construction site, it is also a prime target for theft and arson. Improving the security of construction sites It is important now more than ever that construction business owners and project managers invest in improving the security of construction sites. After all, security on construction sites is for the protection not only of valuable assets but also of workers and members of the public. Investing in adequate resources for construction site security can prevent several issues, including: Theft of expensive tools and construction equipment Cybersecurity breaches leading to loss of sensitive information such as invoice data Arson resulting in loss of life and property Vandalism of construction site property Trespassing by unauthorised parties and exposure to construction site dangers Risks of injuries that can result in litigation and legal claims Identifying security issues Having a dedicated security team in place is a good first step in bolstering a construction site’s security. They will be able to prevent theft, vandalism, and deter unauthorised personnel from entering the site. They can also identify security issues that can potentially arise and even respond quickly to accidents and other calamities should they occur. Having a dedicated security team in place is a good first step in bolstering a construction site’s security For a better implementation of construction site security measures, it is critical that business owners and managers assess an assessment of the site itself. This will help identify both internal and external risks that can affect the site’s security and guide project managers in putting systems in place to address them. Construction site security checklist To guide you, here is a sample template that you can use to form your own construction site security checklist.  SECURITY COORDINATION  YES   NO  1. Does the site have designated security coordinators?     2. Are the security coordinators available for contact during non-business hours?     3.  Does the construction site provide a means to contact the police, fire department, and other relevant authorities in case of emergencies?     4. Does the construction site have a written security plan, including procedures for specific scenarios?     5. If so, are construction site employees aware of the security plan?       GENERAL MACHINERY  YES   NO  1. Are all machinery adequately marked? (Identification number, corporate logo, tags, etc.)     2. Have all the machinery been inventoried? (Serial number, brand, model, value, etc.)     3. Does the project have a list of the names of operators handling the machinery?     4. Are all the machinery fitted with immobilisers and tracking devices when appropriate?     5. Are all the machinery stored in a secure area with a proper surveillance system?     6. Are the keys to the machinery stored in a separate, secure area?      TOOLS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT  YES   NO  1. Are all power tools and hand equipment marked? (Identification number, corporate logo, tags, etc.)     2. Have all power tools and hand equipment been inventoried? (Serial number, brand, model, value, etc.)     3. Are tools and equipment fitted with tags and tracking devices when appropriate?     4. Are tools and equipment stored in a secure place?      INVENTORY CONTROL  YES   NO  1. Is there a system in place to check material inventory to ensure they are not misplaced or stolen?     2. Are there procedures in place for checking materials that go in and out of the construction site?     3. Is there a set schedule for checking materials and equipment?     4. If so, do the records show that the schedule is followed strictly?     5. Are all material suppliers arriving for delivery properly identified? (e.g license plates, driver’s license, etc)      CONSTRUCTION SITE PERIMETER  YES   NO  1. Is there a physical barrier in place to secure the site?     2. Is the number of gates kept to a minimum?     3. Are there uniformed guards at every gate to check personnel and vehicles entering and leaving the site?     4. Are security warnings displayed prominently at all entry points?     5. Are entry points adequately secured? (With  industry-grade padlocks, steel chains, etc.)     6. Is there an alarm system?     7. Is the locking system integrated with the alarm?     8. Is the site perimeter regularly inspected?     9. Are “NO TRESPASSING” signs displayed prominently along the perimeter?      LIGHTING AND SURVEILLANCE  YES   NO  1. Is there sufficient lighting on the construction site?     2. Is there a dedicated staff member assigned to check if the lighting is working properly?     3. Is the site protected by CCTV cameras?     4. Are there signs posted on site indicating the presence of security cameras?     5. Are there motion detection lights installed on-site?      INTERNAL CONTROLS  YES   NO  1. Is there a policy on employee theft?     2. Are employees aware of the policy?     3. Are employees required to check in and check out company properties when using them?     4. Are staff members encouraged to report suspicious activity?     5. Is there a hotline employees can call to report security lapses and breaches?      SITE VISITORS  YES   NO  1. Are visitors checking in and out?     2. Are vehicles entering and exiting the site recorded?      CYBERSECURITY  YES   NO  1. Are the construction site’s documents and other sensitive data stored in the cloud securely?     2. Does the company have a strong password policy?     3. Are asset-tracking data accessible online?     4. Are confidential documents and data regularly backed up?     5. Are employees well-informed about current cyberattack methods such as phishing?     Security is a serious business in construction. Because of the dangers already present on your construction site, a lapse in security can have devastating effects on your business’s operations. Not only do you risk losing money in a security breach, but more importantly, you also risk endangering the lives of your site’s personnel and third parties.  Business owners and project managers need to make a concerted effort to educate employees about security and double down on their best practices for protecting their sites.

It is an exciting time at German intelligent video company MOBOTIX, which has launched a next-generation platform that builds on their legacy of video at the edge while opening up the system to third-party partners that can build even more capabilities. MOBOTIX unveiled the new M7 platform and M73 camera at the MOBOTIX Global Partner Conference in Mainz, Germany, in October. MOBOTIX M7 is a powerful, decentralised and secure modular IoT-video system based on deep learning modules. The feedback has been “overwhelming,” says MOBOTIX CEO Thomas Lausten. The new technology will also be featured in the United States at the 2020 MOBOTIX Partner Summit in Hollywood, Fla., in January. A different video surveillance  "What you see is a different way of doing video surveillance,” says Lausten. “Our focus on the edge is the difference between us and other companies.” The new MOBOTIX 7 open solution provides an “edge platform” that can be used for a variety of applications, which are provided as “apps” that leverage the platform’s hardware for specific uses, from object detection to face detection to people counting. The new M75 high-end camera incorporates the new platform. The MOBOTIX application programming interface (API) makes it possible for hundreds more apps to be developed over time Currently there are 19 apps available to empower various applications, and availability of the MOBOTIX application programming interface (API) makes it possible for hundreds more apps to be developed over time. If a MOBOTIX partner creates a new app for a specific project, “now he can use it not just for one project but can put it in the app store and sell it all over the world,” says MOBOTIX CTO Hartmut Sprave. Field Programmable Gate Array The new MOBOTIX platform uses Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrated circuits that provide flexibility and versatility to be adapted to a variety of needs, from deep learning, to higher resolution, or to use with a variety of sensors, such as color, black-and-white or night vision cameras, temperature sensors or microphones. “We can literally include any sensor requested by the market,” says Lausten.   The new camera can also be used for age analysis, crowd management or traffic analysis. It can even be used for fire or biohazard detection, incorporating thermal sensors and deep learning. MOBOTIX have added to their legacy of video with a next generation platform Partnerships MOBOTIX developed its new platform in conjunction with Konica Minolta, which owns a majority share of the German manufacturer. The combined knowledge of the two companies created the new platform, with most of the engineering done in Germany. Konica Minolta provided an object detection algorithm, for example, and deep learning capabilities that are being used with the cameras. The two companies are also developing the business together. “They are rolling out our technology on their website throughout the world,” says Lausten. “We are basically part of a global development organisation.” MOBOTIX developed its new platform in conjunction with Konica Minolta The new platform is also completely compatible with legacy MOBOTIX systems: “We have added what we need to what we have,” says Lausten. Cybersecurity is a top priority for MOBOTIX. “With our camera, everything is under our control, every single line of code, and we do all the penetration testing and everything is safe,” says Sprave. In fact, MOBOTIX won the French "Trophée de la Sécurité 2019" Gold Award in the cybersecurity category for the MOBOTIX Cactus Concept, which refers to the fact that all the modules in the MOBOTIX system have “digital thorns” that protect them from unauthorized access. End-to-end encryption is used with no blind spots.   Driven by cybersecurity Stronger cybersecurity and a focus on edge devices makes MOBOTIX inherently more cybersecure than a system of networked low-cost cameras, each of which could present a possible cyber-vulnerability. Stronger cybersecurity and a focus on edge devices makes MOBOTIX inherently more cybersecure The flexibility of the MOBOTIX platform expands its utility beyond security to include broader business functions. For example, the same camera that can detect criminals with face recognition can track where people are moving in a retail store, and even analyse age or demographics of customers to track buying patterns. “Cameras are required to think and process at the edge, and that is where we see a lot of focus going, driven by cybersecurity,” Lausten says. Lausten sees opportunity for even faster growth in the U.S. market, where they already have 30 or 40 partners. In the near term, there will be large opportunities provided by the U.S. trend toward “Chinese skepticism,” and cybersecurity concerns that have plagued the lower-cost Chinese imports. MOBOTIX products are proudly “Made in Germany.”

Using computed tomography (CT) security technology for cabin baggage screening at airports can eliminate the need for passengers to remove liquids and laptops from their bags, thus helping to make the security process easier and more efficient. As the latest in checkpoint scanning technology, CT provides 3D images with much more information to improve threat detection capabilities so decisions by the operator can be resolved quickly and more accurately, without the need for manual search. The whole experience is better and safer for everyone. The use of computed tomography The Netherlands were the first to introduce CT at the checkpoint and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States plans to install 145 units in its airports by the end of the year. Australia is already installing and using CT at some of its airports. The United Kingdom is the first country to mandate use of CT for screening cabin baggage, and it is expected that the EU will also mandate this type of technology in the near future. It is expected that the EU will also mandate this type of technology in the near future The process of deploying CT is another level in the evolution of passenger screening and aviation security.  Since 9/11, the traveling public has become increasingly educated about aviation security, says Steve Revell, Senior Director of Aviation CT at Rapiscan Systems. “What passengers expect is courtesy, professionalism and, most of all, to be able to travel safely without fear of harm,” he says. “Each level of security we have seen introduced over the years, I believe, shows commitment from all stakeholders to meet these key deliverables.” Rapiscan Systems' 920CT Rapiscan Systems' 3D cabin baggage screening system, 920CT, utilises patented Dual-Energy technology and a sophisticated algorithm to provide the highest level of automatic detection of highly dense items, as well as automatic detection of explosives based on the most stringent global regulatory requirement. It also has a truck wheel design and contactless power and data transfer, both of which reduce maintenance costs and downtime and make the 920CT more efficient and robust. Rapiscan's 920CT provides the highest level of automatic detection Rapiscan’s 920CT is equipped with advanced software and detection algorithms that are designed to be upgradeable. With 3D volumetric imaging, the 920CT is superior to 2D systems as it provides improved visualisation of potential threats. It has also been engineered to integrate seamlessly with Rapiscan’s TRS tray return solution to create a more efficient checkpoint experience, for both passengers and staff.  “As a manufacturer, we strive to provide the very best quality service and equipment we can – working closely with regulators and airports alike to ensure the evolution and expansion of air travel is both collectively understood and fit for purpose,” says Revell. Portfolios and partnerships Rapiscan has a wide portfolio of products and capabilities. However, one company cannot do it all. “For this reason, we will always look to best-of-breed technologies that complement our offerings and provide a cohesive solution and, more importantly, long-term partnership,” says Revell. “The partnership deliverable is what drives the future. Our mission is one of an open platform that invites other technologies to work in conjunction with ours and integrate in such a way that can provide meaningful reports and controls systems to our clients, driving core efficiencies and security enhancements.” Our mission is one of an open platform that invites other technologies to work in conjunction with ours “The efforts borne by each of the key stakeholders is done for one very important and aligned reason, to ensure to the very best of our abilities that passenger safety is put first, is always put first and is done in the most courteous, professional way possible, without any undue inconvenience,” he adds. Increasingly, airports are asking for suppliers’ systems to talk to each other. Many airports have security screening equipment from multiple manufacturers and want to put images from these into a single, searchable database, to track missing items, improve productivity and efficiency, or comply with regulations. The Digital Imaging and Communication for Security (DICOS) is an industry standard that defines an interoperable data format for integration of security screening technologies across multiple vendor platforms. It facilitates the development and use of improved security screening technologies and third-party software. Rapiscan’s 920CT supports DICOS, and the company is working with multiple vendors to help create a single platform for airports.

Nigel Waterton recently joined cloud video company Arcules to lead the sales and marketing efforts as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). He brings to the task the benefit of 22 years of experience building and managing large, high-growth technology organisations. Waterton joins Arcules from Aronson Security Group, an ADT Commercial Company, where he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development. We caught up with the new CRO to discuss his position and to reflect on how industry changes are impacting integrators and manufacturers. Q: What fresh insights do you bring to Arcules from your previous positions? Waterton: Generally, most manufacturers don’t understand the business model of the integrator. And if they do, their programs don’t necessarily help achieve their goals. Since most manufacturers use integrators to get to the end user, they are often disconnected from truly understanding the customer, their organisation’s business and its impact on the value of the security program. In my previous role, I spent most of my time bridging the gap between these two worlds. It gives me a great platform for understanding how to achieve that with Arcules. Q: How is ‘Chief Revenue Officer’ different from your previous jobs? I have the responsibility of driving innovation for the companyWaterton: While the title is different, the ultimate role I’m in isn’t too different from previous roles that I’ve held in my career. I have the responsibility of driving innovation and strategy for the company, as well as serving as a leader for the sales and marketing team and developing a sales and marketing strategy for the company. This position allows me to build on what I’ve learned throughout my career from an end-user and integrator partner perspective and brings that expertise into the fold of this young, fresh, innovative company that’s paving the way for cloud-based innovation in the marketplace. Q: Is there an industry-wide ‘culture clash’ between the IT-centric nature of cloud systems and the physical security market? How can it be managed? Waterton: Adopters from the IT and physical security worlds are a little at odds over the software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings as a result of a disconnect with how the cloud is defined in both spaces. A lot of people and companies are creating their own notion of what cloud and SaaS mean. And without a common nomenclature in place, there is a lot of confusion among all users. Similarly, there is a clash among integrators around how to monetise the SaaS offering. This gap can be closed through increased awareness, education and the reiteration of how ubiquitous the cloud already is in our everyday lives. Q: From the integrator perspective, what is the impact of a transition to a cloud/SaaS model on how revenue is managed in the increasingly service-oriented security market? Waterton: Transitioning to a cloud/SaaS model shifts the mindset of the integrator significantly, as the focus changes from project-centric to more customer service-based impact. Becoming more service-minded creates a greater awareness of what the client’s needs are on a day-to-day basis and how that can be improved over time. When operating with a per-project focus, it can be difficult to create a more long-term impact on an organisation. With a cloud-based, service-oriented model, integrators now have the ability to manage client expectations in real-time, which greatly increases their value proposition. Q: What about from the end user perspective? Waterton: There are so many benefits from the end user perspective, including the ability to remove the process of a large investment in capital expenditures (CapEx) and shift to a more manageable, predictable operational expenditure (OpEx). Not only does this allow organisations to adjust as needs change; it also prevents being locked into a long-term solution that might not be able to move with the speed of the company as it scales. That being said, the main benefit is the ability of SaaS/Cloud services to drive innovation and introduce new features as they’re introduced without additional investment from the end user. Q: What impact does the recurring monthly revenue (RMR) model have on the operations/management/cashflow of a supplier/manufacturer company? Waterton: Traditional manufacturers struggle with the introduction of a SaaS modelTraditional manufacturers struggle with the introduction of a SaaS model for many of the same reasons integrators struggle. They must sell the board and possibly their investors on a new valuation model as well as revenue recognition model. That is constraining their innovation in the market. Oddly enough RMR from a manufacturer’s perspective is very similar to the integrator model in that cash flow is more predictable in nature. An RMR model allows a company to grow strategically and innovate constantly, expanding and adjusting to cater to client needs on a daily basis while also providing the ability to look ahead and ensure we’re meeting the needs communicated to us in the market now and into the future. Q: What will be the biggest challenge of your new position at Arcules (and how will you meet the challenge)? Waterton: One of the biggest challenges we’re seeing — and one that will have a significant impact on my role — is the challenge of market adoption of SaaS/cloud services, as well as the awareness about why cloud is a significant part of the future of the industry. There’s also an opportunity to shift the conversation within Arcules from tech-focused outcomes to becoming practitioners of risk-based outcomes. We have to focus on the risk model for organisations, not technology. If we truly understand the risks to the organisation, the tool will become apparent. Answering the questions: Why does a retailer lose product? Why does a facility experience vandalism? We have to understand the sociology of it because that’s how we can address what the service does in the marketplace. Q: Taking the various elements into consideration, what will the ‘physical security industry’ look like five years from now? Waterton: In sum, wildly different. It’s much different than what it was five or even 10 years ago, and with each leap, the industry has moved forward. Products are maturing, bandwidth is improving and the knowledge that we have is exponentially more advanced. There is increasing use of outside perspectives aimed at shaking up the ‘this is how it has always been done’ mentality that many organisations have suffered from. It’s going to look very different five years from now, and cloud-based initiatives will be the key to the success of many organisations.

USS Iowa: A naval treasure Affectionately known as the “Battleship of Presidents” for having played host to more U.S. presidents than any other battleship, the USS Iowa is one of the most storied vessels in the history of the Navy. Originally commissioned in 1943, the Iowa saw significant action during both World War II and the Korean War. One of the battleship’s first missions was to escort President Franklin Delano Roosevelt across the Atlantic in November of that year for a critical meeting between the allies at the Tehran Conference, which was also attended by Soviet leader Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.  In early 1944, the Iowa was sent to the Pacific Ocean theatre where it would play a pivotal role in some of the key battles of the war. When the Empire of Japan officially surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in September 1945, the Iowa was also in Tokyo Bay broadcasting the ceremony to the world. The Iowa and her crew would continue to serve the nation for another four decades before being decommissioned for the last time in 1990. Given the ship’s rich legacy, it was eventually relocated to a permanent berth at the Port of Los Angeles in 2012 and converted into a museum. Visitors can now stroll along the decks of this American icon from a bygone age and get a first-hand look at the 16”/50 calibre guns that earned the Iowa its nickname of the “The Big Stick” as well as other historical artefacts on board the battleship. Of course, turning a vessel that stretches over 880-feet long and contains numerous rooms and compartments into a tourist attraction comes with its own set of unique security challenges. Security challenges The job of securing the Battleship USS Iowa museum is the responsibility of Security Manager Michael Dahl, a former law enforcement officer who was asked to take over the full-time security operations for the museum following his stint as a volunteer aboard the ship. While the museum has yet to experience a major security event during its brief existence, the threat posed by trespassers after-hours or a visitor wandering off the beaten path is not lost on Dahl and the rest of the management team at the museum. However, aside from having a small number of consumer-grade, off-the-shelf security cameras placed in strategic areas, there was not any real video surveillance infrastructure to speak of on board the ship. That changed approximately one year ago when David Canfield, the museum’s vice president and CIO, who also happens to be a veteran of the high-tech industry, decided they needed to significantly upgrade the surveillance system and install a solution that would more adequately address the facility’s needs. Arteco and Arecont Vision donated the respective technology solutions for the USS Iowa project “We wanted to install cameras to monitor the exterior of the ship, particularly when we’re not open to the public, so we can monitor our gangways to see if anybody does try to access the area,” said Dahl. “Also on the inside of the ship, we wanted to make sure we didn’t have our visitors, as well as our crew members who are volunteers, getting off the designated routes and into areas where we didn’t want them. There are some sensitive areas where, if you don’t know what you’re doing, they could be hazardous.” Arteco’s VEMS solutions After speaking with CV Reps, a local manufacturer’s representation firm, Dahl and the museum’s leadership team decided to install a system with the Arteco Next video event management software (VEMS) and a network of Arecont Vision cameras. Because the battleship museum is a non-profit organisation, both Arteco and Arecont Vision donated the respective technology solutions for the project.        A total of 11 high-definition IP cameras have been installed on the Iowa since the project got underway in mid-2015. At the beginning of 2016, Dahl was able to bring the Arteco software online and he has been extremely impressed with its performance. Leveraging the video analytics suite provided by Arteco Next, Dahl has been able to set up an alert within the VEMS client that notifies him when certain physical boundaries are crossed by people on board the Iowa. “With the Next software I’m able to configure alert areas after hours — so if anybody were to try to come on the ship it would alert me,” added Dahl. “We also have an alert for our cash-handling room just outside our vault that is set up so that anytime anybody goes through that door, it lets me know.” User-intuitive video software Because Dahl, who has sole responsibility for running the surveillance system, is a relative novice when it comes to operating today’s surveillance technology, it was also important that the video software the museum deployed be user-intuitive so that he could bring himself up to speed quickly. After only a few hours of training on the Logic Next platform, Dahl was able to learn the basics of the software and familiarise himself with its more advanced settings.    Arteco NEXT VEMS allows users to take full control of a video surveillance system from anywhere, quickly and easily. With NEXT’s specifically designed graphical interfaces, video retrieval, direct management of alarms, video analytics or access control events are made easy from the start. This enables users to focus on taking hold of the benefits delivered by the system immediately, rather than waiting for training. In the future, Dahl plans to deploy more cameras to keep the USS Iowa and its rich history secure. “I have several locations where I still want to deploy cameras; it’s just a matter of being able to procure them and deploy them as resources allow,” said Dahl.  

Security at airports has become indispensable, and entails continuously increasing requirements. The only way to keep satisfy the most demanding standards day after day, is to constantly further develop the technology in use. Video surveillance is a crucial contribution to airport security; this technology has a great deal of potential, as long as the current configuration is not taken as the final goal in terms of development. Il Caravaggio airport expansion phase “Since the technological developments and the need to increase the level of security were clearly evident, we could no longer put off considering a flexible video surveillance system, one that would be ready to meet the security and analysis requirements and guarantee a high level of performance,” says Ettore Pizzaballa, Manager of Information Systems at SACBO S.p.A. The important expansion phase at the Il Caravaggio International Airport terminal, which involved building a long gallery of shops and expanding the passenger boarding area, made the situation even more complex and challenging. This added another piece to the puzzle, alongside the usual airport security scenarios. The video analysis software allows us to better understand how the flow of passengers moves inside the terminal" Improving surveillance image quality Il Caravaggio International Airport is the third-largest airport in Italy in terms of traffic, with a volume of over 11 million passengers. Security is crucial when it comes to an airport infrastructure of this size, and a great deal of attention is required to maintain the necessary level of surveillance. Introducing MOBOTIX technology (offered by the systems integrator Tecnosystem) enhanced the quality and resolution of the surveillance images. In turn, this further improved the activities carried out together with the constantly present police forces operating at the Il Caravaggio International Airport terminal, thereby providing suitable support for investigations. “Inside the airport, not all the halls are homogeneous in terms of height and lighting; thanks to MOBOTIX, we were able to achieve excellent image quality under all conditions.” Analysing aircraft and vehicle movements Video surveillance has also turned out to be a valuable additional tool for improving operating procedures related to safety: “We can analyse aircraft and vehicle movements in the manoeuvring areas to help train operating personnel. Even the luggage is constantly under surveillance: If a piece of luggage stops or is stuck where employees can’t see it, the system immediately sends a notification to employees”. Several different models were used in keeping with needs, including the c25, i25, M24/25, 24/25, S15, S15 SurroundMount, M15/16 and T25 The parties involved aim to complete the project within two years. That may appear to be a long period of time, but it is actually rather short considering the complexity and scale of the task at hand. Over 300 MOBOTIX video cameras have been installed, both indoors and outdoors. Several different models were used in keeping with respective needs, including the c25, i25, M24/25, 24/25, S15, S15 SurroundMount, M15/16 and T25. Each one of these cameras is active 24/7. The new VoIP infrastructure and NAS recording allow the different control rooms to share the images. Perfect synergy between hardware and software When it comes to ensuring state-of-the-art security, though, even the most advanced hardware technology does not suffice to cover all of the related tasks. A less visible component plays an important role in ensuring the efficiency of MOBOTIX solutions. “In addition to the image quality, we were also impressed by the option to receive thoroughly customisable software based on our specific requirements – not to mention the video analysis functionality.” At this point, it is actually easy to spontaneously develop ideas for the future, expanding the field of application of a system that boasts continuously developing potential, and utilising the video surveillance infrastructure and its video analysis applications in order to obtain immediate and concrete results. The benefits are numerous: “The video analysis software allows us to immediately detect abandoned objects, locate the optimum route for vehicles in the manoeuvring area and better understand how the flow of passengers moves inside the terminal (which we need to plan optimal routes), studying which type of traveller goes directly to the gate and which one stops instead to make purchases at the shops. The software also allows us to constantly monitor the lines at security checks and check-in and boarding areas in real time,” summarises Pizzaballa.

Airports and ports are subject to a tough balancing act when it comes to security measures. On the one hand, these locations must maximise the movement of passengers and cargo to ensure a happy customer experience, while at the same time exercising security measures that will ensure their safety. Access points in transport hubs Airports and ports are large areas with many access points, a necessity to facilitate the efficiency needed to handle the large volumes of traffic they generate. This accessibility is also their Achilles heel in the eyes of would-be terrorists, smugglers, and thieves. Herein lays the conundrum. People want to travel without fear of falling victim to attack, but security cannot be so invasive that it makes travel unpleasant. Vanderbilt’s solutions respond to the agility, adaptability, and dependability that this sector requires and facilitate free movement while allowing for effective safeguarding measures. Vanderbilt’s ACTpro is a PC-based access control system that eliminates the need for traditional keys, instead utilising cards and tokens to gain access Access control scenarios for ACTpro For instance, Vanderbilt’s ACTpro is a PC-based access control system that eliminates the need for traditional keys. Instead, it enables authorised individuals to use a card or a token to gain access to protected areas. Staff appreciate that the cards mean they need to carry fewer conventional keys and can gain prompt access to vital areas. If a tag or card is lost, it can easily be disabled by the system, ensuring a high-security level. So, what are some access control scenarios that ACTpro can provide against at airports and ports? To name a few, tailgating, hierarchy rights, and allowing for holding areas between doors. Coupled with ACT Enterprise software, ACTpro provides a vast array of integrations. Specifically, this can be used to provide unrivalled protection against ‘tailgating’ through interaction between badge systems and video surveillance cameras. Hierarchy of access privileges The access status at airports and ports can vary greatly depending. For example, flight crew require different access rights compared to terminal retail staff, maintenance staff, or emergency staff. ACTpro, coupled with ACT Enterprise, can provide this strict hierarchy of access privileges based on seniority and job function. The ACTpro system also includes the ability to execute ‘airlock’ or holding areas between pairs of doors. This means the doors cannot be opened simultaneously except in emergencies when a supervisor activates an override. This function helps defeat concerted intrusion attempts. In addition, the software provides invaluable health and safety abilities for fire mustering.

AIG, Aéroport International de Genève, is one of the most dynamic airports in Europe. In 2012 alone it handled almost 13.9 million passengers and 193.000 flights to 120 destinations, serviced by 200 different companies. Obviously, with these figures, security is an important issue and needs to be up to standard at all times. Managing access for a large workforce The implemented AEOS platform controls the access of a workforce of 9,500, manages 37,500 badges, 200 organisations working at the airport’s facilities. Securing and controlling such a dynamic environment requires a flexible access control system, based on state-of-the-art technology which is able to meet present demands as well as future security requirements. Handling multiple access control technologies One of the main reasons for AIG to choose Nedap AEOS as its security management platform was its radical different architecture based on software components. AEOS software components allow the platform to support and enhance the airport’s security policy and procedures. Furthermore, changing requirements can be put into effect much more easily. Another reason to choose AEOS is its capability of simultaneously handling multiple reader and credential technologies in a single platform. Single card access control Four different identification technologies are used simultaneously in AEOS access control functionality at Geneva Airport: Nedap, Mifare, Legic and Magnetic stripe, each technology serving a different purpose. The Nedap Combi card has been put into place, which combines all the required technologies, therefore increasing convenience for the users, as they do not have to carry four different cards.

Levels of security inside the Aviation industry have never been higher; mainly due to increased terrorism threat levels across the globe, combined with a worldwide rise in smuggling activity. No airport is immune from these pressures and Ghana’s ‘Kotoka International’ can now claim to meet ACC3, the highest accreditation in the aviation industry, thanks to their recent investment in the latest generation of IP CCTV systems from Hikvision. Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport Established in 1994, Aviance Ghana Ltd provides a range of ground handling services at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport, situated just outside the capital, Accra. The airport itself is Ghana’s premier international flight centre and is capable of accepting large aircrafts, such as the latest generation of Boeing 747.Aviance Ghana is one of eight companies making up the Aviance Alliance, which operates at more than 100 airport locations across 4 continents It occupies more than 650 hectares, with two large terminals for domestic/regional and international/long-haul operations that are connected by an internal walkway. Terminal 2 is the principal international departure terminal and includes restaurants, duty-free shops and two Executive lounges for First and Business Class travellers. There are also two smaller terminals dedicated solely to diplomatic flights and military operations. Aviance Ghana is one of eight companies making up the Aviance Alliance, which operates at more than 100 airport locations across 4 continents. At Kotoka, the ground services include managing all the passenger concourse facilities in Terminal 2, plus passenger check-in and baggage handling, the loading and unloading of cargo from freight flights and a cargo warehouse operation for all import and export needs. Overriding security objectives Given that today’s security concerns require the aviation industry to maintain very high levels of protection measures, close scrutiny of the 650 hectare site that the airport occupies and protecting passengers, aircraft and cargo were the twin key objectives for Aviance when deciding to upgrade the Airport’s CCTV system. The company also recognised that intelligently deploying the camera infrastructure would be necessary to maximise cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The new Skylink CCTV system design uses four different types of Hikvision IP camera Aviance Ghana turned to Skylinks Technical Services Ltd and tasked them with designing a solution that would enable it to meet the EU’s ACC3 accreditation, the highest accreditation in the aviation industry. In turn, Skylinks turned to Hikvision for the design of an all-IP CCTV system capable of not only meeting the current challenges facing Aviance in its operation at Kotoka International Airport, but also providing an expandable base that could rise to meet future developments. The new Skylink CCTV system design uses four different types of Hikvision IP cameras connected to a 32-channel, RAID 5 NVR over an entirely new Gigabit network infrastructure. According to Haim Atanelov, Skylinks General Manager, “The final brief for the CCTV upgrade included installation of new cameras in Aviance’s import and export cargo warehouses, both entry and exit vehicle gates, within the terminal public areas, at the biometric log-in area and associated turnstiles, and within the VIP lounge areas. “In all of these disparate areas, we were challenged by Aviance to deliver high resolution images at all times and in all lighting conditions. It is these pressures that helped us in choosing Hikvision components, with their robust build quality, excellent video quality, and quick and simple installation and operation due to the user-friendly software. It also helped that the products offer very competitive prices and are accompanied by after-sales service and technical support from a first-class team.” Clear images in poor lighting conditions Aviance is committed to phasing out the old system in favour of a totally Hikvision IP system as soon as possible" The CCTV system uses a combination of IP66-rated dome and bullet cameras with either 1.3 or 3MP resolution. A total of four DS-2CD2312-I 1.3MP Outdoor Network Mini Dome cameras were installed, two in the public areas of the terminal and two at the main gates where passengers complete the biometric log-in process and enter through the turnstiles. To complement the dome cameras, nine EXIR bullet cameras were used: five DS-2CD2212-I5 1.3 MP units for general surveillance in the warehouses together with a pair of DS-2CD2232-I5 3MP units where greater resolution was required, and two DS-2CD2632F-I 3MP Vari-focal EXIR cameras for the main vehicle entry and exit gates. “All of the cameras offer great resolution, with 3D DNR and Digital WDR as standard, together with a full complement of alarm triggers, including line crossing and motion and intrusion detection” says Haim Atanelov. “But, the true day/night capability of the EXIR infrared technology meant that they always delivered clear images, even in the warehouses where lighting conditions are not good. Both the 1.3MP and 3MP bullet cameras employed in the warehouses live up to the 50-metre IR range quoted. What’s more, the 30-metre EXIR range of the mini dome cameras deployed in the terminal building is also very useful during night time hours when the building lighting is partially shut down.The new system has already proved its worth, helping to completely seal the export warehouse in particular “We also paid particular attention to the vehicle entry and exit points, in each case choosing the 3MP Vari-focal bullet cameras for their IP66 environmental protection, high resolution, advanced night viewing capabilities and zoom.” Into the future The new system has already proved its worth, helping to completely seal the export warehouse in particular and enabling Kotoka to meet ACC3 accreditation. Together with securing the import warehouse, which serves global airline and cargo brands such as British Airways, South African Airways, Alitalia, KLM, Virgin, DHL, Cargolux, etc., it means that the airport is well-placed to continue to attract business. “Aviance is especially pleased with the smooth integration of the Hikvision IP system with the access control system at the 4 turnstiles,” says Haim Atanelov, “something which was also carefully noted by the EU ACC3 validators. Aviance was also pleased with the integration of the new system with the existing analogue CCTV system, although it did show up the difference in video quality immediately. "We have already agreed to add further IP cameras to the site and Aviance is committed to phasing out the old system in favour of a totally Hikvision IP system as soon as possible.”

British Airways i360 is a 162-metre (531 ft.) tall observation tower on the seafront of Brighton on the UK’s south coast, which opened in August 2016 on the site of the historic West Pier. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the creators of the London Eye, British Airways i360 is the world’s first vertical cable car and the world’s tallest moving observation tower. Just as the original pier welcomed Victorian society to ‘walk on water’, British Airways i360 invites visitors to ‘walk on air’ in the fully enclosed futuristic glass observation pod which gently lifts up to 200 passengers to a height of 138 metres (450 ft.), providing a new perspective on the city with totally unobstructed views. Seagate storage solution selected for surveillance system The technology deployed in the development and daily operation of the observation tower set a new standard for innovation – including a high-tech video surveillance solution supplied by local firm Brighton CCTV, with Seagate’s storage solutions chosen as a key component in the technology. A specialist in CCTV design, installation and maintenance for the commercial and residential market, Brighton CCTV was selected as the preferred supplier for its experience and local expertise. British Airways i360 selected Brighton CCTV as its camera security and webcam partner and their system partner, Hikvision, produces industry leading equipment that enables smooth, clear video streaming. Brighton CCTV selected Seagate as an additional partner for the project to deliver the surveillance storage solution, providing 10TB of storage in total. High resolution images were a must for this high-profile site and with the IP CCTV system running over a huge network, a solid and reliable storage solution was a necessity. Each camera also had to be carefully selected for the right area of the structure, taking into consideration installation, service and maintenance, as well as being capable of dealing with bright scenes due to the observation tower’s beachside location. SkyHawk surveillance: Solid and reliable “We had worked with Seagate before on a previous project and knew the reliability its storage provides,” said Christopher Dean, Owner of Brighton CCTV. “The SkyHawk surveillance drives operate with an extreme workload rating, low power consumption, provide long-term drive reliability and can operate in harsh environments, withstanding a variety of temperature ranges – ideal for British Airways i360 being on the seafront.” “We were thrilled our technology was selected to be a part of this ambitious and innovative landmark,” commented Andrew Palmer, Sales Manager, Enterprise and Surveillance Group, Seagate Technology UK. “We were able to make this surveillance solution possible working alongside our trusted partners Brighton CCTV and Hikvision.” A British Airways i360 spokesperson said: “British Airways i360 is a spectacular observation attraction and is the cornerstone to funding the regeneration of Brighton’s seafront. With some 700,000 visitors expected at British Airways i360 annually, it was vital that we worked with the best team in order to deliver on our vision and that included using trusted suppliers providing innovative technology.”

Public spaces provide soft targets and are often the sites of terrorist or active shooter attacks. Public spaces, by definition, require easy accessibility and unrestricted movement. Given that openness, what security technologies can provide real results? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is technology innovation impacting the security of public spaces?

The role of video surveillance is expanding, driven by all the new ways that video – and data culled from video – can impact a business. As a growing population of video cameras expands into new fields of view, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most unusual application of surveillance cameras you have seen recently?

Tools such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists ensure that every factor is considered when installing a physical security system – or do they? Security system installations are detailed projects, and any overlooked detail is a missed opportunity to make the system better. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?