Airports & ports security applications

SpotterRF, a company that specialises in designing Compact Surveillance Radar systems for highly critical sites, announces the integration of their Radar technology with the ULISSE COMPACT HD range of PTZ cameras manufactured by Videotec, creator of professional video surveillance cameras. In this integrated solution, the radar helps the camera to always look in the right direction by tracking potential threats in the vicinity. This greatly increases the value of the cameras by creating a fully automated system that enhances situational awareness and prevents incidents before they happen in large critical areas. Perimeter security Using cutting-edge radar technology, SpotterRF can pinpoint the GPS location of unwanted intrusions around the property and potential threats beyond the perimeter. In a perfectly synchronised operation and without human intervention, the radars rapidly and continuously send these exact coordinates to the connected Videotec PTZ cameras. The response is immediate and they can be programmed to zoom in for greater detail, capture sharp Full HD images of the target and send them in real time to the operator’s monitor. The system promptly sends alerts to operators of an alarm, and due to the near-zero false alarm rate of the radars, this occurs only when there is actually something of interest happening on the site. PTZ camera for surveillance The Videotec ULISSE COMPACT HD PTZ camera offers excellent visual surveillance capability coupled with high functional and mechanical performance in outdoor areas. With its wide field of vision and fast positioning, it is capable of capturing great quality Full HD images in the most adverse environments. The combined system from SpotterRF and Videotec has been proven in many real-world deployments worldwide, such as electrical substations, military zones, and other large sensible areas.

The 2021 edition of Saudi International Airshow will double in size, with more than 100,000 square metre surface exhibition space, two new exhibition halls, in addition to the existing hall and a static display. Despite COVID-19 and several months of slow business, many requests for exhibiting have been received as Saudi International Airshow will be the first airshow to be held in 2021, the organisers said. Hosted by Saudi Aviation Club and held under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission, Founder and Chairman of Saudi Aviation Club, Saudi International Airshow will take place at Thumamah Airport, Riyadh from 16 to 28 February 2021. Aerospace products and services For its second edition, Saudi International Airshow will introduce two new areas: Space & Satellite, and Aviation & Aerospace Cyber Security, and will host more than 500 international booths where exhibitors will showcase a full range of aerospace products and services. The exhibition will have stations located next to the runway to offer a full range of aircraft available for test flights. World’s top aviation companies have confirmed their commitment to Saudi International Airshow 2021 The world’s top aerospace and aviation companies have confirmed their commitment to Saudi International Airshow 2021, the organisers added. International Pavilions, representing countries such as USA, France, UK, Russia, China, Czech Republic will have dedicated zones at the show. Saudi International Airshow has become one of the top Aviation & Aerospace events within the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia is the largest market within the region. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Saudi International Airshow connects the Aviation and Aerospace industry to Saudi Arabia. It provides the perfect platform to learn, network and conduct business across all areas of the industry and promote successful worldwide trade. The show will also provide an opportunity to meet the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) community and learn about UAV technology. The outstanding 2019 edition established Saudi International Airshow as one of the key events within the aviation and aerospace industry. The first edition was attended by more than 20,000 people, featured more than 80 aircraft, 57 participating countries, and 267 local and international companies who signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Body temperature measurement, detection of face masks and the counting of visitor flows - Geutebrück has expanded its portfolio to enable the retail trade, public authorities and operators of public transport and industry to adjust their protective measures to the current situation. Without having to resort to biometric data, the intelligent and highly available video security systems process images in real time. This way, both customers and personnel are being protected, and compliance with official regulations or prescribed hygiene measures is being controlled and documented. Contactless measurement of body temperature When measuring body temperature people are automatically screened. Fields of application are where many people come together, e.g. in companies, manufacturing plants, train stations, at airports, in public or private institutions. The automated face mask detection verifies compliance with such precautions and can - when connected to an access control system - allow or block entry to a building. Suitable for any facility with public access. Visitor management for restricting number of visitors Visitor counting and routing is of particular interest to shop owners, who need to ensure that the number of customers in their premises is kept below the maximum. As with all Geutebrück solutions, the most recent developments are GDPR-compliant and protect the privacy and personal rights of all those involved. "Our clients are facing unknown challenges in the current situation. Our solutions can help in many fields to overcome such challenges by means of visualisation and automatisation - yet without reaching capacity limits", says Christine Heger-Essig, Chief Technology Officer.

Dahua Technology, with its award winning deep learning algorithms, proudly releases WizMind – a portfolio of solutions composed of project-oriented products including IPC, NVR, PTZ, XVR, thermal and software platforms, delivering precise, reliable and comprehensive AI solutions to verticals including government, retail, energy, finance and transportation. WizMind's human-orientated solutions Powered by AI and deep learning algorithms, WizMind provides comprehensive human-oriented solutions including facial recognition, privacy protection, human video metadata, people counting and stereo analysis, enabling rapid and precise reaction. In addition, it provides more precise and effective AI search to locate targets, generating various human data for business analysis. According to IHS, the total market value of professional video surveillance equipment will grow to $27.2 million by 2023 To protect portrait data, WizMind provides outstanding privacy protection. Based on deep learning algorithms, WizMind supports real-time mosaic masking of the human face or body detected in the monitoring area, which is needed in courtroom scenarios and may be valuable to retailers which can optimise their business through intelligent analysis of customer flow, recorded without violating privacy or GDPR. WizMind based on vehicles WizMind boasts multiple vehicle-based AI solutions, such as ANPR and vehicle metadata, illegal parking which provide more attributes of vehicles for easy control, quick search and business analysis. It is widely used in urban areas, residential community entrances, parking lots and toll stations. By extracting and comparing plate numbers with databases, ANPR helps managers of parking lots and city roads improve vehicle management efficiency with functions like Blacklist Alarm and VIP Recognition. ANPR also supports vehicle tracking, which helps police efficiently locate vehicles according to the crosschecking result. ANPR is able to recognise plate numbers in over 58 countries. WizMind with thermal technology WizMind combines deep learning algorithms with thermal imaging technology to help users achieve ultra-long-distance monitoring in harsh environments, non-contact temperature monitoring and early fire prevention. The Dahua WizMind series is compatible with mainstream third party technology partners With an accuracy of 0.3 degrees Celcius and a speed that monitors three people per second, Dahua’s High Accuracy Body Temperature Monitoring Solution has been widely and successfully applied within transportation hubs, financial institutions, commercial complexes, schools and other places all over the world, joining the global efforts in pandemic prevention and control. WizMind Ecosystem Initiating openness and collaboration, the Dahua WizMind series is compatible with mainstream third party technology partners, such as Milestone, AxxonSoft, ISS and others. Furthermore, WizMind Ecosystem provides the DHOP and sufficient API for our technology partners, enabling them to combine real AI joint solutions to our common customers, and a series of marketing activities will be engaged with our ecosystem partners. Dahua WizMind, a high-end AI series, aims to serve demanding scenarios in many vertical industries. With the mission of “enabling a safer society and smarter living”, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on “innovation, quality and service” to serve its partners and customers around the world.

Chief executive Alex Carmichael is keen to reiterate that SSAIB is fully operational and continues to provide certification for over 1,800 registered firms and new firms looking to join during the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Due to the restrictions imposed by the UK government – relating to travel and social distancing – the leading UKAS-accredited certification body for the fire and security industries has embraced new technology to provide remote audits for certification, surveillance and re-certification, due to the pragmatic and positive approach to the pandemic adopted by the NPCC, BAFE, SIA and UKAS – as they apply to SSAIB’s certification schemes. Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 An amendment to the ICT infrastructure, as required to support the new remote functions, has also allowed the SSAIB’s head office functions – including phone lines – to remain operational, but measures such as home working have been introduced to safeguard the health of all SSAIB staff. SSAIB is fully operational and continues to provide certification for over 1,800 registered firms The SSAIB CEO has overseen a widespread transformation to the organisation’s working practices in the last month or so, but is confident that these changes will allow SSAIB-registered firms and any potential new firms to enjoy the benefits of third-party certification during these unprecedented times. Alex stated: “As soon as it was first mentioned that this crisis could end up with a nationwide lockdown, we made sure to put procedures in place that would allow us to continue to support our registered firms, and the wider security and fire industries, at a time when we knew they’d need our support more than ever. “By continuing our operations, we are primarily seeking to support our existing clients while – at the same time – providing an opportunity to gain certification, for organisations seeking certification for the first time. “Certification auditing arrangements for each scheme differ and details of these arrangements will be provided to applicants as part of the application process. Arrangements for surveillance and re-certification audits also differ for each scheme and registered organisations will be made aware of these in advance of surveillance or re-certification audits becoming due. “The feedback we’ve had so far from those firms that have had remote audits has been excellent and has more than justified our decision to introduce them.” SSAIB set to stay proactive While it seems to have been a seamless transition for SSAIB to introduce home working for staff and fully remote audits, Alex conceded that he couldn’t rule out further changes but revealed that any change in circumstances would be managed in a “phased and managed manner". Alex continued: “These arrangements will remain in place for as long as financial constraints allow. It may be necessary to amend our services, particularly if the lockdown remains in place for a long time. “In the event of it becoming necessary to reduce the services we can offer, we will do so in a phased and managed manner to minimise the impact on the services we provide. However, should circumstances change, we will inform our registered firms of any new developments.”

Due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and ABEC Exhibitions and Conferences P Ltd, have decided that Secutech India will not take place in 2020. The decision is the result of travel restrictions and strict social distancing guidelines currently in place across India, and a lack of availability at the fair’s venue – the Bombay Exhibition Centre – during an appropriate time later this year. The fair will take place at the same location in Mumbai in May 2021. Stemming the spread of COVID-19 The Indian Government has taken extensive measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. Beginning from March 25, a 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced, effective until April 14. This has since been extended for another 19 days, effective until May 3. Strict social distancing regulations have been imposed, and all incoming and outgoing international and domestic flights have been suspended. With uncertainty and tight travel restrictions in place not only in India, but around the globe, pre-fair planning and preparations for Secutech India, originally scheduled from May 7 – 9, 2020, were severely hindered for the fair’s exhibitors and visitors. The decision to defer to 2021 Commenting on the cancellation, Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, said: “The evolving situation, including local and international travel restrictions as well as constantly changing public health guidelines made it impossible for the fair to be held as scheduled. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a new available time slot at the fair’s venue to adequately serve the interests of our exhibitors in 2020. Because of this, we have taken the difficult decision to defer the fair until 2021.” Mr Manish Gandhi, COO, ABEC Exhibitions & Conferences P Ltd, further commented: “As members of an industry that prioritises safety and security, we are confident that the industry is in full support of our decision. We remain committed to supporting the business of our stakeholders wherever possible, and we look forward to welcoming the full fraternity for another productive few days of trade in 2021."

If you’re a security or facilities manager, you may already be aware of the quiet revolution that’s taking place across businesses and organisations up and down the country. By the end of 2020, 20% of all ID and access control systems featured mobile capability, and this is set to increase by a further 34% over the next three years. There’s no doubt that using a smartphone or mobile device in place of traditional credential and access control is a growing trend that’s only been sped up by the pandemic. It’s true that many businesses are still very much focused on remote working, although many are now starting to implement new-and-improved strategies that are better suited to protect the workforce moving forward. Mobile ID systems As the next normal becomes clearer, businesses will be reviewing procedures such as access control, occupancy monitoring, reducing touch points and tracking visitors. Mobile ID systems are ideally suited to this task. But what are the key reasons for considering such a setup in 2021? But why is this new technology so well-suited to future-proof your physical access system, and why is it becoming so popular? Eradicating outdated legacy credentials Have you seen just how vulnerable outdated Proximity card technology can be? Low-frequency 125kHz cards can be cloned in a matter of seconds with the use of cheap, readily available tools. Despite their weaknesses, they are still used by a huge majority of businesses – big and small. All smartphones include two industry-standard features that make them perfect for operating a secure, contactless credential Replacing such a system with a mobile-enabled system is one of the best ways to increase security ten-fold. Thanks to a cloud-based infrastructure, mobile ID offers best-in-class security and cryptography. All smartphones include two industry-standard features that make them perfect for operating a secure, contactless credential. Bluetooth Smart and NFC (Near Field Communication) make them the best product to operate such a credential via a secure app. If you’re looking for best-in-class security in 2021, mobile access is most definitely the way forward. Removing touch points across the business Reducing touch points and the adoption of touchless facilities has become a key priority for businesses in the wake of COVID-19. Even as businesses start to return to the office and operate a home/office split, it will be imperative that unnecessary contact is kept to an absolute minimum between staff. The traditional issuance of identification and access control credentials can pose problems in this regard. Facility and security managers who are responsible for onboarding and processing ID have done the process face to face. Mobile access makes it possible to carry this process out without people coming into direct content. First, the security manager has access to a secure portal, allowing them to create, manage and edit credentials anywhere. They can upload and remotely transfer mobile ID and access control credentials directly to users’ smartphones over the air. Via the secure app, users can view and see their credentials and immediately begin using it for ID and access control by simply placing their smartphone over card readers. Enabling a more flexible way of working The way in which we work has changed for good. Even as people more people return to the office in 2021, a majority of businesses will be operating a home/office split indefinitely. This once again reinforces the need for a smarter, more adaptable onboarding system. Implementing mobile ID is the perfect way of doing this: over-the-air delivery of credentials and security data is now a given, helping businesses create the perfect balance between the home and the office. No longer do people have to come into the office for the onboarding process. Increasing convenience and user experience More often businesses are realising the value mobile ID can have for enhancing the work experience as well as security Ok, so mobile ID is the perfect way of increasing security and adapting workplaces to a post-COVID way of working. And we’ve not even touched on the most obvious advantage yet: Convenience. How many times have you forgotten your ID card? We’re sure it’s more times than you forget your smartphone. These powerful processors have become intertwined with the way we carry out tasks on a daily basis. They’re so vital that people will soon notice if they’ve forgotten it. From an employee’s perspective, mobile ID and access control is simple, convenient and extremely user-friendly. More and more businesses are realising the value mobile ID can have for enhancing the work experience as well as security. From the employer’s perspective, mobile ID means it’s easier for administrators to manage access and credentials. Future-proofing access control now will ensure that in the longer term, mobile ID is well worth the investment. The annual expenditure of printing ID cards and purchasing credentials can be vast, while reissuance costs can also quickly add up for larger organisations. These issues are a thing of the past for businesses using mobile ID. Mobile ID perfect tool for 2021 and beyond Until mobile ID, new and improved credentials’ main focus was on increasing security. Mobile ID not only delivers that, but it also provides a more convenient way of accessing the office in a way that’s perfectly suited to returning to the office in 2021. If there was ever a time to upgrade, now is the time. Summing up, mobile access is changing the way we access the office by: Eliminating weak links in security systems such as outdated legacy card technologies Eradicating the need for touch points across multiple areas of the workplace Enabling a smarter, more flexible approach to onboarding Increasing convenience – for both employers and employees.

For decades, cable theft has caused disruption to infrastructure across South Africa, and an issue that permeates the whole supply chain. Here, Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist Omniflex, explains how new cable-alarm technology is making life difficult for criminals and giving hope to businesses. In November 2020, Nasdaq reported that, “When South Africa shut large parts of its economy and transport network during its COVID-19 lockdown, organised, sometimes armed, gangs moved into its crumbling stations to steal the valuable copper from the lines. Now, more than two months after that lockdown ended, the commuter rail system, relied on by millions of commuters, is barely operational.” Private security firm Despite this most recent incident, cable theft is not a new phenomenon to sweep South Africa Despite this most recent incident, cable theft is not a new phenomenon to sweep South Africa. In 2001, SABC TV broadcast a story following two members of a private security firm working for Telkom, a major telecoms provider. In the segment, the two guards, working in Amanzimtoti on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, head out to investigate a nearby alarm that has been triggered. They reach a telecoms cabinet and discover that it has been compromised, with the copper cable cut and telephone handsets strewn across the ground. In the dark, they continue to search the area when one of the guards discovers the problem: 500 metres of copper wire has been ripped out. In their haste, the thieves have dropped their loot and fled. Widespread cable theft Had they managed to get away, they would have melted the cable to remove the plastic insulation and sold the copper to a local scrap dealer for around 900 Rand, about $50 US dollars. For the company whose infrastructure has been compromised, it may cost ten times that amount to replace and repair the critical infrastructure. The disappointing takeaway from this story is that two decades on from this incident the country still faces widespread cable theft, whether it’s copper cables from mines, pipelines, railways, telecoms or electrical utilities. In fact, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that cable theft costs the economy between R5–7 billion a year. The answer to the problem must go further than the existing measures used by companies. Detect power failure Most businesses already invest in CCTV, fences, barriers and even patrol guards, but this is not enough. Take the mining sector, for example. These sites can be vast, spanning dozens of kilometres - it’s simply not cost effective to install enough fences or employ enough guards or camera operators. As monitoring technology gets better, the company has seen site managers increasingly use cable alarms in recent years that detect when a power failure occurs. The idea is that, if one can detect a power failure, they can detect whether the cable has been cut The idea is that, if one can detect a power failure, they can detect whether the cable has been cut. The problem is though: how does one distinguish the difference between a situation where a cable has been cut intentionally and a genuine power outage? Power outages in South Africa are an ongoing problem, with the country contending with an energy deficit since late 2005, leading to around 6,000 MW of power cuts in 2019. Remote terminal units Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., the company that generates around 95 per cent of South Africa’s power has already warned of further blackouts as the company works to carry out repairs to its power plants. According to a statement on the company’s website, “Eskom spends in the region of R2 billion a year replacing stolen copper cables." The result is that criminals take advantage of the gaps in power to steal cable, timing their robberies to coincide with the published load shedding schedules. The basic alarms used to detect power outage won’t recognise the theft because they register a false-positive during a power cut. By the time the power comes back on, the deed has been done and the criminals have gotten away with the cable. The good news is that recent breakthroughs in cable monitoring technology are helping tackle just this problem. New alarms on the market now combine sophisticated GSM-based monitoring systems that use battery powered remote terminal units. Legitimate supply chain Unlike the basic alarms that look for the presence or absence of power, these new systems monitor whether the cable circuit is in an open or closed state. In the event of a power outage, the unit continues to run on battery power and can detect if a cable has been cut, sending a priority SMS alert to the site manager immediately, giving them a fighting chance to prevent a robbery in progress. Beyond the opportunistic theft carried out by petty criminals, the theft of copper cables forms a wider problem Beyond the opportunistic theft carried out by petty criminals, the theft of copper cables forms a wider problem across the supply chain in South Africa. In recent years, the combination of unscrupulous scrap dealers, the alleged involvement of large scrap processing companies and lax penalties meant that much of the stolen copper ended up back in the legitimate supply chain. However, recent changes in the law have sought to take a tougher stance on copper theft. Alarm monitoring technology According to the Western Cape Government, “The Criminal Matters Amendment Act, regulates bail and imposes minimum offences for essential infrastructure-related offences." The act, which came into effect in 2018, recommends sentencing for cable theft, with the minimum sentence for first-time offenders being three years and for those who are involved in instigating or causing damage to infrastructure, the maximum sentence is thirty years. It seems to be working too. In January 2021, the South African reported that a Johannesburg man was sentenced to eight years behind bars for cable theft in Turffontein. While the longer-term outlook is a positive one for industry, the best advice for businesses seeking to alleviate the problem of cable theft in the immediate future is to invest in the latest cable-theft alarm monitoring technology to tackle the problem and make life difficult for criminals.

Since the start of the pandemic, almost a quarter of UK businesses have been forced to temporarily close, pause trading, or work remotely, with very little notice. Now nearing the 12th month of the crisis, the country is currently enduring its third national lockdown, with an unspecified timeframe. Most workers are being urged to remain at home and only venture out for essential travel. This means a huge number of premises across the board, from recreational venues such as theatres, pubs and leisure centres, to office buildings, and storage facilities, will remain empty. It’s likely that security has been scaled back, so many buildings could be vulnerable to attack for the foreseeable future. Just recently we’ve seen empty pubs in London targeted by opportunistic illegal rave organisers. Physical security strategy Even rural areas aren’t exempt from the problem, as burglars have reportedly targeted beauty salons, etc Even rural areas aren’t exempt from the problem, as burglars have reportedly targeted beauty salons, food stores and vehicle hire premises this winter. Vandalism and burglary remain very real threats, therefore it is vital that facilities managers and property owners ensure the physical security of these empty buildings is maintained to the highest standard to protect property and the assets within. Below we outline key considerations when evaluating a physical security strategy for an empty building. Assess the risk We would urge facilities managers and building owners to carry out regular, thorough checks of the building and the perimeter to assess any obvious factors which would elevate the risk of attack. This includes assessing the location. Is the crime rate high? How visible is the property? Are the contents of the property on show? How secure is the access or perimeter boundary? View the premises from a potential intruder’s perspective, and when you can’t be at the site in person, use photographs, notes and drawings to identify potential weaknesses. For example, there may be high security fencing at the front of the premises, but make sure it is not at risk of being compromised at the back. Conducting regular maintenance Retain and maintain quality Inspecting the fence line may seem obvious and straightforward, but it needs to be a deliberate, scheduled event Conducting regular maintenance is even more essential while premises are left empty, as it is much easier for any issues to appear and escalate undetected. We highly recommend regularly inspecting your fencing for disrepair or damage as this can affect the perimeter’s integrity. Alternatively, choosing high quality galvanised and preferably powder coated steel fencing with a 25-year guarantee will offer longer-lasting protection against rust and corrosion. Inspecting the fence line may seem obvious and straightforward, but it needs to be a deliberate, scheduled event. Take time to check the perimeter on both sides. As you inspect the fencing, keep an eye out for any attempted breaches and note if foliage, weather conditions, or topography changes have affected security integrity. Check all fixtures and fittings are in good working order, look for damage and corrosion, and clear all litter and debris away. Huge security risk Quality investments In a time when businesses are already stretched, it can be tempting to opt for quick, inexpensive fixes. However, poorly executed design or cheap, low quality products can lead to costly, long-term remediation or worse, significant loss to the business. Make wise, informed decisions and specify solutions based on your organisation’s security needs first and foremost. While generic steel palisade is a popular option, owing to its intimidating aesthetic, it is easily compromised. Steel palisade fencing has inherent weaknesses that undermine performance. Its wide pales can obstruct surveillance, while the bolted construction is a huge security risk. Simply removing or breaking the lower fixing on one or two pales would allow them to swing aside to give repeated access to the site without leaving an easily visible sign that the perimeter has been breached. It’s a false economy, as the initial lower price is offset by the costs and inconvenience incurred by regular repairs. Performance classification system The standard works via a performance classification system, and even considers the tools that an intruder may use Specifying a higher quality product that’s fit for purpose makes more sense both in the short and long term, and it adds little to the original cost. Fortunately, there are a number of security accreditations that facilities managers and building owners can refer to when specifying security measures at their site, helping them choose effective solutions to combat the risks the property faces. Proven performance Certifications and approvals, such as The Loss Prevention Certification Board’s (LPCB) LPS 1175 and the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) PAS, prove a product has been thoroughly tested to a specific standard. They prove the strength and durability of the item in multiple different situations. It is worth noting also that investing in effective perimeter protection can actually deliver a positive return by reducing the incidence of burglary and vandalism, and their associated costs. The technical evaluation work carried out by LPCB is extremely thorough. The product is subjected to rigorous quality audit processes, to certify the security products tested by BRE deliver verified levels of protection. All LPS 1175 rated products are vigorously tested before receiving an accreditation. The standard works via a performance classification system, and even considers the tools that an intruder may use. Intrusion detection system Our law enforcement teams are stretched to capacity and coping with reduced workforces due to illness By predicting a likely toolset, specifiers can construct multiple defensive layers to maximise how much time a facility has to respond to an attack. Different levels of security are crucial for the ‘5D defence’ concept, whereby a quintet of security assets work together to prevent access to your site, resulting in a strategy that will: Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay and Defend unwanted access from intruders. 360° security There is no single solution when it comes to securing a building. Every situation must be considered on an individual basis, starting with a full risk assessment. We recommend an integrated approach where appropriate. Along with a secure perimeter, this might also include effective lighting in shaded areas and at doors, gates, and vulnerable windows, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) and well-placed CCTV. These measures can hinder entry and escape, or increase the chance of discovery and detection. Domestic burglaries While domestic burglaries have become less attractive as many of our homes are now occupied around the clock, commercial properties have become increasingly more vulnerable. Our law enforcement teams are stretched to capacity and coping with reduced workforces due to isolating and illness. Therefore it has never been so important for building owners and facilities managers to assess the properties they’re responsible for to ensure they’re protected effectively in the event of an attack.

Convergint Technologies’ rapid growth has come through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions — they have acquired 35 companies since 2014. Growth has been a focus since day one when the founders started the systems integration company with 10 colleagues in a basement. Today, the diverse company includes more than 5,000 employees globally. As technology has advanced and business practices have evolved, Convergint’s core values and beliefs have guided their path forward.  Customer-centric approach Convergint’s culture is a critical aspect of the company, from the executive level to frontline colleagues. “It is essential that the companies we look to acquire and develop partnerships with directly align with our people-first, customer-centric, inclusive culture centered on colleagues and customers,” says Mike Mathes, Executive Vice President, Convergint Technologies. “This approach has allowed us to maintain and grow our number of colleagues across our acquisitions and enables us to continue being our customers’ best service provider.” Integration practices Many practices have to be form-fitted to each individual acquisition A simple but important consideration as Convergint grows through acquisitions is: No two companies are the same. While some integration practices can be standardised across the company, many practices have to be form-fitted to each individual acquisition, says Mathes. “Our objective is not to come in and immediately implement change. We want to build on what has already been successful within the local market and share our learned experiences. There is plenty we can learn from each other and create a much better organisation.” Mathes says that Convergint’s view of a successful acquisition is that 1+1=3. “The end result is always much more impactful than what we anticipated,” he says. “Every acquisition brings with it an experienced leadership team, dedicated and skilled colleagues, vertical market and technological expertise. Most acquisitions are in geographies where we do not already operate, so with every acquisition, we increase our capability to serve our customers much better.” Also, the network of Global Convergint Technology Centres (CTCs) helps expand clientele, and the Convergint Development Centre (CDC) offers new support capabilities allowing acquisitions to grow at a very high rate. Expanding service Are there more acquisitions to come? Mathes says Convergint is always open to further expanding its footprint across the globe, improving its ability to service customers, deepening their technical expertise, and continuing to expand service offerings across the current and new vertical markets. However, the current focus remains on several key factors: service to colleagues, customers, and communities. “While obviously, acquisitions fuel our growth, the addition of these organisations to Convergint has really improved our ability to service clients on a global basis,” says Mathes. Acquiring ICD Security Solutions in Asia, for example, made Convergint a pioneer in that market for U.S.-based multi-national companies. Meeting customers demand “Convergint does not weigh market conditions when making an acquisition decision,” says Mathes. Rather, they are primarily focused on meeting or exceeding their customer’s needs on a local to a global level. They see acquisitions as a potential way to extend their geographic reach so they can be closer to customers. An acquisition might also expand technological or vertical market expertise. “The end goal is for us to enhance our service capabilities by attracting and retaining talented colleagues and leaders to better service our customers,” says Mathes. Enhancing and expanding services Convergint identifies how to leverage the expertise to further enhance and expand current service options “Economies of scale” have not been a consideration. They have never sought to acquire companies and restructure them in the process, for example. Rather, each company brings forth a unique skillset, is carefully vetted by the executive team, and provides purpose in the company's mission and vision for the future.” “Frontline colleagues are Convergint’s most valuable assets,” says Mathes. Rather than restructuring and eliminating skilled, knowledgeable colleagues, Convergint identifies how they can leverage the expertise to further enhance and expand current service options for customers. “Our colleagues and their skill sets are our competitive advantage—they remain an essential element to our success,” says Mathes. Demand for integrator services “We continue to experience a growing demand for innovative solutions across electronic security, fire alarm, and life safety,” says Mathes. “As companies innovate further and rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud solutions, we expect to see an increased demand for integrator services. Our customers demand a local service provider who is responsive and can meet their needs, which is why Convergint aims to be its customers’ best service provider.” This year, Convergint is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2021, they will continue to focus on the same critical components that have dominated since day one taking care of colleagues, customers, and the communities where they operate.

An impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to accelerate change. In 2020, the security industry was among many others that sought to adapt to shifting norms. In the process, we grabbed onto new opportunities for change and, in many cases, re-evaluated how we have done business for decades. If necessity is the mother of invention, perhaps crisis is the mother of acceleration. This article will reflect on how these themes impacted the physical security industry in 2020, based on content we published throughout the year, and with links back to the original articles. Sensitive data leakage Since the lockdown came into effect, organisations globally have undergone years' worth of transformations in a matter of months. Whether it has been to transition their operations online or moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud, there’s no denying that the face of business has changed permanently, experiencing a seismic shift, both operationally and culturally. As we enter the ‘next normal’ there remains a great deal of uncertainty around what the next 12 months holds and how organisations can navigate turbulence in the face of a possible recession. One of the most notable and widely reported trends has been the switch to remote methods of work, or home working. With so many employees logging on from residential networks, through personal devices that may be more easily compromised, the overall attack surface has greatly increased, raising the risk of potential corporate and sensitive data leakage in their new home office settings. Security and data protection are larger issues than ever. Good cybersecurity hygiene Criminals will use the crisis to scam people for money, account information and more" With a majority of the world working from home, businesses had to respond to this changing landscape. While it used to be that in-person networking events and sales pitches secured new projects or opportunities, the current landscape pushes businesses to be more creative in how they reach their customers. For example, with ISC West being postponed, many companies have turned to online resources to share new product demonstrations and other company news. Others are hosting webinars as a way to discuss the current climate and what it means for the industry. Without the proper precautions, working from home could become a cybersecurity nightmare, says Purdue University professor Marcus Rogers. “Criminals will use the crisis to scam people for money, account information and more,” he says. “With more people working from home, people need to make sure they are practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, just like they would at work. There is also a big risk that infrastructures will become overwhelmed, resulting in communication outages, both internet and cell.” Work-life balance In a typical office with an on-premise data centre, the IT department has complete control over network access, internal networks, data, and applications. The remote worker, on the other hand, is mobile. He or she can work from anywhere using a VPN. Until just recently this will have been from somewhere like a local coffee shop, possibly using a wireless network to access the company network and essential applications. There are many benefits of working remotely with productivity right up the top of the list There are many benefits of working remotely with productivity right up the top of the list. By reducing the unproductive time spent commuting and travelling to meetings, we are able to get much more done in a day. Add to this the reduction in stress and improved work-life balance and it makes for an impressive formula of happier, healthier and more motivated colleagues. And it’s still easy to measure results no matter where someone is working. Video conferencing platforms Trade shows have always been a basic element of how the security industry does business - until the year 2020, that is. This year has seen the total collapse of the trade show model as a means of bringing buyers and sellers face to face. The COVID-19 pandemic has effectively made the idea of a large trade show out of the question. The good news is that the industry has adapted well without the shows. A series of ‘on-line shows’ has emerged, driven by the business world’s increasing dependence on Zoom and other video conferencing platforms. The fact is, 2020 has provided plenty of opportunities for sellers to connect with buyers. Some of these sessions have been incredibly informative – and conveniently accessible from the comfort of a home office. Online training courses Online training has grown in popularity this year, and the change may become permanent Online training has grown in popularity this year, and the change may become permanent. “We have seen unprecedented international demand for our portfolio of online training courses ranging from small installation companies to the largest organisations, across a wide range of sectors,” says Jerry Alfandari, Group Marketing Manager of Linx International Group, a UK training firm. “More than ever, businesses are looking to ensure they have the skills in-house to coordinate their response to the changing situation. Individuals are also taking this time to upskill themselves for when we return to ‘normal’ by bringing something with them they didn’t have before. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people are still seeking to better themselves for what will be, eventually, a competitive market.” Virtual trade show ‘Crisis and the Everyday’ was part of Genetec’s Connect’DX virtual trade show last spring. The virtual conversation – emphasising both in form and content the topsy-turvy state of the world – included interesting insights on the current pandemic and its near- and long-term impact on the industry. In the middle of this pandemic, there is an opportunity to help security reinvent itself “In the middle of this pandemic, there is an opportunity to help security reinvent itself,” said Brad Brekke, Principal, The Brekke Group, one of the panelists. “Amid the business disruption, we should ask ‘what’s the new playbook?’ It’s an opportunity for security to look at ourselves now and look at a business plan of what the future might look like. We need to align with the business model of the corporation and define our role more around business and not so much around security.” Cloud-based platform As a cloud-based platform for service providers in the security, smart home and smart business markets, Alarm.com adapted quickly to changing conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. In the recent dynamic environment, Alarm.com has kept focus on supporting their service provider partners so they can keep local communities protected. “We moved quickly to establish work-from-home protocols to protect our employees and minimise impact on our partners,” says Anne Ferguson, VP of Marketing at Alarm.com. The Customer Operations and Reseller Education (CORE) team has operated without interruption to provide support to partners. Sales teams are utilising webinars and training resources to inform and educate partners about the latest products, tools, and solutions. Alarm.com’s partner tools are essential for remote installations and support of partner accounts.

Consolidation continued in the physical security marketplace in the turbulent year 2020. There were several mega-deals in addition to shuffling among small and medium-sized companies. Here is a sampling of M&A from this year, compiled from our archive of company news. With the changing economic climate, how much more is ahead in 2021? Stay tuned. Wesco merges with Anixter WESCO International, Inc., a provider of business-to-business (B2B) distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced it completed its merger with Anixter International Inc., creating a premier, global B2B distribution and supply chain solutions company. Anixter becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of WESCO International. ACRE acquires Razberi ACRE acquired Razberi Technologies, Farmers Branch, Texas, and the product line of intelligent video appliances, automated security software and health monitoring software will be added to and sold under the ComNet brand and portfolio of products. ComNet will now be selling Razberi products through its established channels. Motorola acquires IndigoVision Among the benefits is enhanced geographical reach across a wider customer base Motorola Solutions says the IndigoVision range of products, global presence and customer base are ‘highly complementary’ to Motorola Solutions' existing presence in video security. Among the benefits is enhanced geographical reach across a wider customer base. Motorola acquires Pelco “Pelco’s track record of innovation, internationally recognised brand, global channel and customer installed base enable us to further expand our global footprint with enterprise and public safety customers,” said Greg Brown, Motorola Solutions’ Chairman and CEO, about the iconic brand. Johnson Controls swallows Qolsys Qolsys Inc., residential and commercial security and smart-home manufacturer, enhances Johnson Controls global innovation platform, delivering next generation security and smart building solutions. JCI had already owned a majority stake in the company since 2014. ADT and Google Home partnership The partnership will combine Nest’s award-winning hardware and services, powered by Google’s machine learning technology, with ADT’s installation, service and professional monitoring network to create a more helpful smart home and integrated experience for customers across the United States. Upon the closing of Google’s equity investment in ADT, Google will own 6.6% of ADT’s outstanding aggregate common equity. Securitas acquires STANLEY in Five Countries The acquisition is aligned with Securitas’ ambition to double the size of its security solutions Securitas acquired STANLEY Security’s electronic security businesses in Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Singapore and India. The acquisition is aligned with Securitas’ ambition to double the size of its security solutions and electronic security business and expands Securitas’ electronic security footprint and capabilities. Allied Universal to Buy G4S Ending the year on a high note, the boards of directors managing Allied Universal and G4S reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer. The deal brings to a close a six-month bidding war for G4S. The combined business is expected to generate approximately $18 billion in annual revenues with a global workforce of more than 750,000 people in 85 countries. Quantum acquires Western Digital business line Quantum Corporation entered into an agreement with Western Digital Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Western Digital Corp., to acquire its ActiveScale object storage business. The acquisition demonstrates Quantum’s commitment to innovation and growth, extending the company’s leadership role in storing and managing video and unstructured data using a software-defined approach. AVA/Vaion/Jazz Networks Ava, a unified security company, announced the completion of the merger between Jazz Networks, renowned cyber security insider threat detection and response firm; and Vaion, an end-to-end video security solutions provider. Ava is now positioned to deliver unified cyber and physical security solutions to organisations worldwide.

Recently, Planet Fitness, with the help of their preferred system integrator Adirondack Direct, incorporated a video surveillance solution from Hanwha Techwin and Genetec that not only enhances security, but also improves operations. When leadership evaluated security at their 70-plus corporate run locations a few years ago, they chose to incorporate a video surveillance solution that would address security needs and would be advanced enough to help with management and operations.  Each of Planet Fitness’ corporate-owned clubs throughout North America is outfitted with approximately eight to 15 video cameras that provide around the clock coverage of the parking lot, lobby, break room, the fitness area where members workout and other key areas – without invading private areas, such as locker rooms and other intimate spaces. After issuing a Request for Proposal, Planet Fitness Senior Vice President of Corporate Club Operations Jim Esposito said they tested several of the leading camera and video management software (VMS) solutions, but ultimately decided on Hanwha video surveillance cameras managed by the Genetec Security Center platform. Esposito said they wanted to use Hanwha’s 360-degree cameras in particular because they provide more coverage, yet they save in hardware expenses because fewer cameras are needed. 360-degree fisheye camera Hanwha’s SNF-8010 5 MP 360-degree fisheye camera provides 5MP at 20FPS which captures smoother video at a higher framerate with true day and night function. Built-in on-camera de-warping allows instant access to PTZ, quad view, and panorama views. Alarm triggers for the Hanwha SNF-8010 include intelligent motion detection, audio detection, tampering detection, alarm input and network disconnection.Adirondack Direct also offers a 24-hour monitoring service and liaisons with law enforcement when needed A typical system setup at Planet Fitness includes placing cameras 25 feet from the wall and 50 feet apart which provides almost 2,000 square feet of coverage per camera. Club managers, regional managers and corporate employees manage the system via the Genetec Security Center which provides convenient bookmarks of recorded incidents so that – instead of time spent searching through video – events are already tagged. Adirondack Direct also offers a 24-hour monitoring service and liaisons with law enforcement when needed. “We knew that Planet Fitness would need thousands of video surveillance cameras for this project and it’s very important to consider reliability and functionality as well as durability,” said Adirondack Direct Director of Security and Technology, Tim Collins. “Hanwha has the lowest customer return number and that means that they manufacture products that aren’t sidelined by constant replacement and repairs.” Collins said Adirondack Direct has long recommended Genetec’s Security Center for video surveillance management because it provides the best open-architecture platform, robust features and is easy to use. Security Center blends IP security systems within a single intuitive interface to simplify operations and empowers organisations through enhanced situational awareness, unified command and control and connectivity to the cloud. When a Lunk Alarm is pressed, Genetec’s Security Center creates a bookmark of the event which provides video evidence of what preceded the alarm and how it was managed Business intelligence  While the Hanwha-Genetec solution has provided an excellent security system – as well as protection against liability for slip and fall incidents – it’s also improved operations in multiple ways by providing invaluable business intelligence, said Esposito. Planet Fitness has a judgement-free environment for individuals who want to work out, but don’t want to have to endure the negatives so often found in gyms: loud grunts, the clanging of dropped weights and aggressive behavior. Anyone engaging in obnoxious behavior will likely be the recipient of a Lunk Alarm and the flashing lights, sirens and unwanted attention that accompanies it.Use of the Lunk Alarm – or lack of use – can be an indicator of how the club is operating Use of the Lunk Alarm – or lack of use – can be an indicator of how the club is operating. In order to monitor and evaluate use of the Lunk Alarms, Adirondack Direct has integrated the Lunk Alarm into the Hanwha-Gentec video solution. When a Lunk Alarm is pressed, Genetec’s Security Center creates a bookmark of the event which provides video evidence of what preceded the alarm and how it was managed. Potential medical emergencies Gyms typically have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the event a member suffers a medical emergency. At Planet Fitness facilities outfitted with the Hanwha-Genetec solution, once an AED is removed from its cabinet, a sensor is activated to shut off the music in the club to provide a calmer atmosphere. The system also creates a bookmark in the VMS and notifies managers and regional managers that an AED has been deployed. The Hanwha-Genetec Planet Fitness solution also provides key employee analysis that can help managers identify areas of improvement. Each facility has rubber floors that must be cleaned daily and Adirondack Direct has placed a sensor on a floor scrubber that creates a bookmark and recording in Security Center when the device is moved. Video evidence verifies whether the floor was actually cleaned or if the scrubber was just relocated. Break room sensors Each break room is outfitted with a sensor that creates a video bookmark every time the door is opened. If an employee visits too often, Planet Fitness management can reorient that employee on the proper policies and procedures. For day to day efficiencies, video analytics can be a valuable tool. If an employee is constantly leaving the front desk to go to a storage closet for a particular item, they can make changes including moving the item closer to the front desk. “If during an overnight shift the camera indicates that there was no motion at the front desk for a prolonged period of time, then that’s a problem,” said Esposito. “We expect someone to be in that position greeting and welcoming members so if someone isn’t there, the video can help us understand why.”If an employee visits the break room too often, Planet Fitness management can reorient that employee on the proper policies and procedures A big question for Planet Fitness – that can be answered via video analytics – is have they been losing sales opportunities without realising it? “What we’re exploring now is a virtual line that counts the number of people that come and go in the club,” said Esposito. “We know how many people check in. So, if a club checks in 500 people in a day, but there are 600 people that enter the door, that can be lost revenue.” Esposito said they chose Hanwha cameras and the Genetec platform because they knew that they needed a solution that was at the forefront of technology, with the flexibility to grow with them and meet their future needs. He added the solution delivers a safe environment that is appreciate by everyone. “It’s somewhat of a security blanket for our members and employees,” he said. “They appreciate our no intimidation mantra and the fact that we have created this safe and secure environment that offers a judgement free zone where people can do their own thing.”

When you’re securing premises in Iceland, you need a reliable system that can cope with both plummeting temperatures and low-light levels. Hikvision cameras were used in such a solution – chosen by Securitas Iceland to secure a harbour for customer Samskip in Reykjavik. Global logistics company Samskip is one of the larger transport companies in Europe with offices in 24 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. They operate an extensive network of container services to and from Iceland, along with refrigerated cargo logistics and international forwarding around the world. Special kind of surveillance system One of their locations is a harbour in Reykjavik, which includes warehouses. Operating in sub-zero temperatures and with low-light even in daytime for some of the year, Samskip needs a special kind of surveillance system. When temperatures are as low as -30˚C, electronics can become unresponsive, or stop working completely When temperatures are as low as -30˚C, electronics can become unresponsive, or stop working completely. These are also the temperatures where maintenance is more challenging – these are not ideal environments for technicians to be working outside. The biggest snow depth ever recorded in Iceland was 279cm in North Iceland in March 1995, for example. Although this was the worst winter ever recorded, it gives an idea of the potential extremes. There are also snow storms and the high wind chill factor to contend with. Providing clear images in failing light Low light in the winter months means that solutions in Iceland need to be better able to provide clear images in failing light. During winter, Iceland’s high latitude means shorter days - the longest day in the middle of December has only 5 hours of light, for example, with the sunrise at around 11am and sunset between 3 and 4pm. Despite these unique conditions, Samskip needed to have a good overview over all that is happening around the harbour complex, both inside and outside. Specifically, they needed to be able to trace products and goods in the warehouse. Iceland’s security provider, Securitas, rose to the challenge, providing a solution using more than 150 Hikvision products, including PanoVu and DarkFighter® cameras. All these cameras can operate to a temperature of -30˚C. Identifying potential issues The PanoVu cameras provide excellent wide angle surveillance to cover as much of the area as possible. DarkFighter technology is a popular choice in Iceland because it gives clear, useful images even in the lowest of light scenarios. The smart function on the cameras means that operators are able to identify potential issues by analysing people's behaviour. The solution included Seagate’s high-stability Skyhawk drives, especially developed for surveillance applications They can also trace a product between locations and see its condition at receipt and delivery, enhancing both security and business efficiency. To complement the Hikvision solutions, Securitas chose Seagate as their preferred storage vendor with their Skyhawk. The solution included Seagate’s high-stability Skyhawk drives, especially developed for surveillance applications. Providing reliable security Skyhawk surveillance drives are equipped with enhanced ImagePerfect™ firmware to deliver ultimate reliability and zero dropped frames, and SkyHawk Health Management, a software designed for prevention, intervention and recovery. Bergvin Þórðarson, Samskip’s Security Manager, says: “The cameras meet the requirements for analysis of people and merchandise. We are confident with both Hikvision and Securitas – in both their product and people. We know that they will fix any issues and react quickly if there’s a problem.” Securing large areas can be a challenge all on its own, but the addition of potentially crippling weather conditions means a security solution needs to be robust. Hikvision cameras were up to the challenge and provided reliable security for the entire operation.

A video surveillance system with around 40 IP and thermal cameras from Dahua Technology has been installed at Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight. The harbour consists of a large marina, docks for the Wightlink Ferry terminal, and pontoons and boat moorings upstream. The previous system was becoming outdated, with poor picture quality and cabling issues. Following a number of thefts from boats and boat fires in neighbouring harbours, a new solution – including a thermal imaging capability – was specified. Sensitive fire alarm system Automatic people-counting technology has been incorporated into the cameras to as a health and safety measure The Dahua cameras are a mix of thermal bullets, IR bullets, Ultra PTZs, IR domes and fisheye cameras. The thermal cameras are especially suited to wide area outdoor video surveillance and are ideal for the large, water-based environments at the harbour. The cameras feature Vox uncooled thermal sensor technology and high thermal sensitivity at less than 40mK, enabling them to capture more image details and temperature fluctuations. With a built-in fire detection functionality, the cameras provide an extremely sensitive fire alarm system. The IR bullet cameras feature highly efficient H.265 encoding technology, PoE and IR illumination at up to 50 meters, as well as a wide dynamic range, providing vivid images even in the most intense contrast lighting conditions and delivering powerful day/night surveillance in a compact package. At one of the moorings upriver, there is no power supply on isolated pontoons, so wind power and solar energy have been harnessed to operate the cameras. Automatic people-counting technology Images are transmitted wirelessly back to a control room at the main harbour office. When the control room is not staffed, Yarmouth Harbour can nominate individuals to receive alerts and images on their tablets and smartphones via the Dahua surveillance app. The surveillance system has transformed our ability to monitor the harbour for safety and security" As well as the harbour itself, the system also covers the adjacent Yarmouth pier, a Grade II listed structure said to be the longest wooden pier in the UK and recently refurbished. Automatic people-counting technology has been incorporated into the cameras at the pier’s entrance to monitor numbers on the pier as a health and safety measure. Straightforward use “The new surveillance system has transformed our ability to monitor the harbour for the safety and security of our customers, staff and the visiting public,” said Dave Rice of Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners. “The HD picture quality is superb and you can pick out people’s faces, so there is no comparison with the previous cameras. The system has proved straightforward to use and we are delighted with its performance to date.” “This proved an interesting project to work on, not least because parts of the installation had to be carried out by boat,” said Chris Snell, managing director of security installation firm, Central Southern Security. "The Dahua equipment has been a pleasure to work with and will provide Yarmouth Harbour with a great solution for many years to come.”

Dallmeier offers comprehensive security solutions for all areas of application around airports. Specifically, in the area of cameras a wide range of systems allow customers to tackle all of their safety and security challenges and be able to comply fully with operational and regulatory requirements. On top of that, Dallmeier supplies video management solutions that not only give operators an exhaustive overview of security-relevant events, but also allow the video data to be analysed with a view to optimising business processes such as ground handling operations. One of the paramount concerns for airports is perimeter protection; an issue, which was highlighted by a number of recent incidents involving unauthorised access onto airfields. It is important to be able to use video system to track an intruder, but the ultimate goal is to prevent an intrusion in the first place. IR cameras with integrated IR illumination With its range of high-performance IR cameras with integrated IR illumination, Dallmeier offers the right solution for every area of applications across airports IR cameras are a key component of any video security system that must provide around-the-clock monitoring capabilities, and the Dallmeier line of advanced IR cameras is ideally suited for that. With its range of high-performance IR cameras with integrated IR illumination, Dallmeier offers the right solution for every area of applications across airports. The IR cameras are designed specifically for applications requiring images with highest resolution in real-time at day and in the IR mode at night. Dimly lit areas on the apron or sections along the airport perimeter, which might only be lit in case lighting systems are triggered by movement, are among the many possible applications. Multi-focal sensor technology Panomera Airports typically encompass wide areas and stretch over long distances, which poses particular challenges for video monitoring system. In the past, in order to adequately monitor the entire area, it was necessary to use a number of cameras installed in a whole range of locations. Dallmeier’s multifocal sensor system Panomera, however, represents an entirely new technology and a fundamentally different approach to the issue of video security. The patented multi-focal sensor technology Panomera from Dallmeier is the ideal video solution for landside and airside safety and security. It was specially developed for the all-encompassing video surveillance of expansive areas. With Panomera, huge widths, as well as areas with large distances can be displayed with a completely new resolution quality, in real time and at high frame rates of up to 30 fps. With Panomera, a huge area can be surveyed from a single location and depending on the customer’s needs, the resolution can be scaled nearly limitlessly. For example, one Panomera system equipped with eight sensors is sufficient to replace up to 35 standard megapixel cameras. Optimising airport operations Panomera offers unique capabilities for optimising airport operations, such as aircraft turnaround time, as well as monitoring airfield traffic on both aprons and runways Moreover, in conjunction with intelligently designed video management and analysis systems, Panomera offers unique capabilities for optimising airport operations, such as aircraft turnaround time, as well as monitoring airfield traffic on both aprons and runways (e.g. ground support equipment on the way to restocking aircraft galleys). The fact security personnel are provided with a comprehensive overview of the entire airport, regardless of where their individual focus may at any given time, means that they can react quickly to any incidents. Video technology can therefore assist airports with the implementation of the Europe-wide optimisation concept of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), which is supported by a number of organisations including the European Organisations for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) and the Airport Council International Europe. The latter represents over 500 airports from 45 European countries. A-CDM specifically aims to enhance the operational efficiency of airports, which opens up various application areas for video technology. Proactive video monitoring as is enabled by the Dallmeier video information systems, instead of passive surveillance, is the way forward across different industries - including airports.

LAN airline, one of the most important airline companies in Latin America, is based in Lima, Peru. The airline company operates scheduled domestic and international services, controlling over seventy percent of the domestic market. Its main base and maintenance centre are located in Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, which is a significant transfer hub and aviation infrastructure of South America. The LAN airline deploys its surveillance system with Dahua solutions for its office and airplane maintenance centre, which plays a vital role to keep customers' airplanes flying safely. As what the customer specified, they want the centre covered to ensure a 100% regular management and operation. However, since it is located inside of Jorge Chávez International Airport, it brings along with a hassle as neither too many cables nor wireless antennas are allowed because it may generate electronic jamming. The Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power AP mode wireless video transmission Under this circumstance, Dahua team suggested to use a hybrid solution — a combination of AP (access points) and wire transmission — wirelessly transmit the camera data to inter-connected sub-centres, and then cable-transmit to the control room. The ‘AP mode’ wireless video transmission system includes access points, feeders, PoE, antennas and power cables, allowing a 3.0km to 5.0km long-distance fast transmission with a wide angle, by which, the coverage is further expanded. High-quality images at low power consumption There are in total hundreds of network cameras and Dahua speed domes adopted, ranging from basic line-up to the Eco-Savvy series with versatile shapes such as domes and box cameras according to the actual surveillance surroundings. Take the Eco-Savvy camera series for example, the dome camera is able to provide high-quality image with much lower power consumption — saving up to 50% energy compared with similar products from other bidders. Moreover, the Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power, lowering the power output of the airport. Over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording As for storage, over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording; and its PoE function simplifies installation and reduces signal interference. The NVR accommodates up to 16TB with 4 SATAs supported, ensuring a large volume 24/7 storage. Products deliver excellent performance “Actually, we have many bidders and the final reason that drives us to cooperate with Dahua is their outstanding product quality and service. We can see their professionalism in video surveillance and plus their sincerity makes us moved during the communication,” said Luis A. Gómez Cornejo, Supervisor of Electronic Security at LAN Perú. “The implementation went great, they deployed the system within quite a short time and the products are in very good performance.” “We feel super honoured to be involved in this case,” said William Zhou, Sales Director for Latin Americas at Dahua Technology. “In recent years, we are going vertical rather than providing simple and individual products. And this project deepened our insight and practical experience towards airport projects.”

Though it has been statistically proven that taking a plane is no riskier than taking a bus, people do have reasons to put extra caution on air travel safety, especially in a time replete with terrorist threats. A major line of defence must be the various sections of the airports, which, as a gateway to the outside world and transportation hub of the city, has always been on the top of the safety list of the government and all related authorities. Dahua’s Airport Solution is an intelligent security system to help ensure the safety of the airports. Elements of an effective solution First of all, an effective solution requires a complicated collaboration of multiple (sub)systems such as monitoring system, alarm system, access control system, network transmission system and management platform. As is known to all, the more steps and players it takes, the higher likelihood for a mistake to occur. Secondly, airports include a variety of places such as terminal areas, parking lots, office areas, freight areas, front desk areas (including the square in front of the terminal building), the flight areas, hangars, the perimeter area and so on, each of which operate on vertical management system. Yet due to the diversity of places and the complexity of personnel & cargoes coming in and going out in huge flow, there are too many risky elements to control. Thirdly, it’s not only about accuracy but also about swiftness when it comes to airport security. Safety should bring efficiency and not the other way around. For example, in April 2017, a drone flew into Chengdu Airport, resulting in the runway closing down for 80 minutes, the loss of which was estimated as at least 10 million dollars, not to mention collateral damages in the broad sense. Dahua’s Airport Solution is a unified security system combining multifunctional HD surveillance cameras with deep-learning AI  Unifying a security system Designed to solve all the difficulties mentioned above, Dahua’s Airport Solution is a unified security system combining multifunctional HD surveillance cameras with deep-learning AI that can analyse the big data to get the target, be it a car, a face or a series of numbers. In terms of vehicle management: you can adopt all-in-one cameras to capture and recognise license plates of vehicles accessing the airport. This will trigger the alarm when detecting illegal, stolen, blacklisted, hit-and-run, crime-related and other suspects’ vehicles. Covering the whole route of a vehicle, from entrance highway, to parking lots and then to exit, the surveillance system can effectively assist security guards and police to keep a smooth service, and respond quickly when things go wrong, even if it’s just something from the car that was left behind due to carelessness. In terms of passenger management, the same full coverage of the security system also applies to this, from someone stepping off the car to one’s entering terminal building and checking-in area and all the way to the last step to the boarding gate. The HD surveillance cameras endowed with deep-learning AI have world-leading accuracy in face recognition and e-passport verification. Any suspect, should they show up in the airport area, will at once trigger the alarm. Guarding the airport perimeter Dahua’s Airport Solution also takes care of another crucial part of airport that is the perimeter area. One must resort to special equipment like thermal imaging cameras to keep the safety of the said area. An example of this is Dahua’s solution for one specific airport, which covers a perimeter of 30 km and boasts an annual throughput of 30,000,000 people and 8,000,00 tons of cargo. According to the thermal imaging calculation form below: Dahua chose to use a 100mm lens with a resolution of 640 x 512 and set the installation height at 5M, which detects 1.8m x 0.5m, showing people from within 3000m. The perimeter will be well covered for intruder detection purpose with 10 cameras. The intelligent analysis of IVS (intelligent video system) requires 10 x 10 pixels, under which condition, each thermal imaging camera can detect and analyse objects from within 400m. There is in total 12km of perimeter length in need of such cameras, so Dahua chose to place 30 there, totalling 40 thermal imaging cameras to solve the problem. Advantages of using Dahua tech It should be noted that Dahua’s thermal imaging technology has the following advantages: PTZ function, long distance surveillance (which can detect a vehicle 8.8 km away), long distance zoom, binocular lens (optical and thermal imaging lens), and strong intelligence (which can detect intrusion). Compared to alternate perimeter protection equipment on the market today, such as vibration fibre sensor and IR beam sensor, thermal imaging camera has higher accuracy and less false alarm while directly providing video to verify. Dahua has established stable cooperation with world-renowned platforms like Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, AXXON, ISS, infusing Dahua’s Airport Solution with more possibilities. Supported by strong R&D resources and good working relationships earned in multiple previous collaborations with partners, Dahua can ensure seamless integration whether it’s front-end IPC or back-end NVR, fulfilling different demands of clients and building a sound security system for the airport. In future, Dahua will keep investing in R&D of cutting-edge technologies into the realm of civil aviation video surveillance solutions. With a mission of “Safer Society, Smarter Living”, Dahua will continue to focus on “Innovation, Quality, and Service” to serve partners and customers around the world.

The “Roaring Twenties” was a decade of economic growth and widespread prosperity, driven by recovery from devastation, a construction boom, and welcoming of new technologies such as automobiles and electricity. As we look ahead to the big picture of the 2020s, 100 years later, are there parallels that suggest a successful decade ahead? Might recovery from the devastation of COVID-19 help to drive even higher levels of economic growth and technical innovation? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Does the new decade represent a new “Roaring Twenties” for the physical security market?

We are several weeks into 2021, and it is already shaping up to be an eventful year. The happenings and trends from 2020 will likely carry over into the new year, but in a fast-moving industry such as ours, there will also be additional trends to watch. Looking toward the year ahead, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the biggest security trends in 2021?

As an industry, we often speak in buzzwords. In addition to being catchy and easy to remember, these new and trendy industry terms can also reflect the state of the security market’s technology. In short, the latest buzzwords provide a kind of shorthand description of where the industry is - and where it’s going. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new buzzword(s) rose to prominence in the security industry in 2020? (And how do they reflect industry trends?)