Industrial & commercial security applications

Using a smart phone as an access control credential is an idea whose time has come – or has it? The flexible uses of smart phones are transforming our lives in multiple ways, and the devices are replacing everything from our alarm clocks to our wallets to our televisions. However, the transformation from using a card to using a mobile credential for access control is far from a no-brainer for many organisations, which obstacles to a fast or easy transition. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: When will mobile credentials dominate access control, and what are the obstacles to greater adoption?

In 1973, a brilliant economist named E.F. Schumacher wrote a seminal book titled ‘Small Is Beautiful:’ taking an opposing stance to the emergence of globalisation and “bigger is better” industrialism. He described the advantages of smaller companies and smaller scales of production, highlighting the benefits of building our economies around the needs of communities, not corporations. In almost every industry or market that exists in the world today, you're likely to find a difference in size between companies. Whether it’s a global retail chain versus a small family-owned store, a corporate restaurant chain versus a mom-and-pop diner or a small bed and breakfast versus a large hotel chain — each side of the coin presents unique characteristics and advantages in a number of areas. Disparity in physical security industry Customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises as the big names typically imply stability This disparity very clearly exists in the physical security industry, and differences in the sizes of product manufacturers and service providers could have important implications for the quality and type of the products and services offered. All too often, customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises, as the big names typically imply stability, extensive product offerings and global reach. And that's not to say that these considerations are unwarranted; one could argue that larger companies have more resources for product development and likely possess the combined expertise and experience to provide a wide range of products and services. But the value that a company’s products and services can bring isn’t necessarily directly related to or dependent on its size. In an age where the common wisdom is to scale up to be more efficient and profitable, it’s interesting to pause and think about some of the possible advantages of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Typically, “small” companies are defined as those with less than 100 employees and “medium” with less than 500. Providing social mobility  Schumacher argued that smaller companies are important engines of economic growth. Indeed, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of 36 member countries that promotes policies for economic and social well-being, SMBs account for 60 to 70 percent of jobs in most OECD countries. Importantly, SMBs provide resilience in that there are often large economic and social impacts when big companies fail. Smaller companies are better for regional economies in general, as earnings stay more local compared to big businesses, which in turn generates additional economic activity. SMBs are also better at providing social mobility for disadvantaged groups by giving them opportunities and enabling them to realise their potential. Smaller companies are often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions such as Cloud, analytics, AI, and IoT New companies introduce new technologies There's no denying the role of start-ups when it comes to innovation. In the security industry, many new technologies (e.g. Cloud, analytics, AI, IoT) are first brought to the market by newer companies. In general, smaller companies’ products and services often have to be as good or better than others to be competitive in the marketplace. They are therefore often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions. And these companies are also more willing to try out other new B2B solutions, while larger companies tend to be more risk-averse. Customer service Aside from the quality of products and services, arguably one of the most important components of a security company’s success is its ability to interact with and provide customers the support that they deserve. Smaller companies are able to excel and stand out to their customers in a number of ways: Customer service. Customers’ perceptions of a product’s quality are influenced by the quality of support, and smaller manufacturers often possess a strong, motivated customer service team that can be relatively more responsive to customers of all sizes, not just the large ones. A superior level of support generally translates into high marks on customer satisfaction, since customers’ issues with products can be resolved promptly. Flexibility. SMBs have a greater capacity to detect and satisfy small market niches. While large companies generally create products and services for large markets, smaller companies deal more directly with their customers, enabling them to meet their needs and offer customised products and services. And this translates to adaptability, as SMBs become responsive to new market trends. By having a pulse on the market, smaller companies have much more flexibility in their supply chain and can adjust much faster in response to changing demand. Decision-making. Smaller companies are much more agile in decision-making, while larger enterprises often suffer from complex, tedious and lengthy decision-making processes. Communication is easier throughout SMBs, as smaller teams enable new ideas to flow and can solve problems faster. Job satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction. SMBs are also generally more connected to local communities and participation in community activities leads to a greater sense of purpose. Additionally, SMBs have a much smaller impact on the environment, which is increasingly becoming an important consideration for today’s employees and customers. Though Schumacher's book takes a much deeper dive into the large global effects of scale on people and profitability, the general impact of a company’s size on its products and services is clear. It’s important for all players in the security industry to remember that the commitment and dedication to product quality can be found in businesses of all sizes. Ensuring safety of people, property and assets Large manufacturers may catch your eye, but small business shouldn’t be forgotten, as they can offer end users a robust set of attributes and benefits. While all security companies are aiming to achieve a common goal of providing safety for people, property and assets, smaller businesses can provide extensive value when it comes to driving the economy, innovating in the industry, providing quality employment and offering superior customer service.

Repercussions are rippling through the physical security industry since President Trump signed into law the ban on government uses of surveillance equipment by Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua. In addition to the direct and indirect consequences of the new law, there have also been other developments likely to impact the future of Chinese companies in the video surveillance market. The ban has raised awareness of Chinese companies’ role in video surveillance, and other developments are related to tariffs and possible sanctions, all playing out amid the backdrop of an escalating trade war. One Chinese manufacturer previously dismissed security concerns about its role in video surveillance as “Cold War rhetoric.” There has been an almost nostalgic tone recently to the escalating concerns about video cameras being used for spying. Hikvision and Dahua have both stated emphatically that they have not conducted any espionage-related activities. Even so, the U.S. government ban has emboldened the concerns. However, to be clear: No one has alleged that technologies from either of the companies have been used for espionage. Rather, the concerns are about the potential for misuse, not actual misuse. Also aggravating the situation are Chinese companies’ previous, actual problems with cybersecurity, which the companies say they have addressed. Here are some recent developments related to the U.S. government ban and Chinese manufacturers in general: Tariffs and trade concerns Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods, including data storage and processing components such as printed circuit boards, as well as video camera lenses. The escalating trade war has kept generalised concerns about China and its trade practices in the public eye and fomented a level of uncertainty in many markets, including physical security. Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods Involvement of surveillance in Chinese human rights violations Concerns have surfaced in a Congressional hearing recently about the Chinese government’s surveillance activities targeting the Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the Zinjiang Urghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Specific attention is being directed at the region’s surveillance system including “thousands of surveillance cameras, including in mosques,” and Hikvision and Dahua were mentioned in the Congressional hearing as profiting from security spending in the area. Increased global media attention The ban has not been widely publicised in the U.S. mainstream media, but the topic has attracted global attention. For example, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast a 10-minute expose on the use of Chinese-made cameras in Australian government facilities, including “sensitive military facilities.” The report, which mentioned the U.S. ban, noted that “Both [Hikvision and Dahua] have had security flaws be exposed leading to fears that some of the flaws were placed there to help the Chinese government spy.” The report continues: “China is trying to set itself up as the number-one country for cyber-espionage, and this is part of that platform.” How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of "critical infrastructure" mentioned in the bill? Broader interpretation of the bill beyond the federal government The language in the bill leaves a level of ambiguity in terms of the scope of its application, and the security marketplace as a whole has been struggling to understand its full impact. Does the ban only restrict an integrator’s use of Chinese technology on a specific government job, or does it eliminate an integrator who installs the technology (even in non-government projects) from consideration for government jobs? How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of “critical infrastructure” mentioned in the bill, for example, non-governmental facilities? Will other governments and private entities assume they should ban Hikvision and Dahua in order to be compliant? For example, Suffolk, Virginia, has announced it will not to use Dahua or Hikvision cameras because the federal ban applies to “U.S. government-funded contracts and for critical infrastructure and national security usage.” The result of these developments is a kind of snowball effect, simultaneously drawing attention to the issues and adding new elements to an overall narrative. Taken together, these developments suggest the U.S. ban has set off a level of concern about Chinese companies that will have an industry-transforming impact in the months to come.

Newly modernised halls with lots of daylight will house hundreds of exhibitions and conference events at the upcoming Security Essen 2018 at Messe Essen, Germany. A new layout and hall numbering system will be unfamiliar to past attendees but promises to simplify the experience as it brings together attendees and exhibitors. European physical security market Security Essen is an international trade fair, but the emphasis is more on German, Austrian and Swiss companies. In all, Security Essen will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 40 nations. The trade fair has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market. At the last Security Essen in 2016, organisers reported about 40,000 visitors including conference participants, VIP guests, members of various delegations and journalists. Security Essen 2018 has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market  “This year, we have sharpened the profile of Security Essen,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, a trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. “The trade fair has become considerably more digital, more modern and more interactive. Due to the optimised hall layout, we are offering our exhibitors and visitors the best possible experience with short paths and direct communication.” Newly modernised Messe Essen The newly modernised site of Security Essen will encompass eight halls, newly renumbered and with the subject areas reorganised, too. Visitors will find Services in Hall 1; Access, Mechanatronics, Mechanics and Systems in Halls 2 and 3 and the Galeria; Perimeter Protection in Hall 3; Video in Halls 5 and 7; and Fire, Intrusion and Systems in Halls 6 and 7. A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS), will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan; the exhibitor list with booth numbers and contact information; and an overview of the supporting programme. A separate hall – Hall 8 – will house new Cyber Security and Economic Security categories. Cyber Security Conference At the new Cyber Security Conference, located prominently at the new East Entrance, experts will share their knowledge about the more pressing challenges and potential of cybersecurity. The programme opens and closes on 25 and 28 September with the main topic “Opportunities and Risks of Cyber Security”. On 26 September, discussions and lectures will centre on “Entry, Admission, Access: Identification Options”.A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan On 27 September, the topic will be smart homes and focus on “Connected Building, Security in the Buildings of the Future”. Speakers will include the president of Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security, who will address cybersecurity as a challenge for politics, business and society. The fair organises the conference in cooperation with the BHE Federal Association of Security Technology and the technical support of the Federal Office for Information Security. In Hall 8, a new Public Security Forum will enable visitors to experience digital security technologies for public spaces from the areas of sensors/IoT, cyber security and surveillance. The products and solutions will be installed in four different building scenarios (town hall, school, hospital and library) and it will be possible to test them extensively. The forum, including lectures and discussions, will target municipal decision makers and planners of public spaces. Comprehensive programme A Security Expert Forum in Hall 2 will present a continuous programme with more than 90 presentations during the period of the fair. Visitors will obtain information and solution ideas about all six subject areas covered at the fair, and the programme will begin with a keynote lecture each morning and finish with a live demonstration in the evening. On the first day of the fair (25 September), Security Essen’s Career Forum will introduce retrainees, students, trainees and graduates to companies from the security industry. Targeted and professional communication will be established between companies and job applicants to facilitate making contacts, developing networks, and filling actual vacancies. Thursday (27 September) will be observed as Fire Prevention Day, and a Drone Course will be provided each day in Hall 7. One day admission to Security Essen is €41; a four-day ticket is €105. Advance sale tickets are discounted.

GSX 2018 is both a new event for the security industry and the continuation of a 63-year tradition. Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual seminar and exhibits, which have been held since 1955. In recent years, the ASIS event has joined forces with other organisations to expand its scope and to appeal to a broader audience. Partners include ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) and Infragard, a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The expansion is continuing this year with the addition of 30 supporting organisations representing industry verticals and reflecting ASIS’s intent to unite the full spectrum of security. Improving the state of cyber security Held September 23-27 at the Las Vegas convention Center, GSX 2018 seeks to attract more than 20,000 operational and cyber security professionals and 550 exhibitors. The Cyber Security Summit will co-locate with GSX, offering cyber security programming at a time when it is needed the most Other elements will further expand the 2018 event’s scope. The Cyber Security Summit will co-locate with GSX, offering cyber security programming at a time when it is needed the most. Top government, industry and academic thought leaders will engage in a dialogue to improve the state of cyber security. The 2018 Security Cares Program will address school violence prevention and response in a free education program. Topics will include pre-violence indicators, target hardening, and best practices to involve the entire community of school administrators, law enforcement, security professionals and mental health providers. Experts to deliver keynote speeches Keynote speakers including CNN host Fareed Zakaria will bestow celebrity appeal. Air Force Major General Bradley D. Spacy will share details about the new AFWERX innovation and tech hub in Las Vegas and how the U.S. Air Force is collaborating with the private sector to bring new security product ideas to market. Spacy’s keynote on Sept. 26 will kick off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Also, K.T. McFarland, former Trump Administration Deputy National Security Advisor, will share an insider’s perspective on critical foreign policy and defence industries. Attendees to ASIS International’s annual gathering typically list networking and education as big benefits of the event. Historically, the trade show aspect has existed separately from the educational program, and foot traffic to the exhibits has sometimes suffered from the competition. Beginning last year, and continuing in 2018, ASIS International has pursued innovative approaches to integrate the trade show more closely into the overall attendee experience. “The integration of programming and exhibits is truly seamless,” says one observer of the new approach. Held Sept. 23-27 at the Las Vegas convention Center, GSX 2018 seeks to attract more than 20,000 operational and cyber security professionals and 550 exhibitors X Learning Theatres GSX has sought to transform the exhibit hall into a ‘learning lab environment’ that features thousands of security products, technologies and service solutions (provided by the exhibitors), in addition to ‘immersive learning opportunities to connect the current and emerging threat landscape with solutions available in the marketplace’. There are several ‘X Learning Theatres’, including one (‘X-Stage’) focussed on leading-edge technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI, drones, and robotics. There is also an ‘Xcelerated Exchange Stage’ to facilitate discussions among security practitioners and solution providers. The ‘Xperience Stage’ showcases case studies and best practices. Also attracting more attendees to the Exhibit Hall will be ‘Career HQ’, a free career fair and enhanced career centre. ‘D3 Xperience’ (Drones, Droids Defence) will focus on unmanned systems with education and demos. The ‘Innovative Product Awards (IPAs) Showcase’ will highlight winners of an awards program. Focussing on security practices GSX is not as much about sales leads as about making connections and contributing to a larger conversation about how to protect people, facilities and assets ASIS International (now GSX 2018) is often compared to ISC West, the U.S. industry’s largest show held in Las Vegas in the spring. GSX 2018 this year may face even more scrutiny based on the changes, rebranding, and location (also in Las Vegas). However, GSX is a completely different show than ISC West, which focuses on the business of security. In contrast, GSX is much more about the practice of security than business. The international network of ASIS International members attend the yearly conference to make new connections, to learn and to benefit from the experiences of other security professionals around the world. The successful trade show exhibitors are the ones that approach the show with that understanding. GSX is not as much about sales leads as about making connections and contributing to a larger conversation about how to protect people, facilities and assets. ASIS International deserves credit for their efforts to integrate the trade show element into the larger goal of the event. Hopefully their new approach will enhance the overall experience for both attendees and exhibitors – and help to make the world a safer place as a consequence.

By now your organisation should know the drill. To keep your enterprise safe from unauthorised access you take the basic precautions: create strong passwords that are not re-used and are updated frequently, use updated anti-virus software, employ host and network-based intrusion detection and prevention, data encryption, etc. etc. However, complacency has no place in cybersecurity. Hackers are working round-the-clock to outwit your most ardent security professionals. Here are a few specific vulnerabilities that require immediate and constant attention to stay safe in a hostile security world. Protect against burst attacks You may be aware of DDoS, or distributed denial of service attacks. In fact, Cisco writes that these online attacks — where high-volume traffic floods a system’s servers, making web traffic extremely slow — grew 172% in 2016. But in the last few years, Cisco documents how "burst attacks", a type of DDoS attack that floods traffic in short bursts at random times over a prolonged period, has skyrocketed. They claim that in one study, 42% of the companies faced a burst attack in 2017. Burst attacks change vectors throughout an attack, making it difficult to create a signature to block the attack According to Radware, on-premises DDoS protection needs to adapt to counter these often less than one-minute attacks. While the majority of these solutions detect burst attacks, they write that "most of them limit the rate of bad (and legitimate) traffic to a certain threshold, resulting in a high level of false positives." One big challenge is burst attacks change vectors throughout an attack, making it difficult to create a signature to block the attack. They recommend adopting two key solutions: 1) a behavioural DDoS protection system that utilises machine learning algorithms to identify the patterns of burst attacks, and 2) measuring the degree-of-attack (DoA) surface, which looks at the bandwidth or rate of a specific type of traffic and the percentage of a given type of traffic out of the entire distribution of traffic. If an attack rates high in both the bandwidth and percentage parameters, then it gets a high DoA surface score, showing that a burst attack likely occurred. Prioritise network infrastructure Nefarious actors have been exploiting both enterprise level and small/home office and residential routers For companies with in-house information technology staff, network infrastructure usually gets plenty of attention. Proper configuration, maintenance and security are often key considerations for infrastructure due to its importance to the business. What about smaller entities? Do you have a small switch or router you either purchased or leased from your internet service provider? If so, when was the last time you updated it? In Alert TA18-106A, the United States Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) shares information dating all the way back to 2015 on how nefarious actors have been exploiting both enterprise level and small office/home office and residential routers and switches. If you haven’t changed passwords and updated the software/firmware on these devices yet it should be near the top of your priority list. Hide sensitive web pages from search engines Search engines are an easy first step for someone looking to exploit your environment. They can conduct searches of your known web presence, looking for pages which might not have been meant for the general public but are still accessible. Using robots.txt pages can be excluded from search engine crawlers. Entrepreneur.com suggests checking out a tutorial from SEObook.com to learn more about how you can do this. Keep in mind this will only deter the most basic attackers as more sophisticated attackers will conduct manual searches. Update passwords on your IoT devices Data at rest is important, but data in transit is just as important to encrypt, particularly sensitive information It is shocking how many IoT devices are used in our daily lives, such as security and video conference cameras, cars, and smart sensors, but also contraptions you probably forgot are now connected to the internet, such as garage doors, appliances, etc. Tom’s Guide gives a good list of the many things you should remember to update. Use encryption to protect data in transit Encryption your data at rest – when it is stored somewhere – is incredibly important. However, your encryption efforts should not stop there. Data in transit is just as important to encrypt, particularly sensitive information. This could include communication between your websites and applications or even just communications within your company. Unencrypted information is at risk to an eavesdropper on your network. To prevent the data from being usable to potential eavesdroppers, ensure you are using encrypted connections such as HTTPS, SSL, TLS, FTPS, etc.

BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical companies. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. The company has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885 and currently is one of the largest foreign investors in the Chinese chemical industry with major investments in Nanjing, Shanghai and Chongqing. Need for protection According to BASF’s Greater China Report published in 2012, local production enables more intensive collaboration with customers based in Greater China, and improves resource efficiency. BASF posted sales of over $6.8 billion in 2012 and employed 7,305 people. Protecting BASF’s chemical facilities demands high levels of security because of the nature of the operations and their potential for being the target of threats and/or criminal activities. To help safeguard people, property and assets, BASF’s security management has implemented a layered security approach that starts with perimeter protection. Fences and intrusion detection systems only provide limited protection, and false alerts create additional security issues. To provide more comprehensive and actionable coverage, BASF China needed real-time, visual monitoring of the perimeter on a 24/7 basis, without adding any additional lighting.To help safeguard people, property and assets, BASF’s security management has implemented a layered security approach Megapixel solution Working in collaboration with Tyco Fire and Security China, the BASF security team selected Arecont Vision’s 3-megapixel (MP) AV3135 colour cameras to meet their video security needs. The dual sensor AV3135 also has a 1.3MP true monochrome sensor that provides low-light performance. As the ambient light diminishes, the AV3135 switches to the monochrome sensor to deliver clear, high resolution surveillance images for identification and recording purposes. The Arecont Vision AV3135 megapixel cameras also provide an increased coverage area for better situational awareness compared to analogue or IP VGA cameras; and improved functionality including the ability to digitally zoom into live scenes and recorded video while maintaining high resolution. And because of the cameras’ superior day/night capability, no expenses were incurred to install additional lighting. No local power sources needed Another cost saving benefit of the Arecont Vision AV3135 megapixel cameras is that they are Powered over Ethernet (PoE) which eliminates the need to install local power sources. The AV3135 megapixel cameras are part of Arecont Vision’s H.264 MegaVideo® line of cameras that offer bandwidth and storage efficiency of 10x greater on average over traditional megapixel counterparts. The proven results laid to rest management’s concerns about storage space. BASF’s corporate security team was highly impressed with the quality and coverage of the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras when images were compared to analogue cameras. “Arecont Vision megapixel cameras provide the extremely clear images that are needed for security monitoring of the facility perimeter," said Raylene Xie, Global Account Manager, Tyco Fire and Security China. "Even BASF corporate was excited about the difference in quality between the megapixel and analogue images." The increased image quality of megapixel video played the largest role in providing superior perimeter security for the BASF facility. Expanded coverage areas and day/night capability of the Arecont Vision AV3135 cameras also contributed to a successful and effective new system.

The average German consumer generates nearly 213 kilos of packaging waste every year. ZAK–Zentrale Abfallwirtschaft Kai­serslautern—the municipal waste manage­ment company of Kaiserslautern, treats, recycles and disposes of this and other types of waste for the more than 250,000 residents of the city and district of Kaiser­slautern, Germany. ZAK relies on MOBOTIX video systems to ensure that operations run smoothly and that the 88-hectare premises of the modern waste manage­ment facility remain safe. Modern waste treatment The landfill was closed in 1999 due to changes in the law. Since then, the waste from the city and district of Kaiserslautern has undergone mechanical biological treatment and been disposed of exter­nally, or it has been thermally treated by an external company. For this reason, the waste collection and treatment facilities are therefore a priority, as well. All facili­ties are subjected to continuous improve­ment processes to remain state-of-the-art. The same applies to MOBOTIX camera solutions. “Initially we were using analogue video sys­tems to keep an eye on the gate and facil­ities. Now there are 65 modern MOBOTIX video IP solutions ensuring smooth oper­ations on the premises,” explains Michael Hentz, IT and telecommunications man­ager at ZAK. Camera for fire prevention and detection There are two M15D thermal cameras in use to monitor the temperature of the tim­ber shelter in general and more specifi­cally, the temperature of the fuel. The video systems can automatically detect events within a range from -40 to 550 °C (-40 to 1022 °F), thanks to a thermal sensor technology and thermal radiometry. For this reason, the technology is well suited to operate as an automatic alarm when paired with temperature thresholds or ranges.One of the thermal cameras has been sus­pended in the timber shelter where it monitors the entire area for high tempera­tures One of the thermal cameras has been sus­pended in the timber shelter where it monitors the entire area for high tempera­tures. A fire can break out quickly during the fermentation process. This way, materials with exces­sive temperatures being added to the facilities when brought by truck can be detected. The second video solution has been installed in a location where the material is trans­ported by crane so it can be fed into the incineration process. Mr. Hentz explains: “We can know exactly how high the tem­perature is in the timber shelter and can take countermeasures, if necessary.” Video solution replaces rearview camera In addition to the thermal cameras, 90 % of the cameras that ZAK uses are M25 video systems, which are distributed over the premises, especially in areas where people are not present. The M25 camera is a compact, affordable and powerful all-round system that uses 6MP Moonlight technology. “These cameras are particu­larly excellent because they are robust, low-maintenance and weatherproof,” adds Mr. Hentz. “These features play a very critical role because dirt is omnipresent at the waste management facility. And of course, this dirt collects on the cameras, as well. But the MOBOTIX models continue to perform well. They’ve really proven themselves.” A thermal camera has been sus­pended in the timber shelter where it monitors the entire area for high tempera­tures Video systems have also been installed on buildings where there is little leeway. Driv­ers of the two trucks, which are constantly moving back and forth on the premises, use a tablet computer to view the images provided by these cameras. It gives the drivers a good vantage point of things when they are manoeuvring their vehicles, and it pre­vents accidents. “Rearview cameras are of little use, as they become dirty quickly,” concedes Mr. Hentz, “which is what gave us the idea to provide tablets to our driv­ers, so they can use the images generated by the cameras.” Two T25 IP Video Door Stations have been installed on the exterior and interior area near the main gate. They are used for door communication and access control. Addi­tionally, they make it possible to use RFID and keypad solutions to time-control and log access to the premises as well as create photo-documentation. Employees work around the clock at the biomass power plant, which means that chances are, there will be someone on the premises who needs to leave after ZAK closes for the day. In this event, the person can ring a bell and an employee will then open the gate. Quality stands out Mr. Hentz is very pleased with the MOBOTIX solutions. “I’ve been working for a long time with these video systems. They are both exceptionally robust and main­tenance-free. What’s more, it is also easy to manage the network cameras. They score points because data can be stored directly in the camera. "I am also convinced because over the years, you can tell that the features are continually being tweaked. Yet, all cameras work on the same basic principle, which is a tremen­dous advantage when it comes to using them. The range of possible applications is still very diverse, thanks to the high image quality and the option to use vari­ous lenses.”

The Enforcer 32WE APP is a professional high-security wireless solution, that delivers maximum security, flexibility, potential and opportunities for installers and users alike. Profitable business solution With remote programming and diagnosis of the system using InSite UDL software via the PyronixCloud, the Enforcer 32WE APP system can be checked and even amended without having to send an engineer to site. This means there are fewer call-outs for the installer, or, should an engineer still be required to go to site, any issue can be pinpointed before arriving, which means much greater efficiency. This makes the system a much more profitable solution for their business. The initial installation is also much more efficient and flexible utilising the PyronixCloud and two-way wireless technology. Setting up an account on the PyronixCloud avoids the difficulty of having to set up static IP, while the sheer volume of Pyronix two-way wireless peripherals with features like one-push-to-learn and signal strength indicators (SSI), alongside wired expanders, allow the installer to tailor any installation to perfectly protect any property. Superior real-time remote control Users can rest assured knowing that the Enforcer 32WE APP is a superior security solution that can meet their property needs, with simple and non-invasive fitting and expandability. Another key benefit for the user is the HomeControl+ App, which gives them complete real-time control of their system from anywhere in the world. So, the system not only protects the property but provides the user complete functionality, with remote arming and disarming, as well as control of any wired automation outputs. They can even check the status of every device on the system in real-time and much more.

Security and surveillance systems are becoming critical to manufacturing plants and factories by helping to address the theft of raw materials, the theft of IP, and the tampering of equipment, machinery and cargo. They can also serve as an effective monitoring tool for overseeing assembly line production and worker safety. A Micron/Repon case study Repon, a manufacturer of high-quality ball bearing slides used in various industries including server- and rack-mount systems, office/home furniture, white appliances, tool boxes and medical carts, recently deployed an advanced security and surveillance system—an edge storage solution—at their newly built manufacturing plant in the south of Taiwan. Their system architect, Apogear, integrated Micron’s industrial microSD cards into this solution. In the case of Repon’s deployment, 24x7 operational requirements needed to be met while minimising the risk of data lossIn this case study, we discuss why Repon implemented an edge storage solution and how they will benefit—from a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective—with Micron’s industrial microSD cards. Why edge storage? The simple answer: to enhance overall system reliability. In the case of Repon’s deployment, 24x7 operational requirements needed to be met while minimising the risk of data loss. Edge storage—the recording of video and storing it at the camera—provides recording redundancy, helping to reduce the risk of data loss. By storing a second copy of recorded video in a microSD card, edge storage provides backup in case there are any issues with the primary network storage (including network reliability issues). In the event the primary network storage goes offline, video continues recording in the microSD card. The recorded video can then be synchronised to network video recorders (NVRs) or video management systems (VMS) after the primary system is restored. Selecting the right industrial microSD Card Historically, memory manufacturers sell the lowest quality NAND flash (media grade) memory to the memory card market. While this quality of NAND can be sufficient for storing pictures and video (where data is written to once and stored), using it in microSD cards for edge storage (where data can be written and rewritten to often) is not recommended. Figure 1: Edge Storage for Recording Redundancy Edge recording with memory specifically designed to support 24x7 recording over a long period of time requires a new understanding of how that memory is made— from silicon selection, to manufacturing flow, to product design, to qualification testing. Many microSD cards available in the market today are intended for consumer use in digital still cameras (DSCs), car dash cams, or home cameras; they are not designed for commercial and industrial edge storage in IP video surveillance cameras. As such, edge storage can often be viewed as ‘unreliable’ by system integrators and installers.Users may not understand that the lifetime and quality of a microSD card can vary significantly depending on the quality of the card Users may not understand that the lifetime and quality of a microSD card can vary significantly depending on the quality of the card. Selecting the wrong quality of microSD card can result in costly field failures, often occurring within months after deployment. The importance of selecting the right memory card in an edge storage solution is illustrated in Apogear’s analysis of Repon’s edge storage solution. The analysis also shows the cost savings Repon anticipates from using Micron’s Industrial microSD cards in their solution. Project cost analysis and assumptions Apogear’s total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis (below) is reflected in relative percentages, and not on actual dollars and cents given regional and vendor differences. To create an understanding of the project scale, the TCO was estimated at approximately $850,000 USD over a three-year contract term in regards to deploying a 600-camera system at Repon’s manufacturing facility using Micron Industrial microSD cards. Figure 2: Cost Distribution Data, as provided by Apogear Figure 2 provides the percentage of costs during the estimated lifecycle of the edge storage system. The cost per system phase amounts to: Equipment cost (68%) - the cost of an IP camera, networking equipment (switch, cables, etc.), accessories, NVR and central monitoring system (CMS), and storage (HDD and microSD card). Deployment cost (20%) - the cost of installation, configuration and integration. Design cost (2%) - the cost of consulting and system architecture design. Maintenance cost (8%) - the cost of planned, regular and additional maintenance services. Decommission cost (2%) – the cost of dismounting and recycling equipment at the end of its lifetime Why Micron’s industrial microSD card? Micron’s solution is backed with a 3-year product warranty under professional surveillance use casesThe importance of product reliability is often underestimated when considering the cost of maintenance and field service. When a retail-grade microSD card fails, the card must be replaced. Not only are there direct costs of sending a crew to service and replace the card, but there are also outage times that can result in significantly more costs. By implementing Micron’s industrial microSD card, which is designed for 24/7 video surveillance edge storage usage, it is estimated that Repon will see an approximate $141,000, or about 16%, improvement in TCO compared to using an off-the-shelf retail microSD card1. High reliability and quality, lower maintenance and replacement costs Micron’s industrial microSD card supports 3 years of high-quality continuous 24/7 video recording with a quality specification of 2 million hours mean time to failure (MTTF) and 0.44% annualized failure rate (AFR) —2X better than a typical HDD today. Additionally, Micron’s solution is backed with a 3-year product warranty under professional surveillance use cases, helping to keep maintenance and replacement costs to a minimum. Figure 3: Maintenance and Replacement Cost Comparison, as provided by Apogear Advanced features minimise risk of data loss Micron’s industrial microSD card contains firmware optimised to provide stable performance for 24x7 high quality video recording with minimal frame drops.Micron understands the unique needs of this market and has developed deep application-level expertise In addition, Micron’s industrial microSD card offers a health monitoring feature for IP camera integration that reports card usage and lifetime remaining. Systems can integrate this feature into their software to alert predictive maintenance service. Micron’s industrial microSD card comes with password protected lock/unlock features to keep the device secure. Conclusion The move to edge recording and high endurance storage is happening across the Industrial IoT landscape. Targeted solid state storage solutions are emerging, and with it, new entrants into the security and surveillance ecosystem. As a leader in automotive and industrial memory solutions, Micron’s new product line of industrial microSD cards are built to meet the requirements of this industry. As a trusted advisor to its embedded customers for more than 25 years, Micron understands the unique needs of this market and has developed deep application-level expertise and a portfolio designed with that in mind. Most importantly, it brings to the market a mindset to deliver sustainable value to its customers.

At one of Spain’s newest co-working spaces, the founders’ vision incorporated using the latest in security, accessibility and design to create a 21st-century business centre. Flexible and wire-free, SMARTair™ from TESA delivers real-time access control that can accommodate both regular daily traffic and busy one-off events at ULab’s dedicated events area. SMARTair Wireless Online management SMARTair™ Wireless Online management now enables access to the building and individual offices to be controlled in real time. ULab’s SMARTair™ system securely manages regular daily traffic of approximately 100 people, and has the flexibility to accommodate many more temporary visitors when their event space is full. “In addition to regular daily traffic, weekly traffic can almost multiply by 10 if an event is held,” says Enrique Burgos. “We needed an access control system as flexible and convenient as SMARTair™.” Also — and critically for ULab — SMARTair™ escutcheons and wall readers complement the ultra-modern design aesthetic of this new workspace. With SMARTair™ Wireless Online, ULab’s facility manager can monitor the building’s security status from a single control point and in real time, controlling who enters and when. The installation permits remote opening of any door at ULab, enabling easy access in cases where users have lost or forgotten their credential. Remote access can be granted from the SMARTair™ Web Manager software, which works on any device inside a standard browser without software installation, or from the SMARTair™ admin app for Apple and Android mobile devices. Individual access rights for user profiles It’s also easy to schedule individual access rights for different user profiles — allowing, for example, site managers to access all doors, but offering occasional users more limited entry to common areas. Changes in status can be made instantly from the Web Manager. And because SMARTair™ locks are operated with RFID smartcards, there’s no security problem if an employee loses their credential. With the SMARTair™ admin software, a simple click cancels the credential’s access rights — a much quicker and cheaper process than replacing a mechanical lock. With contemporary, low-profile design, user-friendly operation and flexible, real-time security functionality, SMARTair™ wireless access control has captured the spirit of ULab. About ULab ULab is a new co-working space in Alicante’s financial district. It has 56 co-working stations, 12 offices and an area reserved for events. For more information, see www.ulab.es. For more information visit www.tesa.es/discoverwireless

  The Dahl Auto Plaza in Winona, Minnesota is part of an auto dynasty that first began in 1911, when Andrew H. Dahl began selling Ford Model T’s out of his general store in Westby, Wisconsin. The company is in its fifth generation of Dahl family ownership with over a century of growth behind it. Today Dahl operates three dealership campuses throughout the Midwestern United States that are home to Subaru, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, and Lincoln automobile franchises. During construction of the new Dahl Auto Plaza in Winona, the installation of a video surveillance system was a required part of the planning. Arecont Vision became the go-to manufacturer for all the dealership’s surveillance cameras. Video surveillance system challenge Winona’s Dahl is home to three different dealerships on a single campus — Chevy, Toyota, and the Dahl Used Car Express Service Centre. The company needed a comprehensive video surveillance system to monitor its parking lots and service bays for traffic, customer flow, vehicle flow, vandalism, and theft. With a desired 15-16 camera limit to cover such a large amount of space, cameras with high image quality and flexibility were essential to the new surveillance system’s success. No other camera manufacturer could compete with the price and performance of the Arecont Vision Omni series Arecont Vision Try-and-Buy programme  The implementation of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras at Dahl Winona began with the use of Arecont Vision’s Try-and-Buy programme at the recommendation of Russ Neitzke, President and Founder of systems integrator Digicom, Inc. Cameras selected for a Try-and-Buy trial can be returned by the systems integrator for a full refund of the purchase price if the customer is unsatisfied. SurroundVideo Omni unique design The only cameras considered for the Dahl video surveillance system were Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Omni models after they were tested. “No other camera manufacturer could compete with the price and performance of the Arecont Vision Omni series,” Mr. Neitzke said. “As a result, no other surveillance camera manufacturers were recommended by Digicom, Inc. or would be able to so effectively cover the 15 acres of new and used vehicle display, public access, and vehicle service areas at the new Dahl Auto Plaza.” The SurroundVideo Omni series features a unique, patented 360o track design. Each camera includes four individual megapixel (MP) sensors mounted in multi-axis gimbals that can be independently placed and aimed in nearly any configuration, allowing coverage to be highly customised to specific project requirements. With features like remote focus in the SurroundVideo Omni G2, interchangeable lenses and high-resolution capabilities (12 and 20MP) in both G1 and G2 series models, the versatility of this camera family is unmatched. For large open spaces such as those found at the new Dahl campus, the SurroundVideo Omni series provides high resolution, omni-directional video in a rugged, low profile enclosure suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The cameras are IK-10 impact resistant and IP66 environmental rated against dust and water, making them ideal for Dahl’s requirements. Reduced need for multiple cameras Most critical for Dahl were the SurroundVideo Omni series benefits of low maintenance, high video resolution, and the ability to reduce the number of cameras required for full situational awareness throughout the campus. The SurroundVideo Omni 12MP models selected include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology, which aids in producing high quality, clear images even in challenging light situations. The SurroundVideo Omni reduces the need for multiple cameras to cover open spaces, saving the customer money The SurroundVideo Omni reduces the need for multiple cameras to cover open spaces, saving the customer money on both camera cost and installation requirements. Without the need for the constantly moving parts of a legacy Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera, there are no parts, gears, belts, or motors to wear out and to require maintenance in the SurroundVideo Omni series. This reduces ongoing operational costs. With Digicom Inc. designing the surveillance and installation plans, Dahl was in good hands. Dahl selected the SurroundVideo Omni series, reaping the significant benefit of reduced installation time. Each sensor gimbal in a SurroundVideo Omni is magnetically set in place around the 70+ placement-point omnidirectional track and then quickly locked down during installation. This makes it easy for the installer to arrange an ideal coverage layout. Another significant selling point for Dahl was that each SurroundVideo Omni camera requires only a single IP category 5 PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable, which reduces both complexity and installation cost. ExacqVision VMS Dahl can monitor the surveillance system locally, corporate-wide, and on various smartphones and tablets. Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program member ExacqVision is utilised for the video management system (VMS). A single ExacqVision VMS licence is required for each SurroundVideo Omni camera, while providing four high-definition video views. Arecont Vision cameras are certified with ExacqVision and the VMS is installed in the Arecont Vision MegaLab™ to enable ongoing collaboration between the two companies and to ensure the best possible integration and support for customers.  Dahl can monitor the surveillance system locally, corporate-wide, and on various smartphones and tablets Arecont success at Dahl The Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Omni cameras at Dahl have been a great success, with high customer satisfaction. “Basically,” Mr. Neitzke stated, “The coverage that you get with the SurroundVideo Omni is really like buying four cameras in one.” Being able to effectively cover Dahl’s range of campus requirements with fewer cameras and lower purchase, installation, and operational costs meant that Arecont Vision has hit all the required marks for this project, according to Mr. Neitzke. The system has performed incredibly well, with few issues from the end-user. On the rare occasion when an issue has popped up, the Arecont Vision team has been responsive to the customer’s needs, providing technical support, advanced replacements, or any other kind of assistance Dahl has needed for the surveillance system. Future projects Arecont Vision and Dahl are now planning a second, even larger project at Dahl’s campus in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dahl plans on upgrading this campus with a new surveillance system for indoor and outdoor spaces with Arecont Vision cameras. Digicom, Inc. and the Arecont Vision Field Application Engineering groups are developing a campus-wide plan for this next project. SurroundVideo Omni will be ready to be deployed yet again whenever Dahl needs it.