Retail security applications

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

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

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

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

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

Booth number: 20031 Pelco is highly invested in providing end-to-end video surveillance solutions for customers, so this priority will remain the same in 2019 and beyond Pelco’s priorities for 2019 at ISC West are informed by worldwide trends in the security industry. As a result, Pelco will be focusing on enhancing cloud connectivity and cybersecurity for their customers. In addition, VideoXpert is Pelco’s best-selling video management solution, so this system will be the primary solution focus moving forward. Pelco is also planning to build upon Pelco Professional Services, which will include VxCare, a three-tier service plan for VideoXpert owners available worldwide this May. Overall, Pelco is highly invested in providing end-to-end video surveillance solutions for customers, so this priority will remain the same in 2019 and beyond. Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. Pelco was established in its current form around the year 1987, we have been attending ISC West since at least then. One memory that stands out is having to make many coax cables connect with all the analogue cameras and switchers. Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? We truly value the media relationships we’ve nurtured over the years. The security trade media specifically have played a pivotal role in sharing the latest news as it relates to our industry and ISC West. In addition to media relations, e-mail blasts and blogs are also key tools to build buzz around our exhibit. Lastly, we utilise a playbook and training protocols developed for our sales department. This information ultimately benefits our customers because they will receive accurate and up-to-date information about our video surveillance solutions. One way we quantify our success at ISC West is to keep track of the number of people attending our booth Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? One way we quantify our success at ISC West is to keep track of the number of people attending our booth. The show is considered the premier event in North American security so a major way we measure our ROI is through initial or final meetings with customers and partners. These initial connections can happen on or near the show floor. In addition, our product managers and engineers create a dialogue with our customers so they can determine the transferrable value of a potential solution, which in turn influences our product world map. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organise each year? We have participated in the Security 5K in support of Mission 500. Additionally, we sometimes host customers at local end user sites so they get to see the system in operation. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? It’s the best-attended security conference in North America by far, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Artificial intelligence allows machines to do jobs previously done by people. When it comes to security and surveillance, this technology allows cameras and control room equipment to identify a wide range of threats automatically and in real time across hundreds or even thousands of cameras – allowing security teams to take immediate action to protect people and assets. AI technology and surveillance solutions Artificial Intelligence technology built into surveillance solutions help organisations optimise their security Video surveillance cameras are the electronic eyes of any security operation. In the past, human supervision was needed to make sense of the images captured, and to assess whether certain events posed a security risk or not. With some organisations using hundreds or even thousands of cameras to protect their people and assets, manual review of footage is simply impossible – potentially leaving them vulnerable to security breaches. Advanced Artificial Intelligence technology built into surveillance solutions can help organisations overcome this challenge and optimise their security. This means cameras, control-room equipment and back-end infrastructure can now ‘learn’ about potential threats for themselves by recognising people, vehicles and even behaviours. Detection and prevention The manual interventions needed with traditional security systems mean that teams were frequently reacting to breaches that had already happened. Artificial Intelligence changes all this by recognising potential threats before they impact company’s people or assets – allowing security teams to react immediately to neutralise any potential threat. Artificial intelligence solutions can automatically trigger alerts when a person appears in a restricted area For example, artificial Intelligence solutions can automatically trigger alerts when a person appears in a restricted area, or when a vehicle with a blacklisted number plate enters a site. With alerts delivered in real time, teams can identify and react to security threats and protect people and assets more effectively. And because alerts are automated, potential threats are hardly missed or overlooked. How does artificial intelligence work? Artificial Intelligence systems become more intelligent over time, building databases of potential threats and reacting to new events accordingly. This allows systems to ‘think for themselves’ and to alert teams of any suspicious events or people who are caught on camera. Artificial intelligence technologies use advanced algorithms based on Deep Learning to distinguish between different kinds of security events and threats. Technologies incorporated into the Hikvision portfolio include: Facial recognition which allows law enforcement personnel to identify suspects and commercial teams to identify VIP customers in real time. Vehicle identification which can be used to identify vehicle number plates and recognise different types of vehicles (even down to make and model), or to trigger alerts when vehicles enter restricted areas. Perimeter protection which helps organisations to identify real threats by distinguishing people and vehicles from other moving objects and keeping false alarms to a minimum. Business intelligence which employs people counting, queue detection, and heat mapping technologies, so that organisations can enhance operational efficiency by making use of the data report. Increasing commercial success  Artificial intelligence isn’t just useful for identifying security threats – although this is a key strength of the technology. It can also help organisations increase their competitiveness and commercial success. For example, VIP customers who opt to participate in special marketing promotions or other incentives can be identified so staff can provide the right kind of service at the right time. This gives organisations the opportunity to personalise the service experience, foster loyalty and maximise customer lifetime revenues. Artificial Intelligence can help organisations to better understand customers and meet their needs more effectively In the same way, artificial Intelligence can help organisations to better understand customers and meet their needs more effectively – leading to more commercial opportunities. One feature – called People Counting – allows stores and commercial centres to map footfall at peak times, ensuring that staffing is optimised to meet demand. At the same time, stores can see which areas of the building customers visit most and adjust their merchandising and product positioning accordingly to maximise the sales opportunities. Artificial intelligence at Hikvision Hikvision’s family of artificial intelligence products include the DeepinView network cameras and DeepinMind NVRs. The products help to tackle security with facial recognition; monitoring and counting of people; and recognition and detection of vehicles, to name a few. These features all depend on artificial intelligence technology to recognise, classify and respond to security threats. This article was written by Hikvision.

Johnson Controls recently unveiled the findings of its 2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey that examined the current and planned investments and key drivers to improve energy efficiency and building systems integration in facilities. Systems integration was identified as one of the top technologies expected to have the biggest impact on the implementation in smart buildings over the next five years, with respondents planning to invest in security, fire and life-safety integrations more so than any other systems integration in the next year. As advanced, connected technologies drive the evolution of smart buildings, security and safety technologies are at the center of more intelligent strategies as they attribute to overall building operations and efficiencies. SourceSecurity.com spoke with Johnson Controls, Building Solutions, North America, VP of Marketing, Hank Monaco, and Senior National Director of Municipal Infrastructure and Smart Cities, Lisa Brown, about the results of the study, smart technology investments and the benefits of a holistic building strategy that integrates security and fire and life-safety systems with core building systems. Q: What is the most striking result from the survey, and what does it mean in the context of a building’s safety and security systems? The results show an increased understanding about the value of integrating safety and security systems with other building systems Hank Monaco: Investment in building system integration increased 23 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, the largest increase of any measure in the survey. When respondents were asked more specifically what systems they we planning to invest in over the next year, fire and life safety integration (61%) and security system integration (58%) were the top two priorities for organisations. The results show an increased understanding about the value of integrating safety and security systems with other building systems to improve overall operations and bolster capabilities beyond the intended function of an individual system. Q: The survey covers integration of fire, life safety and security systems as part of "smart building" systems. How do smarter buildings increase the effectiveness of security and life safety systems? Hank Monaco: A true “smart building” integrates all building systems – security, fire and life-safety, HVAC, lighting etc. – to create a connected, digital infrastructure that enables individual technologies to be more intelligent and perform more advanced functions beyond what they can do on their own. For example, when sensors and video surveillance are integrated with lighting systems, if abnormal activity is detected on the building premise, key stakeholders can be automatically alerted to increase emergency response time. With integrated video surveillance, they also gain the ability to access surveillance footage remotely to assess the situation. When sensors and video surveillance are integrated with lighting systems abnormal activity on the premise can automatically be detected Q: How can integrated security and life safety systems contribute to greater energy efficiency in a smart building environment? Hank Monaco: Security, fire and life-safety systems can help to inform other building systems about how a facility is used, high-trafficked areas and the flow of occupants within a building. Integrated building solutions produce a myriad of data that can be leveraged to increase operational efficiencies. From an energy efficiency standpoint, actionable insights are particularly useful for areas that are not frequently occupied or off-peak hours as you wouldn’t want to heat or cool an entire building for just one person coming in on the weekend. When video surveillance is integrated with HVAC and lighting systems, it can monitor occupancy in a room or hallway. The video analytics can then control the dimming of lights and the temperature depending on occupant levels in a specific vicinity. Similarly, when access control systems are integrated with these same systems, once a card is presented to the reader, it can signal the lights or HVAC system to turn on. In this example, systems integration can ultimately help enable energy savings in the long run. Security and life safety systems contribute to help enable greater energy efficiency and energy savings in the long run Q: What other benefits of integration are there (beyond the core security and life safety functions)? Hank Monaco: Beyond increased security, fire and life-safety functions, the benefits of systems integration include: Increased data and analytics to garner a holistic, streamlined understanding of how systems function and how to improve productivity Ability to track usage to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs Enhanced occupant experience and comfort Increased productivity and workflow to support business objectives Smart-ready, connected environment that can support future technology advancements Q: What lesson or action point should a building owner/operator take from the survey? How can the owner of an existing building leverage the benefits of the smart building environment incrementally and absent a complete overhaul? Lisa Brown: Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator found that 77% of organisations plan to make investments in energy efficiency and smarter building technology this year. This percentage demonstrates an increased understanding of the benefits of smart buildings and highlights the proactive efforts building owners are taking to adopt advanced technologies. There is an increased understanding that buildings operate more effectively when different building systems are connected As smart buildings continue to evolve, more facilities are beginning to explore opportunities to advance their own spaces. A complete overhaul of legacy systems is not necessary as small investments today can help position a facility to more easily adopt technologies at scale in the future. As a first step, it’s important for building owners to conduct an assessment and establish a strategy that defines a comprehensive set of requirements and prioritises use-cases and implementations. From there, incremental investments and updates can be made over a realistic timeline. Q: What is the ROI of smart buildings? Lisa Brown: As demonstrated by our survey, there is an increased understanding that buildings operate more effectively when different building systems are connected. The advanced analytics and more streamlined data that is gathered through systems integration can provide the building-performance metrics to help better understand the return on investment (ROI) of the building systems. This data is used to better understand the environment and make assessments and improvements overtime to increase efficiencies. Moreover, analytics and data provide valuable insights into where action is needed and what type of return can be expected from key investments.

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

The excitement of ISC West 2019 continued until the very end – almost. Exhilarated by the first two busy days of the show, attendees and exhibitors seemed to welcome a slower third day. There were no complaints about booth traffic, and still plenty of thoughtful conversations taking place, everyone determined to maximise the value of face time with customers until the last second. Building an IoT ecosystem in SAST At a show lacking in high-profile new technology announcements, the biggest news is perhaps the possible long-term impact of first-time exhibitor Security and Safety Things (SAST), a Bosch startup. SAST is building a new Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for the security and safety industry, including an app store, an open and secure camera operating system, a software developer environment, and a portal for integrators. SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable" Their 1,800-square-foot booth was big for a first-time exhibitor, and the American football theme was well received, as was the substance of the company’s effort to drive innovation in a highly fragmented industry. Seeing actual cameras and apps on display at the ISC West booth is “more real than PowerPoint,” says Hartmut Schaper, CEO of Security and Safety Things (SAST). “For us, seeing is believing,” says Schaper. “It was important for us to show cameras and apps for the first time. People are surprised at how far down the road we are.” “This dynamic will change in the industry,” says Schaper. “SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable. Soon there will be more processing power on the edge. People will find a way to use the extra processing power.” “Seeing is believing” at the SAST booth at ISC West 2019, where CEO Hartmut Schaper showed several manufacturers’ cameras whose functionality can be expanded using Android apps Developing more apps Several large manufacturers are already involved in the initiative, but there are some holdouts. “We are having ongoing talks with everyone to convince them to join,” Schaper says. “Some of the bigger ones will come around. We are not a camera manufacturer, and not a threat. We are owned by Bosch but are managed completely separately. There will be more and more apps developed, and momentum will increase.” “A year from now we will have successful customers we can talk about, and more camera manufacturers on board,” he says. “This year we are taxiing on the runway, but next year we will have cleared the tarmac and be climbing.” If the approach succeeds, their first appearance at ISC West will be remembered as historic. Future of surveillance cameras Off the show floor, in a nearby meeting room, chip maker Ambarella demonstrated technologies that will be driving the future of video surveillance cameras, including more intelligence at the edge. “People have been using more traditional video analytics approaches, though most of them have been disappointing,” says Chris Day, Ambarella VP of Marketing and Business Development. “What is ground-breaking now is the use of neural networks and real artificial intelligence, which has increased capabilities 100x. "You will see camera products coming out over the next year that are massively better than before. It’s not just incrementally getting better. Cameras will be coming out later this year with analytics that are absolutely amazing based on [the new chips.]” Larry Anderson, editor-in-chief of SecurityInformed.com, talks about Ambarella HDR and Low Light Solutions with Jerome Gigot, Senior Director of Marketing for Ambarella. (Source: Ambarella) New systems-on-chips Ambarella has introduced four new systems-on-chips (SoCs) in the last year, with emphasis on computer vision (video analytics). The newest is the S6LM Camera SoC with 4K imaging technology, unveiled at ISC West. The S6LM includes Ambarella's latest high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light processing technology, highly efficient 4K H.264 and H.265 encoding, multi-streaming, on-chip 360-degree de-warping, cyber-security features, and a quad-core CPU. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff" “With so much focus on AI and computer vision, I’m concerned the industry has taken focus away from low light imaging, wide dynamic range and image quality,” says Day. “You have to see the details in an image. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff, it’s all included in one chip.” From products to systems With a new general manager on board (Daniel Gundlach, formerly of Bosch), FLIR Systems Security Division is continuing its transition from a product company to a solutions provider, removing internal silos to clear the path. FLIR offers a strong end-to-end portfolio for Smart Cities applications, including the TruWITNESS line of body worn cameras and newly acquired Aeryon drones. FLIR’s historical strength as the top thermal imaging provider continues, but today they are much more than a thermal imaging company, offering visible day/night cameras, infrared pan-tilt-zoom cameras, video management systems and other technologies to provide a broader platform. FLIR's Saros security cameras combine multiple security technologies, including thermal sensors, high-resolution visible imaging, IR and visible LED illuminators, onboard analytics and two-way audio and digital input/outputs. Products in critical infrastructure applications In addition to Safe Cities, FLIR installs a range of products in critical infrastructure applications, such as oil and gas and electric utilities. Ports also tend to combine traditional security with an emphasis on perimeter protection, a FLIR strength. Existing perimeter protection applications can open opportunities for the broader platform. For example, installing a complete system in an airport that already uses FLIR’s thermal technology represents “low-hanging fruit” for the company, says Fredrik Wallberg, FLIR Director of Marketing – Security and Intelligent Transportation Systems. Ambarella demonstrates its latest imaging technology for video security during ISC West 2019 (Source: Ambarella) Integrated solutions Bosch's focus At the Bosch booth, there was an emphasis on integrated solutions and the customer experience. A mock retail store setup demonstrated systems such as overhead cameras for people counting and alarm communication to provide an alert if a refrigerator door is left ajar. A wireless panic button generates a silent alarm, communicates with a 2-way radio, and triggers a camera to focus on the area. An AVIOTEK IP camera alarms if there is a fire, based on observing actual flames rather than smoke. A new Bosch fixed dome camera series offers wireless remote commissioning capabilities that reduce installation and set-up time by up to 75 percent. Set-up only takes three steps: install the mounting bracket, connect the cables, and attach the camera module. Commissioning can be done wirelessly or remotely with no need for ladders or lifts. Dahua marks five years in the U.S. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view Time flies in the security industry, and it has already been five years since the Dahua brand entered the U.S. market. Today the company offers products through ADI and some 20 distributors, and has more than 30 technical consultants and technical support employees and 50 or 60 sales people in the field (including independent rep firms). “We are growing,” says Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA. “It’s exciting for the company.” At ISC West, Dahua introduced a line of Multi-Flex panoramic cameras with lens modules that can be repositioned along an internal track for 180-, 270- or 360-degree views, providing flexibility for integrators. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view. Cost savings come from ease of installation (one camera instead of four) and only one VMS license (instead of four). AI and night colour cameras  Dahua is also emphasising its Night Colour cameras that remain in full colour mode regardless of how dark it gets. There is no IR illumination or IR cut filter – the camera stays in color mode and displays any visible image in colour with as little as 1 lux of illumination. The 2 megapixel version is on display at ISC West, and a 4 megapixel version will come in the fall. A year ago at ISC West, Dahua emphasised its initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) in order to position the company as a technology leader. This year, the message was more general – ‘Power Through Technology.’ The range of Dahua technologies includes AI, Night Colour, Starlight low-light imaging, fifth-generation HDCVI, and e-POE (Enhanced Power over Ethernet). Dahua USA's Director of Marketing says "the market itself likes AI", and expects more AI applications to follow (Source: Dahua USA's LinkedIn) “When we present AI to customers, they are happy, but when it comes to the budget they don’t have it,” says Shen. “The market itself likes AI, and it’s very much a buzzword. But we still need a proof of concept that it can do something good for end users. We need time to develop broader applications. The ‘smart retail’ market and education are good places to start.” he says. “AI is for project business,” adds Jennifer Hackenburg, Dahua’s Senior Product Marketing Manager. “Projects that are looking at AI haven’t come to fruition yet; they are still in the pipeline. It’s not for your everyday business. They are implementing it, but not as fast.” Access control beyond doors Access control should extend beyond doors. That’s the message I heard at the ASSA ABLOY booth, which displayed a variety of physical locks and intelligent access systems. An example is traffic cabinets, those metal boxes in public locations that could potentially be accessed to invade an internal network. ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces throughout an enterprise. The company’s ‘security continuum’ message draws attention to the need for the right level of security for the right opening, using existing infrastructure as well as new electronic technologies. “Customers face a combination of non-traditional access control and questions on how they can secure things that are not doors,” says David Corbin, ASSA ABLOY Director of Access Control Accessories. The security message is resonating beyond the traditional security department to involve other stakeholders in an enterprise, including IT directors. There is new awareness of vulnerabilities that have been there forever, such as traffic cabinets that can be opened with a key purchased on eBay.

There are many new technologies at ISC West this year. There are also some tried-and-true solutions on display. More mature products have the benefit of being fully vetted and battle-tested, which may make them a more comfortable choice for security customers. I had a couple of discussions on Day 2 of the show about the advantages, and possible drawbacks, of new products. “To a security director, when you say ‘new,’ he translates that into ‘risk,’” says Bill Spence, VP of Sales, U.S., Canada and Western Europe for HID Global’s Lumidigm biometrics brand. “Anytime you say new, there is a probability of risk. The key is to educate. Education quantifies risk, and an educated customer can make an intelligent decision about risk versus reward.” “We have to take customers from where they are to help them understand new technologies,” says Spence. “We must give them a bridge to that understanding, and education is the bridge.” Lumidigm biometrics integrations An app provides graphics that take installers step-by-step through the installation process HID Global is incorporating Lumidigm biometrics into the new iClass SE RB25F fingerprint reader being highlighted at the show. Two-factor authentication can use either a card or mobile credential along with biometrics; there is no latency; and templates can be stored on a card. Another new offering at the HID Global booth is an augmented reality tool to simplify installation of newer systems that incorporate the more secure OSDP protocol. An app provides graphics that take installers step-by-step through the installation process. Also highlighted at the HID Global booth — and at the booths of turnstile manufacturers throughout the show — are embedded readers that provide tested and certified mobile access control for turnstiles. IClass SE technology is embedded in the iRox-T Turnstile Reader from Essex Electronics. Innovative security technologies There’s a delicate balance at any trade show between creating excitement about new products and educating customers to be comfortable with new technologies. There is some of both at ISC West 2019. In the future, hardware will be a delivery device, not the core of systems “We are on the cusp of change in the industry, and it’s closer than ever,” says Jennifer Doctor, Johnson Controls’ Senior Director, Project Management - Intrusion. “We will see the impact of promised technologies that will come from other industries, such as artificial intelligence. The very definition of security is changing. We are an industry that needs to be risk-averse, and we need to prove out the technology. There is innovation, but we just need to make sure technologies are what the market wants and expects.” “In the future, hardware will be a delivery device, not the core of systems, which will come from intelligence in the software and from services,” she adds. “The products we deliver will enable that.” Have 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market jumped into the cloud?  PowerSeries Pro intrusion portfolio Johnson Controls is highlighting the commercial PowerSeries Pro intrusion portfolio, which features PowerG encrypted technology that enables wireless systems that are cyber-secure. The cloud is coming on strong, and one company finding success in cloud systems is Eagle Eye Networks, which has seen 93% compounded annual growth over the past three years. Economies of scale have enabled them to lower subscription prices by 35%, with an extra 10% decrease for customers that pay annually. Ken Francis, President of Eagle Eye Networks, says they are signing up 50 new dealers a month for the cloud video offering. Francis estimates that 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market have jumped into the cloud “It’s really heating up,” says Francis. “The general cloud is driving increases in the surveillance cloud.” Jumping to cloud Embracing the cloud and recurring monthly revenue (RMR) requires that dealers transform their businesses to ensure success. Francis says dealers should dedicate sales resources to cloud offerings rather than expect everyone to sell the cloud, and there should be a base commission plan on RMR services in lieu of upfront project fees. March Networks is also showing integration of video with the Shopify cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system “Talk to professionals about your cash flow and understand how to capitalise on financing partners to ensure cash flow while investing in the RMR stream,” he adds. “And look for ways to reduce your costs to serve the customer base as your RMR increases.” For example, use of remote site diagnostics, configuration and support can avoid the need for expensive “truck rolls” that can undermine profitability. Francis estimates that 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market have jumped into the cloud. Alarm companies, which are accustomed to the RMR model, are generally ahead of the curve, while traditional security integrators are lagging. “It’s a requirement to change or die,” he notes. Insight hosted managed service Also, in the area of managed services, March Networks is highlighting its Insight hosted managed service that can provide instant information on video systems located at remote sites, including visibility into firmware versions, camera warranty information, and cybersecurity status of systems. The ability to dive deeply into system status empowers a new recurring revenue stream for integrators. Color-coded icons summarise system status and show pending issues and clicking on the icons provides detailed workflow information. The system can also be offered for smaller systems such as those at convenience stores and quick-serve restaurants. March Networks is also showing integration of video with the Shopify cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system. The integration enables managers to evaluate POS information, especially anomalies, to determine possible employee theft and other shrinkage issues.

Delivering on high expectations, the first day of ISC West 2019 kicked off with a crowded Sands Expo Center and exhibitors putting forward their best new technologies. Developments seemed more evolutionary than revolutionary, but attendees quickly found plenty of interest. Thermal cameras Hanwha Techwin also showed off a new Android camera that can deploy new apps The largest booth at ISC West, Hanwha Techwin, remained crowded throughout the first day as attendees checked out the company’s eight new thermal cameras offering features such as pan-tilt-zoom, H.265 encoding to minimise storage needs, VGA resolution and detection of temperature changes, all built on Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet chip. There is also a new 5-megapixel version of Hanwha’s popular 2-megapixel multi-sensor camera, and a new panoramic camera; multi-sensor panoramic cameras ‘stitch’ the images together rather than just aligning them. Hanwha Techwin also showed off a new Android camera that can deploy new apps developed as part of the Korean company’s role as a founding member of Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA). Avigilon's H5 series Avigilon is introducing a new line of cameras — the H5 series — with improved imaging and designed to provide deep learning/neural network processing at the edge. Improvements to video analytics will enable the cameras to track multiple moving objects simultaneously in a field of view and to track objects more accurately. More granularity enables better differentiation among types of vehicles, and the cameras enable more detailed data to be pulled from video. The improved analytics engine will also support better face detection and recognition. Operators can view the dashboard and react to information provided in a more digestible format The new version of Avigilon Control Center 7 (ACC7) software will apply principles of AI to enhance an operator’s ‘Focus of Attention’ when monitoring live video. Video is fed into an AI engine that determines which events in the live footage are most worthy of an operator’s attention. Monitoring live video can be a challenge for human operators, whose short attention spans undermine the best surveillance systems. Automation helps to direct that limited attention span to events most worthy of attention. A ‘dashboard’ displays clusters of cameras that are colour-coded to reflect the types of activity that are detected. Rather than watching video, operators can view the dashboard and react to information provided in a more digestible format. Clicking brings up the live video. Quantum Cloud Storage Platform Video storage is another area of innovation at ISC West. The Quantum Cloud Storage Platform is flexible for video surveillance and industrial IoT applications. The architecture is built from the ground up for video surveillance applications and can scale from five cameras to millions of cameras in a simple deployment model — no settings or configurations needed. Products range from a small ‘mini-tower’ configuration for a retail store or gas station up to rack-mount servers that can accommodate thousands of cameras. We make the storage piece so simple that you don’t have to think about it" Quantum introduced the VS-Series in a range of server choices at ISC West. The hyperconverged and software-defined environment will support a combination of video management systems (VMS), along with access control, HVAC and lighting controls. Quantum worked with Johnson Controls to develop the products. “It’s designed for an installer, not for an IT guru,” says Jamie Lerner, Quantum’s CEO, President and Chairman of the Board. “We make the storage piece so simple that you don’t have to think about it.” Quantum is showing its VS-Series publicly for the risk time at ISC West. S2’s Magic Monitor LenelS2 is a newly coined name in the industry — resulting from a recent acquisition. The combination of Lenel and the acquired S2 is playing out to the benefit of both product lines. For example, Lenel’s Blue Diamond mobile credentialing system can now be used along with the S2 Netbox hardware. Lenel’s OnGuard is being combined into S2’s Magic Monitor unified solution that combines video, access control, and digital messaging. OnGuard is also benefitting from Magic Monitor’s graphics maps. The S2 Cumulus cloud-based service, focused on system health monitoring, is being applied to OnGuard. LenelS2 is also developing a full commercial access control as a service (ACaaS) offering The combined LenelS2 is stepping up with new solutions for frictionless access control, too. A ‘phone as a badge’ approach enables a door to be unlocked by a smart phone, even if it is in a pocket, locked and/or the app has not been opened. Another alternative is a ‘shake to open’ action that sends the credential to the nearest reader. LenelS2 is also developing a full commercial access control as a service (ACaaS) offering, which is being previewed at ISC Show and will be released commercially later in the year. Video surveillance product line Mobotix is expanding its MOVE video surveillance product line with six new models announced at the show and broadening its reach into new vertical markets. A solutions approach offers both end-to-end Mobotix systems and other systems offered in conjunction with technology partnerships displayed in the Mobotix booth. Top of the list of new verticals is education, and Mobotix’s edge-based approach includes programmable logic built in so that ‘technology can take over when the human element is the weakest.’ Automated response is faster and ‘seconds equal lives’ during an emergency. In an education scenario, the Mobotix system acts as an Internet of Things (IoT) device that offers more functionality than other manufacturers’ ‘cameras.’ There are 22 steps involved to ensure the cybersecurity of Mobotix products, reflecting a higher level of cybersecurity commitment Mobotix has thermal products that are also finding uses in a variety of verticals, from oil and gas to manufacturing process control. Mobotix systems that can detect defects in products in the manufacturing process are expanding usage in applications beyond the traditional ‘security’ industry. Cybersecurity Commitment Mobotix is looking at the market in a completely different way, redefining how their products can fit into a variety of scenarios, and with a focus on cybersecurity. There are 22 steps involved to ensure the cybersecurity of Mobotix products, reflecting a higher level of cybersecurity commitment than some other manufacturers. “There are so many features within our solutions, and we want to get the word out to the end users, so they understand the features,” says Thomas Lausten, Mobotix CEO. “There is untapped potential.”

  Trust – along with appearance – both play a key role in the world of exclusive watches and jewellery. This is the case for Meiller Jewellers in Schwandorf, Germany. This fifth-generation partnership offers exclusive watches, jewellery, and glasses from venerable, high-end, and contemporary brands and models. With their experience, exceptional service and extremely wide selection of both traditional and trendy products, the family-run company has captivated customers since 1876. Twenty employees advise customers and sell products, as well as ensure the high-quality maintenance and repair of watches and jewellery in the certified master workshop. The jewellery store’s range includes around 200 brands of watches, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets as well as eyewear, offering over 10,000 products in total. When it comes to video security, Meiller also relies on a modern solution and has installed ten MOBOTIX cameras in the store. The family-run company Meiller Jewellers has captivated customers since 1876 Analogue footage issues Up until now, the jeweller had been using an analogue security camera system, which was starting to show its age and no longer ran smoothly. In addition, the quality of the video images sometimes left much to be desired. "We are dealing with very small items here, such as earrings, and sometimes these were difficult to make out due to the low resolution of the analogue camera," explains Roland Meiller, owner of Meiller Jewellers. Roland Meiller decided to install a new video solution and called security consultant Norbert von Breidbach-Bürresheim, Managing Director at VALEO IT Neteye GmbH. Norbert packed the MOBOTIX cameras up and brought them to the store where he demonstrated the video systems for the jeweller. In addition, he made a number of test recordings and the customer was more than satisfied with the results. "The resolution of the video systems was very good, and the details were easy to make out – even in backlight situations," Meiller said. "The price of the solutions sealed the deal for us because you can really see the difference when it comes to the value for money the new indoor cameras offer. Another criterion was the design of the cameras. Their design is very discreet, making the cameras on the ceiling hardly noticeable." Cameras ready for use in 12 hours The ten cameras were to be installed outside opening hours, but since shops were allowed to open on the Sunday of the chosen weekend, which is not usually the case in Germany, VALEO IT Neteye began to remove the old analogue system on Saturday afternoon, directly after the store was closed. Afterwards, new network cables had to be installed in the ceiling since there were only analogue cables in place at the time. Finally, the new cameras were mounted. "The removal of the old cameras and installation of the new ones went incredibly smoothly and was finished within just 12 hours, so that we were able to re-open the shop on time for a bustling day of business that Sunday,” Meiller explained. “VALEO IT Neteye had already preconfigured the video equipment they brought, so the installation was especially fast." Meiller Jewellery offers exclusive watches, jewellery, and glasses from venerable, high-end, and contemporary brands and models Excellent image quality even in poor light conditions A total of nine c25 indoor cameras were installed at the entrance and on the ceiling over the sale tables. These are ideal for installation in ceilings due to their small diameter of just 12 centimetres and a weight of approximately 200 grams. Features include a light-sensitive sensor with 6MP Moonlight technology, a microSD memory card and the latest camera software. The integrated Lowlight Exposure Optimisation MxLEO facilitates high-contrast images without motion blurring, even in poorly lit surroundings. This allows the easy identification of people, as well as the details of individual watches or pieces of jewellery. In addition, the c25 is equipped with MxAnalytics video analysis tools that can be used, for example, to carry out people and object counting or display a heat map of high-traffic areas. "We do not use these functions yet, but we are thinking about doing so in the near future," says Meiller. In high-end shops, a highly visible video surveillance system is not always desired, since the customers usually place high value on discretion Cameras provide overview of the entire shop A p25 indoor camera was installed above the cashier’s area. It is equipped with a 6-megapixel Moonlight sensor, and is very light-sensitive. Due to the manual swivel and tilt functions, the camera offers high flexibility during installation. The camera features a telephoto lens and provides high-resolution 6-megapixel images in high detail. It is true that a highly visible video surveillance system may deter potential burglars or thieves by emphasising the danger of being identified and caught after the act. In high-end shops, however, this is not always desired, since the customers usually place high value on discretion. That is why a video-based solution should be as discreet as possible. "In a jewellery shop like ours, a video system is part of the basic kit, for insurance purposes for starters. The MOBOTIX cameras have an elegant design, so that at first sight, they aren’t even visible on the ceiling," says Meiller. Evaluation made easy in suspicious cases The MOBOTIX cameras are based on a decentralised concept. In this decentralised concept, each camera functions as a high-performance computer. Both data and image processing, as well as the encoding, are performed by the camera itself. The recording can be stored to the camera’s SD card at Meiller Jewellers and transferred to a network storage device. It is only viewed in concrete cases of suspicion. Compared to a centralised system, up to ten times more cameras per server can be connected this way. Furthermore, no additional computers or software are necessary. This is another key advantage, since the old analogue cameras required an expensive hard drive recorder. In the workshop separate from the store, there is a computer on which live feeds from the jewellery shop can be viewed. In this way, employees always know what is going on in the shop, while as a result, the jeweller has a video surveillance system that ideally ensures quick identification and arrest of the culprits in the case of theft or burglary.

Intrusion can be a complicated and expensive subject when looking to protect retail businesses. Each installation can come with various difficulties to overcome, whether this is aisles, display spaces, counters, furniture and more. Maximum protection in all areas Another consideration is that burglars can be creative when breaking in. To avoid detection, they can hide behind furniture, crawl across the floor or even stay close to walls or aisles, where there may be natural blind spots in the security system. Therefore, to ensure maximum protection in all areas, a multitude of detectors would need to be utilised to cover each angle the different obstacles create. This can be a very time-consuming and expensive exercise. So, what’s the solution for a cost-effective and efficient installation that provides maximum protection? Fit the Pyronix Octopus DQ and take a different approach to detection. Instead of fitting various detectors at varying angles to cover large or awkward areas, you can fit one and detect from above! Better intruder catch performance This ceiling mount quad infrared detector utilises advanced Pyronix technologies, with 360º coverage to provide complete peace of mind. With a quad-element passive infrared (PIR) sensor, the Octopus DQ has better intruder catch performance when compared with traditional dual element ceiling mount PIR sensors. While its simple clip in PCB, single screw fitting, selectable EOL resistors and walk test LED make the Octopus DQ fast to fit! A more cost effective and secure solution for any installation. With the Pyronix Octopus DQ, retail owners can have complete peace of mind that the security system is watching over their property.

Founded in 1977, Cea Point Industrial Co. Ltd. initially specialised in the manufacture of men’s trousers, later shifting its focus to producing licenced products for various brands. Currently, Cea Point is Taiwan’s only licenced manufacturer for the Italian business casual brand Pebbles, British golf apparel brand Wolsey, Japanese brand Simple Life and British swimwear brand Zoggs, all of which are prominent brands in department stores and shopping centres across Taiwan. To accommodate the increasing number of retail outlets for these brands and the related demands on business management, Cea Point, after comprehensive research and assessment, employed an advanced IP surveillance system and secure network structure plan. Following the installation of this system, the flexible deployment of network cameras and convenient, real-time management were achieved – the sum result was substantially elevated management efficiency. Managers can also engage in real-time communication with staff members to arrange support during busy periods Remote surveillance and real-time inspection management Deputy Manager Li Si-Xian of the Import Brand Business Division of Cea Point stated that as Simple Life’s stores are spread across Taiwan, the company decided to employ an IP surveillance system, thereby enabling real-time monitoring for all stores and the efficient remote management of store displays. Even when travelling overseas for business, managers can monitor the stores’ operations by connecting their smartphones to the Internet and accessing the remote surveillance system, ensuring that all staff members are at their designated positions and that the retail outlet is running at maximum efficiency. Managers can also engage in real-time communication with staff members to arrange support during busy periods or to adjust product displays, thus increasing customers’ satisfaction and improving flow arrangements in all stores. This not only enhances management efficiency but also saves the cost and time required for inspecting stores. It also creates a unified shopping experience for customers loyal to the brand; who can expect the same displays and store layout no matter which retail outlet they decide to shop at. FE8180 for wide-range surveillance As Simple Life stores are mainly located in shopping centres, stores are not subject to the same limits found at department store counters. For example, Simple Life has stores in Mitsui Outlet Park, E-DA Outlet Mall, and Miramar Entertainment Park. The display areas of Simple Life stores in these three locations are quite large and are primarily open-plan. With the assistance of VIVOTEK’s distributor Zero One Tech, Cea Point employed the stylish VIVOTEK FE8180 fisheye network camera. This high performance but low profile camera has a diameter of only 90mm, but is able to offer 5-megapixel sensors and 180° panoramic and 360° surround views. The camera’s resolution enables effective wide-range surveillance, decreasing the number of cameras needed The camera’s excellent resolution enables effective wide-range surveillance, offering a comprehensive view while decreasing the number of cameras needed and thus cutting procurement costs. The FE8180’s built-in WDR enhancement technology results in significant benefits for processing environments with complex light sources, thus eliminating interference caused by the many projection lights found in many retail stores. Further, the FE8180’s lightweight, miniature, and minimalistic design ensures simple installation and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment, meaning that the camera’s stand-out performance can blend into even the most fashion-conscious retail environment. Smart surveillance in the future Finally, Deputy Manager Li also stated that with the rapid advancement of technology, IP surveillance systems can now be integrated with smart devices. In the near future, smart analytic functions such as traffic statistics, hotspot analysis, and motion detection will be applied to combine management and business intelligence and to provide customers with a more comprehensive and real-time shopping experience while multiplying the benefits and opportunities for marketing.

Keeping track of keys at Festival Place had become a full-time job. With over 170 shops, a cinema, sports centre and restaurants, the large retail complex has an ever-changing roster of permanent staff, cleaners and out-of-hours contractors. Everyone requires secure entry on demand.  At the same time, the public needs open access to a pool and gym, retail outlets and car parks, for 18 hours or more every day. Lockdown was not an option, yet a single lost key could become a security problem for all users and tenants.  CLIQ® solution The solution was CLIQ®, a security locking system with high-end microelectronics, programmable keys and cylinders. Installing just over 250 CLIQ® mechatronic cylinders from ASSA ABLOY drastically cut the burden that mechanical key management was placing on site security staff.  Now, cleaners and maintenance workers are issued with a key that allows entry to specific doors for a pre-defined time period. After the permitted time ends, the key no longer works. Using simple online software, site managers can immediately de-authorise and reissue a lost key, or amend any key’s permissions. A single lost key could become a security problem for all users and tenants Only genuine CLIQ® keys with the relevant authorisation will open a CLIQ® lock, meaning security risks from copied keys are no longer an issue. Generating a comprehensive audit trail – who accessed which lock, and when – takes just a couple of mouse clicks.  Flexible, programmable locking solution CLIQ® has also cut Festival Place operational costs. The electronics in CLIQ® locks are powered by the standard battery inside every CLIQ® key, not mains electricity. Installation was wireless, a huge saving on potentially expensive electrical work.  With CLIQ®, there is no need for keyholders to return to an administrator to change or update permissions. Everything is controlled remotely from the admin dashboard, streamlining everyone’s workflows. At Festival Place, CLIQ® technology now powers a flexible, programmable locking solution. It has put security managers in control of their 102,000 sq. m premises, around the clock, without compromising security.  “We were looking to solve key management issues,” explains Craig Allen, Festival Place’s security centre manager. “CLIQ® enabled us to have more control. “We now have plans to phase out mechanical keys altogether, replacing them with CLIQ® within two years.”

  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.

Industry challenges The retail industry suffers considerable losses each year as shrinkage due to employee theft, sweet hearting, and shoplifting. It also faces pressure from on-the-spot robberies and organised retail crime, workplace violence, slip-and-fall litigation, workman’s compensation, and legislation. Arecont Vision® IP megapixel cameras are proven around the world by retailers of all sizes, utilised in a wide range of retail locations and environments, to address these challenges. Arecont Vision deployment examples Arecont Vision IP megapixel single- and multi-sensor cameras are deployed in a wide range of applications to support the retail marketplace. Examples include: Providing complete situational awareness, with live and forensic viewing Video documentation for slip-and-fall, workman’s compensation, workplace violence and litigation protection Loss prevention including internal fraud, theft and sweet hearting, plus external fraud, shoplifting, and organised retail crime Entrance – exit – POS - aisle – stock room – cafeteria/break room – loading dock monitoring Parking area surveillance Licence plate recognition Customer/staff behaviour monitoring Workflow monitoring Audit programs Budget/business continuity Supply chain monitoring Arecont Vision cameras are deployed by small retailers, convenience and liquor stores, chain stores, department stores, big box retailers, supermarkets, shopping centres and malls, luxury goods suppliers, car dealerships and gas/petrol stations.

Our Expert Panel is an opinionated group on a wide variety of topics, and we are dedicated to providing a useful and flexible forum to share those opinions. This week, our panelists address a range of opinions about several self-selected topics, culled from the large number of Expert Panelist responses we have collected in the last year. In this Expert Panel Roundtable article, we will share these varied and insightful responses to ensure they are not lost to posterity!

Ethical hackers are familiar to the world of cybersecurity. As cybersecurity awareness increases in physical security, they are also playing a larger role to ensure the safety of networked and information technologies used in our market. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ‘ethical hackers’ to ensure cybersecurity of networked products in the physical security market?

When security topics become a part of current events, it is usually in a negative light. Security generally only becomes news when it fails, sometimes in a dramatic, high profile and tragic way. However, security failures can also shed light on lessons learned and opportunities to improve. Working toward better security can translate into the purchase of more goods and equipment supplied by our market. For additional insights into the intersection of security and current events, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Good news or bad news? How do news reports and/or current events influence the general public’s opinion of physical security?