Mobile credentials are set to become the mainstream choice for access control in office buildings as a new generation of workers are forcing employers and landlords to prioritise fast, secure and convenient access via their smartphones. Omdia predicts annual downloads of mobile credentials worldwide rising from 20 million in 2020 to 120 million by 2023 and 150 million in 2024. It is particularly bullish about Bluetooth, which it predicts to grow by more than three times the speed of the next highest-growth type of access control reader over the next four years (by 119% to 2024, which must not be ignored). Smart building technology This rings true taking into account the CBRE study, where nearly half of employees (49%) said that they would like to use digital solutions in the office, but that they are not widely accessible for them, and 30% of companies seeing smart building technology as a factor in choosing a building. Featuring 2N specialists, the online event will explore the key features of the new technology To help building managers and system integrators understand the benefits of the new patented mobile access technology, 2N is hosting a live webinar on 25th February. Featuring 2N specialists, the online event will explore the key features of the new technology including the new slimline office-focused access unit – where to use it and how this solution can address the needs of proposed and existing office buildings. Integrated access system Matt Raban, Distribution Manager for the UK and Ireland at 2N, said: “Developers in the UK realise that an integrated access system combined with a smartphone application will be the future of technologically advanced office buildings. In this country, it will become a competitive advantage for forward thinking building designers and facility managers.” “Our new technology couples near-instant responsiveness with intelligent security and will become the most reliable mobile access solution on the market.” The 2N On Air webinar takes place on Thursday 25th February at 15:00 CET. Speakers include Chief Sales Officer, Tomas Klima, and Chief Product Officer, Tomas Vystavel.

COVID-19 affected gathering events the most. The dates of cinema, theatre, concert, trade fair and other shows and events have either changed or been cancelled many times. ISAF and IMEX Exhibitions, one of the most important exhibitions in Turkey and the region and organised by the Marmara Fair Organisation, were also postponed from March to October, which was their normal date. Increasing recent demand Marmara Fair Organisation General Manager Feridun Bayram said, “ISAF Exhibition and IMEX Exhibition will take place on October 14th-17th, 2021 with serious work pace, high energy and worldwide promotions as every year. Since 2007, our exhibitions had been held at Istanbul Exhibition Centre halls numbered 9-10-11 in an area of 20,000 square metres. As of 2021, we are moving our exhibitions to halls numbered 5-6-7.” “The main reason for making this change was the need for larger halls as the existing halls fell short of meeting the increasing recent demand and interest in our exhibitions and as we could not make enough space available to valuable sector representative fellows who would like to take part in our exhibitions. As we move our exhibitions to larger halls, fellows who could not join us due to lack of available space will now be able to do so.”

PSA Security Network (PSA), the world’s largest security and systems integrator consortium, and USAV, a division of PSA, have announced that general registration has opened for PSA TEC 2021. Discounted early bird pricing is available until March 4, 2021, for all attendees. This year, TEC will be a hybrid event with a small in-person presence for executives of PSA and USAV member and owner companies and a virtual conference open to all levels of systems integrators. “With COVID-19 concerns, we still want to bring people together in a safe manner for top-notch education and networking, while also providing an option for those who cannot travel just yet,” said Candice Aragon, Director of Marketing at PSA Security Network (PSA), adding “We look forward to being able to be together again, though in a limited capacity.” PSA TEC 2021 PSA TEC 2021 will be held from May 3 to May 6, 2021. The live portion will be at the Sheraton Downtown in Denver, Colorado. This is the premier education and networking event for all professional systems integrators in the security and audio-visual markets. The in-person education will be focused on executive leadership while the virtual courses will cover a variety of learning tracks including cyber security, managed services, next-generation leadership, management, marketing and sales, operations, procurement and technical. Sessions for systems integration professionals Certifications from renowned industry associations and vendors will be offered virtually The educational content includes sessions for systems integration professionals with a desire to stay relevant and thrive in changing markets through personal and professional development. Certifications from renowned industry associations and vendors will be offered virtually, so technicians can get the training they need without the need to travel. A complete list of the sessions can be found on the official website. “We are excited about both the live and virtual content of TEC 2021, including new NexGen education powered by USAV,” said Anthony Berticelli, Vice President of Operations at PSA Security Network (PSA). Anthony adds, “The virtual sessions will be live-streamed allowing attendees to have high-impact connections with presenters.” Socially distanced trade show PSA will also celebrate its 50th anniversary at the live event, in addition to awarding the prestigious Paul Marcus Award. TEC 2021 will feature major manufacturers and service providers in a socially distanced trade show, as well as offer private meetings for systems integrators and sponsors. A virtual trade show will also be available.

IDIS features twice in the 2021 OSPA security awards, with shortlisting in two key categories: Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer and Outstanding In House M anager. Following a highly competitive selection round, the finalists have been praised by the organisers for making a significant impact at the highest level within the industry. “The OSPAs are growing year on year and really have become the ultimate accolade for everyone working in security, whether a buyer or supplier,” says founder of the OSPAs, Professor Martin Gill, describing the 2021 awards as a bumper year. “With such stiff competition, I can honestly say that every finalist is a winner.” High performance surveillance IDIS’s shortlisting as manufacturer of the year recognises the company’s commitment to delivering affordable, end-to-end video solutions that give end-users and systems integrators everything they need for trouble-free, high performance surveillance. Judges noted that IDIS continues to innovate, developing advanced deep learning analytics, powerful mobile tools, and practical solutions to help customers face emerging challenges, including operating during pandemic conditions, and preparing for the future beyond. And pioneering use of IDIS video tech is recognised in a second award category, with Tracey Edwards of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust being shortlisted as manager of the year. Her work, and her use of IDIS video tech, has helped improve care outcomes for children and young people with complex mental health needs. Improve clinical standards IDIS has been partnering with several leading systems integrators to deliver these projects An ambitious programme of video infrastructure upgrades across the Trust’s facilities, using end-to-end solutions from IDIS, began in 2018. The series of projects included both new builds and refurbishments. By ensuring that a complete, high-definition video record of events could be reliably stored and easily searchable, incident investigations were made easier, and that has helped to improve clinical standards. IDIS has been partnering with several leading systems integrators to deliver these projects, companies including Galeco, ISD Tech, and Triple Star Fire & Security. The completed end-to-end solutions have included 12MP fisheye cameras, full HD IR domes, and failover-protected, cyber secure storage. As a result, comprehensive area recording has transformed surveillance - with no events missed and no blind-spots - without the cost of 24/7 live monitoring. Best surveillance solutions Tracey Edwards’ OSPA nomination comes hot on the heels of her being named as Security Manager of the Year in the Security & Fire Excellence Awards. Both accolades also recognise her voluntary contributions to the wider field of mental healthcare security, and her efforts to improve understanding of mental healthcare issues with various police forces. Jamie Barnfield, Sales Director, IDIS Europe, welcomed the latest OSPAs recognition: “IDIS and our integration partners are working hard to deliver the most effective and best value surveillance solutions to our customers. And we are committed to the long-term success of all our projects and to providing the highest standards of ongoing support.”

Global MSC Security announced that it will host a live Special Online Event on Tuesday 16th March at 13:00 (GMT), to help Security Managers understand how the latest video surveillance technology is enabling camera operators to improve how live incidents are managed. The ‘Developing Smart Surveillance Operators’ live studio broadcast is free-to-attend and will include expert insights from Genetec, Hanwha Techwin and Bosch Security and Safety Systems. The handling of incidents in progress requires a very different skillset to managing of post event investigations familiar to most operators, as the Managing Director of Global MSC Security, Derek Maltby explains: “It is not realistic to expect an operator to concentrate on a video wall for long periods of time and detect the often subtle cues, or patterns of behaviour, that suggest an incident is taking place, or about to escalate." Surveillance camera operators "It is also true that many operators are not sure about what it is that they need to be looking for.” He adds: “To compound the problem, incidents may occur on cameras that do not have a live feed on the video wall.” The event is sponsored by Genetec, Hanwha Techwin and Bosch Security and Safety Systems Trained surveillance camera operators are very good at making the right judgement calls under pressure, but they need a clear operating picture. This is where the latest technology can help. The second Global MSC Security Special Online Event will demonstrate how operators can be automatically alerted to potentially suspicious or unusual activity. By presenting them with real-time insights, they can take the appropriate course of action at the right time, to mitigate or deescalate a situation. Smart surveillance systems “The direction of travel in both public and private sectors is towards smart surveillance, and many organisations already have the foundations in place through recent investments in IP-based systems,” continues Maltby. “However, it is also true that in most instances these same systems are vastly underutilised. This event is aimed at putting organisations on the right path, making sure they understand the true value and realise the full potential of what they have.” The former Surveillance Camera Commissioner and new Chief Privacy Officer at Corsight AI, Tony Porter QPM LLB, will join a panel of independent speakers, chaired by Consultant at Global MSC Security, David White. The Global MSC Security ‘Developing Smart Surveillance Operators’ Special Online Event is free-to-attend and takes place on 16th March at 13:00 (GMT). It sponsored by Genetec, Hanwha Techwin and Bosch Security and Safety Systems and media sponsor the International Security Journal.