Robust access at The Bailey thanks to Inner Range and Antron Security

Inner Range and Antron Security deliver secure access control and robust security at Grade A London office building, The Bailey

Type of site: Grade A multi-tenant office

Location: The Bailey, 16 Old Bailey, London, UK

Site size: 115,000 sq. ft over ten floors

Client needs:

Easy access for users
Touch-free and digital sign-in
Free flowing movement through reception, avoiding crowds and queues
Fast access to other floors via lifts
Visitor management system that can be used by multiple tenants and reception staff easily
Secure and clear intercom/entry phone and door automation for out-of-hours, deliveries and trades people access
Easy access and parking for disabled users
Reliable and resilient security, including CCTV monitoring of strategic locations

Integriti intelligent integrated access control system

Inner Range’s enterprise-level intelligent integrated access control system, Integriti, provides robust security, as well as seamless integration, to an array of other building management systems. Some of the key features of Integriti include:

Easy to use proximity card entry for users and tenants
Forge Bluepoint, powered by Yardi, visitor management system to create secure, but easy to use credentials for visitors, including via smartphone
High-level lift integration, by Mitsubishi that reads user credentials and directs users to the quickest lift, for their desired destination
Integrated CAME BPT video entry phone and access control to automate doors, for disabled access near dedicated parking bay, for disabled users, as well as for out-of-hours access, deliveries and trades people
Hard-wired IP closed circuit television system (CCTV) with Hikvision cameras, to monitor strategic locations
End-to-end encrypted messaging, through every interface and integration, by Inner Range’s Integriti for high-level security
Provision for future entry turnstiles/speed lanes

Richard Harvell, Engineering Director at Knight Harwood, who managed the refurbishment at The Bailey, said “Our key requirement was to be able to move users, including visitors, swiftly through reception, to their correct floors, with minimal or no touch points. And, all of this, without compromising security.”

High-level lift integration

Antron Security’s solution, centered on Inner Range’s intelligent access control system, Integriti"

Richard Harvell adds, “Antron Security’s solution, centered on Inner Range’s intelligent access control system Integriti, more than delivers. The high-level lift integration automatically directs users to the fastest lift for their floor and only allows access beyond reception, for those with bona fide credentials. We have been impressed with Integriti’s sophistication and integration capabilities, as well as Antron Security’s expertise and diligence in designing and installing our bespoke access and security system.”

The Client - The Bailey

UK property firm Endurance Land, which is a member of the Hong Kong-based property conglomerate, Nan Fung Group, owns The Bailey. The property, which is situated directly opposite the famous Old Bailey High Court in London, was originally built in the early 20th Century for the Chatham and Dover Railway Company.

Its Grade II listed Edwardian Baroque façade features classical reclining figures, while a larger ‘western extension’ was built in 1999, to modern city office standards.

Knight Harwood commissioned for refurbishment

Knight Harwood was recently commissioned to refurbish the whole site, along with architect, Orms and building design consultancy, GDM Partnership.

The commercial site meets Grade A office specifications and offers exceptional internet reliability, and speed for tenants. It achieved a platinum connectivity rating, by WireScore, the Mayor of London’s digital connectivity rating scheme, in 2020.

Sophisticated access and security management system

A new and sophisticated access and security management system was part of the refurbishment brief. Knight Harwood stipulated an access and security management system that would ensure a free flow of users and tenants through reception, without crowding or queues.

This would need to include integrating intelligent lift controls, so as to ensure users were swiftly taken to their designated floor, as well as a good visitor management system that all tenants could use, without the need for a central security team to manage requests.

Touchless access and digital sign-in for users

Touchless access, as well as digital sign-in for users was also important for the client

Touchless access, as well as digital sign-in for users was also important for the client. An intercom or entry phone and access control operated doors were needed for disabled users, who would be accessing the building from the dedicated disabled parking bay, as well anyone arriving ‘out of hours’, or for trades people and deliveries.

High-levels of physical and cyber security were needed to keep all legitimate users and the site safe, without hindering access. CCTV monitoring would be needed in strategic locations. Future proofing, including laying under-floor cables ready for entry turnstiles/speed lanes, was desired.

Antron Security managed the project

Antron Security project managed the design, supply and installation of the access control and security system for The Bailey and acted as the ‘go to’ contact for Knight Harwood.

Antron Security is a globally renowned installer of bespoke security solutions and has been providing security installations for the past 30 years. Taking care of the supply, design, installation and maintenance of security systems, Antron Security is NSI and Safe Contractor approved, meaning all staff and systems installed comply with the latest industry standards and are regularly inspected.

Bespoke security solutions

Inner Range provided the core access and security management system, Integriti, which enabled Antron Security to build the bespoke solutions needed for The Bailey. Inner Range has been a globally renowned company in the design and manufacture of intelligent security solutions, since it was established in 1988.

Inner Range systems have been installed in over 25 countries. Its flagship product, Integriti, offers enterprise-level intelligent security and integrated smart building controls, for single sites through to global estate portfolios.

Key integration

Inner Range’s powerful Integriti intelligent access control system integrates with Mitsubishi’s high-level lift controls

Inner Range’s powerful Integriti intelligent access control system, known for its breadth of integration options, integrates with Mitsubishi’s high-level lift controls and Bluepoint’s visitor management system, to ensure all users and visitors can access their floors, and designated areas with ease.

The Mitsubishi lifts are able to read credentials from proximity cards, or mobile phones, at a user check-in point, at the reception, or in the lift lobby itself.

High-level lift controls to reduce crowding and queues

The high-level lift integration with ‘destination control’ means the lift software takes into account, where each of the building’s lifts are, where the user’s ‘home floor’ is, as well as where other users are going/due to go, and instantly calculates the quickest lift for the new user.

The user is immediately directed to the most efficient lift via a display screen at reception, or in the lift lobby. If users are able to go to more than one floor, they can update their preference in the lift itself. This integration ensures users move through reception quickly and efficiently, with no unnecessary stops.

Fully integrated visitor management

Inner Range’s Integriti intelligent access control system also allowed Bluepoint’s visitor management system to integrate with the Mitsubishi lifts.

For visitors to access tenanted floors within the building, the following has to take place:

A tenant creates the meeting via Bluepoint
An email is generated and sent to the visitor’s inbox, where they can create a mobile QR code pass and save it to their smart phone wallet
When the visitor arrives, they use their mobile phone to scan the QR code in the Bluepoint invite, at the reception desk to check-in
The reception team can then direct them to the Mitsubishi lifts, which display the lift car that they need to get to their meeting
To leave, the visitor presents their QR code at the lift or door reader, which tells the system they’re leaving
The QR codes are only valid for one entry and one exit, and only on the appointment date and at the planned appointment time. Afterwards, the QR code becomes invalid and is deleted from the system

CAME BPT entry panels and video intercom system

The QR code gives the visitor the ability to access everything they will need, including the lifts and any locked doors en-route. The integration between Integriti and Bluepoint’s visitor management system was achieved using the Bluepoint API. Bluepoint is cloud-based, hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform.

CAME BPT entry panels were installed to allow disabled users to access the building, near the dedicated disabled parking bay, as well as for any visitors entering the facility out-of-hours, to contact the security team, or for deliveries and trades people to use, in order to access doors at the rear of the building. The entry panels allow for a reliable and intuitive video entry intercom system.

Hikvision CCTV cameras installed

CCTV cameras from Hikvision have been installed throughout the site, to create a hard-wired IP CCTV system

CCTV cameras from Hikvision have been installed throughout the site, to create a hard-wired IP closed circuit television (CCTV) system. They are integrated with the Integriti access control system, which allows for intelligent ‘cause and effect’ monitoring.

System protocols automatically bring up specific camera feeds for security managers to view, in response to alerts and footage can be viewed together with additional information from Integriti, such as if a door has been left open.

Intelligent access control

Inner Range’s enterprise product, Integriti, provides seamless integration with a multitude of other smart building management systems, underpinned by robust security. This includes encrypting all communications through every device and interface, and providing intruder detection to European standard EN50131.

Integriti helps building managers create greener and more energy efficient sites, by tracking how tenants use the building, and amending heating and lighting settings, as a result. Integriti also provides trace reporting, that can identify a user’s movements, if they have become unwell and identify who else has been near them.

System benefits for users include:

Touch-free entry and digital sign-in for users and visitors
No unnecessary stops for users on their way into the building
Reduced risk of crowding or queues in reception area
Easy to use visitor management system
Robust security that doesn’t impinge on access
Future proofing with cabling provision for speed lanes/entry turnstiles in place

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Business is more than just a livelihood–it's the culmination of years spent dreaming and planning. With that in mind, it only makes sense to protect the business with the smartest security system on the market. Reported by security market analysts from Omdia have highlighted the potential growth of integrated physical security as a service (PsaaS) system. Omdia forecasts that the world PsaaS market was estimated to be worth $1.5 billion in 2020. The market for integrated PSaaS solutions will grow at an impressive 24.6% CAGR over the next five years. An intuitive cloud-based physical security solution Regardless of what type of service users provide, a well-rounded and easy-to-use security system is essential Anviz, the smart security solution pioneer has launched Secu365 as an intuitive platform into a cloud-based physical security solution. Regardless of what type of service users provide, if they have a brick-and-mortar business, a well-rounded and easy-to-use security system is not just important—it's essential. Just take a look at a few of the benefits that users might be concerned about and get from the business security system. Monitor customers and employees with video surveillance in case of any accidents that happen Help prevent theft, vandalism, and other crimes With a mobile device, remotely control your business from anywhere 24/7 video monitoring Furthermore, as businesses continue to maintain a mostly remote workforce, the drive towards adopting cloud-based and hybrid solutions has grown as well. Thus, with 24/7 video monitoring, indoor and outdoor cameras, integrated with biometric or mobile access, the secu365 system is the perfect way to protect small businesses. Migrating to cloud Small business, owners often take their work home with them to ensure their business is as successful as possible" “We've seen people that are more and more interested in moving to cloud services, specifically small business, owners. They work very hard, arriving first and leaving last. They often take their work home with them to ensure their business is as successful as possible.” “Because of this, many business owners spend a lot of time worrying about how things are running in their absence, specifically when they’re out-of-site or taking vacations,” said David Huang, Director of Secu365 in North America. Integrated security solution A top concern for small businesses is theft, as it can have devastating effects. Therefore, first and foremost, Anviz helps SMB owners to be proactive instead of reactive -- alerting them to issues before they become problems. An integrated security solution that combines access control and video surveillance functions in a single platform is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and control.

AlertMedia raises US$ 15 million via Series C funding to accelerate product innovation and support growth

AlertMedia, an emergency communication software provider, has announced that it has raised US$ 15 million in Series C funding. The round was led by existing investors, including JMI Equity, Next Coast Ventures, and Silverton Partners. AlertMedia has quickly emerged as one of the major providers of emergency communications technology and solutions. As a result of their product’s ease of use, reliability, and mobility, the company has doubled its business, five years in a row, while maintaining an extraordinary +84 NPS score. AlertMedia supports global enterprises AlertMedia now supports more than 2,000 enterprise customers, including Walmart, DHL, Greyhound, Healthgrades, as well as prominent organisations in all industries, across more than 100 countries. AlertMedia continues to grow in response to the market’s unwavering need, to help organisations easily and effectively communicate with their employees, during critical events, including severe weather, workplace violence, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently added nearly 250 enterprise customers, during the month of March 2020. Products help companies navigate critical events Our products are made to help organisations navigate critical events" “Our products are made to help organisations navigate critical events, from approaching hurricanes to pandemics, to disruptions in supply chain and operations. Our mission is to save lives and minimise loss, by facilitating timely communications, when an emergency threatens personal safety,” said AlertMedia’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brian Cruver. Brian Cruver adds, “Right now, the AlertMedia team is working harder than ever to support companies around the world, in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are extremely grateful that our software can help organisations and their people during this pandemic.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, AlertMedia customers are using the platform to send and receive two-way messages, manage operational changes, perform wellness checks, and dispatch critical communications to their employees, keeping them safe, informed, and connected. Series C funding to accelerate product innovation As a customer-first organisation, AlertMedia plans to use this new round of funding to accelerate product innovation, continue to support existing customers, and help meet growing market demand by expanding its team. “It’s refreshing to see a company like AlertMedia thrive financially while also helping millions of people every day,” said Bob Nye, General Partner at JMI Equity, adding “From an investment standpoint, that’s exactly what we want to accomplish, to support an organisation that not only has huge potential for growth and a product that is in high demand, but also one that makes it their every day mission, to keep people safe and informed, and to save lives.”

AlertMedia announces the appointment of Sara Pratley as the company’s Vice President of Global Intelligence

AlertMedia, the globally renowned threat monitoring and emergency communication solutions provider, has announced that Sara Pratley joined the company as Vice President of Global Intelligence. Vice President of Global Intelligence In her new role as Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, Sara Pratley will lead the team responsible for monitoring emerging threats and incidents worldwide, providing actionable intelligence to help keep millions of AlertMedia users safe and informed. She joins AlertMedia from CNN, the global news organisation with a multi-platform reach of two billion people, where she was Vice President of National News for CNN’s domestic newsgathering unit. During her decade-long role in leadership at CNN, she oversaw the network’s multi-platform coverage and was known for her outstanding leadership in breaking news. Strong leadership and process skills Sara Pratley led the network’s coverage of major events, including the Boston Marathon bombings Sara Pratley led the network’s coverage of major events, including the Boston Marathon bombings, Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, riots, destructive hurricanes, and more. Her strong leadership skills and ability to introduce new processes, and products helped her team successfully reach and expand storytelling, to a fast-growing digital audience. Prior to CNN, Sara Pratley was an Assignment Editor at local television stations in New York and Florida. She is a graduate of Syracuse University. Situational awareness and fast incident response Currently, companies face a growing number of threats that pose a significant risk to employee safety. From health crises with a global impact to localised events, such as wildfires or transportation disruptions, maintaining situational awareness, around the clock and mobilising an immediate response is crucial for reducing an event’s impact. AlertMedia enables organisations to drastically reduce their time-to-action, by fully automating threat intelligence monitoring, impact assessment, and multi-channel communication to impacted employees. Fully integrated threat intelligence monitoring Thousands of organisations, including Walmart, DHL, Samsung, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Healthgrades, use AlertMedia to monitor threats and rapidly communicate with their people. Sara Pratley joins AlertMedia, as the company is experiencing significant growth Sara Pratley joins AlertMedia, as the company is experiencing significant growth, which it credits to the product’s ease of use and its fully integrated threat intelligence solution, all critical components to a customer’s ability to respond faster, under the pressures of a real emergency. Faster communications and enhanced safety “Dangerous threats and catastrophic incidents are continuously emerging around the world. Our team helps companies sort through the noise, so they can quickly understand the risk to their employees and proactively communicate to improve safety,” explained Brian Cruver, CEO of AlertMedia. Brian Cruver adds, “As a journalist and news leader, Sara excels at bringing fast and accurate information to a global audience. Her extensive experience in curating and communicating information will play a major role in expanding AlertMedia’s ability to provide actionable intelligence to our customers.” AlertMedia, one of the fastest growing US companies AlertMedia was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year, ranking as the fastest-growing software company in Austin. In May, Inc. named AlertMedia as one of the Best Workplaces of 2020. The company has been named ‘One of the Best Places to Work’ in Austin, by the Austin Business Journal for four consecutive years.

Valsoft Corporation expands education sector portfolio with the acquisition of ScholarChip

Valsoft Corporation (Valsoft), a Canadian company that specialises in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of ScholarChip (ScholarChip Card LLC), a global provider of identity management, visitor management and behavioural software for the K-12 vertical. Acquisition of ScholarChip ScholarChip was founded in 2003, by Dr. Maged Atiya and his wife, Monica Sibillia Atiya, with a mission to help make schools safer, more engaging, and more supportive of student success. Since then, the company has continued to innovate and remained at the forefront in school safety. We are thrilled to have found a partner with a shared vision and a long-term view" Craig Lockwood, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and President at ScholarChip, stated “Valsoft’s considerable experience and expertise in building great software companies will help ScholarChip further its mission of promoting safe and supportive school climates. We are thrilled to have found a partner with a shared vision and a long-term view.” Seamless transition to help drive growth The ScholarChip team will remain in the company’s base in the USA, with Craig Lockwood and the senior leadership team remaining at the helm of the business, ensuring a seamless transition that helps drive the product and company forward. Sam Youssef, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Valsoft Corporation, said “We’re extremely excited to partner with ScholarChip and help them achieve their growth strategy. We’re confident that with their strong market positioning and solutions, along with our best practices, and M&A expertise, ScholarChip and its customers will benefit from this relationship for years to come.”

4 smart ways to use security to power the business of the future

In the new era of work, our relationship with the workplace is defined by flexibility and mobility. Employees are working across the home, office, and blended spaces more than ever before, as well as working varied hours to suit the modern work schedule. This new hybrid workforce model holds the potential for more diverse talent and better productivity, but it also comes with its challenges – one being how to ensure security, health, and safety in the workplace. Strong and smart security ecosystem While nearly one-third of companies report that they’ve implemented a hybrid model, according to a recent survey by STANLEY Security, many still have much to do to prepare their office for the future. Building a strong – and smart – security ecosystem is crucial in preparing for the future. As such, businesses should consider technologies that help protect their people, as well as safeguard their assets, optimise their operations, and secure their network. 1)Protect your people Implementation of a security ecosystem combines health, safety, and security hardware and software solutions seamlessly Nearly 60% of mid-market and enterprise businesses across the UK and US report that the health and safety of their employees and customers are a primary concern when implementing modern and hybrid working models. This begs the question: How can businesses create a safe and healthy work environment when 59% are planning to bring employees back on-site in some capacity within the next 18 months? The answer lies, in part, in the implementation of a security ecosystem that combines various health, safety, and security hardware and software solutions seamlessly. Integrating platform Nearly half (46%) of business decision-makers say they are interested in adopting an integrated platform such as this. This means integrating traditional and digital security solutions, then leveraging the data and insights they produce to further enhance the workplace experience. Take this example: With employees and visitors moving in and out of the office at different times, a business may lack oversight of occupancy or density levels, people flow, workspace scheduling, visitor check-in processes, and more. However, with visitor management, access control, and other building/business systems integrated, employees can reserve a workspace for a specific date and time and be granted access to the building. Leveraging AI and machine learning Visitors can pre-register, answer a health screening questionnaire, and receive a mobile credential before arriving. Once the visitor arrives on-site, the system can alert the respective department – all without the close contact typically required for traditional visitor check-in processes. When layering artificial intelligence and machine learning on top of the data, a business may identify trends in people flow and opportunities to optimise congested areas. They may also see that certain rooms within the building get more use than others and leverage these insights to manage their space more effectively. All of this is powered by a security ecosystem that can help a business better protect its people while realising other benefits in the process. 2) Safeguard your assets Businesses are concerned about the security of their assets when it comes to the hybrid workforce model Even more, businesses are concerned about the security of their assets when it comes to the hybrid workforce model. About 72% of leaders say this is, in fact, their primary concern with the hybrid approach. This figure isn’t surprising when you consider the impact of the pandemic, which left many businesses closed either temporarily or permanently, with few people allowed on-site to manage facility operations. As a result of the pandemic, we saw tech adoption accelerate at an astonishing rate – simply because businesses had to implement cloud and remote technologies to survive during a time when buildings were closed indefinitely. Remote management and visibility This was particularly true for security solutions, such as cloud video surveillance and cloud access control solutions like wireless IoT-connected locks. Nine out of 10 businesses (91%) report that they have already implemented cloud security technology; of those, nearly half (48%) stated that this was due to the pandemic. These technologies allow for remote management and provide visibility into business operations at the same time. In a retail setting, for example, cloud video surveillance allows businesses to identify and track not only criminal activity, but also foot traffic patterns, peak operating hours, staff shortages, and more. Loss prevention strategy When integrated with the retailer’s point-of-sale (POS) system, businesses can gain greater insights into their traffic counts, end cap effectiveness, loyalty card activity, and a variety of POS exceptions, such as high-dollar transactions, repeated transactions, excessive returns, employee discounts, and more. For retailers especially, a security ecosystem means a more efficient loss prevention strategy that helps safeguard assets and profits. 3) Optimise your operations The “future of work” is still very much a work in progress, but one thing is clear: Businesses are looking for ways to increase efficiencies, drive cost savings, and, ultimately, optimise their operations – especially now with the challenges posed by price inflation. A relatively untapped opportunity for businesses to achieve these goals lies within their security infrastructure. Security technology and solutions gather incredibly rich data which, when unlocked, can help businesses understand how their buildings are being used, when the busiest times are, where there are highly trafficked areas, and more. Leveraging cloud video surveillance systems, businesses could identify emerging staff training needs Cloud video surveillance systems For example, by leveraging the insights produced by cloud video surveillance systems, businesses could identify emerging staff training needs, which could ultimately result in improved employee satisfaction and reduced attrition. However, much of this data sits untouched within the infrastructure, leaving businesses unaware of the opportunities in front of them. 44% of businesses that currently use a cloud security system for its primary use say they want to know how else this technology can be utilised, and an additional 20% aren’t even aware that it could be used in other ways. AI and analytics The interest in adoption is promising for the office of the future, especially when we see that the majority of businesses (78%) would consider using AI and analytics technologies to optimise their operations, helping their business to operate more effectively and efficiently. The increase in adoption of cloud technology – paired with the rise in interest in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics – could make it possible for businesses to uncover invaluable insights from their security infrastructure and leverage them to adapt and build business resilience. 4) Secure your network Advanced technology help businesses improve their cybersecurity, making it harder for hackers to gain entry With cyber threats becoming more prevalent, businesses are increasingly looking to secure their networks and protect their data. More than half (54%) of those surveyed expressed interest in using AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to secure their network by identifying and eliminating cybersecurity threats. Advanced and automated technology can help businesses improve their cybersecurity, making it harder for hackers to gain entry to the larger corporate network. Modern cybersecurity tools that use AI and machine learning can detect anomalies in network traffic or alert and act on suspicious behaviour. Cybersecurity software For example, if an IoT device suddenly begins broadcasting and establishing connections with multiple devices, cybersecurity software could detect this abnormal behaviour, send an alert, and suspend traffic or quarantine an endpoint immediately – saving precious time during a potential breach. A single data breach could result in widespread distrust from workers and customers, potentially leading to decreased business as well as litigation issues. As such, businesses need to take action to update and strengthen their defences so that they can avoid downtime and continue to operate with peace of mind. Prepare your business for the future Businesses will continue to look for more ways to extract value out of their existing infrastructure, including their security technology. For many, the tools to do so are already in place, it’s just a matter of unlocking the insights with a security ecosystem. With such an ecosystem – one that helps protect a business’ people, assets, and network, while optimising operations – companies can better safeguard the future of their workspaces and usher in the new era of work with confidence.

Security Executive Council’s SLRI unveils 2021 Corporate Security Organisational Structure, Cost of Services and Staffing Benchmark

The Security Leadership Research Institute (SLRI), part of the Security Executive Council (SEC), has released the results of its 2021 Corporate Security Organisational Structure, Cost of Services and Staffing Benchmark. A few highlights of the new benchmark include: 41% of respondents operated at the Director level Average security budget reported was US$ 13,254,850 On average, respondents reported one security employee, for every 93 employees Results on SLRI's new benchmark Security leaders have used the budget, title and reporting data, provided by this benchmark, to avoid budget reductions Security leaders have used the budget, title and reporting data, provided by this benchmark, to avoid budget reductions and secure job title changes, so as to better reflect their level of responsibility. The 2021 Corporate Security Organisational Structure, Cost of Services and Staffing Benchmark results include more detailed data breakdown and more comparison data than previous versions of the benchmark. The full report includes: Report-to level by organisation revenue Domains managed compared to security budget Report-to function vs. reporting level Budget by square footage Budget as a percentage of revenue Budget by sites covered Budget per employee Uniformed security vs organisational employees Personnel cost as a percentage of budget Responses and respondents vetted for data accuracy The report also details security’s responsibility and accountability by programme (e.g., supply chain security, IT forensic investigation, business continuity, asset protection), broken down by revenue, the number of employees, budget, and more. The Security Leadership Research Institute (SLRI) carefully vets responses and respondents, in order to ensure a high level of confidence in the reliability and accuracy of benchmark data. No other organisation focuses exclusively on quality, meaningful research specific to the corporate security function.

Kathleen Kotwica of the SEC discusses the state of corporate security research on The Security Podcasts: Women in Security Edition

Kathleen Kotwica, the Executive Vice President and Chief Knowledge Strategist at the Security Executive Council (SEC) and Principal Analyst, Security Leadership Research Institute (SLRI), recently sat down with Layan Dahhan of The Security Podcasts: Women in Security Edition, to discuss her career in the security industry and the current state of corporate security research. The podcast celebrates influential women in the security industry. Research in corporate security Kathleen Kotwica discussed the challenges of conducting research in corporate security Kathleen Kotwica discussed the challenges of conducting research in corporate security, a field in which leaders frequently balk at the prospect of sharing information. She recognised early on that without industry-wide research, security leaders would forever be re-inventing wheels, from developing or enhancing security programmes to gaining traction with their senior management. Reliable trend data and benchmarks Kathleen Kotwica has spent the last 16 years developing, conducting and enhancing research that is specific to the corporate security function, in an effort to provide meaningful and reliable trend data, and benchmarks, not just for a few security leaders, but to improve the security industry as a whole. She has architected and directed what is believed to be the largest knowledge base on security programme and leader success. “What people need to know is the more they share, the more information and actionable resources we can create for them,” Kathleen Kotwica told the podcast.

3xLOGIC introduces all-in-one functionality for a variety of cameras

3xLOGIC, the provider of integrated and intelligent security solutions, has announced the availability of its All-in-One Functionality, currently available in its serverless camera bundle, indoor cube camera, and 56-degree thermal camera offerings. All-in-One cameras feature onboard storage and, with the purchase of appropriate licensing, allow the camera to function as a standalone VIGIL Server. The cameras can also be used in conjunction with a VIGIL DVR for redundant storage capability. Affordable, edge-based solution As a standalone camera, All-in-One models are compatible with the entire VIGIL Software Suite, including direct access through VIGIL Client and its mobile app View Lite II, as well as with VIGIL Central Management for remote health monitoring and notification. “As dealers and customers look for more ways to balance and optimise video delivery and video verification, the need for camera-based edge storage and remote accessibility has increased,” says Bill Hobbs, VP of Global Sales. “The new All-in-One feature addresses these needs with an affordable, redundant, edge-based solution.” All-in-One Functionality is available on the following new solutions from 3xLOGIC: Flexibility, functionality, scalability, and future-proofing are at the heart of the serverless camera bundle Serverless camera bundle Designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as being suitable for educational, retail, healthcare, and warehouse and distribution environments, the 3xLOGIC Serverless Camera Bundle offers organisations that don’t have support staff to maintain on-site servers and infrastructure, the opportunity to benefit from a cutting edge security solution. Flexibility, functionality, scalability, and future-proofing are at the heart of the serverless camera bundle. As the world moves away from on-premises servers and into the cloud, 3xLOGIC has provided an interim step with serverless cameras that offer a “per camera” alternative. However, recognising that requirements change, it is possible to add a server if required or transition to the highly cost-effective 3xLOGIC cloud solution. All-in-one functionality The serverless camera bundle incorporates 3xLOGIC VISIX devices that boast all-in-one functionality. Users can choose from the VISIX 5MP fixed 2.8mm lens indoor/outdoor vandal-proof mini-dome and VISIX 5MP fixed 4mm lens outdoor mini-bullet cameras, which are both available in 128GB or 256GB storage options. Both variants feature solid-state components, so there are no mechanical drives as failure points, and they can be configured using the VISIX Setup App. Remote access to live and recorded video is possible through VIGIL Client and/or the VIGIL View Lite II App. Indoor cube camera VX-2M-CPIR-IAW delivers recording at the highest quality while enabling fast live viewing The 2MP Indoor/Outdoor Multi-Sensor Cube Camera with Wi-Fi. Featuring built-in passive infrared (PIR) sensors, two-way audio, and digital I/O, the VX-2M-CPIR-IAW delivers a feature-rich IP camera, alarm annunciator, and audio in a single small unit. With dual-streaming compression, the VX-2M-CPIR-IAW delivers recording at the highest quality while enabling fast live viewing from anywhere regardless of available bandwidth. Maximum performance The camera can be used with optional edge recording for a true all-in-one solution or it can be coupled with the VIGIL Series of network video recorders (NVR) and video management system (VMS) software for superior point-to-point hardware compression and decompression to allow for maximum performance of the live-streamed video. This provides higher-quality video, more concurrent streams, and lower overall demand on CPU performance. 56-degree thermal imager The 56-degree thermal device is ideal for surveillance and detection applications with insufficient lighting The new 56-degree field of view (FoV) thermal imager provides enhanced detection capabilities and is ideal for surveillance applications with insufficient lighting or in areas where smoke, fog, or dust are an issue. The 56-degree thermal device is ideal for surveillance and detection applications with insufficient lighting, or for customers who want visibility where they once had none. Edge-based recording software and an advanced analytics engine eliminate the need for an on-site server. Equipment temperature monitoring In addition to detecting intruders, the thermal fulfills another increasingly important function: equipment temperature monitoring. The ability to monitor generators, electrical panels, and other equipment – and proactively notify the user of an overheating or runaway condition – is a highly effective way to manage and preserve assets and security. Target markets for this thermal device include car dealerships and equipment rental companies; pawnshops; utilities, sub-stations, and maintenance facilities; seaports, railyards, and airports; and K-12 education campuses.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Incedo Business access control solution offers greater versatility for Clockwise’s flexible workspaces

Following a change in employment practices, created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many office-based employees now follow a hybrid schedule, working where they are needed or find convenient. The fast-growing use of flexible offices and co-working spaces is a testament to this emerging trend. With employees coming and going as they please, a change in how security and access control are managed is an urgent, but overlooked aspect that many firms are just waking up to now. Clockwise, renowned office space provider Clockwise is the UK and European provider of flexible office space for entrepreneurs and established businesses. The company’s expanding offering includes contemporary offices, meeting rooms and shared workspaces, across multiple cities. Any business, which relies on flexibility, places high demands on door security and access control. Clockwise needs a broad choice of electronic devices to secure meeting rooms, private offices, communal spaces and main entrances, which may not all require the same lock type. Access management should adapt to changing needs Access management must be able to adapt and change, as fast as Clockwise clients’ needs The office space demands of a start-up, freelance co-worker or growing SMB can change at any time, so Clockwise offer a range of membership levels and packages. Access management must be able to adapt and change, as fast as Clockwise clients’ needs. Because tenants come and go frequently, Clockwise facility managers need tailoring of user access rights, to be as easy as possible. Clockwise’s own spaces and a portfolio may also evolve, so any access system must be able to scale instantly up or down. How flexibly Clockwise can deliver for their clients is essential to growing in such a competitive market. Incedo Business offers versatile access control The range of Incedo-enabled devices and door hardware, managed by simple cloud-based software, convinced Clockwise to choose ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Incedo Business, for all their premises. This platform-based access solution connects security software and hardware within a single, future-proofed ecosystem. The diversity of Incedo-enabled devices enables Clockwise to select the ideal electronic lock for every opening in their properties. Internal private office doors, ‘Zoom rooms’ and meeting rooms, as well as communal area doors, and entrance/exits, are now secured with wireless access control devices from the Incedo Business range. Flexible system management options Incedo’s flexible system management options help Clockwise to operate access control with maximum efficiency. Administrators quickly create groups with tailored access for specific doors. Access permissions may also be time-limited, which is perfect for meeting room bookings or for facilitating access hours for different membership options. Private desk members get 24/7 admission, whereas hot-desk membership is only allowed entry during office hours. According to Clockwise, the flexibility to create groups and the ability to remotely update cards, both work really well for their business.

TopSource provides a comprehensive payroll solution to Retail Hub Solutions

Retail Hub Solutions Ltd. is a subsidiary of Raymond Ltd. Retail Hub is engaged in sales of all Raymond brand like: Raymond Premium Apparel ColorPlus Park Avenue Parx Makers Notting Hill Multi-location existence Retail Hub required full HRIS and employee self-service module. Employee data collection was an issue due to the pan-India multi-location existence of the client. Employees were not getting payslips & Income tax reports on time. This led to incomplete employee data collection and distribution. A large number of employee queries were unanswered each month. Retail Hub approached TopSource Worldwide to provide a comprehensive payroll solution that needed to be delivered on time, accurately, and also be able to respond to their growing needs. Data fields editable TopSource Worldwide helped the client by making data fields editable by employees themselves TopSource Worldwide provided employee self-service through Portico that gave access to employees for their payslips and enabled them to make investment declarations online. The Payslip distribution took place through Portico to multiple locations. 24X7 secure access to payslips was provided by Portico from anywhere via the web. TopSource Worldwide provided the solution for HRIS with Portico, which had the data storage functionality and client contact was able to generate reports at any point in time. TopSource Worldwide helped the client by making data fields editable by employees themselves. Thus, it helped the client to gather the HRIS data on time and accurately. Facilitating internal reporting Special reports such as MIS, CTC, and many more were provided to facilitate internal reporting for finance and HR functions. All queries related to HR and Payroll are now tracked through a web-based system and they have substantially reduced in number. Retail Hub no longer spends time on administrative work and queries related to payroll. When necessary the HRIS data can be generated with a click of a button. They have eliminated the risk of issues caused due to employee dissatisfaction with payroll and are now getting their payroll reports on time. Online availability of information has assured Retail Hub employee satisfaction.

AlertMedia appoints Kara Hamilton, the Chief People and Culture Officer at Smartsheet, to the Board of Directors

AlertMedia, the globally renowned emergency communication and threat intelligence solutions provider, announced that Kara Hamilton, the Chief People and Culture Officer at Smartsheet, has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Strategic growth initiatives In her capacity on the company’s Board of Directors, Karan Hamilton will work closely with AlertMedia’s executive leadership team, to support a variety of strategic growth initiatives and pursue new market opportunities. 2020 was a record year for AlertMedia and reinforced that we’ve only scratched the surface" “2020 was a record year for AlertMedia and reinforced that we’ve only scratched the surface, as we work to deliver the technology businesses need, to keep their people safe and informed, during critical events,” said Brian Cruver, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at AlertMedia. Vast industry experience Brian Cruver adds, “Kara is a unique leader, who brings years of experience serving in a variety of roles, at multiple fast-growth businesses, including at her current company, where she helped take the company public. I’m excited to tap into her immense talents, to accelerate our growth trajectory and momentum in the market.” As the Chief People and Culture Officer at enterprise collaboration software company, Smartsheet, Kara Hamilton is responsible for all aspects of employee experience, including recruiting and retention strategies. Served in leadership roles in global companies Under her leadership, the company has garnered numerous awards, recognising company culture, including consistently being recognised as a best place to work. Prior to focusing on people and culture exclusively, Kara Hamilton served in a variety of leadership roles that spanned finance, legal, and IT sectors. Before joining Smartsheet, she also served as the Director of Finance for GoAhead Software (acquired by Oracle), where she led business operations for the U.S., Poland, and India. “The AlertMedia team has delivered truly market-leading solutions to an impressive and rapidly-growing customer base,” said Kara Hamilton, adding “Given current events and the unprecedented year we’ve just endured, emergency communication and employee safety have never been more important.” Solutions supporting faster and effective communications Kara Hamilton’s board appointment comes at a time of explosive growth for AlertMedia’s business and team She further said, “An organisation’s investment in the safety and well-being of their people should be a central component of the future of work, and every company can benefit from solutions that support faster and more effective communication.” Kara Hamilton’s board appointment comes at a time of explosive growth for AlertMedia’s business and team. During the past 12 months, the company experienced a 96% increase in year-over-year revenue growth, while adding nearly 1,000 new customers. Additionally, the company added more than 100 new employees, since the beginning of 2020. AlertMedia, recognised as top employer AlertMedia has continued to earn accolades, as one of the top places to work in Austin, Texas and the entire country, recently being recognised as a top employer, by multiple technologies and business publications, including the Austin Business Journal, Built-in Austin, and Inc. magazine. Kara Hamilton joins current AlertMedia board members, Mike Smerklo, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Next Coast Ventures, Morgan Flager, Managing Partner at Silverton Partners, Bob Nye, General Partner at JMI Equity, and Brian Cruver, Founder and CEO at AlertMedia.

Abloy UK secures Thames Water Contract

Abloy UK has been awarded a three-year contract with Thames Water, valued at an estimated ∼750k, to upgrade existing locking systems between now and June 2024. Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving 15 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. Cylinders and padlocks Products specified for the project include padlocks and a range of cylinders, which will be used to secure a variety of areas and assets. These include treatment plants and pumping stations on applications such as hatches, doors, and gates. They'll be used at over 22 sites in North and East London including Coppermills and Abbey Mills. Abloy cylinders combine flexibility with security, to provide unbeatable performance and meet the BS EN 1303 standard for Cylinder Locks. Abloy padlocks use a unique rotating disc principle and are renowned for their endurance and maximum resistance against physical attack, offering durability in even the severest of climatic conditions. Access control and keyless solution There is also the future potential to implement a PROTEC2 CLIQ access control system and BEAT keyless solution that combines a digital key, mobile application, and a heavy-duty, Bluetooth padlock, all managed with the visual Abloy OS user interface. Simon Jeff, Market Developer for Critical Infrastructure at Abloy UK, said, “We are delighted to have secured a contract of this size with such a prominent and well-respected company such as Thames Water, and look forward to successfully implementing the new locking systems over the next three years.”