Comelit - Experts & Thought Leaders

Comelit-PAC has launched a new range of linear beam smoke detectors designed to simplify the protection of large, open spaces, combining easier commissioning with compatibility across both addressable and conventional fire alarm systems. Developed for applications such as warehouses, atriums, industrial facilities, sports halls and other high-ceiling environments, the new detectors use reflective infrared beam technology to monitor for the presence of smoke over distances of up to 120 metres. Conventional fire systems The range comprises four models, with addressable and conventional variants covering applications from 5 to 60 metres and from 50 to 120 metres and is compatible with Comelit-PAC's Logifire addressable panels alongside conventional fire systems. Says Mandy Bowden, Fire Systems Business Manager UK & ROI at Comelit-PAC: "As warehouses become larger, industrial facilities more complex and public spaces increasingly multi-purpose, there's growing demand for technologies to deliver reliable coverage without adding unnecessary complexity. Our new beam detectors are giving customers access to a broader range of solutions from a single trusted partner, making it easier to specify and support the right system for every application.” Supporting straightforward installation Certified to EN54-12, with the addressable models also incorporating EN54-17 certified short-circuit isolation, the detectors have been designed to support straightforward installation and reliable performance. Smart alignment technology automatically optimises the signal during commissioning, reducing the need for fine calibration, while an integrated laser pointer assists with setup. The detectors automatically compensate for environmental changes that could affect performance over time, including dust build-up, minor structural movement and temperature fluctuations. This helps maintain stable sensitivity and reduce the risk of unwanted alarms, with maintenance alerts generated when cleaning or servicing is required. Maintaining consistent performance Addressable versions offer additional functionality through the control panel, including programming, real-time alignment display and dual sensitivity settings for day and night operation. They can be powered directly from the loop or via an external power supply and are designed with low current consumption. Mandy concluded: “Every site varies considerably in scale and complexity, which means fire detection technologies need to respond to very different operational demands. The focus of this launch is to present solutions to maintain consistent performance despite changing environmental conditions over time. Long-term reliability and suitability for the environment are now just as important as meeting the initial design requirements.” Across the range, the detectors are IP65 rated and suitable for operating temperatures from -20°C to +60°C. Remote indicator connections are provided, while the conventional models can also be integrated with third-party systems.

Comelit-PAC has partnered with Editquest Limited to deliver a comprehensive security solution at a private residential development on Kings Road, Fulham. The development required a comprehensive approach, with the priority to provide residents and visitors with a safe, reliable and intuitive system. The installation brought together door entry, access control and CCTV into one integrated solution, designed and installed to meet the highest standards, including full compliance with Secured by Design. Video entry communication Editquest worked with Comelit-PAC to deliver a total of 128 Icona monitors, offering residents stylish and user-friendly video entry communication. At the main entrances, six digital video door entry panels were installed. These were fully integrated to enable secure visitor and guest management throughout the building. Says Kobee Hussain of Editquest: “Our role was to bring together all elements of the installation and ensure the system was designed and delivered to the specification required. Comelit-PAC’s technology enabled us to do exactly this, providing us with the flexibility to manage all elements as one integrated platform. From an installer perspective, the process was smooth and we knew we could rely on the product to perform both during installation and in long-term use.” Robust and flexible solution Access control was also a central requirement, covering 48 doors across the property. To achieve this, Editquest installed a mixture of 512 DCI enclosures and four-way enclosures with 512 DCI and 512 DC, ensuring a robust and flexible solution suited to the development’s scale. To complement the door entry and access control, 46 CCTV cameras were installed. These provide extensive site coverage and reassurance for both residents and building management, all operating within the same Comelit-PAC ecosystem. The result is a single system designed, supplied and supported by one manufacturer, providing ease of management and peace of mind for the long term. Gareth Van Der Merwe, Business Development Manager, South East at Comelit-PAC concluded: “Our focus is always on delivering systems that combine technology, stylish design and reliability. The Kings Road, Fulham project shows how our solutions work seamlessly - from door entry to access and CCTV - while meeting Secured by Design requirements. By working closely with Editquest from initial design to work completion, we’ve created a future-proofed system that enables residents to feel secure in their homes, while enhancing their overall living experience.”

Comelit-PAC has launched LogiFire 2 panel, extending its LogiFire fire detection portfolio with a solution designed for small to medium-sized installations requiring advanced functionality alongside straightforward installation and operation. The LogiFire range is Comelit-PAC's addressable fire detection platform, providing a scalable solution for applications ranging from smaller standalone sites through to larger, more complex buildings. Designed around a common ecosystem of panels, detectors, interfaces and accessories, the range enables installers and end users to maintain consistency across projects while supporting future system expansion. Common ecosystem of panels The new LogiFire 2 panel introduces cloud connectivity and wireless integration while maintaining compatibility with existing LogiFire devices. The result is a panel combining the flexibility of connected fire systems with the familiarity and reliability of the wider LogiFire platform. Says Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Systems Business Manager UK & ROI: "In many projects we are still seeing fire systems managed across multiple panels and sites without a simple way of viewing or checking status remotely, which can add unnecessary time during maintenance or fault investigation”. Wide variety of applications “With LogiFire 2, we’ve focused on giving installers and end users a clearer view of the system through cloud connectivity, while also keeping the installation process familiar. It’s about making day-to-day management more straightforward without changing the way people already work with LogiFire." Supplied as standard with one loop and expandable to two, the panel supports up to 250 devices per loop and up to 16 zonal leds. Suitable for a wide variety of applications, including education, hospitality, retail, commercial buildings and heritage properties, LogiFire 2 has been developed to deliver advanced functionality in an accessible and versatile format. Providing greater flexibility Among the key developments are compatibility with Comelit's MySites cloud platform, built-in TCP/IP connectivity and wireless integration, providing greater flexibility for projects where remote system visibility, networking or cable-free installation may be required. The panel also features a new graphical display and ergonomic interface, helping to simplify operation and day-to-day system management. Designed as part of the wider LogiFire ecosystem, the new panel works seamlessly with existing LogiFire addressable devices, enabling installers to maintain consistency across projects and simplify system expansion. Programming can be carried out directly through the panel interface or via LogiFire software, providing flexibility throughout the installation and maintenance process. Modern fire detection systems The panel also benefits from features previously available only on LogiFire 8, bringing enhanced functionality to projects where a compact, entry-level addressable solution is required. Approved to EN54-2 and EN54-4 standards, LogiFire 2 delivers the performance and compliance expected from modern fire detection systems. Mandy concluded: "LogiFire 2 strengthens the wider LogiFire range by providing customers with another option to combine proven fire detection technology with the connectivity and flexibility increasingly expected on smaller systems. By maintaining compatibility across the wider platform while introducing cloud and wireless capabilities as standard, we're helping installers, specifiers and end users create solutions that can adapt to changing building requirements both now and in the future."

With the postponement of tradeshows and events due to the effects of COVID-19, Vanderbilt and ComNet have taken their high quality, innovative solutions online, directly to their customer base. Through an Online Events and Training resource, you can stay connected with the brands’ top resources and products, as well as join upcoming product webinars hosted by their in-house experts. With a majority of the world currently working from home, businesses must respond to this changing landscape. As such, Vanderbilt and ComNet have turned to online resources to share new product demonstrations and other company news. One cornerstone of the ACRE brands approach was the launch of their Online Events and Training resource page. Ross Wilks, Head of Marketing Communications at Vanderbilt, credits this online resource as the anchor to their communicative success with customers at present. “Through weekly webinars delivered by our in-house experts, Vanderbilt and ComNet have embraced more virtual opportunities to continuously communicate to our customers regarding our latest and most relevant products,” he says. “To date, our webinars have covered a wide range of industry topics such as Why Physical Security and Cloud go together, and The most recent developments in card cloning and reader hacking. Attendance to these online events has proved popular and effective in keeping communication with our customer base open and engaging.” Each webinar ends with a Q&A section, as well as follow-up articles on the most asked questions, plus recordings of the webinars being made available to attendees. As such, the webinar approach has proven a receptive approach for Vanderbilt and ComNet. The Online Events and Training resource acts as a one-stop-shop for all virtual information. Overall, the page outlines the brands’ value-added resources for customers, including the ability to request a remote product demonstration, the availability of free online training, 24/7 access to the Vanderbilt webshop, plus the aforementioned weekly webinars. Vanderbilt and ComNet’s business mantra is built on a foundation of customer-focused core values such as empowerment, collaboration, and high performance and Wilks credits this mentality with their ability to keep information flowing to their base during the present pandemic. “The ACRE brands moved early to kick-start online webinars and ramp up awareness of their already existing online training and shopping options. Now more than ever, it is important to keep customers up to date on the latest offerings,” Wilks explains. “Our commitment has always been to make their customer’s security journey the best possible experience, and that is what this Online Events and Learning page primarily focuses on,” he concludes.

There is a new event on the calendar for the security industry in 2019: The Security Event 2019, 9-11 April, at NEC, Birmingham. For additional details and a preview of the new trade show and conference, we spoke with Tristan Norman, Founding Partner and Event Director, The Security Event. Q: It seems recently that some trade shows have been on the decline in terms of exhibit size and attendance. Why does the physical security industry need another trade show? Norman: I think there are numerous factors that play into the decline of trade shows in general and not something that is limited to the security industry. Those events that are suffering are no longer serving their target market or have failed to adapt to the changes in the industry they serve. However, what we are seeing now is the rise of focused, more “evolved” trade events which fulfil a gap in the industry event calendar and provide something new and fresh to a disillusioned audience. Q: What will be unique about The Security Event, and what role will it serve in bringing together buyers and sellers in the market? Where (geographically) will attendees come from? What we are seeing is a rise of trade events which provide something fresh to a disillusioned audience Norman: The driving ethos behind The Security Event is that we are “designed by the industry, for the industry.” We were able to start with a blank canvas and take onboard all the feedback from stakeholders throughout the security buying chain and create an event that is sustainable and fit for purpose. We see the role of the event as a very important one – to truly reconnect the currently fragmented UK commercial security industry, back at the NEC in Birmingham. We had originally anticipated that this would be an almost-exclusively UK event in year one. However, we have seen significant interest from potential visitors from across the wider EMEA region who are keen to do business in the UK. We formed a strategic alliance with Security Essen to help facilitate and strengthen our reach in these regions through additional marketing and PR activities. Consequently, early registrations indicate that it will be approximately an 80% UK and 20% international split. Q: What conference programming is being planned to augment the trade show event? Norman: Content will be delivered across three focused theatres, serving the needs of our audience throughout the buying chain. Emphasis will be placed on the latest technology innovations impacting the industry, practical advice on the most pressing issues facing security technicians, and important industry updates and insights. All sessions are focused on delivering tangible benefits to ensure professionals are equipped to stay relevant and to grow their business and we’re excited to be working with key industry bodies, innovators and experts to deliver the programme. We look forward to announcing those in coming weeks. Exhibitors want to re-engage with the thousands of industry colleagues who no longer attend other events on offer Q: Comparisons to IFSEC are inevitable. How will The Security Event be different than the IFSEC Security and Fire shows? What are the advantages of locating at Birmingham NEC? Norman: Both The Security Event and The Fire Safety Event, based at the NEC are completely different to any other trade show in the UK. We pride ourselves in creating a business platform that puts the exhibitors’ needs first, by limiting the size of stands and total number of exhibitors as well as creating a comprehensive CPD accredited educational programme for the visitors. Q: Which big industry players are supporting the launch of The Security Event, and what feedback are you hearing in terms of why they signed up at the show's inception? If a global manufacturer has a footprint in both the US and Europe, any tradeshow will be managed locally Norman: Our founding partners are Assa Abloy, Avigilon, Anixter, Comelit, Dahua, Honeywell, TDSi, Texecom, Tyco and Videcon. The full list of exhibitors and supporting partners can be found on our website. The reasons why they have signed up are very simple. They all see the exact same gap in the industry event landscape as we do. We believe there is a need for a 3-day channel focused commercial security exhibition based at The NEC in Birmingham. Our exhibitors want to re-engage with the thousands of industry colleagues who no longer attend the other events on offer. Q: Your 2019 show will be the same week as ISC West in Las Vegas. Do you think the competitive calendar will be a factor? Norman: In terms of our both our audience and our exhibiting base there is very little overlap with ISC West. Generally, if a global manufacturer has a footprint in both the US and Europe, any tradeshow will be managed locally so we haven’t observed any issues so far. We do acknowledge that having two shows at the same time globally isn’t ideal and we have moved our dates in 2020 to the 28-30 April to mitigate this going forward. The Security Event 2020 will not clash with Las Vegas' ISC West 2020 as it will in 2019, says Norman Q: How will you measure success in the first year of the show? What measurements (show size, number of attendees, exhibitor feedback, etc.) will constitute a "successful" first year for the show?Security Event will continue to evolve year after year, but will intent to stay true to the event's original concept Norman: Great question – the most important barometer of success for me and the team next April is the general industry reaction, after all, this show was created for them. Furthermore, it is vital to us that our exhibitors feel they have achieved their objectives for the show, whether it be quality, quantity of leads or raising awareness of a new product launch. We’ll also be keen to understand how satisfied visitors are with the event, including their views of the content, access to new products/services, effectiveness of the out of hours networking, etc. We are anticipating 6,000 visitors over the 3 days and I believe if we achieve this goal, we will have a strong rebooking on site, laying a great foundation for our 2020 event. Q: How would you expect/hope the show would continue to evolve in coming years? Norman: I hope over the next few years The Security Event cements itself as the industry’s favourite trade show and that exhibitors and visitors alike look forward to every year for both the business opportunities at the event and the networking outside of it. The Security Event will continue to evolve year after year, but I am determined that we stay true to our original concept and the principles on which the show was founded. After all, it is this formula that has proved to be so popular to date.