Senstar Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Senstar, a provider of sensing and information management solutions for the protection of critical sites and infrastructure, is providing a glimpse into the near future for the Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform at ISC West this week, in Las Vegas. The technical preview includes a new customisable workflow engine shown as a solution for logistics operators, an improved video pipeline subsystem, and a new mobile app for remote management. New workflow engine “Senstar is pleased to be showing significant advancements to our Symphony Common Operating Platform,” stated Jeremy Weese, Chief Technology Officer at Senstar. “Our software team has been developing a new workflow engine which will allow integrators to visually design custom workflows that address customer-specific problems.”   Customisable solution We are pleased to demonstrate how Senstar can solve real problems faced by logistics operators" The engine uses sequenced events from multiple sources to trigger rules. Sources can be anything managed by the Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform, including video analytic metadata, sensor status, access control devices, monitored I/O devices, and integrations to other systems. “We are pleased to demonstrate how Senstar can solve real problems faced by logistics operators,” stated Fabien Haubert, Managing Director at Senstar. “In this scenario, the new workflow engine checks if a truck is matched with its cargo correctly. This solution can be customised to suit an organisation’s business processes.”  Security management and data solution The Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform is a modular solution for security management and data intelligence. In addition to being an open, highly scalable video management system with built-in AI-based video analytics, it includes full-featured access control and perimeter intrusion detection modules.  Other products  Also previewing as part of the Senstar Symphony demonstration at the Senstar booth are:  New user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android devices which will allow management of common Symphony features. New video pipeline subsystem with lightning-fast video switching between complex, multi-view video panels. ONVIF Profile M support, which enables access to metadata from cameras and other devices without the need for custom integrations.  The new functionality will be made available in updates to the Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform in Q2.

Senstar, global provider of video management solutions and perimeter intrusion detection systems, has published a case study detailing how its Senstar Symphony video management system (VMS) and video analytics are helping Ferretería Ochoa secure spaces and gather business intelligence. Senstar Symphony VMS Ferretería Ochoa is a hardware and home improvement retail chain that has been operating in the Dominican Republic for over 45 years. Symphony was first installed at one of its retail stores in 2013 and is now being used at six locations, including a storage facility and a manufacturing facility. Ferretería Ochoa also uses several of Senstar’s video analytics to better understand customer and employee behavior. One of the main benefits Symphony has provided Ferretería Ochoa is increased inventory control One of the main benefits Symphony has provided Ferretería Ochoa is increased inventory control. This not only refers to shoplifting by customers, but also to errors – accidental or intentional – made during shipping and receiving. Employees are aware they are being monitored at all times and understand the system’s ability to capture incidents and provide proof. Central video monitoring “It dissuades deceitful and malicious situations such as shipping more items than ordered or a more expensive item,” said Mr. Gomez. “The deterrence factor Symphony provides is probably the most important result we have achieved.” Symphony has also enabled Ferretería Ochoa to utilise security personnel more efficiently and has reduced costs by having video from all sites managed from one central location. Retail security “Senstar Symphony and analytics are ideal for retailers looking to deter theft, protect staff and customers and improve the overall customer experience,” said Senstar’s Director, North America Business Development Anthony Hackett. “We are happy to be helping Ferretería Ochoa achieve such results.”

Senstar, global company that offers perimeter protection and VMS solutions, is slated to showcase latest access control and intrusion detection solutions, including next-gen Senstar Symphony Access Control (AC) and the FiberPatrol FP400 zone-based intrusion detection systems for fence applications at ISC West 2019. Symphony AC access control Symphony AC is an open software solution designed to support the industry’s most trusted brands of access control and intrusion hardware. Available as an extension to the Symphony Video Management Software (VMS), the module provides a full set of access control functions, including enrollment, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting. The FiberPatrol FP400 is one of the most affordable fiber optic perimeter intrusion sensors on the market. Each processor provides up to 4 zones of detection and supports insensitive lead-in enabling electronics to be installed up to 12 mi from the perimeter fence. It is ideal for small sites with concerns over EMI, lightning, or conductive elements on the perimeter. FiberPatrol FP400 intrusion detection “Symphony AC and FiberPatrol FP400 are examples of Senstar’s continued commitment to developing products to meet the evolving security needs of our customers," said Kristen Cory, Vice President Sales, North America. "Both these products address very specific site requirements, allowing Senstar to offer more options to our customers and continue to build on our success as one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable security providers." Other award-winning products on display at ISC West Booth 17109 include the Senstar LM100 hybrid perimeter intrusion detection and intelligent lighting system, FlexZone ranging fence-mounted intrusion detection system, and the Senstar Thin Client PC-alternative for video management.

I have been unpacking from last week’s ASIS show in Orlando. It was a good show, except if you compare it to last spring’s ISC West in Las Vegas, which was especially well attended and generated a lot of excitement in the market. ASIS was definitely smaller, lower key and less crowded. And there were no big product announcements. But there was still plenty of technology on display. In particular, I saw the show reflecting several ongoing trends in the market. Impact of M&As Mergers and acquisitions have been big news in the security market for the last year or two, and there was evidence at ASIS of how M&As are changing the market. For example, Axis Communications, now owned by Japanese giant Canon, is taking over the marketing of Canon’s small (by comparison) selection of video surveillance equipment. Thus ends (quietly) one of the big questions in the market: Why would a company like Canon want to compete against itself? Even more reflective of the changing Canon/Axis world is a new 20-megapixel camera highlighted at ASIS. It was developed through cooperation by the two companies, with Canon providing the lenses and Axis providing the rest of the camera, including image processing. It’s being positioned as an opportunity to combine the best capabilities of both companies. Mergers and acquisitions have been big news in the security market for the last year or two, and there was evidence at ASIS M&As changing the market Vanderbilt is expanding its cloud and video management offerings – in addition to access control – with acquisition of Access Control Technology (ACT) in Dublin. A company built on acquisitions, Vanderbilt will be looking to unify their product offerings in coming months – combining technologies from various acquisitions into a unified whole. It’s been a big year for FLIR, which has swallowed up DVTEL and now offers a complete range of video surveillance products. Reaching way beyond FLIR’s historic presence as a thermal imaging company, the new FLIR is looking to educate the market about its versatility. Meeting end user demands End users demand more integrated systems, and you heard it repeatedly at ASIS. For example, Tyco Security Products says their products are now more connected, reflecting further deterioration of the silos that used to exist. More effective user interfaces are getting attention. One I saw at ASIS was by Honeywell’s Connected Buildings business. A big screen at their booth showed a map with multiple locations in an enterprise; clicking on a location brings up a schematic showing where cameras are located. If you click on a camera icon, you see video from that camera. They also previewed a smart phone app that runs off the same database, which can be used by guards working in the field. Bosch also has a neat integration of their access control, intrusion and video systems, all tied together using their intrusion system to provide intuitive controls. Ameristar, an ASSA ABLOY subsidiary, offers Perimeter InSite software, providing a virtual view of any perimeter security construction project as it is planned and built – stage by stage – with no surprises. Mobile credentialing, wireless locks A leader in mobile credentialing, HID Global is emphasising how the technologies are being implemented in the market – more customer references and case studies are paving the way for broader adoption. Other companies are also onboard with mobile credentialing, including Brivo and Lenel. A leader in mobile credentialing, HID Global is emphasising how the technologies are being implemented in the market Wireless is continuing to evolve. Stanley Security offers the WiQ wireless product line, emphasising that installation of wireless locks is half the cost of wired, but there are downsides (such as slight access delays) compared to wired. Allegion continues to expand its Engage wireless portfolio, too. Paxton Access, a British company, has restructured and is investing in the U.S. market. Their Paxton BLU cloud-based access control system uses Amazon web services and is an opportunity for dealer/integrators to earn more recurring monthly revenue (RMR) Security in the headlines Violence in the headlines often screams out for security solutions, and there were some at ASIS. Stanley highlighted its Shelter product that enables a wireless lockdown in an active shooter situation in the education environment. It solves a high-profile challenge, but Stanley emphasises that it’s just part of a broader school security programme – that’s what’s really needed. A different approach on the active shooter scenario is offered by risk assessment and consultancy company Control Risks, which offers active shooter education programmes for enterprises, including an e-learning module to teach employees how to react in an active shooter situation. New video capabilities Video grabbed attention at ASIS. As Hikvision and Dahua continue their energetic push into the U.S. markets, they were among the largest (and most crowded) booths. Several companies – including Bosch and Tyco -- are adding video analytics to their cameras at the factory. Vicon previewed its new Valerus VMS system, based on ONVIF protocols and totally compatible with their legacy ViconNet VMS. They see open systems as a strong selling point, but they will also continue selling hardware and “total systems". "Suspect search" can search video to deliver additional examples of video involving a subject that has been identified by a single frame “Suspect search” is a new feature showing up on video surveillance systems. The feature can search captured video from throughout a system to deliver additional examples of video involving a subject that has been identified by a single frame of video – find the girl in the blue dress, or the man wearing a red shirt. Searching a whole system, rather than a single camera feed, expands an operator’s ability to investigate an incident. Avigilon introduced its version, called “Appearance Search” at ASIS, and Qognify also highlighted its version, called “Suspect Search,” which I first saw at IFSEC. I notice Exacq also has a flavour of this, and I am sure there are others. Perimeter security evolving Perimeter security is changing. Long considered a “low-tech” wing of the security market, there is a lot going on in the area of perimeter security. Visiting a couple of booths at ASIS opened my eyes. For example, Senstar has every kind of sensor, and their Tungsten product is a security appliance that offers cyber-security at the edge of the network, tying together the sensors and other devices. Protech offers solar-powered wireless sensors that don’t require trenching, another money-saver (more to come about them).

Physical and cyber security convergence, perimeter intrusion detection systems and fibre optic-based sensors were some of the security trends that picked up pace in 2015 and will continue to grow in the coming year as well. The beginning of 2015 started out slowly as the implementation of security projects by a number of organisations was postponed for various reasons. Mid-year picked up momentum, and the year is ending on a strong note. A significant trend was the gradual progression of convergence of physical and cyber security. I believe this is an area where technology is ahead of the market. No doubt it is only a matter of time before holistic security strategies will be more fully embraced, as the risk and actual incidents of cyber attacks increase. The market is now starting to require that penetration tests be conducted on perimeter intrusion detection systems. The video market continued on solid growth, while M&A activities such as Canon’s acquisition of Axis and Milestone and the formation of Qognify, formerly NICE Systems, signify continuing consolidation in this space. Drone detection systems – a rising need Drones continue to be an emerging security risk. Fortune magazine recently stated that as many as one million drones will be sold this holiday season in the USA. This presents a new form of security threat that organisations are challenged to mitigate, as most traditional security systems do not provide an adequate defence. Forward-looking trends Looking forward to 2016, many trends from 2015 will continue; namely the convergence of physical and cyber security as well as the growth and consolidation of the video/intelligent video analytics (IVA) market. The rising drone threat will bolster development of low-cost radar and other solutions. However, the industry will still need to resolve the issue of safe and effective interception. Specific to perimeter intrusion detection, the demand for fibre optic-based sensors will increase as a growing number of specifiers perceive them as the preferred method for securing long perimeters. The oil and gas industry will be using more fibre optic technology for pipeline security and leak detection.  Perimeter security sensors Senstar is well-positioned to address the paradigm of precise location of intrusions and events, not only in perimeter protection, but also life safety applications and illicit use of mobile devices, such as in correctional facilities. I’m optimistic about 2016 as we continue to lead the market in introducing new security innovations. See the full coverage of 2015/2016 Review and Forecast articles here