Sharp Electronics Corporation - Experts & Thought Leaders

Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, is pleased to announce a technology partnership with ELATEC Inc. of Palm City, Florida, to provide radio frequency identification and mobile device readers as a core component of Sharp's touchless secure print solutions offerings. Touchless solutions  High-touch surfaces such as door entrances, vending machines and multifunction printers can be vectors for spreading viral infections, such as the COVID-19 virus. According to The CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), viruses can live on surfaces for hours to days. As conscientious organisations anticipate the workforce return to their office environments, touchless solutions to mitigate such threats are in demand. Contactless RFID reader One component of such solutions is the contactless RFID reader. Among their many and varied uses, on Sharp multifunction printers, RFID readers enable users to release their print jobs without the need to touch a keypad or a display screen to enter their required password or personal identification number. Instead, the user simply presents their RFID card or smartphone for print release Instead, the user simply presents their RFID card or smartphone for print release. “Not only is the use of contactless RFID hygienic, but it provides users with the valued convenience of not having to enter a password or PIN every time they need to print,” said Paul Massey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ELATEC Inc. Touchless multifunction printer solutions Paul adds, “And it provides Sharp customers with an additional element of security as passwords and PINs are often shared or could be hacked, leading to potential data security breaches.” “As our customers assess their return to the office once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, they want to ensure they do so with increased employee productivity and personal safety,” said Christina LeBlanc, Manager, Tech Wizards of Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. Christina adds, “Our touchless multifunction printer solutions are another example of the simply smarter experiences for our customers that are the hallmarks of Sharp business products.”

The prestigious Judges' Choice Award was presented to Thermal Imaging Radar for Hydra CrucialTrak's Biometric Access Control System (BACS) took top honours as Best New Product in the SIA New Product Showcase (NPS) at ISC West 2017, announced the Security Industry Association (SIA). Four biometric identification technologiesBACS is the world's first multi-biometric authentication technology, providing the highest security measures by layering four different biometric authentications into one terminal, according to CrucialTrak. In each BACS module, up to four biometric identification technologies are considered: touchless fingerprint, iris patterns, vein patterns and facial recognition authentication. Guests of ISC West 2017 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre can witness CrucialTrak BACS in action at Booth #14059 through the end of the trade show on April 7."Many returning companies entered the SIA New Product Showcase this year, and many new entrants also competed in the showcase," said SIA CEO Don Erickson. "New and familiar faces did very well in the 2017 showcase. I congratulate CrucialTrak for distinguishing itself as Best New Product overall in a very competitive year." Thermal Imaging Radar HydraSince its inception in 1979, SIA NPS has been the security industry's premier awards-based marketing program. This year's NPS Program had 120 entries from small, medium, and large companies in the security industry. This number represented roughly a 20 percent increase overall last year and set a record for entrants in recent years. In addition, the prestigious Judges' Choice Award was presented to Thermal Imaging Radar for Hydra. The Thermal Radar Hydra provides wide area intrusion detection through continuous 360° thermal intrusion detection combined with 360° targeted surveillance from a 30X zoom laser IR starlight PTZ, said the company. Attendees of ISC West 2017 can check out Hydra in Booth #4122. The NPS judges presented awards in 29 product and service categories. The full SIA NPS Award Winner's List appears below. 2017 SIA NPS Award Winners 1. Access Control, Devices and PeripheralsHES1500/1600 Electric Strike Platform 2. Access Control, Devices and Peripherals, WirelessHID Global (Booth #11063)Location Services 3. Access Control, Software and ControllersTyco Security Products (Booth #20005)Istar Ultra Video 4. Anti-Terrorism/Force ProtectionPatriot One TechnologiesNforce CMR 1Honourable Mention:Shooter Detection SystemsGuardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System 5. Cloud SolutionsFeenics (Booth #22135)KEEP 6. Commercial Monitoring SolutionsSecure Global SolutionsNext StageHonourable mention:Christie Digital SystemsFHD553-XE LCD 7. Convergence and Integrated Software and SolutionsRightCrowd (Booth #31097)Software Essentials 8. Emergency Communication/Mass Notification SystemsV5 Systems (Booth #32087)Acoustic gunshot sensorHonourable mention:TextSpeak DesignTextSpeak One-Box 9. Fire/Life SafetyHoneywell (Booth #14025)1500 Combo Smoke CO2 Detector 10. Green/Sustainable Solutions ProductsASSA ABLOY Americas (Booth #8061)IN220 "Many returning companies entered the SIA New Product Showcase this year, and many new entrants also competed in the showcase” 11. Hosted Solutions/Managed ServicesSureID (Booth #14127)Certified Edge 12. Intrusion Detection and Prevention SolutionsOptex (Booth #22015)Redscan RLS2020S 13. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Solutions, WirelessBosch (Booth #11053)Zigbee Multi-Sensor 14. Law Enforcement/Guarding SystemsSharp Electronics (Booth #3137)Intellios A-UGV 15. Lock Systems and Secure Storage ContainersSecuritech (Booth #20134)Auto-Bolt Max 16. Loss Prevention and Article Surveillance SolutionsMarch Networks (Booth #25041)Search Lights 17. Mobile AppsSTid (Booth #6134)Mobile ID 18. Network Support SolutionsKBC Networks LimitedThruLink 19. Outdoor Perimeter ProtectionOntech (Booth #27091)Wardium Perimeter 20. Residential and Monitoring SolutionsNAPCO (Booth #12043)Starlink Connect Z-Model 21. Tools and HardwareAxis Communications (Booth #14051)Site Designer 22. User Authentication, Identification, Credentialing and ManagementFST Biometrics (Booth #24103)iMiD Access 4.0 23. Video AnalyticsUMBO Computer Vision (Booth #15121)UMBO Light 24. Video Surveillance, Advanced Imaging TechnologiesThermal Imaging Radar (Booth #4122)Hydra 25. Video Surveillance, Cameras HD (Megapixel)Wireless CCTV (Booth #30091)Body Camera Connect 26. Video Surveillance, Cameras IPAxis Communications (Booth #14051)Q6155E PTZ Dome 27. Video Surveillance, Data StorageQuantum Corp. (Booth #26117)Quantum StorNext 5.4 28. Video Surveillance, Hardware and AccessoriesV5 Systems (Booth #32087)Camera Agnostic Platform 29. Video Surveillance, Management SystemsFLIR (Booth #20060)United VMS

Focus areas include cybersecurity, marketing, leadership, RMR, project management, and technical topics PSA Security Network, an electronic security cooperative, announced it will host an ISC West 2017 education track with sessions and a workshop during ISC West in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 4-5, 2017. Various PSA Committee members, staff, and other industry experts will lead the eight sessions that are included in the PSA Track. Focus areas include cybersecurity, marketing, leadership, RMR, project management, and technical topics including robotics. The sessions being offered will include: Cybersecurity and Security Installations: Hardening IP Connected Physical Security Equipment April 4, 2017, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Unlike previous security methods, a properly designed physical security platform unleashes the value of the Internet of Things by aggregating information from people process, data and things. This unleashing brings a cascade of data from IP-enabled devices, machines and business systems connected via unmodified Ethernet. This panel team will discuss commonly used tools to perform network enumeration, how to uncover potential weaknesses in your system, and best practices to better secure your devices. Presenters: Ray Coulombe, Security Specifiers; Andrew Lanning, Integrated Security Technologies; Chris Peckham, Kratos Public Safety & Security Solutions, Inc.; Wayne Smith, Tech Systems, Inc. Recurring monthly revenue structure is at the forefront of news in the security industry RMR Model in the Security Industry: How It Works and Why We Need It April 4, 2017, 10:10 AM – 11:15 AM Recurring monthly revenue structure is at the forefront of news in the security industry. Not only does it provide a critical infrastructure to increase business and company value, but it also allows customers an affordable way to implement a physical security system and to stay up to date with technology. The panel will discuss ways to implement an RMR model, and why it is the future of the security industry. Presenters: Bill Bozeman, PSA Security Network; Kim Tran, Northland Controls; Rob Simopoulos, Advance Technology; Patrick Berry, BluBØX. Cementing Customer Loyalty in Competitive Times April 4, 2017, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Do your customers really love you? Or, are you certain or are you guessing? Loyalty comes from building, developing, and maintaining a strong relationship with your customers. Determining both the right attitude and the right behaviours to keep the relationship solid is key in today’s tough market. In this panel discussion, learn to engage with clients and build an atmosphere of trust that will keep your business solid in the heavily competitive environment. Presenters: Paul Cronin, Atrion; Tim Brooks, PSA Security Network; Christine Lanning, Integrated Security Technologies; Sharon Shaw, Tech Systems, Inc.; Mark Krause, Target Corporation. Robotics: Upcoming Legislation and Government Regulations You Need to Know Now April 4, 2017, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Robotics are quickly evolving and adapting to many industries and new developments are occurring daily which will affect many industry verticals. While businesses and industries are becoming more aware of the potential impact of robotics technologies on society, they also have the unique ethical and legal challenges which emerge when intelligent machines and humans occupy the same environments. What efforts are being made to address current regulation and legislation? This panel discussion will address what impact these regulations will have on the security industry in the future. Presenters: Bill Bozeman, PSA Security Network; Michael Kobelin, Sharp Robotics Business Development; General William J. Marshall III, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Jack Wu, Nightingale Security. Industry leaders need to manage the risk associated with planned and unplanned departures in key positions Operational Workshop: Project Management in the Physical Security Space April 4, 2017, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM This session will provide attendees with an understanding of the most efficient processes and procedures to effectively allocate resources to implement physical security programs. Additionally, content will provide security project managers with the application of management best practices to support budget-conscious allocation of physical security resources across an organisation’s portfolio of facilities. Reviewing project life cycle best practices in a collaborative environment will provide best practices to take home and implement immediately. Presenter: Sharon Shaw, Tech Systems, Inc. Leading Through Industry Change: Succession Planning and Leadership in a Merger and Acquisition Market April 4, 2017, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Today’s business environment is characterised by near-constant change. It’s an environment where acquisitions and investments are picking up the pace and are modifying the configuration of existing organisations. Industry leaders need to manage the risk associated with planned and unplanned departures in key positions, as well as the prevention of loss of knowledge and relationships that reside with key employees. Managing the impact of demographic shifts in the workplace is a business imperative that executives can no longer afford to ignore. This session will discuss the impact of mergers and acquisitions on a business, as well as creating the right approach to helping their organisations sustain the necessary leadership to support business growth and a smooth succession plan. Presenters: Berry Epstein, Vertex Capital; Eric Yuang, Convergent Technologies; Brent Franklin, Unlimited Technologies; Jim Henry, Kratos Public Safety & Security Solutions, Inc. To protect your organisation, you must take a proactive and comprehensive approach to this quickly increasing risk Increasing Your Brand Recognition Through Social MediaApril 4, 2017; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tapping the vast audience of the social web is a low-cost way to catapult a business brand. This presentation will uncover how to effectively build a company’s brand using social media, which allows organisations to develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships. This will help drive brand awareness, loyalty, and word-of-mouth marketing. Discover networks which support a company’s brand image, identify valuable content, and outline effective social media strategies. Presenter: David Morgan, Security Dealer Marketing. The 7 Questions they Cyber Criminals Don’t Want You to Ask! April 4, 2017; 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM/ April 5, 2017; 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM All leadership in business has a fiduciary responsibility to protect their company, its shareholders, employees, and customers. Part of this responsibility includes detecting cyber risks and mitigating those risks. To protect your organisation, you must take a proactive and comprehensive approach to this quickly increasing risk. This panel discussion led by PSA’s Cybersecurity Committee will address the top seven questions end users and system integrators make sure they have addressed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Presenters: Paul Boucherle, Matterhorn Consulting LLC; Darnell Washington, SecureXperts; Sal D’Agostino, IDmachines; Andrew Lanning, Integrated Security Technologies.

The age of robotics is fast approaching. To be successful, security systems integrators need to understand how these machines fit in the security of their clients, according to industry experts. “The integrators did not begin this trend,” says Bill Bozeman, President and CEO of the PSA Security Network, cooperative of security product suppliers and system integration companies. “They did not say, ‘Oh boy I can’t wait to introduce robotics into my portfolio'. This is driven by the end users. This is the norm. Like it or not, the integrator community is somewhat reactionary.” Robotics in vertical markets For those security integrators who serve industry verticals such as utilities, oil and gas, healthcare, higher education and even real estate owners with large campuses and buildings such as malls, knowledge of robotic security solutions is essential, he adds. Those serving large companiesand facilities will need tounderstand the capacities ofrobotics, the leading-edge manufacturers and the designers “You go into the meeting with your portfolio, and the security director comes in and says ‘Hey, tell me your thoughts on security robotics. Do you think it’s a fit for my organisation and what do you think?’ If you say ‘I don’t know’, they’re going to think ‘This company is not keeping up.” For those professionals geared to providing security to small shops and stores or homes, robotics will not be a prime solution for many years to come. Those serving the great mass of large companies and facilities will need to understand the capacities of robotics, the leading-edge manufacturers and the designers. Educating integrators on robotics “PSA has a history of introducing the “next big thing” to their integrators before they eventually hardwire the topic to their training curriculum,” echoes Cliff Quiroga, Vice President and Deputy General Manager at Sharp and a leader in the new formed Robolliance. Bozeman’s organisation has taken the lead in providing a wide variety of educational and networking programmes that bring together integrators with manufacturers and industry experts on the topic of robotics. “For those who choose not to play, well they’ll be forced into the small segment of verticals where robotics doesn’t make a difference,” says Bozeman. “There won’t be many of those. Their pool of potential business will shrink.” Advances in technology will reduce the costs of deploying robots into facilities, making them more appealing to companies Future with service robots The deployment of robots into civilian security operations has been limited so far, but the number of product options is growing rapidly. Major companies such as Sharp have created robotic divisions and are readying products for testing and deployment to real-world customers. Guard companies are already looking at robots and how they can be incorporated into their offering to work alongside human officers. “The latest advancement in robotics, particularly in the area of drones and unmanned ground vehicles, is a game-changer,” observes Brian Higgins, founder and president of Group 77, a security and public safety consulting firm. “The robots of today will provide that catalyst, that direct connection between humans and technology creating the integration we are trying to accomplish.” Robots won’t replace security officers, but they will take over many of the mundane and boring tasks such as monitoring cameras and sensors that humans simply aren’t very good at doing, notes Higgins. "Robots will patrol, they will inspect, they will sense and they will perform actions that are pre-programmed by humans" “Robots will patrol, they will inspect, they will sense and they will perform actions that are pre-programmed by humans,” says Higgins. “The routine patrols performed by the robots will be done with cameras that are better in capturing images than the human eye. They will sense better than the human nose or ears. I think there is very little limitation on what robots can do and will do in the future.” Making robotics appealing Advances in technology will reduce the costs of deploying robots into facilities, making them more appealing to companies that are all too well aware of the limits of human attention. “The security industry is plagued with commoditisation of their traditional technology,” says Quiroga. “Many products, especially video, are being mass-produced with very similar performance capabilities and made available through a variety of online outlets and distributors.  The industry is choking on commoditisation and channel conflicts with limited value being added by the integrator.” With robotics, security integrators will now have a unique technology to gather data for the client, provide the constant security presence, and insulate them from the future increase in minimum wage for their existing services, he adds. Being first requires an investment to build and train a staff committed to robotics Bumper opportunities for robotics experts “Being an ‘expert’ in robotics will be a differentiator for the integrator, open more doors for them, and help them win over new clients because of the value they bring to the overall security solution,” says Quiroga. Experts agree that the integrator community needs to understand that robotics offers an unparalleled growth opportunity for those companies that commit early to the technology. Wall Street is already taking note of the industry and its potential. Earlier this year, iRobot, which makes robotic vacuum cleaners, spun off its military and police robot division into a separate company. Now known as Endeavor Robotics, the company was purchased for $45 million by Arlington Capital Partners. The company is the largest supplier of robots to the U.S. military. “Although the technology is still in final development, there is no other market segment related to electronic security that could provide the business opportunity that robotic technology will provide the early adopters,” says Quiroga. “Being first requires an investment to build and train a staff committed to robotics; successful integrators will not be those who only offer robotics as a solution on the occasional project. Robotics is coming; get ready now.” Catch up on our Robots in Security series here Save Save

There’s no better indication that robots are the next big thing in security than the formation of the industry organisation known as Robolliance. It’s billed as “a forum for technology partners and industry experts in robotics, surveillance and security to advance the understanding and awareness of the Autonomous Robotics marketplace.” Founded by Sharp Electronics Corp, its members include some of the biggest names in security and technology including Bell and Howell, Rajant Corporation, Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), and others. Sharp Vice President and Deputy General Manager Cliff Quiroga is helping to lead the charge on robotics for security. Recently, he spoke with SourceSecurity.com about the new organisation and what all the talk about robots means for the security industry. SourceSecurity.com: What prompted the creation of Robolliance? How will it help drive innovation in this technology?  Quiroga: There are two facts about the introduction of high-tech to our personal and professional lives. One, new technology is disruptive. Two, most people resist change. I remember Forbes publishing an article a few years back about the top five reasons people resist change. The writer’s recommendation was to take the time to understand the change, who it will impact, how it will impact and why people might resist it. Robolliance does just this. Robotics’ introduction into the security industry will be much more disruptive than a smart phone. The fact that people resist change is what Robolliance is all about. It is a resource where people can go to understand and become aware. SourceSecurity.com: What were the main takeaways from PSA TEC [PSA Security Network’s yearly conference] where Robolliance was announced?  Quiroga: As Sharp Electronics Corporation was bringing together sponsors to work together on Robolliance, PSA was making a parallel effort to bring robotics into the purview of their membership of security integrators. What better place to introduce both our efforts? PSA has a history of introducing the “next big thing” to their integrators before they eventually hardwire the topic to their training curriculum. Over prior years, they had great success with the introduction of cybersecurity, which is now a focal point of the education security integrators receive to grow their business. Robotics is what PSA deems that “next big thing”.  SourceSecurity.com: How will the organisation contribute to innovation in robotics? Quiroga: Robolliance serves as an incubator for individuals and organisations to do their best work. The composition of Robolliance extends beyond the sponsors to the followers, who will join the forum to share stories, collaborate ideas and cross-educate one another. A company, like Sharp Electronics Corporation, has a history of engineering and manufacturing success. Robolliance brings a company, like ours, into an ecosystem that includes other robotics, surveillance and security experts, who can stay within their wheelhouse and leverage their core competencies in contribution with other thought-leaders, who believe in the future of robotic technology. Together, we have the potential to shorten innovation cycles and increase speed to market. The role of robotics in security today is still in its infancy, but indications are the market is ready and waiting for the technology SourceSecurity.com: What role is robotics playing now in security? Quiroga: The role of robotics in security today is still in its infancy. Aerial drones are just starting to appear with some corporate security organisations, but progress has only been inching along, while security and safety directors wait to see how the FAA [U.S. Federal Aviation Administration] will finalise regulations. Concerning ground-based robotics, there is no unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) on the market today dedicated to outdoor autonomous patrol and surveillance. All indications are the market is ready and waiting for the technology. SourceSecurity.com: Is the primary trend using robots as security guards? Where do they work best? Patrolling perimeters and warehouses? Quiroga: We believe the trend is in “Collaborative Robotics” – products that increase the overall productivity of workers, such as security guards. Technology innovation at its best tends to make workers more productive. Robotic products as applied to security tend to show the most promise for those dull, dirty and dangerous – the 3Ds – applications. Examples of this include utilities, such as electrical and water treatment, manufacturing and petro-chemical processing facilities. Typical roles for a security robot on these sites are perimeter patrols and asset verification. SourceSecurity.com: What are the challenges?  Quiroga: There is still a lot of emerging technology that will allow ground-based robots to expand and perform more functions than we see today. At the moment, speed is limited, but as sensor technology costs come down, we will see travel speeds of UGVs increase. SourceSecurity.com: Does it create liability?  Quiroga: For the most part, we don’t see an increase in liability, especially when we compare the risks and cost related to a person performing dangerous security activities versus having a robot perform those same tasks. SourceSecurity.com: What are the challenges of using robots in this capacity? Quiroga: We believe “change” in general is the biggest challenge. We are all creatures of habit, and using a new tool will require some retraining and adjustments, but we believe as with any new technology this will come with time and exposure. SourceSecurity.com: What are the technical breakthroughs companies are focusing on and need to solve in this area? Quiroga: The basic uses have been defined, and the fundamental capabilities are possible. The improvements will come, just as they have for personal computers. Improvements in performance of key robot components, such as sensors (such as Lidar), will happen and in turn the cost reductions will come as those components are used in more and more products. SourceSecurity.com: What is the most promising market for companies in the robot security area? Quiroga: The most promising market for the autonomous ground-based vehicles is any large private or government outdoor facility with constant “guard-tours” and safety/security compliance reporting requirements. Read Part 5 of our Robots In Security Series here Save