Tanveer Choudhry

2015 has been a huge success for key and asset management company Traka. The manufacturer is predicting growth between 20 and 30 percent. It attributes a large part of its success to the extensive work completed in previous years in the U.S. markets, as the foundations set are now coming to fruition.   However, Traka has also encountered a real culture shift within the industry. Where previously key management systems and intelligent lockers for asset management were seen as a periphery issue, facilities and security managers are now starting to see it as a vital part of the overall security strategy. There is now much greater awareness of the benefits of inviting this sort of technology “into the fold.” Need for better integration with security systems 2015 was without doubt the year the security industry sat up and noticed just how powerful and vital integration is. The Traka team believes this will develop further into 2016. The various systems that an organisation deploys to manage its security, health and safety and operational efficiency will all have to have more sophisticated and seamless integration capabilities. Traka has always been at the forefront of this and has been flying the flag for better integration for many years, so is delighted by the opportunity this shift will bring. See the full coverage of 2015/2016 Review and Forecast articles here

Technology that was traditionally used as a tool for security is now coming in to its own, providing multi-functional uses Traka 2014/2015 Review and Forecast:Despite tentative economic recovery, businesses in 2014 were still very much focused on tightening expenditure. Traka, the key and asset management specialist, has seen a spike in demand for systems that protect a company’s assets. This year, Traka has processed significant orders for high-profile companies who are committed to reducing operational spend. Technology that was traditionally used as a tool for security is now coming in to its own, providing multi-functional uses. Asset accountability now plays a much more significant role; it has become essential for improving operational efficiency. In the current “lean” environment, where the vast majority of businesses are working with the minimum number of staff and increasing pressure to reduce costs and remain competitive, businesses need a solution to manage an increasingly wide variety of devices. PDAs, iPads, scanning guns and other equipment are all becoming imperative to maximising efficiencies. But it’s not just a case of simply protecting the financial investment of the asset. Decreasing downtime is just as vital financially. For instance, a leading UK supermarket placed a large order from Traka this year to safeguard and manage thousands of its handheld scanning machines. The investment was made to ensure the essential devices are readily available at the start of every shift, without unnecessary delays. 2014 also saw a shift in automated technology and software that can be controlled by personal devices. The average homeowner can now control their heating and security from their phone. With this becomes a growing expectation for companies to provide easy-to-use and easy-to-access software, and this expectation now transcends all industries. Keeping up with this rapid development will be imperative in 2015, as accessing and controlling different aspects of life and business from a phone or tablet is now commonplace. In 2014, Traka developed the second generation of its Traka Web software to ensure its customers are ready to take advantage of this new world of “finger-tip technology.” The improved functionality means that even more data, reports and controls can be accessed through almost any device that can run a browser, including phones, tablets and PCs. Despite economic recovery, businesses and consumers alike are still concerned about cost. However, the difference is that companies are now willing to invest in technology that will save them money in the long run. People are finally looking to protect the financial viability of the future of a business, rather than just trying to survive another day. See the full coverage of 2014/2015 Review and Forecast articles here

Traka showed visitors how it’s key and asset management products can integrate with software Traka, the key and asset management specialist, reports positive feedback from the security industry after attending IFSEC 2015, with an overwhelming response to its integration capabilities. On its stand, Traka showed visitors first-hand how its key and asset management products can integrate with software like OnGuard from Lenel and AEOS from NEDAP. The event gave the company an opportunity to show visitors how the specification and installation process is made easier when products and software are made compatible with large OEM integrators. Advanced integration capabilities As an ASSA ABLOY company, Traka shared its stand with other brands in the group, demonstrating the advanced integration capabilities that are available through the ‘global leader in door opening solutions.’ Tanveer Choudhry, Global Marketing Manager for Traka, said: “IFSEC 2015 was all about demonstrating the strength that Traka has in integrating its key and asset management products with customer systems.” “The security industry has gone past the point of experimenting and educating itself about integrating various solutions, it is now very real and imperative that systems can share data and work together to provide effective security solutions for modern enterprises.” Benefits of open integration compatibility “What was fascinating about our stand at the show this year is how we could talk in depth to customers about challenges they are facing, and advise them about solutions from other ASSA ABLOY brands. Each brand talked about solutions that fitted a variety of different challenges in different areas, but also how ASSA ABLOY’s philosophy rested around one clear theme; the benefits of open integration compatibility.” “Looking around the exhibition, and noticing the healthy footfall it was clear that these were the words on everybody’s lips. What was different about Traka was that we were able to talk to visitors in the wider context of what we can offer through the vast range of solutions available through the ASSA ABLOY Group, as well as through our own product offering.”

Traka will show visitors how it’s key and asset management products can integrate with other softwares Traka, the key and asset management specialist, will be attending IFSEC 2015 on stand D1700. The company will be demonstrating its advanced capabilities that enable Traka to work seamlessly with most access control systems in the security industry. At the show, Traka will show visitors firsthand how its key and asset management products can integrate with software like OnGuard from Lenel and C-CURE from Tyco. Compatibility with large OEM integrators eases the specification and installation process. Traka representatives will be on hand to help visitors understand the benefits. Traka to demonstrate working of its products As an ASSA ABLOY company, Traka is able to offer its customers further advantages. On the stand, which will also feature other ASSA ABLOY companies, Traka will demonstrate how its products can work together with technology like Aperio. No other company in the market is able to offer the same breadth of products and services as ASSA ABLOY. Its combined brand portfolio and solutions means that OEMs, specifiers and Sis have one point of contact across projects. Perfect opportunity to exhibit integration capabilities Tanveer Choudhry, Global Marketing Manager for Traka said: “IFSEC 2015 gives us the perfect opportunity to exhibit our integration capabilities. We have a long and proven history working with the biggest names in the business. Showing visitors this first hand by conducting live demonstrations is an exciting prospect.” “The fact that we are also sharing the stand with other ASSA ABLOY sister companies mean that we can show our customers how much more we can offer by being part of such an innovative group. We can now provide more integrations and functions than ever before, by providing access to a wide range of technology and solutions that fall under the ASSA ABLOY umbrella.”

The SourceSecurity.com team attended this year's IFSEC International 2014 with great anticipation to view the new innovations first-hand on show and see how the move to London would impact visitor experience. To capture the show, we have provided a summary of IFSEC in pictures above. Highlights from IFSEC 2014 We saw an overwhelming number of people and products; here is a snapshot of our IFSEC experience for 2014: FLIR SourceSecurity.com attended FLIR’s press briefing which took place on the first day of the show. FLIR emphasised that it was more than just a professional thermal camera company – the company has recently released $499 thermal cameras to the consumer industry. For FLIR, the security market is growing industry. With the acquisition of Lorex in 2012, FLIR will be introducing Lorex products under the FLIR brand (consumer side, not professional) in EMEA. At IFSEC 2014, FLIR also introduced FLIR One- its first consumer camera for the iPhone. HID Global HID Global’s Director of Technical Services, Nick Hislop, talked SourceSecurity.com through its emerging technologies in the form of leveraging Bluetooth LE and NFC. The concept is simple: to make mobile access more convenient. Nick also demonstrated how HID’s products and solutions are relevant for a number of vertical markets including Enterprise, Healthcare, Education and Finance Services. Nedap ID Ido Wentink of Nedap Identification Systems introduced SourceSecurity.com to the Nedap IDS advanced licence plate recognition product, ANPR Access HD. The company also introduced uPASS Access, a backward compatibility convertor and UHF ISO Card for improved user experience for uPASS platform. The ANPR Access HD for advanced license plate recognition is a higher resolution lens than its previous release, the ANPR Access camera. Other features of the ANPR Access HD include a more powerful CCV, increased IR illumination and expanded OCR library. SourceSecurity.com’s visit to STI’s booth saw the company emphasise its importance not just within the fire industry, but within the security industry as well Security Technology International (STI) SourceSecurity.com’s visit to STI’s booth saw the company emphasise its importance not just within the fire industry, but within the security industry as well. STI is looking to get the message out there that they’re not just a fire company. Paul Machacek, Sales Team Business Developer, talked SourceSecurity.com through a number of STI’s products including STI’s Polycarbonate Protective Covers, Steel cages, Call Points & Switches and Stand-alone Alarm Systems. Samsung - Changing the face of IP On day two of the show, Samsung hosted a press conference for the global launch of its Open Platform. This new initiative gives users the opportunity to utilise third party APPs with Samsung's WiseNetIII cameras and domes. Tim Biddulph, Product Manager at Samsung, hosted the conference and offered an insight into Samsung's tag line for the show, "Changing the face of IP". Taking a lead in IP technology, Samsung is seeking to give end-users a solution that is effectively future-proof in terms of expandability and its ability to integrate with new technology in the future. Ease of use was also at the top of Samsung's agenda with its "Zero configuration" NVR solution and there was a large focus on the power of integration within different vertical markets. ASSA ABLOY ASSA ABLOY showcased a number of its access security solutions on its impressive stand. SourceSecurity.com met with Thomas Schulz who gave a comprehensive tour of the stand. From ASSA ABLOY Aperio, there was a focus on the benefits of energy saving for its customers with the Aperio range now featuring battery-powered online and offline locks, cylinders, and escutcheons. There was also ABLOY CliQ technology on show which integrates electronics and mechanics, combining mechanical ABLOY PROTEC locking solutions with low-power electronics. A number of access control solution from effeff, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and Yale were also showcased on the stand. VIVOTEK At the VIVOTEK stand, the SourceSecurity.com team were given a tour of the stand which featured their low-light solution and their latest retail solution On day one of the show, VIVOTEK hosted a luncheon in the Crown Plaza hotel, just a stone's throw from the ExCeL centre. As well as enjoying a great meal, attendees were privy to the company's main focus for the coming year and its milestones and product roadmap for 2014 and beyond. The warm hosts included: Steve Ma, Executive Vice President at VIVOTEK, Brandy Lin, Team leader at VIVOTEK and Owen Chen, the Chairman of VIVOTEK. During the luncheon, VIVOTEK shared its vision of being seen as more than just a camera manufacturer, rather, as a total solution provider. The message of the importance of integration, an increased awareness of the need for reliability of products and ease of use was key on their agenda. At the VIVOTEK stand, the SourceSecurity.com team were given a tour of the stand wich featured their low-light solution and their latest retail solution, which was made up of a series of mini high definition cameras for discreetness.  SALTO Salto showcased its latest wireless access control door solution, the XS4 mini. XS4 Mini includes SALTO Virtual Network SVN and wireless capability with mini installation needs. Embedded in the heart of the product is the latest microprocessor technology, ready for the connected world, open and future-proof for online connection, wireless technology and NFC. Seagate During an editorial briefing with the SourceSecurity.com team, Seagate shared their valuable knowledge of the history of storage manufacturing and stressed the importance of choosing the right storage solution for installations. With the rise of "Big Data" and increased storage needs in the surveillance market this is something which has become much more of a consideration. As one of only three storage manufacturers, Seagate's experience and know-how within the surveillance industry is vast and it hopes to push out its knowledge to the industry to ensure that people know the benefits of choosing a fit-for-purpose storage solution. Western Digital SourceSecurity.com spoke to Martin Jefferson at Western Digital, who gave a very detailed explanation of how the new WD purple surveillance hard drive had been created and why it was fit-for purpose. It was a very insightful presentation of the product and demonstrated the inherent need for the market to understand why choosing the right storage solution is vital to any installation.OptexAt the Optex stand SourceSecurity.com spoke to Aude Desbieres, who gave a breakdown of the latest offering from Optex at the show. Amongst the array of new products on the stand, Optex showcased the new analytics features of its laser Sensor, REDSCAN, and a new people counting solution developed by Giken Trastem. There was also a focus on full integration of its IP sensors with Milestone XProtectand Hawkeye mapping software and new grade 2 and grade 3 detectors. Our very own Larry Anderson also sat down with their MD Mike Shibata to discuss the company's future and development roadmap. During an editorial briefing with the SourceSecurity.com team, Seagate shared their valuable knowledge of the history of storage manufacturing and stressed the importance of choosing the right storage solution for installations Tyco Stephen Carney, Director of Product Management for Video Solutions at Tyco Security Products, set down with SourceSecurity.com to give an insight into their product roadmaps and their main focus for the coming year. He spoke on their concept of Unification which looks at integration at code level rather than simply API level. With the launch of their victor 4.5 Unified Client, they hope to give the end user a solution that is more secure and efficient for businesses and organisations that require an active surveillance environment. He also mentioned Tyco's increased focus on the end user and customer experience being at the heart of how they develop their product offering for the market. Senstar At the Senstar booth, SourceSecurity.com were given an insight by Miriam Rautiainen into Senstar's new FlexZone, a fence-mounted sensor that detects and locates intruders. The FlexZone can also locate multiple intrusions simultaneously and is scalable, thus making it an easy and flexible option no matter how big or small the installation needs to be. With FlexZone, less equipment and infrastructure is required, adding to the flexibility of the product. Furthermore, rejecting false alarms is even easier with FlexZone than with Senstar's previous offerings. Miriam also mentioned the acquisition of Optellios earlier this year, which has allowed Senstar to expand on their fibre technology portfolio. Nedap SourceSecurity.com also attended a seminar at the Nedap stand about their collaboration with EE. EE has selected Nedap's AEOS security management platform as part of their plan to expand their business throughout the UK. Since the AEOS system is completely web-based, EE employees can access it from anywhere. Traka At the Traka stand, Tanveer Choudhry, Global Marketing Manager at Traka, gave us a demonstration of their new Traka 21 - a plug and play key management system designed for small to medium size businesses. The system is very user-friendly and easy to use, as Tanveer showed us. Furthermore, a PC connection isn't necessary as the Traka 21 can operate as a stand-alone. However, the system features a USB port, which allows employees to extract user data. The Traka 21 will be available later this year.

Traka and Abloy UK's new London showroom, located at the Building Centre in the heart of the city, attracted a number of visitors when it was launched early this week. Amongst these visitors were end users, integrators and our very own SourceSecurity.com team. Standing proud alongside an array of stands promoting their innovations for the built environment, Abloy and Traka showcased a range of their compliant products in access controlled doors. At the launch event, which offered nice nibbles and goody bags, Tanveer Choudhry, Global Marketing Manager at Traka, gave the SourceSecurity.com team a demonstration of the benefits of the Abloy's CLIQ Remote integration with Traka's intelligent key cabinet. Traka intelligent key management solutions have been used in a number of applications and offer the ability to manage user access to either conventional keys or physical assets. The integration of Abloy's CLIQ Remote's ability to offer an easy way to combine mechanical key systems with high security electronics, and Traka's intelligent key management solution offering another layer of protection to monitor the keys, makes this solution both flexible and secure. With the new showroom, Traka and Abloy UK will be able to demonstrate the real potential of their partnership and individual products at a very central and accessible location.