Body field communication

Everbridge, Inc., a pioneer in critical event management and enterprise safety software applications to help keep people safe and businesses running, announced a partnership with RiskBand, a provider of wearable, live-monitored safety devices for organisations and their workers. The alliance is part of Everbridge’s strategy to reach the broadest set of workers, including those that may not always have ready access to a mobile phone, such as a hospitality employee, in-home healthcare provider, or lone worker in the field. With the additional modality and simple access of the RiskBand wearable device, Everbridge is expanding its addressable market for protecting employees regardless of their physical location, whether inside the office, working remotely, or travelling the globe. Critical events such as assaults and active shooter incidents are threatening lives and causing major business disruptions. Fatal work injuries have increased over the last decade, with 5,147 occupational fatalities recorded in the U.S. in 2017. Emergency response strategy The rise in smart technology is drastically improving operations for businesses across the globe" This challenge is only magnified by an increasingly mobile workforce, as well as the prevalence of lone worker scenarios across multiple industries served by both Everbridge and RiskBand, including healthcare, banking, retail, energy and utilities, hospitality, and higher education. Designed for enterprise-level personal safety and security, RiskBand’s wearable devices bolster an organisation’s emergency communication and response strategy. A single push of a button provides two-way voice, user profile data, images, and geolocation, in near real-time to your organisation’s security operations centre. As part of the partnership, Everbridge will integrate its award-winning Safety Connection™ platform with RiskBand’s wearables, allowing both Everbridge and RiskBand customers to receive emergency messaging and provide detailed reporting of their location. The data from an employee’s RiskBand device is shared back to the Everbridge platform, allowing an organisation to deploy the appropriate emergency response. The rise in smart technology and connected devices is drastically improving operations for businesses across the globe, and bringing about new opportunities to keep people safe,” said David Meredith, CEO of Everbridge. Immediate access to phones The collaborative partnership will enable us to enhance employee safety through state-of-the-art wearable devices" “Our partnership with RiskBand is advancing our existing connected safety ecosystem, offering employees without immediate access to a mobile phone with a direct line for emergency communication that they can utilise anywhere.”  As part of the expansion of that ecosystem, Everbridge is looking to introduce additional wearables into the marketplace, and integrate further with IoT devices, sensors, and smart building technology, all to better protect employees from an increasing array of workplace threats. "It is especially gratifying that a respected industry leader like Everbridge recognises the powerful solution of the RiskBand ARIES device and platform. We believe that this collaborative partnership will enable us to empower businesses to enhance employee safety through state-of-the-art wearable devices that are fully integrated with the most comprehensive critical event management solutions,” explained Jim Van Law, CEO and Co-founder of RiskBand.      RiskBand will be fully integrated into Everbridge’s platform. Individuals attending the Global Security Exchange (GSX) conference next week in Chicago can visit the Everbridge Booth #124 to learn more about the joint offering.

At GSX 2019, SilverShield™ Safety & Information Systems will showcase their award-winning visitor and information management system (Booth #1594). The solution is an easy-to-use, cloud-based SAAS approach to security, with several different modules that provide a complete safety solution. “The SilverShield Visitor and Information Management System is the most effective way for users to vet and manage visitors for any size facility,” said Robin Baker, CTO, SilverShield. “We look forward to demonstrating the powerful software to GSX attendees this year.” The SilverShield Visitor Management System enables staffed or unstaffed visitor screening at all types of facilities – schools, medical facilities, or any type of business that screens visitors and maintains visitor records. This cloud-based (SAAS) multi-platform solution allows users to quickly screen a visitor’s credentials against custom watchlists and the national sex offender database, in near-real-time, to decide if the visitor should be welcomed or denied entry. If welcomed, your staff is notified of visitor and VIP arrivals. Register manually or by scanning a valid ID The Virtual Lockdown System alerts users to take immediate action to initiate their lockdown procedures If there is a threat identified at any entrance, the system allows the user to immediately send silent alerts to designated stakeholders via a two-way communication mode. When integrated with the SilverShield ID Badge System, the system can create temporary ID or permanent ID badges for staff, students, and vendors. For organisations with unstaffed entrances, the SilverShield Kiosk System allows visitors to register themselves – manually or by scanning a valid ID. The interactive Kiosk System will also notify staff of VIPs or unwelcome guests, increasing security and safety even in unmanned entry points. In the event of an emergency situation or unwanted guest, the system’s Incident Management module can alert local police, initiate a virtual lockdown, and produce mass emergency notifications via email, SMS/text, mobile and web push notifications. The Virtual Lockdown System alerts designated stakeholders via an audible siren sent to all users’ computers or mobile devices, to alert users to take immediate action to initiate their lockdown procedures. Event Management System The solution pre-screens guests, ensuring that unwanted guests are not invited to events or facility activities SilverShield’s HR & Safety Resource Center enables companies and schools alike to store their Security Plans in a secure Learning Management System (LMS) and share it along with supporting materials with staff and stakeholders. The system also encourages assessments to ensure comprehension of security protocols, procedures and plans. The solution’s Event Management System pre-screens guests against watchlists and the national sex offender database, ensuring that unwanted guests are not inadvertently invited to events or facility activities. The system will manage invitations and RSVPs and can issue parking and visitor passes to approved guests via email and SMS/text, helping to safeguard a safe and secure event.

Identiv, Inc. has announced that it will demonstrate its complete radio-frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), and inlay portfolio to secure the Internet of Things (IoT) during RFID Journal LIVE! on April 2 – 4, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. RFID Journal LIVE! RFID Journal LIVE! is an event focused on RFID and related technologies. Now in its 17th year, the event features more than 200 exhibitors from 26 countries showcasing the best selection of RFID tags, readers, and software and implementation services. RFID Journal LIVE! is the world’s largest event focused on RFID and related technologies Event: RFID Journal LIVE! Date: April 2 - 4, 2019 Location: Booth 715 | Phoenix Convention Center | Phoenix, Ariz. RFID, NFC and transponder solutions Identiv’s showcase of transponder solutions for the IoT and hands-on demos to be presented at the event includes: Complete RFID, NFC, and inlay portfolio - Identiv’s innovative transponder portfolio brings smart identities and security to the IoT, features unique form factors and different shapes and finishes, and is available as dry inlays, wet inlays, printed labels, tickets, PVC cards, and more. New family of NTAG 424 DNA tags - The new tags use NXP’s state-of-the-art secure authentication chip, introducing security, privacy, and trust for NFC IoT applications while providing the most efficient method of digitally connecting products. High-performance UHF tags - Identiv’s ultra-high frequency (UHF) tags features high-performance RFID designs for applications requiring long read distances. Sensor-based inlays - Identiv’s portable-powered smart sensor tracks and stores temperature and humidity readings and can be read locally by RFID readers, such as mobile phones, or uploaded to the Internet for analytic purposes. RFID Journal LIVE! will be held April 2 – 4, 2019 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

ASSA ABLOY is pleased to announce its new Preferred Installer program. Building on decades of experience in the higher education market, ASSA ABLOY has developed a national network of Intertek certified hardware installers who are highly skilled in providing physical installation of its integrated electronic locking devices. Systems integrators, who often face staff shortages, can take advantage of this network of installers to maximise their efficiency. The ability to outsource this skill helps improve productivity, ensure a quality installation, and create a competitive advantage. What’s more, when contracted through ASSA ABLOY, an additional year of warranty is provided for products installed by Preferred Installers. Amazing learning experience Preferred Installers go through a rigorous, four day hands-on training course given by ASSA ABLOY instructors with years of real-world experience This program also helps end-users meet their deadlines, provides peace of mind with high-quality installations, and protects their investment with an extended warranty. Preferred Installers go through a rigorous, four day hands-on training course given by ASSA ABLOY instructors with years of real-world experience. Students who have taken the class have been very pleased with the quality of instruction. “We have attended many a training class, and this is hands down the only class offered that is truly a hands-on course with an instructor that is more than qualified to teach,” said Chad Smith, Chief of Operations at ACME Security Solutions, LLC. “We had an amazing learning experience, and this is all owed to the instructor, who took this training above and beyond our expectations.” Supplemental serialised labels ASSA ABLOY Preferred Installers are third-party certified by Intertek. This means the technicians are qualified to field prep Warnock Hersey labeled fire doors for the installation of specific ASSA ABLOY integrated locks and accessories while retaining the door’s fire resistance rating and compliance with NFPA 80. In addition, Intertek Qualified Personnel may apply supplemental serialised labels to doors they’ve prepped and after ASSA ABLOY hardware has been installed. This signifies to Authorities Having Jurisdiction and Fire Door Inspectors that the installation was completed in accordance with NFPA guidelines. Participation in the program is also crucial to maintaining the door’s Intertek fire resistance rating" “The Intertek Qualified Personnel (IQP) ASSA ABLOY Hardware Installer program provides assurance that personnel conducting work in the field are fully qualified and that the work is done correctly each and every time,” said Justin Hendricks, Program Manager – Openings Building & Construction, Intertek. “Participation in the program is also crucial to maintaining the door’s Intertek fire resistance rating and subsequent compliance with NFPA 80 guidelines.” Quality workmanship and high productivity Lester LaPierre, Director of Business Development, Electronic Access Control, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions adds: “ASSA ABLOY has provided installation services for many years across the country at our largest installations incorporating thousands of electronic access control locksets.” “We’ve learned that the outcome of each of those projects was quality workmanship and high productivity. This resulted in timelines being met, site issues and product returns being reduced, and, most importantly, satisfied integrators, general contractors, and end users. That’s why we’re expanding and formalising this program so those same benefits can be applied across all opportunities.”

For over a century, IEEE's mission has been to advance technology for the benefit of humanity. As the world’s largest technical professional organisation, IEEE’s global community includes over 420,000 members in engineering, computing and technology, collaborating on communications, consumer electronics, robotics, sustainable energy, aerospace, life sciences, and many other critical initiatives. Dave George felicitated with IEEE Life Membership Dave George has been an active IEEE member for over 40 years As the Chief Technologist behind Pryme Radio’s communications innovations, Dave George has been an active IEEE member for over 40 years. Recently, Mr. George was honoured with IEEE Life Membership, a top echelon designation reserved only for those individuals demonstrating long-standing leadership, dedication, and who have made a significant impact on the development of technology. “I’m grateful for IEEE’s recognition, but it’s my job to find ways to better the lives and professions of Pryme’s customers through communications,” said George. “The fact that technologies have become ever more exotic and exciting is a bonus.” Never comfortable tooting his own horn, George’s demure demeanor belies the important role he’s played in moving the communication industry forward. In fact, George credits IEEE as being his primary source for leading edge electronic science data, which often help lead him to develop ground-breaking new products at Pryme. Pryme's future product line in sync with IoT George is a regional member of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), Robotics & Automation Society (RAS), Intelligent Transportation Systems Society (ITS), and the Vehicular Technology Society (VTS.) His involvement has given rise to future product developments at Pryme that support emerging networks such as IoT, mesh, 5G, soon to be 6G, as well as intelligent vehicle to vehicle communications. George may shy away from the spotlight, but he is fearless when it comes to entering unexplored technological territories. The reward Dave George reveres most is creating products that make a difference.  George’s philosophy mirrors the IEEE’s mission and is also reflected in Pryme’s guiding principle — Invent communications technologies that benefit public safety, security, government, education, transit, utilities, construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, field services, facilities, healthcare, professionals and humanity as a whole.

Following the success of the first Hereford Defence and Security Expo in 2017, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, one of the UK’s Top 100 law firms, is organising a second major defence and security expo, the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo (3CDSE) 2018, which will be held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on 31st May 2018. The event, which will be of interest to those involved in private and public safety and security, crime prevention and those serving in the police forces as well as to those in the military and broader defence and security industry, is the inspiration of Richard Morgan, partner and head of the Defence, Security and the Forces team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Richard said; “The first event at The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, was over-subscribed, reaching the venue capacity of 30 exhibitors (with an unfulfilled waiting list of interested businesses) and 400 delegates, who attended from across the UK. Building on this success, the event has been scaled up, and we’re delighted that the Three Counties Showground in Malvern will be this year’s venue, with capacity for up to 150 exhibitors and 2,000 delegates.”Local business groups and government bodies have partnered with Harrison Clark Rickerbys to support the event Business networking He continued; “The regional dynamic and still relatively intimate scale of the event offers business to business networking opportunities between contributors to the defence and security sector in the Three Counties area as well as with prime contractors and the military. This means that unlike larger expos, delegates have the opportunity to meet with decision makers.” 3CDSE will be run in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Organisation (EEF) and its dedicated defence sub-group, National Defence Industries (NDI).  Local business groups and government bodies, including the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire Business Central, Hereford Enterprise Zone/Skylon Park, Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership have also partnered with Harrison Clark Rickerbys to support the event. Support and participation With a theme of innovation, commitments of support and participation have been received from many senior military speakers including Brigadier Robin Sergeant, Head of Future Force Development of the British Army; Danny Wootton, Head of Innovation, MoD and Colonel Jani Marok RMR, Head of the Royal Marine Reserves. Leading defence and security experts from prime industry contractors such as Vodafone, BAE Systems and Thales will also be presenting and exhibiting, alongside leading defence and security businesses and experts based in the Three Counties. The exhibition space will be zoned, to include cyber security, hardware and vehicles, IT and communications (C4ITS) and unmanned aerial vehicles.Given the introduction of DEFCON 658, GDPR and the NIS Directive, we see the value in our sector coming together Sharing security lessons Dr Alex Tarter, head of Cyber Consulting at Thales, has been working in the field of critical national infrastructure cyber security for over 10 years, and will be one of the presenters at the event. Dr. Tarter said; “Thales believes in the strength and diversity of the defence and security supply chain which is why we’re happy to support the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo." "Given the recent significant changes to our industry through the introduction of DEFCON 658, GDPR and the NIS Directive, we see the value in our sector coming together, sharing valuable lessons learned and contributing to the creation of a vibrant and secure environment for UK PLC to continue to blossom on the world-stage.” Workshops and presentations In addition to the presentation programme, there will be a networking breakfast with a keynote speaker, as well as a full day of workshops and presentations covering international trade, grants and finance and practical information about doing business with the MoD.3CDSE will appeal to those operating in the defence and security industry Outside the exhibition hall there will be a military display; inside, alongside the main defence and security exhibition, there will be a professional village presenting organisations such as banks and recruitment businesses who provide professional advice and specialist services to the defence industry. Members of the West Midlands Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association will also be on hand to answer employer queries about the MoD’s Employer Covenant. Richard Morgan concluded; “3CDSE will appeal to those operating in the defence and security industry, those seeking products and services from the industry and those seeking to engage with the industry for joint ventures, employment, education or other initiatives.”

A person infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infects an average of 2.5 other people within five days. You do not need to be a mathematician to realise that early detection of infected people is key to successful pandemic containment. The aim of effective containment strategies is therefore not so much to reduce the number of absolute cases as it is to extend the time frame within which they occur. Without effective containment measures, the virus spreads rapidly and is beyond the capacity of the health care system. However, if infection rates can be minimised through early detection and rapid, targeted identification of further infections, cases will continue to occur over a longer period of time and remain within the capacity of the health care system. Identifying, testing and results For example, the goal of many countries is to carry out as many Corona tests as possible to quickly identify infected people. It is then necessary to identify and reach potentially-infected people and isolate them in quarantine. This is a tried and tested procedure. But this method also costs valuable time in the fight against the virus and has many unknowns. The determination of a concrete test result alone sometimes takes up to 48 hours due to limited laboratory capacity. Added to this is the imprecise and slow procedure for determining contact persons. Or do you still remember exactly who and where you shook hands with in the last ten days - and could you provide information on this? Security technology to the rescue When it comes to the time factor, security technology can be a great help. Thermal imaging cameras and temperature sensors, for example, can help to detect a person with elevated body temperatures. Fever can also be one of the symptoms in those infected with the Coronavirus. At neuralgic points such as airports and train stations, or at entrances to hospitals, thermal imaging cameras can quickly reveal which people have fever. Presumably infected people can be easily separated and asked about other symptoms. Physical security technology can make a great contribution here. Dr. Frank Gillert, a professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Wildau, Germany states, however, as one of the leading scientists for logistics-centric security research, he demands "rapid innovation in dealing with situations like COVID-19 should be a priority". He sees enormous potential in the possibilities of IT and artificial intelligence; "We should use the disruptive changes that are currently taking place and that are challenging global orders to strengthen the significance in IT infrastructure development and also in security technology development.“ The goal in a global crisis And he is right: In global crises such as the Corona pandemic, security-related deficits become apparent and space is created for technical innovations. The goal of governments and companies is to restore security and save human lives as quickly as possible. The German data analytics powerhouse G2K, for example, has developed a Corona Detection & Containment System (CDCS) that is ready for immediate use in record time. Detection takes place in combination with AI-supported data analysis to specifically identify virus hotspots and distribution routes, as well as to identify other potentially infected persons. When developing the system, the focus was on two questions: How do I detect a suspected infected person in crowded environments and even more importantly, how do I quickly and comprehensively determine the person's contacts and previous whereabouts, and find correlations and patterns in this information? The data experts of the Berlin-based company found the answer in the combination of physical security technology and their existing data analytics platform. The G2K system The system is based on G2K's scalable IoT platform "Situational Awareness Builder" (SAB), which is already in use in several projects worldwide and sets standards in process automation and process optimisation, including security management. As soon as a person with fever is detected by the system, he or she can be immediately screened to avoid contact with other people and thus prevent possible new infections, i.e. to interrupt the chain of infection. For this purpose, stationary thermal imaging cameras or smartphones equipped with a temperature sensor accessory can be used. The potentially infected person must now be registered and referred to a doctor or hospital for further specific diagnostic measures. The entire process is covered by a mobile G2K application. A combination of security and medicine The platform can bring together available hospital capacity, infection reports, movement and contact profiles and provide an excellent picture of the source of infection. Thus, medically necessary isolations can be implemented quickly. At the same time, infected patients can use the app to document their recovery and become actively involved. All this data is centrally managed and analysed, using deep learning methods. This provides crisis managers with a single monitoring, control and resource management tool that enables immediate action to be taken to combat the spread of the virus and gives officials full transparency on the status of the pandemic. Karsten Neugebauer, founder and CEO of the company behind the solution, explains his commitment as follows "A few weeks ago we too were faced with increasing difficulties due to the Corona crisis. As we have a strong presence in Europe in particular, we had to struggle with postponed project starts and limited resources". But instead of burying their heads in the sand, G2K's dedicated team decided to declare war on the virus." "In our entrepreneurial duty, we, therefore, decided to use our available technology and equip it to fight COVID-19. Our team has been working day and night over the last few weeks to expand our software platform to enable us to contain the pandemic quickly and effectively. Politicians must now immediately push ahead with the unbureaucratic implementation of prevention and control measures such as our CDCS to ensure the stability of our public systems," demands Karsten Neugebauer. The pandemic continues As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads from continent to continent, researchers around the world are working to develop antidotes to the virus. As long as this has not been found, the spread of the virus must be slowed down internationally. Only by this can system-relevant infrastructure be held consistently. Combining modern physical security technology with platform technology and artificial intelligence provides an excellent possibility to slow down the current and for sure, future pandemics.

RedTacton technology makes it possible to transfer data by a simple touchCan you imagine locking or unlocking a door simply by touching the doorknob? Or being able print a document by placing one hand on the copy machine and the other on your laptop? It may sound like science fiction but is actually a very real possibility thanks to a new close-range communication technology called RedTacton. ASSA ABLOY Future Lab explores the implications of this new technology. First developed by Japanese NTT (Nippon Telephone & Telegraph) in 2005, the new close-range communication technology RedTacton takes wireless communication a step further by replacing the radio waves used for transmission over Bluetooth, IR and similar technologies with the minute electrical field emitted by the human body.NTT claims the invention heralds the dawn of Human Area Networking (HAN), a network where communication takes place via RedTacton transceivers embedded in devices like PCs and cameras, and in tags carried in, for example, the user's pocket. The connection is not initiated until he or she physically touches two different RedTacton-enabled devices, say, a laptop and a printer. Calling it an "intuitive and natural" technology, NTT points out that any human movement - be it touching, gripping, sitting, walking or stepping - can serve as triggers for unlocking or locking, starting or stopping equipment, or obtaining data. Development of an automatic human identification system and other applicationsTo the security industry, the RedTacton body field communication technology paves the way for a new breed of access control systemsTo the security industry, this biometric technology paves the way for a new breed of access control systems that are not based on remote controls or access cards that rely on radio waves that could be interfered with. The technology uses a transmission path established between the body of a person carrying a RedTacton card key and a RedTacton transceiver installed in, for example, a doorknob or floor. The person is automatically identified when they touch the doorknob or walk on the floor, and the transmission path is disconnected when the body and transceiver physically separate.  Based on this technology, NTT and Hitachi have developed a human-identification system that could be used for security applications, while a lock company designed and manufactured the RedTacton-equipped doorknob.  Also, French security company Vachette is currently working on a wireless security and control system for private homes where the use of RedTacton would add a further touch of convenience and ease-of-use to the home owner. The company's technical director Christian Pont explains: "Our preliminary tests show that RedTacton could be useful in motorised door locks. When you leave your home it is simply enough to touch the handle in order to lock the door. You don't even need to push a button or use a remote control."With RedTacton technology it will be possible to lock and open doors by merely touching the handleUsing human body for surface transmission of data Instead of radio waves, RedTacton utilises an electro-optic crystal that transforms electricity into data, achieving duplex (two-way) communication over the human body at the maximum speed of 10 Mbps. Scary as it may sound to use your own body as a communication device, NTT points out that the transmission never actually enters the skin but is merely carried across the surface, not exposing the user to more electricity than when speaking on a cell phone. In addition, the transceiver is covered with an insulation layer.  According to NTT another benefit of RedTacton - compared to transmission technologies using radio waves - is that transmission speed does not deteriorate in congested areas where many people are communicating at the same time. RedTacton is also said to be highly scalable for security systems incorporating flapper gates, fingerprint biometric authentication devices, immersion-detection sensors or safety equipment.  Outside the office, RedTacton offers a host of communication options that might come in really handy. For example, it lets you transfer pictures from your camera just by touching the PC while the camera is around your neck. And since data can pass from one human body to another, you may also swap electronic business cards by shaking hands, trade music files by dancing cheek to cheek, or swap phone numbers just by kissing. Body communication just reached a whole new level!ASSA ABLOY Future Lab 

Secure schools while safely permitting appropriate individuals into buildings. Install Aiphone’s AX series exchange‑based video intercom to provide reliable communication and to control access points. “When they see how easy the system works, and the minimal effort involved, they become dependent on the system,” said George Kadamian, Supervisor of Operations, Racine Unified School District. Located in the state of Wisconsin, the Racine Unified School District is an urban school district comprised of 37 buildings and covers over 21 square miles. Providing reliable communication The district operates three senior high schools, five middle schools, two middle/ high school alternative schools, four ancillary buildings, and 23 elementary schools. Secure schools throughout the entire district while safely permitting appropriate individuals into buildings. Secondarily, supply a system that did not cause personnel to feel daunted by a complicated interface. Install the AX Series, an easy‑to‑use exchange‑based video intercom, to provide reliable communication and to control access points. Supports up to 8 master stations and 120 doors/sub stations in a single system Easy homerun wiring with dedicated Cat-5e cable Integrates with CCTV systems for a broader view Convenient remote door unlocking Keyless entry with embedded card reader stations Providing quality education A secure school means everyone inside can concentrate on the subject matter at hand The importance of school security cannot be understated. A secure school means everyone inside can concentrate on the subject matter at hand, which is providing quality education. Sometimes the school staff, who are often in charge of operating certain aspects of the security system, feel they are being imposed with yet another duty. However, they usually find that having a reliable security system makes their job easier. George Kadamian is the Supervisor of Operations for the Racine Unified School District. “One of my primary goals is asset and facility protection during unoccupied hours, including the maintenance and upgrade of all district security systems,” says Kadamian. “I work closely with our security provider, response team provider, and local law enforcement agencies.” Good sound quality As with many school districts, security has been heightened since the tragic loss of lives witnessed at schools like Columbine and Virginia Tech. Over the last eight years, the Racine Unified School District has systematically installed Aiphone intercom units so buildings can be locked down while still providing access to parents and visitors. “In addition to being an urban district, there is a need, especially in the elementary schools, to prevent non-custodial parents or relatives from entering the buildings and removing children,” Kadamian explains. “An Aiphone unit was used 15 years ago in an application,” he continues. “Minimal repair and good sound quality of this sole unit resulted in me staying with Aiphone through the years, especially with the introduction of the integral camera/communicator units several years ago.” Features of AX Series Visitor screening with crisp audio and clear video Normal or priority call levels Hands-free or push-to-talk communication All call between master stations Selective call between master stations and from master stations to door stations PC programmable with a variety of settings Electronic access control It integrates with CCTV, electronic access control and transfers calls to a telephone line Presently, the Aiphone AX Series is being installed at the schools. This system compliments the existing security in place. It integrates with CCTV, electronic access control and transfers calls to a telephone line. The AX Series supports up to 8 master stations and 120 door stations all wired on Cat-5e cable. It is PC programmable for easy system set up. The master stations include a bright 3-1/2” colour TFT LCD while the system utilises open voice communication with both Push-to-Talk and VOX communication over two talk channels. Other features include: call transfer, priority calling, private communication, selective contacts for door release, scan monitoring, selective call, and master-to-master all call. Embedded card reader audio-video door stations are available for an all-in-one solution and are ideal for keyless entry. Door strike portion Centec Security of Waukesha, WI has performed all of the Aiphone installations over the years for the Racine School District. “The nature of the building (high school vs. elementary), itinerant staff and designated visitor/parent entrance will dictate the number of units required,” states Kadamian. “Generally we try to limit access to three doors in any one building and in all applications two internal monitors/ strike controls are installed in each office area.” Centec coordinates well with their lock shop sub-contractor so that the installation is seamless" The installation in most cases is completed within two days. “This installation is based on the mapping of wire runs, penetrations if applicable, wire mold runs and interior station locations,” explains the supervisor of operations. “Centec coordinates well with their lock shop sub-contractor so that the installation is seamless.” Centec Security sub-contracts with a lock shop in Madison, WI to perform the door strike portion of the installation. Sturdy master stations The AX Series is easy to install for the professionals at Centec. The AX Series’ intuitive programming not only saves time but saves on costs as well. A wide variety of door and sub stations, combined with sleek and sturdy master stations provide a system that is versatile, comprehensive, and simple for the user to operate. Kadamian agrees, describing the system as: outstanding, extremely reliable with minimal repairs needed. “Picture and sound quality are good,” he adds. There is a comfort level achieved by the school staff when they know that the students, as well as they themselves, are more secure. While at Racine the intercom units are used mainly to control the entrance of visitors and to prevent the unwanted removal of children by non-custodial/placement parents, school officials are aware that they can depend on the system to do much more if need be. Video output feature The video output feature allows composite video to be recorded or seen on a larger screen For example, the video output feature allows composite video to be recorded or seen on a larger screen. With the Paging feature, one can broadcast important announcements and the telephone transfer feature allows them to contact roaming guards. Master stations have the ability to use all call and group call features between other master stations. “Secretaries and clerks when advised that systems are being installed complain because they view it as just another job,” quips Kadamian. “However, when they see how easy the system works, and the minimal effort involved, they become dependent on the system. In those rare instances where repairs have been needed, the secretary or clerk is quick to contact me so that repairs can be affected.” As the person in charge, Kadamian uses one word to describe the AX Series: “Great! We won’t use anything else,” he comments. “The district is in line to receive a significant grant for CCTV and access control. Aiphone will continue to be our vendor of choice for visual/controlled access of specific entrances in all district buildings.”

Everbridge, Inc., globally renowned provider of critical event management solutions, has announced that it has been selected by Peru’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC) to power the nation’s Sistema de Mensajería de Alerta Temprana de Emergencia (Sismate), Peru’s Early Warning Emergency Messaging System. The news marks the completion of contract negotiations with the MTC that Everbridge had initially disclosed in September, without naming the country. The win reinforces Everbridge’s position as the global leader in population warning systems with contracts in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. Critical messages to mobile phones After the Sismate is deployed, it will be activated once Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense detects a major incident After the Sismate is deployed, it will be activated once Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense detects a major incident. The system, powered by Everbridge Public Warning, will send critical messages to mobile phones before, during and after the emergency. Sismate alerts can also be used in drills and to provide support in search and rescue operations. The Sismate is designed to serve over 37 million people including Peru’s 33 million residents and 4 million annual visitors. “This technology marks a milestone in risk and disaster management at the national level, which will be consolidated by combining joint efforts between various institutions and citizens,” explained Deputy Minister of Communications, Virginia Nakagawa to El Economista. National warning system “Everbridge is honoured to support Peru with its national warning system,” said David Meredith, Chief Executive Officer at Everbridge. “Peru joins a growing number of countries that have chosen to partner with Everbridge to implement a nationwide system to protect their population and visitors amid an escalating threat environment.” The Everbridge Platform has been deployed by more local, state, and national governments across the globe than any other solution, offering the ability to reach over 500 million people in more than 200 countries. In addition to Peru, Everbridge Public Warning has been deployed to reach the mobile populations on a country-wide scale in Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Greece, and a number of the largest states in India, and is currently being implemented in Australia. Everbridge Public Warning system Everbridge is the first population alerting provider to support four EU countries in conjunction with the recent EU mandate requiring member countries to have a population-wide alerting system in place by June 2022.  Everbridge Public Warning represents the only multi-channel solution which allows countries to deploy their preferred combination of emergency communications methods. The Everbridge population warning system communicates across all phases of an incident, leverages location intelligence (static location, last known location, and expected location). It provides directed two-way communications, and enables countries to combine both speed of delivering alerts with the broadest reach to cover the full population and visitors.

Sepura and their Dutch partner Abiom have won multiple agreements to refresh the nationwide deployment of TETRA mobile and hand-portable radios used by the Dutch Police, having been awarded every one of the recent tenders for the provision of critical communications solutions. Abiom has already deployed a significant number of radios; over 57,000 hand-portable terminals for use by operational users as well as nearly 10,000 SRG3900 mobiles radios for public safety vehicles in the Netherland’s regional police forces. Abiom was also awarded the contract to supply forces with over 400 specialist Intrinsically-Safe radios, used by emergency responders in hazardous environments. Matching operational needs The contracts also include the provision of accessories from across Sepura’s extensive portfolio Together the contracts account for a refresh of the total operational stock of Dutch National Police TETRA radio terminals. The contracts also include the provision of accessories from across Sepura’s extensive portfolio. This ensures that the radios can be set up in a way to maximise each user’s operational capability, ensuring easy access to functions and outstanding audio clarity no matter where the user is operating. Sepura’s SC20 hand-portable radio features innovative features, perfectly suited to user requirements; three programmable buttons allow the SC20 to be customised to match operational needs, whilst the connector-protector ensures that the battery charging connector is protected from corrosive damage from sea mist and salt water, a key feature given the Netherland’s proximity to long coastlines. Clear audio and environmental protection In addition the SC20’s loud, clear audio and environmental protection ensures that the radios will keep operating in dusty, wet or corrosive environments. Working in collaboration with their Dutch partner, Sepura’s solution closely matched each tender requirement with a user-friendly package. This included Sepura’s RSM audio accessory for the hand portable radio This included Sepura’s RSM audio accessory for the hand portable radio, in-country technical support and repair facilities and a five year warranty on all devices. “The package we provided to support police users in the Netherlands will allow Dutch public safety users to access market-leading communications devices, serviced in region, developed and manufactured in the EU, to enable mission critical users to communicate safely and effectively.” Says Bas De Grood, CEO for Abiom. Providing exceptional service “We are delighted to continue our long standing support to the Dutch Police and believe that the SC20 and SRG3900 radio terminals will provide exceptional service to their varied operational needs. The radios share a common user interface, ensuring that we can offer our customers a seamless transition to their new devices while minimising officer training.” “The nationwide commitment to TETRA for voice and data communication through Sepura devices will ensure that Dutch Police officers are amongst the best connected operational users on a nationwide TETRA platform in the world today.” Says Gary Maughan, Regional Director for North Central Europe at Sepura.