Construction surveillance

Event brought together over 4,200 exhibitors, speakers, delegates & trade associations BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s definitive trade show for the building and construction industry concluded on 29 May 2015 after three days of fulfilling knowledge sharing, trade discussions and successful commercial engagements. The second edition of this much sought- after trade show unveiled innovative products and solutions for Myanmar’s built environment sector, resulting with the inking of many quality business deals on the trade floor across three successful trade days. BuildTech Yangon 2015 brought together over 4,200 exhibitors, speakers, delegates and trade associations from more than nine countries across the region including Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Trade mission groups from Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam visited BuildTech Yangon 2015 to network with regional peers in order to strengthen bilateral ties between their countries and Myanmar. Organised by SPHERE Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, and co-organised by Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), the industry trade show brought to life the latest products and technologies for infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings, transportation, manufacturing and trade development. The three-day business seminar series led the discussion on the abundant growth opportunities in the region. Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of SPHERE Exhibits Pte Ltd, said: “The second edition of BuildTech Yangon has done extremely well. Our comprehensive platform combined a product showcase, seminar programmes and networking sessions to encourage industry dialogue and forge business partnerships. With strong partnership from MCEA and other supporting organisations, BuildTech Yangon 2015 introduced new elements to promote industry development. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with key industry associations as we cater to the growing needs of the building and construction sector in the region.” Best Construction Entrepreneurship Award BuildTech Yangon hosted the first annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award by MCEA. Aimed at encouraging local professionals to elevate construction industry standards and skills of the workforce, the award honoured individuals who were able to incorporate the latest construction technologies into various stages of the supply chain. Award applicants are divided into three categories according to age. Diamond, Gold and Platinum awards were presented in each category. The Diamond award winners were U Wunna Tun from, Myanmar Mahar Tun Co. Ltd in the 30-40 years category; U Kyaw Soe from Aryone Oo Co. Ltd in the 40-50 years category; and MCEA Yangon and MCEA Mandalay (two awards) in the 50-60 years category. U Tha Hthay, Chairman of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, said: “The Best Construction Entrepreneurship Award is the highest honour that any Myanmar company can aspire to because it signifies that the company uses the most advanced technology and has the potential to grow and evolve at pace with international players. BuildTech Yangon is the best platform as it epitomises technology adoption in the built environment sector. BuildTech Yangon 2015 has once again placed Myanmar on the regional map by showcasing the vast potential that Myanmar offers to regional and international players in the industry.” "With strong partnership from MCEA and other supporting organisations, BuildTech Yangon 2015 introduced new elements to promote industry development" Robust technology showcase Focused on bringing technology in Myanmar’s built environment sector to the next level, the show floor offered visitors a comprehensive product showcase, highlighting a range of construction technologies. Architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, developers, government ministries and trade bodies immersed in the latest construction machinery, new materials as well as electrical and mechanical equipment. Dancing Diggers excavation equipment from JCB had an impressive and entertaining demo on the show floor. A multi-storey car parking system from Hangzhou Xizi-Iuk Parking System Co. Ltd and a state-of-the-art glass and steel modular showroom for retail from Mottama Holdings were two of the ‘best buys’ that attracted several buyers. Mr. Terence Chan, Trade Liaison Officer for Market, Real Estate & Indirect Sourcing Group in the International Affairs Division of Tet Phyo Wai Pte Ltd, said,“This is our first time exhibiting at BuildTech Yangon and the experience has been fantastic. The trade show has exceeded our expectations both with the number of visitors and also the quality of potential business leads we garnered. We have developed new relationships with potential customers and partners across the region. We will be returning next year and also recommending the event to others as a great business investment.” Skills upgrading, networking and knowledge sharing A series of business seminars over the three days of the show, saw exciting industry debates and discussions with leading experts weighing in on hot industry issues related to vertical construction, town planning, sustainable energy, construction law and more. For the first time in the history of Myanmar’s construction sector, CPD Points were offered to a seminar platform at a trade exhibition. Local industry professionals from the built environment sector were encouraged to upgrade their skills and expand their business networks, while at the same time collecting coveted industry points. Noteworthy speakers including Daw Si Than, General Secretary, Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC); Tan Eng Kiat, Vice President (Urban Planning & Design), Surbana Urban Planning Group; U Win Khaing; President, Myanmar Engineering Society (MES); U Tun Naing Aung, Joint Secretary, Myanmar Industries Association (MIA), among others engaged over 600 delegates in thought provoking discussions and knowledge building topics over three days at BuildTech Yangon 2015. “The three-day business seminar series were very informative, and I got updates on the latest trends in vertical construction across the region. It was also an eye-opener to hear some best practices for sustainable energy as there is plenty of opportunity for us to apply such learnings in Myanmar,” said Ms. Kyi Thwe from Yangon Technological University who attended the seminar series. Significant trade mission group support from the region BuildTech Yangon 2015 saw strong support from six trade delegations and 14 industry associations from across the region BuildTech Yangon 2015 saw strong support from six trade delegations and 14 industry associations from across the region. Close to 30 delegates from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) visited the trade show aside from other delegations from Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore. BuildTech Yangon 2015 offered a one-stop shop for purchasing requirements for the 28-strong trade delegation from Vietnam Association of Building Materials.  Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Vice Chairman and Head of International Cooperation Department of the Vietnam Association of Building Materials, said: “It was a very impressive display of relevant machinery equipment at BuildTech Yangon 2015 and our delegates were impressed with the show. We were here to network with local businesses in the CLMV region and have made some useful contacts. Our delegates can now reduce their travel this year as they are able to make some of supply decisions based on what they have seen and heard at this show.” Other industry associations included is supported by the Indonesia’s Institute of Architects (IAI), International Power Access Federation (IPAF), Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC), Myanmar Engineering Society (MES), Myanmar Industries Association (MIA), Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL), The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI), Vietnam Association for Building Materials (VABM), Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA), Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA), Vietnam Electro technical Industry Association (VELINA) and the Workplace Safety & Health Asia (WSH Asia). The next edition of BuildTech Yangon will be held in May 2016.

Event will gather leaders in their field to discuss the various uses of UAV’s across sectors Join over 800 visitors from a range of industries who will be gathering in Singapore to discuss the enormous potential of unmanned technology in Asia at the Commercial UAV Show Asia 2015. Happening at Suntec Singapore from 30 June – 1 July 2015, learn from thought provoking case studies on the use of UAV’s in agriculture, energy, conservation, security, and construction. With commercial use of unmanned technology on the rise worldwide, and Asia Pacific being the second biggest buyer after the US, now is the time for the buyers and sellers of commercial UAVs/drones from across Asia Pacific to come together to discuss the future of the industry. Leaders to discuss about uses of UAV’s across sectors Our conference will gather leaders in their field to discuss the various uses of UAV’s across sectors.  Learn from Dr. Dennis Hong, Founding Director, RoMeLa UCLA on making a difference in humanitarian relief with humanoid robots. Discover the rules and regulations progress: The role and perspective of ICAO & JARUS with Peter Van Blyenburgh, President, UVS International France. Hear from Claus Nehmzow, Chief Technology Officer, BP Singapore on how BP beats Amazon to the Sky. In 2015, the show will see more than 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest in UAV technology and related products that will change the outlook for the industry in Asia Pacific. Key companies exhibiting include ST Aerospace, Sterling Comms, Multi-Rotor and Itchimi Asia, just to name a few.

The new office will provide a base chiefly for sales and engineering operations Following a very successful period of growth, leading IP video specialist integrator and services provider, NW Systems, has opened a new London office just as the New Year is starting. Robert Kidd will be office manager of the new office as well as sales manager for the South of England. NW Systems plans to recruit four more people to staff this new office during 2015. The office will provide a base chiefly for sales and engineering operations, whilst back office and administrative support will continue to be provided from the company's headquarters in Wirral near Liverpool. Its new base in North London comes at a good time for further business expansion in the South-East following the hiring of Robert Kidd nine months ago. Frank Crouwel, managing director of NW Systems Group, explains the reason for this expansion: "London and the South-East is experiencing robust growth for us right now and the creation of a physical office there makes absolute sense to boost our support capability on the ground in this busy and lucrative region.” The additional office follows 10 years of solid, year on year growth in line with overall IP video market growth since the IP video specialist opened its doors in October 2004. Today, through its security-focused integration division; supply-only surveillance equipment online store Network Webcams; live webcam hosting service Streamdays; and remote monitoring offering RemoteManager, NW Systems now has over 7,000 customers in the UK, Europe, Middle East and North Africa. NW Systems’ target markets for video systems installation include Construction, Education, Manufacturing / Industrial as well as Transport and Logistics. Focus on certain sectors has been a key to NW Systems’ success. Frank Crouwel, managing director and co-founder of NW Systems, adds: “With IP video you need not be restricted to surveillance-only briefs. By being prepared to talk to more stakeholders across the business you can deliver video systems which meet the needs of health & safety managers, quality controllers, line managers, logistics managers and others besides. It is also very important to be able to speak the same language as both the IT and network manager and be cognisant of their concerns around Quality of Service and bandwidth management for example.” The new offices at Blu-ray House, 58-62 Alexandra Road, Enfield, London EN3 7EH in is shared with a number of high-tech companies, and has good access to the M25 and into central London.

Axis Communications, the world leader in network video, has launched AXIS Q6042/-E/-C with Extended D1 resolution and 36x optical zoom, AXIS Q6044/-E/-C with HDTV 720p and 30x optical zoom, and AXIS Q6045/-E/-C with HDTV 1080p and 20x optical zoom. “At Axis, we always strive to make our cameras even better and the improvements we have made to the AXIS Q60s are particularly evident with the HDTV models, especially in low-light situations,” says Erik Frännlid, Axis’ Director of Product Management. “Customers will appreciate that we have maintained the successful form factor and mechanics that make AXIS Q60 cameras reliable and easy to install.” AXIS Q6044/-E/-C PTZ domes have 30x optical zoom, compared with 18x in previous HDTV 720p models. In addition, their light sensitivity is nearly three times better than the industry norm for HDTV cameras. They also support electronic image stabilisation, which reduces the effects of camera vibrations (from wind or traffic) to provide clearer, more useful video. In addition, they support automatic defog, which automatically detects fog in the scene and digitally filters it out of view for clearer video. AXIS Q6045/-E/-C PTZ domes also have better light sensitivity than its AXIS Q6035/-E/-C predecessors. Furthermore, they have additional built-in video analytics such as highlight compensation (which masks bright lights for ease of viewing), object removed, fence detector, object counter and enter/exit detection. The new AXIS Q60 cameras are equipped with a powerful CPU (central processing unit) and co-processor. They enable better image quality, with lower noise, higher light sensitivity for sharper images and more efficient video compression with H.264 Main Profile. They also provide improved support for simultaneous streaming of multiple, individually optimised video streams, providing video management systems with increased flexibility and manageable network and storage use. In addition, there is more processing power and capacity for intelligent video applications, which are helpful in alerting and enabling operators to act on potential and actual alarm situations. An added feature in all new AXIS Q60 cameras is shock detection, which mechanically detects and triggers an alarm if the camera has been hit. The day/night functionality in the cameras is now also adjustable, allowing operators to determine when the camera should automatically shift between day mode (when video is presented in colour) and night mode (when video is presented in black and white) to take advantage of infrared light in low light situations. Brightness control also allows operators to make the dark areas of a scene brighter. The outdoor-ready AXIS Q6042-E/Q6044-E/Q6045-E models have better surge protection, fulfilling EN/IEC 61000-4-5, EN 55024, EN 50121-4 (railway), IEC 62236 (railway) standards. Further features of AXIS Q60 Series cameras include: 360° continuous pan for wide area surveillance and precision and high-speed panning/tilting of up to 450° per second. High zoom, in combination with high resolution, enabling detailed surveillance at great distances. Guard tour that enables the cameras to be automatically directed to 256 pre-set positions. Guard tour can be easily set up with the tour recording functionality. Support for video motion detection, auto tracking, Active Gatekeeper and AXIS Camera Application Platform that enables the installation of additional intelligent video applications. IP66 and NEMA 4X ratings for outdoor-ready “-E” and “-C” models, ensuring protection against dust, rain and snow. AXIS Q60-E cameras support Arctic Temperature Control for safe start-up even at temperatures as low as -40°C/°F. AXIS Q60-C cameras with active cooling can operate in temperatures as high as 75°C (167°F) and meet the tough military standard, MIL-STD-810G, ensuring reliable operation in harsh weather conditions such as sandstorms. Built-in slot for full-sized SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card for storing recordings locally. Highest degree of security, including HTTPS encrypted video streams that do not affect performance, and IPv6 support in addition to IPv4. Power over Ethernet support that enables greater convenience and easier installation. Support for fibre optic network connection with AXIS Q60-C models. AXIS Q60 Series cameras are supported by the industry’s largest base of video management software through the Axis Application Development Partner Program, AXIS Camera Station and the complimentary AXIS Camera Companion. The camera also includes support for AXIS Video Hosting System and ONVIF for easy camera system integration.

VIVOTEK’s IP network cameras were installed to cover the tunnels, platforms, and workshop areas Background: Tehran Metro – Connecting Tehran since 1999 Since 1999, The Tehran Metro has been making life more convenient and more pleasant for the people of Tehran and for visitors to this ancient city. Moving more than 2.5 million passengers daily, the Metro not only means easier transport for its customers, it has also greatly reduced congestion and pollution in the rapidly growing metropolis. Consisting of five lines at a combined length of 152 kilometres, with two more lines currently under construction that will bring the total length to 430 kilometres, the Tehran Metro is also linked to Iran’s regional rail network and has become a crucial part of the great city of Tehran. The Metro system, while designed to sit in harmony with the architecture of the ancient city of Tehran, draws on the most advanced transport technology from around the world. The tracks and track-points are provided by the Austrian company Voestalpine, and rolling stock, including double-deck passenger cars, are sourced from the leading international rail company, CRV. As of 2010, approximately 2 billion dollars has been spent on the Tehran Metro project, evidencing the Tehran Metro Company’s commitment to providing the very safest, most convenient experience for its 2 million daily passengers. The challenge: As the metro network expands, surveillance needs become more demanding Tehran Metro’s development of new lines involves a vast working area. In order to ensure the safety of this line’s future commuters, as well as the safety of its current workers, Tehran Metro required a surveillance system to cover the tunnels, platforms, and workshop areas of this rapidly expanding network. The area requiring coverage, which was not only devoid of natural light and thus often very dark, but also often extremely dusty and humid, required a range of network cameras that would not only provide clear and reliable surveillance in low-light conditions, but would also be able to stand up to the harshest operating conditions. The Tehran Metro Company’s long-standing history of looking for the best technical solutions led it to seek the help of Pooya Fara Negar (PFN) in its search for the right system to meet this difficult challenge. The solution: VIVOTEK – Clear and wide coverage, built tough to perform anywhere The difficult lighting conditions of the tunnels and workshop areas called for extremely capable camera, and for this task VIVOTEK’s IP8371E low light corridor view network bullet camera with Smart IR was perfectly suited PFN, with a long history of deploying high-tech cameras in difficult operating environments, turned immediately to VIVOTEK and its range of high-performance IP network cameras. The broad range, high resolution, flexible storage capability and impressive durability of VIVOTEK’s surveillance systems ensured that Tehran Metro Company could continue work on developing its new line, secure in the knowledge that the working areas, tunnels and platforms could all be monitored on a secure and stable high-performance IP network system. With VIVOTEK’s wide range of IP network cameras, advanced network video recorders and video management systems, the often-chaotic construction areas where able to be simply, easily, and thoroughly secured. High light, low-light or no-light – No problem for VIVOTEK’s Smart IR and WDR Pro equipped cameras A total of 82 VIVOTEK IP network cameras were installed throughout the construction area of the Tehran Metro. The difficult lighting conditions of the tunnels and workshop areas called for extremely capable camera, and for this task VIVOTEK’s IP8371E low light corridor view network bullet camera with Smart IR was perfectly suited. The IP8371E’s 3D Noise Reduction technology empowers it to capture clear, polished video under low-light conditions, and also helps to reduce bandwidth from sensor noise. Further enhancing the coverage of Tehran Metro’s construction areas, this camera is equipped with powerful 30 meter-range IR illuminators, and because VIVOTEK knows that lighting conditions can change throughout the day and night, the IP8371E also features Smart IR technology which prevents overexposure and provides noise reduction to adjust the IR lighting intensity instantaneously based on the changes of light in the ambient environment. For entrance areas, VIVOTEK’s IP8335H was chosen for its excellence in providing high-detail, high-quality footage in both high and low-light conditions. The IP8335H WDR Pro feature enables the camera to capture both the dark and bright parts of any image with double-shutters, enabling two frames to be combined to create a highly realistic image of the original scene, providing video quality close to the capabilities of a human eye. To add to this, the IP8335H also features automated shutter control, or P-Iris. P-Iris controls the iris with extreme precision with a built-in stepper motor, maintaining the opening at an optimal level at all times, resulting in superior image clarity and depth of field as well as image quality – no matter what the lighting conditions. So the entranceways of the Tehran Metro construction areas, which were often effected by changes in ambient light, can now be reliably monitored. Finally, the construction area of the Tehran Metro, though covering a vast area, is all able to be monitored from a single location thanks to the intelligence of VIVOTEK’s VAST video management software. VIVOTEK’s Rugged IP Cameras – The smartest cameras in the toughest skin Remarkably, while these two cameras are able to employ the very latest technology to provide crystal clear surveillance of the constantly changing construction area of the Tehran Metro, both cameras are also among the toughest on the market. Both the IP8371E and the IP8335H are encased in weather-proof, dust-proof, and vandal-proof IP67 rated housing. The IP67 rated housing is designed to help the camera body withstand rain and dust and ensures operation under a multitude of harsh weather conditions. Thus, despite the constant dust generated by the large scale construction of the Tehran Metro, both IP cameras are able to continue providing high-detail and reliable footage, and while the working area is often extremely humid, the wide operating temperature range of both cameras ensures seamless operation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. VIVOTEK’s Video Management Systems: Ready for any development Finally, the construction area of the Tehran Metro, though covering a vast area, is all able to be monitored from a single location thanks to the intelligence of VIVOTEK’s VAST video management software. The features of VAST allow flexible monitoring of a large network of IP network cameras over a variety of locations by a small number of security staff, with new cameras able to be added at any time; meaning that as the Tehran Metro construction project grows or changes, the entire surveillance system can grow or adapt with ease. So now Tehran Metro can get on with task of expansion and providing the people of Tehran with ever more convenient services, confident that VIVOTEK is there to support them in this challenging project.

SALTO provides access control during construction and operational phases to Bethanie As Western Australia’s largest not for profit aged care and retirement village provider, Bethanie is committed to providing a warm, social and engaging environment in which seniors can enjoy a vibrant, energetic and social lifestyle. The company’s mission is to make a real difference to people’s lives, and one of the ways they strive to achieve this is to offer a range of retirement living options for all budgets from care in the home and social centre’s for seniors, to retirement villages, affordable housing and residential aged care across Perth and regional Western Australia. The challenge Having taken the decision to upgrade their security from a traditional mechanical keyed system and all the hassles that entailed such as replacing locks and cutting keys to something that provided far higher levels of protection, the search began for a reliable and economical electronic system that could efficiently run and manage multiple displaced sites that were up to 230km distant from one another. This included 3 Lifestyle Villages in Yanchep, Bunbury and Eaton and 2 Apartment Housing developments in Dalyellup & Mandurah. The essential requirements were the flexibility to secure existing doors without having to alter hardware; an ability to easily track and replace key cards in use and be able to remotely manage the access control systems across the various properties from one central location. Through a partnership with SALTO Systems (Australia); local SALTO dealer GWA Group and installer Blue Force Pty Ltd., Bethanie was able to find a system that delivered on all of these requirements and more. The solution The SALTO Access Control system installed by Blue Force Pty Ltd provides an excellent balance between cost and control. Its use of SALTO’s unique XS4 and SVN access control platform now provides a stand-alone networked locking solution for over 130 doors including apartment front entrance doors, club house front entrance doors, miscellaneous lifestyle village internal doors and perimeter gates without the need to hardwire or run power to each lock. "SALTO has exceeded our expectations on the versatility and ease with which actions can be undertaken" Neil Armstrong, SALTO Business Development Manager Western Australia, says “Our XS4 electronic escutcheon platform in a mix of offline and online handle sets, together with its associated control units and wall readers provides the means to operate a totally keyless environment thanks to their unique ability to distribute card holder and system information to access controlled doors by using Mifare /DESFire key cards to upload and download information between the on-line and off-line doors. The client needed the ability to deploy a solution to remote buildings where network infrastructure is limited and where it would be both difficult and expensive to install it in the required locations. This meant going for a stand-alone system was the obvious choice as it was less expensive and faster to deploy than traditional hard wired solutions without any need to compromise on safety or security. Such a system also helps them overcome the challenges associated with managing remote sites and improves service levels to staff and end users and facilitates the company becoming more efficient through reduced capital and operational expenditure.” With the installation, Bethanie management staff now has remote access to all the above sites from their head office location via Salto Systems Pro Access software which is professionally hosted within a data centre facility in Perth WA. SALTO’s SVN access control platform provides a networked locking solution to Australian seniors This software allows them to manage their multiple sites through one common platform via an in-built departmental feature. What’s more its remote door open tool also saves Bethanie time in deploying resources to provide physical access to contractors or delivery people requiring access to remote sites. It is also useful in instances where end users are accidentally locked out and need access quickly - saving in time and cost associated with providing resources to re-actively travel to and from site. The result Seniors accommodation, particularly in retirement communities, can face a number of special and sensitive security issues so ensuring the safety of residents is a high priority. Controlling access therefore plays a hugely important role and the industry leading SALTO access control solution supplied by GWA Group and Blueforce Pty Ltd now provides a comprehensive, future-proof service to Bethanie. From assistance with the specification, to supply, install and commissioning, both companies knew it was essential to deliver an outstanding service from start to finish. Bethanie’s Contract & Building Services Administrator Alan Sheehan said “SALTO has exceeded our expectations on the versatility and ease with which actions can be undertaken. It gives us the ability to deploy access control to remotely situated developments during both construction and operational phases, and its SVN technology can be deployed quickly as there is no dependency on physical network infrastructure, or even power supply. This allows us to provide a safe and secure environment to all our stakeholders at all phases of site development.” "It gives us the ability to deploy access control to remotely situated developments during both construction and operational phases" Neil Armstrong concludes “The combination of the SALTO XS4 wireless product together with motivated, competent installation engineers and clarity of direction from such a professional client ensured we delivered the project on time and fully met Bethanie’s security expectations.”  

Turning on a light bulb or watching television is something the population of the UK take for granted.  Whether relaxing at home, taking advantage of the latest consumer gadget, or hard at work in the office, we are all responsible for the consumption of ever larger amounts of electrical power, often with little thought to its source of generation.Centrica's Kings Lynn power station is one such source.  Its modern gas turbine and triple pressure heat recovery steam generator feeds 325 mega watts of power into the UK national grid, supplying the needs of commercial and domestic consumption.  After a 3-year build period, the station's operation began in December 1997 under TXU management.  The facility was subsequently acquired by British Gas group Centrica in October of 2001.Since the plant opened, it has been protected by a mix of security measures, including a basic CCTV system.  However, due to the number of years the original system had been in service and resultant wear and tear, Centrica management decided to embark on a comprehensive overhaul of the installation.  Jason Buck, Manager at Kings Lynn, drew up a document detailing how the new system would be used and invited several companies to tender for the project.After close scrutiny, Jason chose Panasonic Premier Integrator Reflex Systems of South Yorkshire who, as he explains, "Were commissioned on the basis of a comprehensive and competitive tender bid."  During the tender process, Steve Ward, Technical Projects Director at Reflex, liaised heavily with Jason to qualify his expectations of the new surveillance system, and subsequently specified a Panasonic based CCTV solution to fulfil the varied needs of the power station.Surveillance monitoringReflex's surveillance solution commenced service in May 2006.  Following a comprehensive site audit, Reflex installed Panasonic WV-CW860 dome cameras located to provide maximum external scene coverage, covering key, and potentially sensitive areas of the plant, including the gas and steam generating building, car park, water demineralization plant, water pumping station, auxiliary cooling tower, workshop buildings, gas storage area and gates to the compounded site.  Steve Ward explains, "Right from our initial site surveys it was clear that Jason and his team required crystal clear images of the site, day and night.  Although they had not experienced any specific problems, they were acutely aware of the sensitivity of the site to trespassers, both from a security and health and safety perspective."We installed Panasonic WV-CW860 dome cameras to allow them to take full advantage of its 22x zoom lens, high-speed panning and Super Dynamic II technology.  The dome unit employs a day/night-switching mode allied to an extremely capable 510 TV lines resolution, allowing Centrica staff effective visual monitoring to pinpoint and identify individuals even in very low-light conditions."Supplementing the fully functional PTZ positions are 18 Panasonic WV-CP480 Super DIII fixed cameras.  Contained in its own weatherproof housing, the WV-CP480 employs Panasonic's unique Super Dynamic technology to provide Auto Back Focus (ABF) and automatic colour, and black and white switching, along with 128x Dynamic Range correction, for fast, accurate reactions to contrast changes in any viewed scene - a worthy feature among the varied and constantly changing light conditions around the industrial structures at the Kings Lynn facility.Providing comprehensive surveillance coverage of the perimeter of the site, the system also provides important visual identification of individuals using the access-controlled turnstiles within the plant's fence line.  Thanks to Reflex's efficient and economical camera layout, operators' surveillance capability from the cameras extends beyond the boundaries of the Kings Lynn site to include the surrounding land and its arterial roadways.Visual verificationBoth Panasonic WV-CW860 dome, and WV-CP480 cameras are also deployed within the interior of the power station.  Monitoring the gas and steam turbine room, the cameras afford control room operators extensive process control information and visual verification of issues raised by the station's control equipment.  Will Hopkins, Operation Technician, comments, "Using the Panasonic surveillance technology we can visually monitor any part of the site without leaving the control room.  This improves the efficiency of our staffing operation and has proved a real asset in our health and safety monitoring."Images from the cameras are transmitted to two control points.  The first is located in the main reception area within the administration building.  From here, reception staff can monitor visitors as they approach the facility's main gate, visually verifying expected visitors and their vehicles, and assisting with any general enquiries.  If necessary, visitors can be tracked from the moment they enter through the front gate, right up to their arrival in front of the reception area.The second control point is housed within the control room building and is integrated with the main power station control console, allowing Centrica staff complete surveillance over the site in liaison with general plant control.  Images from the system's cameras are transmitted to Panasonic WJ-HD316A 16-channel digital video recorders, programmed to record 120 images per second, the playback quality of which permits operators to review crystal clear images of the facility if and when necessary.  Panasonic WV-CU650CJ/B system controllers afford video playback and review whilst managing the system's WJ-SX150A camera switching matrix.  Will Hopkins comments, "The CCTV operators use the control equipment in different ways.  Panasonic's ambidextrous and intuitive joystick design allows all of our operators to be instantly ‘at home' with the system control functionality."Any incidents occurring during the production procedure can be directly investigated from the control room, Will Hopkins explains, "We can verify any alarm within the facility using the Panasonic surveillance technology, from a perimeter detection, to production issues."Management tool"The surveillance system has been extremely useful during our scheduled outage periods," Will continues.  "Every power supplier has a designated offline period for maintenance and during these periods we can have a large amount of third party contractors onsite.  With the new surveillance technology at our fingertips we can ensure health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times and check on service progress, in respect to human and vehicular traffic around the site.  We can even observe the works progress right down to individual engineer level."Reflex Systems have provided Centrica's Kings Lynn power station with a flexible surveillance solution that is not only integrated with the access control system but actively complements the mix of other on-site security measures.  The Panasonic CCTV system has proved to be a pivotal instrument providing an effective site management and health and safety tool.