Healthcare security

Hikvision’s PanoVu products are essential components of solutions in retail, hospitality, transportation and education Hikvision USA Inc., global supplier of security equipment and solutions, will provide training and demos of its multi-sensor camera technology at ISC East 2018, slated to take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on Nov. 14 and 15. Product showcase and training session Hikvision will exhibit from Booth 324 on the show floor on both the days. In addition to multi-sensor cameras, Hikvision will also showcase access control and intercom solutions. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 1A23, Hikvision will offer a free training session: ‘PanoVu Overview: Innovative Systems for Retail, Education, Hospitality and more’. "Ideal for retail, hospitality, transportation and education applications, Hikvision's PanoVu products offer multi-camera technology in one easy-to-install device," said Eric Chen, general manager, Hikvision North America. "We're excited to discuss and demo this key technology for integrators and end users at ISC East this year." Hikvision PanoVu cameras product line Hikvision provides a wide variety of PanoVu products to meet every installer's needs: Everything from 180- and 360-degree view in a stitched image from multiple cameras, to cameras with adjustable gimbals for optimal views. A wide selection of cameras is available for both indoor applications or outdoor, longer-range viewing. Common applications include warehouses, large open spaces, lobbies, city centers, park entertainment venues, and harbors.

Comelit has worked sensitively on site at Rathview Mental Health Facility, to supply door entry solutions to ensure a therapeutic and safe environment is created for the benefit of residents, staff and visitors. Comelit door entry solutions Situated on a rural greenfield site on the outskirts of Omagh, Rathview Mental Health Facility is a new c£2.8 million, 1169m² site that contains a twelve-bed Discharge Unit and a six-bed Recovery Unit, arranged around two central courtyards. With its innovative design, the unit aims to increase the range of community-based mental health services available in Northern Ireland. Owned by The Western Health and Social Care Trust and designed by award winning Todd Architects, Comelit worked sensitively with electrical consultants on site, WYG Belfast, from the tender process to project completion, understanding the full specification requirements from the entrance through staff stations and concierge resources. Healthcare security and safety Comelit was specified through evidence of its understanding of the site requirements, along with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable" Says Gary Hewitt, Consultant at Chubb NI Ltd, who worked on Rathview Mental Health Facility: “This was an incredibly sensitive works program, where the design of the building was not just important from an aesthetic perspective, but also to ensure a positive impact on the recovery process for residents; and for staff to operate in an environment where they feel safe and secure.” “Comelit was specified through experience and evidence of its understanding of requirements on site, together with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable. These elements came together to allow for residents to experience independence in a domestic environment, with autonomous access to their accommodation.” 316 Sense panels In total, Comelit was specified for the door entry systems for all four entrance points to the facility, and a total of four 316 Sense panels installed, along with two staff stations and a concierge unit. Each of the twelve apartments were fitted with a pull cord and emergency response button, cabled into Comelit’s Mini handsfree monitors. Designed to operate through Comelit’s innovative VIP system, it utilises the Security Systems Network and allows a priority call to the concierge in case of emergency. Patients, staff and visitors’ safety Mike Campbell, Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK concluded: “Rathview is an important development in the context of provision of mental health facilities across Northern Ireland, where every part of the site is seen as potentially having therapeutic value. We have worked in partnership with the consultants on site to create a door entry solution that can ensure a balance of a welcoming, encouraging environment, whilst maintaining the safety and security of residents, visitors and staff.”

IDF Aluminium has installed transom closers and latch locks from Alpro Architectural Hardware at a building that provides premium co-working and flexible office space in central London near Victoria Station. Thomas House in Eccleston Square is a seven-storey structure with a facade in Regency style and a distinctive timber-clad reception that leads to two wings. It has collaborative drop-in work areas, meeting rooms and facilities to suit present-day practices. The building has been refurbished for The Office Group who pioneered shared workspaces in Britain and now offers these services across multiple London locations as well as Bristol and Leeds. Hydraulic door controls The Alpro transom closers are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of aluminium doors The Alpro transom closers are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of aluminium doors. They allow precise adjustment of the latching and closing force generated by the valve according to the weight and height of individual doors as well as type of usage. Aesthetics are a major consideration for The Office Group who briefed Soda Studio, an architectural practice known for its clean simple interiors, to create a design in keeping with the neighbouring Georgian squares. In addition to the working facilities, Thomas House has a library, music room, roof terrace and gymnasium. It is named after the early nineteenth-century architect Thomas Cubitt who created much of the surrounding area and also designed the eastern front of Buckingham Palace. Preserving interior geometry Fabricator IDF devised a solution featuring tailored SBD aluminium profiles from Jack Aluminium Systems, bespoke glazing, internal screens and the Alpro door management. The Alpro products include Europrofile cylinder deadlatches which can be combined with electric strikes to provide the added option of remote access control. All of The Office Group premises are design-led, and we have now supplied equipment to five of their sites including Henry Wood House" Peter Keen, sales director at Alpro, said: “Installing transom closers on internal doors is unusual but the concealed nature of these closers, within the transom header bar, means they are unobtrusive and meet the architect’s goal of preserving interior geometry.” He continued: “All of The Office Group premises are design-led, and we have now supplied equipment to five of their sites including Henry Wood House, a former BBC building in the West End. Our transom closers are durable and have been tested independently at 250,000 double-action cycles.” Commercial door market IDF specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door projects are often in commercial and public sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised. IDF has 30 years’ experience in the shop front and commercial door market. The company ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all of its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers transport, local government, healthcare and education from schools through to universities.

Like many inpatient health facilities around Europe, the Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy (CPN) in France had a persistent problem with lost physical keys. If a key went missing — lost or misplaced, by a resident or staff member — multiple cylinders in a unit would need to be replaced. The expense in terms of staff time and money was significant, and never-ending. And like many other health centres, CPN turned to Aperio wireless technology for a solution. Over 160 Aperio wireless escutcheons have been installed across the CPN premises integrated with the access control system from Delta Security Solutions, most on the doors to patients’ rooms. Now, everyone the ability to circulate freely without needing to carry a cumbersome key. Tracking door security in real time Because the Aperio integration at CPN is online, security staff can now keep track of all door security in real timeBecause the Aperio integration at CPN is online, security staff can now keep track of all door security in real time — which was not possible with the old mechanical master-key system. If a resident loses their credential, facilities staff simply cancel it instantly and reissue another, ensuring security at the site remains intact. Some dorm-style rooms at CPN have multiple beds; in these, Aperio escutcheons secure cupboards for every inpatient, so their personal belongings are kept safe without physical keys or needing to remember PIN codes. The old key-operated safes have been removed, saving CPN the recurring cost of re-keying or replacing safe locks.  Securing pharmacy and medicine store The Aperio H100 handle packs the power and flexibility of Aperio wireless access control into one slim interior door handle“Previously when a unit key was lost, we would have to change every cylinder it opened — which for some keys would be very expensive,” says Cédric Marchal, technical services engineer at CPN. At CPN, Aperio devices also secure areas where residents are not permitted, including staff rooms, offices and sensitive zones like the pharmacy and medicine store. Alongside the escutcheons deployed at CPN, the Aperio device range includes online and offline Aperio cylinders; an online security lock; a wireless lock for bringing server racks and cabinets into the same access control system as doors; and the new Aperio H100 handle, which packs the power and flexibility of Aperio wireless access control into one slim interior door handle. Every year since 2011, CPN have budgeted for an expansion in their Aperio system. Every year, more doors at their site are covered — enhancing the safety and well-being of patients. Enabled by Aperio wireless access control technology, the upgrading process continues.

3xLOGIC, Inc., a provider of integrated, intelligent security solutions, and a three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 500 winner, announced Estill County Emergency Medical Services, located in Irvine, KY, is successfully using infinias access control from 3xLOGIC to improve security and give hard-working staff needed peace of mind to focus on their important work. Bates Security, Lexington, Kentucky, designed, installed, and oversees the system. Shelia Wise, in charge of accounting and training for Estill EMS, oversaw the process to upgrade security at the County’s EMS facility. “We were looking to secure a building that is in operation 24/7/365.” Working on behalf of the County EMS’s Board of Directors, Wise and her team assembled three bids and in the process got a real education on access control, what different systems can do, and what their real security needs were. Securing the medical room Our main goals were to secure our medical room, per DEA regulations, and to make our facility safe when staff are here"“Our main goals were to secure our medical room, per DEA regulations, and to make our facility safe when staff are here, but also when they need to clear out at a moment’s notice,” explained Wise. Ultimately, the Board of Directors choose inifinias access control because it met the wide-ranging needs of the County EMS. “We chose the best system for the price and the feature set,” said Wise. Installation was completed about two years ago and the infinias system manages a total of six doors at the main EMS building, two of which are internal, including the medical room where drugs are stored. Later, two more doors were added at a sub-station location. “A top concern is the medical room,” said Wise, “I have to be notified when someone is accessing that door. Now, I get an alert anytime someone is attempting to access that secure room anywhere I am, I don’t need to be onsite. Wise and other staff manage their eight doors from a single interface, by any computer with an Internet connection—anytime, anywhere. Access management for employees “It was important that I could easily operate the system software without help from anyone else. And Sean Moberly from Bates is always available for questions and any maintenance that’s needed. It’s a great feeling to know that when we’re away doing our jobs all our worldly possessions back at the facility are protected and we don’t have to worry,” said Wise. The infinias system manages access for all employees, some outside contractors, and the Chairman of the Board of DirectorsEstill County EMS has 35-40 employees and at any given time upwards to 15 people are at the main station on a daily basis. The infinias system manages access for all employees, some outside contractors, who do radio and computer maintenance, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ms. Wise also grants temporary access to hospital staff who use the facility for training. User-friendly access control system As the main administrator, Ms. Wise has created five different sub-groups among all employees and visitors, providing each group with the access privileges they need to do their jobs, while ensuring that only a few individuals have full access to all doors and areas. “I think the system works really well. There was a short learning curve, but it’s quite user-friendly and we’ve not had any problems. From what I was told at our original meeting with Bates through operations today, we got exactly what we were told, and we’re very satisfied,” Wise concluded.

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.

Whether you are a veteran in the access control world or have never installed a card reader before, there are always ways to increase profits in the ever-evolving world of access control. The hope is that by considering a few key focal points, you can find ways to increase market share. Whether we are releasing an electronic lock through a simple intercom button or using biometric and multi-authentication based on a database; the tactics for bringing on more revenue is the same. Learning to focus on a few key items can help open up opportunities. Business access controls Understanding vertical markets is a strong strategy for success in increasing your profits with access controlIf you are new to access control, it’s important to determine the right product offerings for your business model and experience level of your team. Mistakes in estimating or installing can be costly and complex. Take advantage of manufacturer training both online and in the classroom for both your sales team and installation department. It’s important to understand the fire and building codes in your area to make sure you design the proper solution for your customers. Furthermore, understanding the products, components and proper wiring can save you money in labour and materials.  Today we will look at four focus points: vertical markets, cloud-based access control, technology upgrades, and preventative maintenance and service agreements. These four focal points are simple to implement and can be easily added to your current operation. Vertical markets Understanding vertical markets is a strong strategy for success in increasing your profits with access control. The concept is that understanding a certain vertical and their security needs can increase your sales team’s marketability. If you spend your time focusing on the healthcare industry, for instance, you will see that HIPA requirements open doors for selling access control. Getting to know the regulatory concerns of different verticals is a great strategy for more effective sales Having logs of who entered your HR files room or patient records storage is a crucial part of addressing privacy concerns. Getting to know the regulatory concerns of different verticals is a great strategy for more effective sales.  Another example could be apartment communities or other multifamily dwellings. In this competitive marketplace, these complexes are looking for ways to stand out in their market. Knowing this and being able to offer amenities like secured locks with Bluetooth credentials that tenants can open with their smartphones is a selling point for you and for your customer. Building on each customer you contact within a vertical is like free sales and marketing training. The more you learn from each potential client, the more you increase your conversation starters for the next potential client. Cloud-based access control With the growing cloud-based access control market, integrators can find more opportunities in small businesses and vertical markets that typically wouldn’t be on the radar of your sales team. A typical card access system often makes the move from the traditional lock and key systems to electronic card access cost prohibitive. This is due to the large upfront costs for a server, software and annual licensing. With cloud access, integrators can offer less expensive upfront costs with low monthly subscription fees that cover all software updates, database backups, security patches and more. The real benefit for the integrator is the reoccurring revenue. By helping our clients save money on server, software and IT infrastructure costs, we are securing reoccurring revenue for our companies that increase our profitability. Building reoccurring revenue not only provides cash flow but also keeps your name on the top of the minds of your customer and that leads to additional sales. By helping clients save money on server, software and IT infrastructure costs, we are securing reoccurring revenue for companies that increase profitability Technology upgrades Another often overlooked opportunity is technology upgrades. Training your sales staff and even service technicians to watch out for clients with older technology can reap major benefits. When you bring new technology to your clients, you show another value that you bring to the table. Even if your client isn’t ready to make an upgrade, you can easily plant a seed that will get their minds and budgets rolling. An easy example is a customer with an older intercom door access system An easy example is a customer with an older intercom door access system. This may have met their needs 10 years ago when it was installed, but the office has grown and perhaps an integrated card access intercom system is a great technology upgrade. Bringing this to the customer will once again show that you are the “subject matter expert” and your customer will be more apt to refer you to their friends and colleagues. Another easy way to find technology upgrades is to dig through your ageing client list and build a list of potential targets that you have not visited lately. If you keep records of what was installed previously, it will make it easier to plan ahead and bring solutions to your next visit, saving your sales staff time and again building confidence with your clients. Preventive maintenance and service agreements One thing that sales teams often miss is the opportunity to add service agreements and preventative maintenance agreements. Even if a customer already has an access control system, they may not have a service provider and may be interested in securing a service agreement. Typically, a service agreement can be written to cover all parts and labour or just labour for an annual feeShowing the value of a service agreement is paramount, adding annual or semi-annual preventative maintenance to your service agreement is one way to add value. Inspecting locking mechanisms, request to exit motions and buttons, door status switches, headend equipment, batteries and power supplies, can save your customer from a costly after-hours service call or the inconvenience of a non-functioning access control system during business hours. Additionally, checking computer hardware and software logs for errors can save a customer from a catastrophic failure.  Typically, a service agreement can be written to cover all parts and labour or just labour for an annual fee. It is helpful to come up with a percentage of the install value that makes sense so that your sales team can easily quote a service agreement for your customer. Offering several levels of service also opens the table for negotiations. You can offer an “all parts and labour 24/7” or a “parts and labour M-F 8AM-4PM”, as an example. Offering guaranteed response times can also be a marketing strategy. Critical area access management Checking computer hardware and software logs for errors can save a customer from a catastrophic failureA 24-7 facility that has 200 employees moving in and out of critical areas may be a great potential customer for a high-level service agreement with semi-annual preventative maintenance and a guaranteed 4-hour response time. Where a small office that is only open during standard business hours may be better suited for a labour only M-F with annual preventative maintenance inspection. The point is that a creative, intentional, and focused approach to access control can yield the fruit that brings long-term success to your team. Building a plan and learning from each prospect, sale, and installation will develop a process that brings results. Attending a trade specific expo like ESX will give you the opportunity to meet with manufacturers and other integrators that can help you implement a product offering and strategy for success.

When asked about what the market should be thinking about in 2018, I am left offering an answer that serves as an urgent call to action: prepare yourself for change! The security industry is soon likely to see a dramatic shift from the traditional segmentation of commercial and residential security. Smart phones, mobile technologies, cloud computing, and having everything provided ‘as a service’ in peoples’ lives means users of buildings have a new set of expectations. In many ways, the coming crosspollination of residential and commercial security offerings means we will have a better idea of best practices. The convenience of residential spaces will combine with the robust security of commercial facilities, for example. But this also means a higher level of demand will be placed on security integrators, facility managers and owners. Operations groups may need to change drastically to offer new technologies. Security as a service is likely to become more common. And new technologies are emerging that will facilitate this change and require new skillsets and expertise. So, what the market should be thinking about right now is: how do we all, collectively, keep up? More critical is finding ways to offer or utilise new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier Ensuring security preparedness As it stands now, in terms of physical security for doors and openings, we are currently in a world where we can secure almost anything. Be it hospital, school, file cabinet, server rack, grain silo or barn that is off the electrical grid, we have a solution for that. So being hyper-aware of your industry, its offerings, and how the products work together is important, as it means every location that needs security can have security. But perhaps more critical is finding ways to offer or utilise new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier, moving security components deeper into a building, facility or campus, and building and leveraging on partnerships where everyone is invested in the other’s success. Here are a few suggestions for addressing these issues. Training in new security solutions Perhaps the biggest change in the near term will be emerging technologies that will alter how we currently use security solutions. Be it cloud-based security, intelligent keys, new types of credentials, or simply a better software for management, the need to be well-versed on these offerings is key. To this end, it is important to not only know what offerings exist in the security world, but also be well-trained on them. Seek out a manufacturer that is willing to offer training and education on products, strategies and solutions. While it is important to secure server rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself Identifying an end goal Further, approach the integration and implementation of these technologies with a collaborative mindset. For dealers and integrators this means utilising new technologies to better secure a facility for a client. As a building owner or manager, it means making tenant and occupant life better while streamlining your own operations. The ultimate goal of any new technology is to meet customer needs in the very best possible way. And that goal should trickle down from manufacturer to integrator to the facility manager and ultimately the end user. Don’t just implement technology for the sake of doing so. Do it with purpose by identifying an end goal and utilising these amazing solutions to achieve that. Identifying an end goal also means seeking out the core requirements a building has to provide users with the expected level of security and service. This is obviously dependent on the building, and it doesn’t always mean physically moving into a building, but rather looking at ways to move further into the operations of a business. Securing access to buildings Government facilities are undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the FICAM programme For some businesses, keeping server racks or file cabinets secure can be critical. And while it is important to secure these rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself. New opportunities also fall into this category. Government facilities are currently undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the Federal Government’s Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) programme. FICAM sets standards for implementation of secure access to all government facilities and mandates the use of FIPS 201 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) for federal employees and contractors. This means that PIV enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings. Finding ways to retrofit these affordably, efficiently and effectively means offering more secure openings on what is likely to be a tight budget. This can also apply to offsite facilities. Earlier I mentioned barns and grain silos – locations that are often left off electrical grids but can come with the need for auditing capabilities – and a solution exists for that. So, while a corporate headquarters might be under robust lock and key, it is always good to ask about other locations that could use a simple security upgrade. Personal Identity Verification-enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings Establishing security partnerships Again, the best way to achieve readiness with this approach is to be aware of the market and its offerings, and to engage in collaborative partnerships. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter most. Manufacturers rely on the integrators and building supervisors to understand the new and developing needs in the industry. Integrators then must rely on manufacturers to provide these solutions, offer education and training, and be in constant contact about the newest technologies available. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter mostAnd building owners or managers must both be aware of their tenant and end user needs and demands – be it for new technologies or even seeking out sustainability solutions. In turn, they need to know they can rely on a collaborative approach from an integrator and manufacturer who is invested in their success. Industry collaboration for a secure future Again, the biggest thing we must all need to consider now is how to prepare for the future. Treading water is simply not enough in the security market anymore. New technologies and performance expectations are forcing us to consider ways to better serve our clients – whether we are a manufacturer, integrator or in charge of facilities. And the best way to do this is together. We are all invested in the success of one another, and in the people who use the places we strive to keep safe. By seeking out, developing, and cultivating these partnerships in collaboration and innovation, we are able to help one another prepare for the future that is becoming more complex, intriguing and exciting every day.

Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) is not just for commercial organisations. Federal, state and local governments can also realise benefits from the technology—and use it to deliver an integrated video surveillance system that addresses some of their unique security needs. Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) What is VSaaS? Simply stated, it’s a cloud-based video surveillance solution that is packaged and delivered as a service over the internet. The price varies depending on the features of your plan (i.e. number of cameras, amount of storage, software features, etc.), and you pay a monthly subscription price to use it. How does it work? Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are installed at site locations, and the video is captured and streamed to a service provider’s data center via an internet connection. The video management software (VMS) runs on backend infrastructure provided by the service provider’s cloud. All video processing is done in the cloud, and all that is required to view the footage is an internet-connected device and a web browser. Retail, health care, education, and transportation all benefit from the flexibility and architecture of VSaas Growing VSaaS providers Solution providers such as Axis Communications, Genetec, and G4S among many others offer VSaaS solutions, and the market is growing. According to IHS Markit, the market is expected to reach $2.3 billion in 2021. VSaaS is a solution with cross-industry appeal. Retail, health care, education, and transportation all benefit from the flexibility and architecture of the solution. But how does VSaaS address the surveillance needs of government institutions? Geographic coverage and access To protect cities and towns, law enforcement must watch over widespread geographic areas. Their work involves monitoring and policing many different neighborhoods, buildings, garages, parks, and walking paths—basically anywhere there is property or people to protect. They rely on video surveillance to help them keep these environments safe. But it’s more than local law enforcement officers who use video footage. From local city officials to federal and state law enforcement agencies, many other people, at times, need access to video footage captured by city surveillance cameras. Centralised remote monitoring How does VSaaS help? VSaaS enables the installation of cameras throughout cities and communities and stream footage to a central location via the Internet. Because the system is centralised, it eliminates the need to manage a lot of different standalone DVRs or NVRs, which enables organisations to monitor a large area from a remote command center. VSaaS enables the installation of cameras throughout cities and communities and stream footage to a central location via the Internet Plus, anyone with proper credentials can access the footage from an Internet-connected device—whether that be a smartphone, laptop, desktop, or tablet. That makes it easier for multiple agencies to work together, which in turn can improve communication and response time to incidents. Budget concerns and flexibility Tight budgets are normal in government. As a result, it’s often a challenge to procure capital for new technology purchases—and that sometimes leads to underfunded projects and difficulty upgrading old technology. VSaaS changes the expense model. It allows you to shift from a capital expenditure (CapEx) model, where large capital funding is required to purchase equipment, to an operational expenditure (OpEx) model, where the costs of the solution become an operating expense. Since the cameras, installation, storage, and software are packaged into a service, you don’t need a large capital outlay up front—you simply pay a predictable expense every month. VSaaS provides the capability for you to increase storage capacity when you need it Feature and storage capacity upgrade features VSaaS also makes it easier to upgrade old technology. When new technology becomes available, you can upgrade to it as part of the service. You no longer have to stick with old technology because of capital budget restrictions. Instead, you can upgrade to better cameras and management software features as they become available. The same is true for storage capacity. As camera resolution increases, the amount of data captured also increases. In addition, with the evolution of smart city technology and big data analytics, video data has become more valuable. As a result, there is a need not only to store more data but also to keep that data accessible for a longer period of time. VSaaS provides the capability for you to increase storage capacity when you need it. You can scale to accommodate growth, and since the storage is delivered as part of the service, you can leverage the “pay for use” model to manage your costs. On-premise storage or hybrid Where should surveillance video be stored? It’s an important question. After all, government entities must always comply with data privacy laws and handle data properly to ensure it can be used as evidence if needed. As a result, officials may prefer to be selective about where they store video data. In fact, the concern over regulatory requirements and security and privacy issues, according to Gartner, will lead governments to implement private cloud at twice the rate of public cloud through 2021. The provider’s ability to store large amounts of data cost-effectively makes VSaaS possible That’s not necessarily a show-stopper when it comes to video surveillance. Some VSaaS providers offer hybrid options. Plus, one of the things that makes VSaaS possible is the provider’s ability to store large amounts of data cost-effectively. Because service providers can manage their storage infrastructures economically, they can offer their service at an attractive price. Multi-tier storage infrastructure In a way, government institutions (as well as commercial organisations) can do the same thing. If a government entity—for example, a small municipality—wanted to store their data on-premise or implement a hybrid configuration, they could solve some of their video storage challenges by implementing a multi-tier storage infrastructure similar to what a VSaaS provider might use to provide the actual service. A multi-tier storage infrastructure uses different storage media—disk, object storage, tape, and cloud—and combines them to deliver the total capacity needed while balancing performance and cost. The diagram below is an illustration of a multi-tier infrastructure: As the diagram shows, storage capacity grows using lower cost forms of media as volume and long-term retention requirements change. Files are moved between tiers based on user-defined policies. When the policies are met, the files are moved to a lower cost tier. Some file systems allow for multiple copies be written at ingest which not only minimises the traffic of moving files across the network, but also provides much needed data protection through a second copy on a lower-cost tier. This scenario enables you to optimise the amount of high-performance media in your infrastructure and lower the long-term cost of retaining files. VSaaS offers many benefits for government institutions and commercial organisations alike Choice of implementations VSaaS offers many benefits for government institutions and commercial organisations alike. But not every implementation has the same needs or requirements. The good news is, when it comes to video surveillance solutions, you have options. You can leverage the benefits of VSaaS, in either a public cloud or hybrid scenario, depending on the service provider. Or if your needs dictate, you can achieve some of the same capacity and cost-saving benefits you would get from a VSaaS solution by implementing an on-premise solution based on a centralised VMS system and multi-tier storage. The choice is yours.

The best route to greater adoption of robotics in the field of physical security is intellectual honesty, says Travis Deyle, CEO and co-founder of Cobalt Robotics. “Robots are not a panacea, so we must be clear and honest about capabilities and use cases,” he says. “If you are dishonest, people will lose faith. We must have clear expectations about what’s feasible today and possible tomorrow.” The robotics tide is turning in the security market, which is notoriously slow to embrace new technologies. “The tone has changed at recent security events,” says Deyle. “Previously, robots were thought of as a science experiment. But now, there are big-name users wanting to discuss proof of concept. It has evolved from being a novelty to now it’s time to give it a serious look. They want us to help them sell the concept up the chain of command. It’s helpful to have conversations with other parts of the company because it has an impact on the culture of the company.” The robotics tide is turning in the security market, which is notoriously slow to embrace new technologies Cobalt’s robots are purpose-built for a specific use case: providing after-hours support and security for corporate locations. Indoor environments, confined and controlled, present fewer navigation challenges for robots, which can quickly become familiar with the surroundings and navigate easily through an office space. Indoor robots can provide benefits beyond security, too, such as facility management, promoting employee health and safety, and emergency response. Cobalt's human-centred design Cobalt’s robots also interact well with people. They are friendly and approachable and make employees feel safe and secure. The human-centered design promotes that interaction, and a real person (located remotely) can enter into any interaction instantly as needed. “We combine machines with people,” says Deyle. “We allow the machine to do what it does best, such as dull and boring activities, and add the flexibility and cultural relevancy of having a person there.” Cobalt’s robots also interact well with people, they are friendly and approachable and make employees feel safe and secure When a robot is deployed, it performs a brief mapping phase (about an hour), in which it moves around and builds up a “map” of its space and develops its patrol route. Over time, it lingers more in areas where it encounters more incidents. There are 60 sensors on the robot, including day/night cameras, high-resolution thermal cameras, a card reader that integrates with the corporate access control system, a microphone, and environmental sensors for temperature and humidity.  The robot builds models of what’s normal in its environment in terms of people, sound, motion, open doors and windows, and even leaks and spills. And then it detects anomalies and sends relevant notifications to Cobalt specialists, who respond and manage any events in real time. The machine provides unwavering attention, perfect recall, and accountability. Cobalt robots have been designed to help bridge the problems faced with utilising guards and cameras  Accommodating various anomalies  The Cobalt robot is designed to blend into a high-end office environment, with flexible fabric and a corporate design aesthetic. It is stable beyond 45-degrees, so it’s hard to topple over. The 5-foot-2-inch robot can see over desks and cubicles. It is designed to bridge the gap between guards, who are expensive and underutilised during uneventful night shifts, and cameras, which are unable to respond to nuanced situations. Cobalt Robotics already has customers in defense, finance and manufacturing, and a handful of Fortune 500 companies are looking at the service Autonomous navigation uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to avoid static and dynamic obstacles. Over time, the robot accommodates various anomalies such as loud machinery noise, and “semantic mapping” adds intelligence to its map. When the robot figures out that a picture on the wall is not a real person, for example, it stores that information for future reference.  The technologies enabling robotics in the indoor environment are mature – there have been variations of security robots in operation for decades. What has changed is the costs of the technologies, which are now inexpensive enough to make a robot affordable to businesses. Cobalt Robotics offers an all-inclusive service providing hardware, software, service and maintenance as well as the remote human interface. All together, the service is a third to half the cost of a man-guard, and it bills monthly, says Deyle. Cobalt Robotics offers an all-inclusive service providing hardware, software, service and maintenance as well as the remote human interface Cobalt Robotics already has customers in defense, finance and manufacturing, and a handful of Fortune 500 companies are looking at the service. They are currently operational in the San Francisco Bay area and Chicago and will be in six other geographies in the next three months (in response to customer needs). Uses include offices, museums, warehouses, technology centres, and innovation centres.  A former Google employee, Deyle’s experience in robotics goes back to his Ph.D. studies at Georgia Tech, where he worked on developing a robot to deliver healthcare to homebound patients. Deyle and Cobalt Robotics co-founder Erik Schluntz departed Google in 2016 to form Cobalt Robotics. In just 12 months, Cobalt went from the initial idea to paid robot deployments.

More crowded aisles and productive conversations continued to set the tone on the second day of ISC West in Las Vegas. No big technology breakthroughs have surfaced, but there is plenty of interest, and some degree of curiosity, about whether (and when) the recent hype about artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning will translate into usable products. Vertical market solutions “Yesterday we saw a tremendous amount of traffic in the booth, and today is more of the same,” said Miguel Lazatin, Director, Product and Channel Marketing, Hanwha Techwin America. The layout of the Hanwha Techwin booth is different this year, although the “footprint” is the same size. “We lessened the number of kiosks within the booth, which allows for better flow, and the ability to accommodate more customers and do the demonstrations more effectively and focus more on product solutions,” Lazatin adds. “We are introducing products in new categories for Hanwha Techwin,” Lazatin says. “We have new thermal cameras, new stainless steel cameras, new multi-sensor cameras, as well as new mobile products. We are expanding our product set to address new applications and new markets.” The new products are tailored and specific solutions for those new markets, which include food processing plants, oil refineries and areas where Hanwha Techwin has not played in the past. Although there is a lot of talk about deep learning and artificial intelligence at this year’s show, there don’t appear to be a lot of actual products being introduced in those categories. Companies of all shapes and sizes are embracing the new buzzwords, leaving some attendees unsure how these new ideas — or marketing concepts? — fit into the “real world.”  Hanwha Techwin America lessened the number of kiosks within the booth, which allows for better flow Meeting customer needs with AI A key to leveraging the value of new technologies such as AI and deep learning is to get beyond the buzzwords and position the new capabilities in the context of actual end user benefits such as operation efficiency and automation, says Stuart Rawling, Director of Global Business Development, Pelco by Schneider Electric. “The customer doesn’t care about buzzwords, he just wants to know what are the benefits? What solutions are we offering?” At the show, Pelco announced a new alliance with IBM that will leverage Big Blue’s advanced knowledge of deep learning and analytics, and combine it with Pelco’s VideoExpert video management system (VMS). “We have a version of that integration at the show, but the real news is that we are merging our development plans to solve specific use case problems,” says Rawling. Video analytics in the cloud Cloud applications are also gaining traction, including the Avigilon Blue cloud platform. “It allows integrators to manage everything from one easy, central site,” says Willem Ryan, Avigilon’s Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications. “They can respond quicker and with knowledge of what the system is doing.” Video analytics are built in as an inherent part of our solution. Any IP cameras — Avigilon or ONVIF-conformant — become equipped with analytics when they are connected to the Blue platform. A new announcement at the show is Avigilon’s ACC System Health Monitoring, a new service added to the Blue platform. Health monitoring enables integrators to be more proactive in their service and keep systems running smoothly. “Cloud allows you to scale how you can manage systems and service systems rather than having to go on site to upgrade systems,” says Ryan. “People think it’s a buzzword, but really it’s a means to an end to make systems more secure, more efficient, more responsive. We’re putting a lot of investment in it.” A new announcement at the show is Avigilon’s ACC System Health Monitoring, a new service added to the Blue platform Building RMR for customers The cloud also enables integrators to build more recurring monthly revenue (RMR). A cloud approach that encompasses products and ongoing service ensures that an integrator continues to “touch” customers. “For us, they can package this around service in a new way,” says Ryan. “The customer doesn’t have to worry about a large capital expense in the beginning. And as new capabilities come along, they can be added. So it becomes a way to sell a package around their company, service and products; but less about the products and more about a platform that allows them to sell their [integration] company in a new way. What we’re hearing is, it’s a change in mindset, and you need buy-in from the top of the organisation. And the sales people have to get used to selling in a different way. It’s going to take time, and our industry needs to evolve. Customers love the flexibility. And integrators need stickier customers and better profit margins.” Avigilon also continues to upgrade its Appearance Search product to enable faster review of stored video. Now a search for video related to an investigation can begin with a physical description of a person (rather than using a reference image as a starting point in the search). There’s one more day for attendees to roam the aisles of ISC West in search of new and useful technologies. Foot traffic historically drops off on the final day, but that just leaves more quality time for interaction among those staying until the bitter end. Count me among that group, and I will have much more to report after the show ends.

Open architecture in physical access control is built around Mercury Security’s access control panels, the de facto standard embraced by more than two dozen access control original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Mercury and several of its OEMs teamed up March 3-4 to present MercTech4, a conference in Miami aimed at updating security consultants about the latest developments related to the Mercury platform. MercTech4 highlighted a new generation of access control products, which are increasing the capabilities for Mercury OEMs in areas such as two-way communication and encryption. Enhancements include use of the OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) v2 communication standard instead of the older (and less flexible, less secure) Wiegand standard. Other advantages are relay count activations, a crypto memory chip and default encryption, a critical feature ensuring greater cybersecurity. Integration of hardware with physical security Mercury hardware is sold exclusively through OEM partnerships. The new LP4502 controller and access control platform use the Linux operating system. Mercury also provides hardware integration at the controller level with elevator manufacturers such as Otis, Kone and Thyssenkrupp, including “destination dispatch,” which groups passengers going to the same floors into the same elevators, thus reducing waiting and travel times. Mercury hardware is sold exclusively through OEM partnerships. The new LP4502 controller and access control platform use the Linux operating system Integration of Mercury controllers with LifeSafety Power’s IP-based intelligent power supplies enables system health and diagnostic data to be shared for preventive maintenance. Mercury also offers several “bridge” products to enable its OEMs to transition installed proprietary systems from outdated Casi-Rusco (GE), Software House I (Tyco) and Infographics (GE) technologies to an open platform using Mercury hardware.  Business as usual Other recent news for Mercury is the company’s acquisition by HID Global last fall. Mercury Security President Matt Barnette says the acquisition will not impact how Mercury goes to market. “It’s business as usual,” he says. “It’s 130 days into the acquisition, so it’s still early on, but we are continuing to do what we do.”  Steve Carney, HID Global’s vice president of product marketing for physical access control, provided an update from the HID Global perspective to MercTech4 attendees. He reiterated that there would be no change in Mercury’s OEM go-to-market strategy. HID will develop a roadmap for improved combined solutions among the controller, reader, credential and cloud He emphasised that Mercury’s team and talent remain core to the brand, and HID will develop a roadmap for improved combined solutions among the controller, reader, credential and cloud. Open architecture companies throughout the access control industry – Mercury’s OEM partners – are incorporating the new boards into their products, each putting their “spin” on those capabilities and expanding the functionality of their systems. At MercTech4, seven of those OEMs hosted small groups of consultants in focused meetings to highlight what’s new with their products. Lenel honoured as 'Platinum Premier' partner Lenel, Rochester, N.Y., has been a Mercury's OEM partner since 1995. Lenel is Mercury’s first-ever "Platinum Premier" partner. In recent years, Lenel’s OnGuard system has evolved into a fully browser-based system providing both alarm and cardholder management through web browsers, and access to the platform on a computer, laptop or tablet. OnGuard WATCH (Web Access Trending and Comprehensive Health) provides system monitoring tools and health checks, such as tracking CPU usage and logging error files. Lenel has introduced its own BlueDiamond mobile credentialing system based on Bluetooth Low Energy and deploying mature technology previously used by sister UTC companies for real estate locks and in the hospitality market. Feenics, an Ottawa, Ontario, cloud-based access control company, was also among the Mercury OEMs participating in MercTech4. The Keep by Feenics platform is scalable from a single door to a global enterprise environment. A RESTful API provides easy connection of third-party applications. Feenics emphasises cybersecurity in the cloud, using Amazon Web Services, Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, and Veracode penetration testing. They use MongoDB open source database replica sets instead of Microsoft SQL.  Mercury and several of its OEMs teamed up March 3-4 to present MercTech4, a conference in Miami aimed at updating security consultants about the latest developments Integration and encryption RS2 Technologies, Munster, Indiana, is another Mercury OEM highlighted at MercTech4. Their top vertical markets are K-12 schools, utilities, healthcare and government. RS2’s features include a PSIA-compliant interface, compatibility with BACnet and the Pinwheel DME (Data Management Engine) for bi-directional database integration.RS2 offers web-based support, and each edition of the Access It! software implements features suggested by customer RS2 offers web-based support, and each edition of the Access It! software implements features suggested by customer. Product enhancement is a focus of RS2’s engineering. Open Options, Addison, Texas, is a Mercury Platinum Elite partner whose customer base spans every vertical, and whose feature set reflects customer feedback. Open Options offers Mercury hardware mounted inside a sleek plastic enclosure, among other form factors. The company emphasises an open business culture and dedication to customer service. Customer support is a direct phone line to speak with a live person every time to get any issue resolved. Open Options’ DNA Fusion Version 7 platform includes new features such as an updated user experience. DNA Fusion interfaces seamlessly with security technologies — including video, biometrics, wireless locks, and more. Last year, Open Options marked 20 years of partnership with Mercury Security. Engineering for the masses Avigilon, Vancouver, B.C., is embracing new Mercury products in its completely browser-based Linux platform that can scale from entry-level to enterprise systems. The ACM (Access Control Manager) software is engineered for IT professionals and is updated every 60 days. For Avigilon, access control is a component of a broader approach that uses analytics and self-learning to manage massive amounts of data and provide the information an operator needs. The Linux-based system uses features such as the Avigilon “Appearance Search” capability to shift operation of security systems from a reactive to a proactive stance The system uses features such as the Avigilon “Appearance Search” capability to shift operation of security systems from a reactive to a proactive stance. Genetec, Montreal, Canada, emphasises the value of its “unified” approach that combines video, access control and automatic license plate recognitions into a single platform – designed from the ground up – that incorporates communications, intrusion detection and analytics. Cybersecurity failures prominent in the news often occur because of negligence – the customer had not implemented a software patch, for example. Genetec helps to manage such concerns. When cameras are deployed in the Genetec platform, the system provides an alert if a new camera firmware version is needed. The Genetec Update Service (GUS) notifies customers of any needed software updates. Prominence of cybersecurity Honeywell’s Win-Pak access control software is integrated with the Pro-Watch security management suite. Cybersecurity is a corporate priority for Honeywell, whose products follow the SDLC (systems development life cycle) process with security requirements based on the ANSI/ISA 62443-3-3 standard. Microsoft's Threat Modelling tool identifies entry and exit points of systems that an attacker could exploit, providing the development team an attacker's viewpoint. The secure product development process includes static code analysis, secure code review, code signing, binary scanning and component inventory. Products are thoroughly tested by the Product Security Assurance Team and at times by an Advance Independent Testing Team. If vulnerabilities are identified after release, they are handled by the Product Security Incident Response Team. Cybersecurity issues dominated a consultant roundtable event on the second day of MercTech4. There was plenty of spirited discussion and some valuable insights among the 40 or so participating consultants. More to come on that in another article in the next couple of weeks.

Comelit has worked sensitively on site at Rathview Mental Health Facility, to supply door entry solutions to ensure a therapeutic and safe environment is created for the benefit of residents, staff and visitors. Comelit door entry solutions Situated on a rural greenfield site on the outskirts of Omagh, Rathview Mental Health Facility is a new c£2.8 million, 1169m² site that contains a twelve-bed Discharge Unit and a six-bed Recovery Unit, arranged around two central courtyards. With its innovative design, the unit aims to increase the range of community-based mental health services available in Northern Ireland. Owned by The Western Health and Social Care Trust and designed by award winning Todd Architects, Comelit worked sensitively with electrical consultants on site, WYG Belfast, from the tender process to project completion, understanding the full specification requirements from the entrance through staff stations and concierge resources. Healthcare security and safety Comelit was specified through evidence of its understanding of the site requirements, along with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable" Says Gary Hewitt, Consultant at Chubb NI Ltd, who worked on Rathview Mental Health Facility: “This was an incredibly sensitive works program, where the design of the building was not just important from an aesthetic perspective, but also to ensure a positive impact on the recovery process for residents; and for staff to operate in an environment where they feel safe and secure.” “Comelit was specified through experience and evidence of its understanding of requirements on site, together with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable. These elements came together to allow for residents to experience independence in a domestic environment, with autonomous access to their accommodation.” 316 Sense panels In total, Comelit was specified for the door entry systems for all four entrance points to the facility, and a total of four 316 Sense panels installed, along with two staff stations and a concierge unit. Each of the twelve apartments were fitted with a pull cord and emergency response button, cabled into Comelit’s Mini handsfree monitors. Designed to operate through Comelit’s innovative VIP system, it utilises the Security Systems Network and allows a priority call to the concierge in case of emergency. Patients, staff and visitors’ safety Mike Campbell, Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK concluded: “Rathview is an important development in the context of provision of mental health facilities across Northern Ireland, where every part of the site is seen as potentially having therapeutic value. We have worked in partnership with the consultants on site to create a door entry solution that can ensure a balance of a welcoming, encouraging environment, whilst maintaining the safety and security of residents, visitors and staff.”

IDF Aluminium has installed transom closers and latch locks from Alpro Architectural Hardware at a building that provides premium co-working and flexible office space in central London near Victoria Station. Thomas House in Eccleston Square is a seven-storey structure with a facade in Regency style and a distinctive timber-clad reception that leads to two wings. It has collaborative drop-in work areas, meeting rooms and facilities to suit present-day practices. The building has been refurbished for The Office Group who pioneered shared workspaces in Britain and now offers these services across multiple London locations as well as Bristol and Leeds. Hydraulic door controls The Alpro transom closers are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of aluminium doors The Alpro transom closers are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of aluminium doors. They allow precise adjustment of the latching and closing force generated by the valve according to the weight and height of individual doors as well as type of usage. Aesthetics are a major consideration for The Office Group who briefed Soda Studio, an architectural practice known for its clean simple interiors, to create a design in keeping with the neighbouring Georgian squares. In addition to the working facilities, Thomas House has a library, music room, roof terrace and gymnasium. It is named after the early nineteenth-century architect Thomas Cubitt who created much of the surrounding area and also designed the eastern front of Buckingham Palace. Preserving interior geometry Fabricator IDF devised a solution featuring tailored SBD aluminium profiles from Jack Aluminium Systems, bespoke glazing, internal screens and the Alpro door management. The Alpro products include Europrofile cylinder deadlatches which can be combined with electric strikes to provide the added option of remote access control. All of The Office Group premises are design-led, and we have now supplied equipment to five of their sites including Henry Wood House" Peter Keen, sales director at Alpro, said: “Installing transom closers on internal doors is unusual but the concealed nature of these closers, within the transom header bar, means they are unobtrusive and meet the architect’s goal of preserving interior geometry.” He continued: “All of The Office Group premises are design-led, and we have now supplied equipment to five of their sites including Henry Wood House, a former BBC building in the West End. Our transom closers are durable and have been tested independently at 250,000 double-action cycles.” Commercial door market IDF specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door projects are often in commercial and public sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised. IDF has 30 years’ experience in the shop front and commercial door market. The company ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all of its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers transport, local government, healthcare and education from schools through to universities.

Like many inpatient health facilities around Europe, the Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy (CPN) in France had a persistent problem with lost physical keys. If a key went missing — lost or misplaced, by a resident or staff member — multiple cylinders in a unit would need to be replaced. The expense in terms of staff time and money was significant, and never-ending. And like many other health centres, CPN turned to Aperio wireless technology for a solution. Over 160 Aperio wireless escutcheons have been installed across the CPN premises integrated with the access control system from Delta Security Solutions, most on the doors to patients’ rooms. Now, everyone the ability to circulate freely without needing to carry a cumbersome key. Tracking door security in real time Because the Aperio integration at CPN is online, security staff can now keep track of all door security in real timeBecause the Aperio integration at CPN is online, security staff can now keep track of all door security in real time — which was not possible with the old mechanical master-key system. If a resident loses their credential, facilities staff simply cancel it instantly and reissue another, ensuring security at the site remains intact. Some dorm-style rooms at CPN have multiple beds; in these, Aperio escutcheons secure cupboards for every inpatient, so their personal belongings are kept safe without physical keys or needing to remember PIN codes. The old key-operated safes have been removed, saving CPN the recurring cost of re-keying or replacing safe locks.  Securing pharmacy and medicine store The Aperio H100 handle packs the power and flexibility of Aperio wireless access control into one slim interior door handle“Previously when a unit key was lost, we would have to change every cylinder it opened — which for some keys would be very expensive,” says Cédric Marchal, technical services engineer at CPN. At CPN, Aperio devices also secure areas where residents are not permitted, including staff rooms, offices and sensitive zones like the pharmacy and medicine store. Alongside the escutcheons deployed at CPN, the Aperio device range includes online and offline Aperio cylinders; an online security lock; a wireless lock for bringing server racks and cabinets into the same access control system as doors; and the new Aperio H100 handle, which packs the power and flexibility of Aperio wireless access control into one slim interior door handle. Every year since 2011, CPN have budgeted for an expansion in their Aperio system. Every year, more doors at their site are covered — enhancing the safety and well-being of patients. Enabled by Aperio wireless access control technology, the upgrading process continues.

3xLOGIC, Inc., a provider of integrated, intelligent security solutions, and a three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 500 winner, announced Estill County Emergency Medical Services, located in Irvine, KY, is successfully using infinias access control from 3xLOGIC to improve security and give hard-working staff needed peace of mind to focus on their important work. Bates Security, Lexington, Kentucky, designed, installed, and oversees the system. Shelia Wise, in charge of accounting and training for Estill EMS, oversaw the process to upgrade security at the County’s EMS facility. “We were looking to secure a building that is in operation 24/7/365.” Working on behalf of the County EMS’s Board of Directors, Wise and her team assembled three bids and in the process got a real education on access control, what different systems can do, and what their real security needs were. Securing the medical room Our main goals were to secure our medical room, per DEA regulations, and to make our facility safe when staff are here"“Our main goals were to secure our medical room, per DEA regulations, and to make our facility safe when staff are here, but also when they need to clear out at a moment’s notice,” explained Wise. Ultimately, the Board of Directors choose inifinias access control because it met the wide-ranging needs of the County EMS. “We chose the best system for the price and the feature set,” said Wise. Installation was completed about two years ago and the infinias system manages a total of six doors at the main EMS building, two of which are internal, including the medical room where drugs are stored. Later, two more doors were added at a sub-station location. “A top concern is the medical room,” said Wise, “I have to be notified when someone is accessing that door. Now, I get an alert anytime someone is attempting to access that secure room anywhere I am, I don’t need to be onsite. Wise and other staff manage their eight doors from a single interface, by any computer with an Internet connection—anytime, anywhere. Access management for employees “It was important that I could easily operate the system software without help from anyone else. And Sean Moberly from Bates is always available for questions and any maintenance that’s needed. It’s a great feeling to know that when we’re away doing our jobs all our worldly possessions back at the facility are protected and we don’t have to worry,” said Wise. The infinias system manages access for all employees, some outside contractors, and the Chairman of the Board of DirectorsEstill County EMS has 35-40 employees and at any given time upwards to 15 people are at the main station on a daily basis. The infinias system manages access for all employees, some outside contractors, who do radio and computer maintenance, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ms. Wise also grants temporary access to hospital staff who use the facility for training. User-friendly access control system As the main administrator, Ms. Wise has created five different sub-groups among all employees and visitors, providing each group with the access privileges they need to do their jobs, while ensuring that only a few individuals have full access to all doors and areas. “I think the system works really well. There was a short learning curve, but it’s quite user-friendly and we’ve not had any problems. From what I was told at our original meeting with Bates through operations today, we got exactly what we were told, and we’re very satisfied,” Wise concluded.

Hospital Wattwil opened the doors to its new inpatient wing in March 2018. The 88 patient beds in total are being fitted with LEGIC technology in the final completion stage. This innovative service offers comfort, security and efficiency for the patient and hospital operator. A monitor is installed at every patient bed. The patients can identify themselves using an RFID smartcard or bracelet and log into their bed computer at any time. Innovative smartcard technology Information such as menus, services and other special hospital information can be accessed through the hospital’s extranet. The resulting costs can be easily and instantly debited from the card’s account. Cabinets by the patient’s bed and the lighting and curtain controls can also be accessed using the smartcard. All of this makes the processes at the hospital much easier. Patients learn how to use the system intuitively and welcome this helpful and smart technology. System expansion with personalised treatment information and appointments or transfer to smartphones and tablets is already being planned System expansion with personalised treatment information and appointments or transfer to smartphones and tablets is already being planned: another step towards a digital hospital. Wattwil has already taken the first step with digital patient files. The processes are being increasingly automated. This reduces paper processes and guarantees efficient process management. Integrated hospital security The system was integrated, and the project was completed by the company Ondamedia, which has the necessary experience in this field. Advantages for the end user: Easy to use thanks to the intuitive user interface All the information is available at every patient bed Different applications in the hospital using one system Highly reliable and secure information André Juszko Head of Technology / Medical Technology, Hospital Wattwil commented - “With the technology from LEGIC we have every opportunity to integrate more applications at the hospital in future.”

Three years after its original decision to single source video monitoring solutions from Hanwha Techwin, (previously known as Samsung Techwin) the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is now investing in the latest Wisenet camera and recording technology to help create a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors within its mental health units. Over 380 Wisenet X H.265 network cameras have recently been installed at 9 mental health units located throughout the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust estate. These are in addition to the large numbers of earlier generation Wisenet cameras which were installed at 19 other units during previous phases of the project. “We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the price of the Wisenet X cameras is lower than the older models which they supersede and yet they deliver superior performance and enhanced feature sets,” said Mark Milliard, Capital Projects Manager at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. “It was an easy decision therefore to deploy various Wisenet X models throughout the 9 mental health units.” Safeguarding staff, patients and visitors We are committed to the Safewards’ initiative, whose key aim is to reduce the rates of conflict within in-patient mental health settings" The safety of its staff, patients and visitors is fundamentally important to the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and it needs to be able to constantly and unobtrusively monitor patient activity. The Trust, which currently provides care for over 40,000 people with mental health problems, offers a range of specialist services that are dedicated to the care and recovery of anyone experiencing mental ill health or substance misuse issues across Norfolk and Suffolk. Although some of the mental health units are secure, the majority allow the free movement of patients. “We are committed to the Safewards’ initiative, whose key aim is to reduce the rates of conflict within in-patient mental health settings,” said Mark Milliard, “We believe that the use of smart technology, such as IP network-based video monitoring systems, can play a large role in helping us achieve this objective.” Upgrading to IP network-based systems Mark, who has worked within NHS Estates since 1986, has over recent years overseen the migration of the Trust’s analogue CCTV systems to IP network-based solutions. “The analogue systems which were installed a number of years ago became increasingly unreliable and we made the decision to upgrade them with IP network-based systems,” explained Mark. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the images which could be captured by the Wisenet cameras" “A key advantage of being able to transmit images over the network is that it provides the flexibility for any authorised user to view live or recorded video captured by any of the cameras from their PCs. We realised that this would provide us with much more flexibility in terms of how we monitor activity at the mental health units, compared to the analogue CCTV systems which could only transmit captured images to a central location.” Monitoring high-definition images “It made sense to source the cameras from just one manufacturer and from an ongoing maintenance point of view, to deploy the minimum possible number of different camera models,” said Mark. “I decided to carry out my own research as to which manufacturer had a product portfolio which could best cover all our requirements, as well as offering us the value we were looking for. “Part of the value formulae had to include a rock-solid reputation for reliability, as well as cameras with advanced technical features which would allow us to capture and monitor high definition images, regardless of the location or environmental conditions.” Mark’s extensive evaluation of a large number of manufacturers resulted in a shortlist of two, from which Hanwha Techwin emerged as the winner. “Both companies were able to show evidence as to the reliability of their cameras,” said Mark. “However, I was particularly impressed with the quality of the images which could be captured by the Wisenet cameras and the fact that each camera, depending on its location, could be configured to multi-stream images at different frame rates and at different resolutions. This offers a significant benefit from a network bandwidth management point of view.” Wisenet cameras with 150dB WDR technology Among the Wisenet X cameras recently installed are a number of XNP-6370R two megapixel 37x network IR PTZ domes which allow operators to zoom into observe close up detail of any activity The majority of the cameras installed at the 9 mental health units are Wisenet XNV-6080R two megapixel vandal-resistant network domes which have built-in IR illumination and utilise H.265 compression to minimise bandwidth and video storage requirements. Equipped with the world’s best 150dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology and the world’s best motorised varifocal F0.94 low light lens, Wisenet X cameras such as the XNV-6080R, are supercharged by the most powerful DSP chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range. Together, these features ensure superb quality colour images are captured, regardless of the environment or the time of day. The processing power of the Wisenet X chipset also provides the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust with the option to run multiple on-board third-party analytics applications. PTZ domes, fishnet and panoramic cameras Also, among the Wisenet X cameras recently installed are a number of XNP-6370R two megapixel 37x network IR PTZ domes which allow operators to zoom into observe close up detail of any activity. In addition, a number of Wisenet XNF-8010R 4 megapixel 360° fisheye and Wisenet PNM-9020V 7.3 megapixel 180° panoramic cameras have been installed, in order to efficiently reduce the number of cameras which would normally be needed to monitor wide open areas within the mental health units. With 4HDDs, the XRN-1610S offers a potential on-board storage capacity of up to 24TB, with additional storage possible via e-SATA Images from all the recently installed cameras are being recorded onto Wisenet XRN-1610S Network Video Recorders (NVRs). With 4HDDs, the XRN-1610S offers a potential on-board storage capacity of up to 24TB, with additional storage possible via e-SATA. It also supports WiseStream, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image. Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream is combined with H.265 compression. Relaxed and secure working environment “There is nothing wrong with the earlier generation of Wisenet cameras which we currently continue to use at most of the mental health units, but there is no doubt that the Wisenet X models are making it even easier for us to maintain a relaxed and secure working environment for our colleagues whilst keeping our patients safe,” added Mark Milliard. “Over the coming months we will continue our programme of updating the systems at other mental health units and in this respect, we have decided to continue to single source the cameras and recording devices from Hanwha Techwin.”