Healthcare security

Union Community Co. Ltd. has newly developed its iris recognition terminals (UBio-X Iris) that can recognise IRIS at a distance of 50cm. Sales are expected to increase this year with the launch of contactless new products such as face recognition devices. Amid the on-going COVID-19 crisis, the demand for the non-contact biometric method is growing popular and biometric recognition solutions firm, Union Community has announced to launch an iris recognition system on the 12th of May, 2020. UBio-X Iris, iris recognition system Union Community's iris recognition system "UBio-X Iris" is equipped with an auto tilting function, which automatically finds iris at a distance of up to 50 cm and quickly authenticates it. It is expected that it will be spotlighted in medical facilities, airports, and commercial facilities where there is a high risk of infection due to the large floating population by eliminating the rejection of the iris scanner. Multimodal iris and fingerprint recognition In particular, security and convenience have been further strengthened with the "multimodal type" product, which enables not only iris authentication but also the multi-modal authentication of iris and fingerprints, to differentiate it from existing companies’ products. It is also equipped with a high-performance iris recognition algorithm that enables 20,000 iris authentications within a second. Contactless biometric recognition solutions Union Community expects a significant increase in sales with the launch of the iris recognition system this year As the demand for contactless biometric recognition has expanded in the global market, Union Community expects a significant increase in sales with the launch of the iris recognition system this year. There has been a steady request for iris products in major exporting areas such as the Middle East Region. Unlike facial recognition, the introduction of an iris recognition system is accelerating, focusing on public institutions and others, given that recognition can be accurate and fast even if using hijab. Rising demand for iris-recognition products In addition, in case of iris distinction, even twins are also knowledgeable and even after plastic surgery, there is no problem with authentication. Union Community is planning to speed up the release of iris-recognition products, which were scheduled to be released in the second half of this year, and strengthen its promotion. Biometric recognition systems Shin Yo-sik (Yoshik Shin), CEO of Union Community, said, "Based on our know-how that has been developing and selling biometric recognition systems for the past 20 years, we have established an integrated biometric recognition system that encompasses iris, face, and fingerprints as of this year.” Shin Yo-sik adds, “We will expand our demand for non-contact products around the world and plan to increase sales by strengthening non-face-face-face-face biometric products and security solutions."

Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, hosted a webinar on May 6th, 2020 with Omdia. The webinar is themed on how can thermal cameras help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Omdia is the new global technology research powerhouse, established in 2019 with the combination of the Informa Tech’s research brands (Ovum, Heavy Reading, and Tractica) and the acquired IHS Markit technology research portfolio. Collaborating with Dahua Technology, the comprehensive webinar has attracted totally 1684 registrations. Body temperature monitoring solution Audiences are experts from areas such as energy, finance, education, healthcare, retail, etc. Hosted by Allen Tatara, Senior Manager of webinar events from Omdia, Dahua Technology’s Senior Project Sales Manager, Simon Nash and Omdia’s Principal Analyst of video surveillance, Josh Woodhouse discussed in the webinar about the technology behind the solution, best practices, successful use cases and potential future developments. In the end, they did a live Q&A. “With rich experience accumulated from its early participation in China’s anti-pandemic measures, Dahua Technology’s body temperature monitoring solution has been successfully applied to numerous scenarios overseas, such as Ministry of Health in Malaysia, IFEMA Hospital in Spain, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon, Ankara Central Railway Station in Turkey, Seoul Railway Station in South Korea, and Foxconn factory in Vietnam. Using the robust thermal body temperature monitoring system, we will continue to assist local users to better prevent the spread of COVID-19 and lower the possibility of re-occurrence, safeguarding the public health,” said Simon Nash. Crucial tool for organisations The pandemic will still impact the global activities in a certain amount of time “This virtual event will highlight the pivotal opportunities and technologies Omdia sees in the market. Specific to the coronavirus pandemic, thermal body temperature monitoring technology will be discussed as a keystone solution which has emerged in response to COVID-19 and will likely play a more common role in many surveillance systems in the future,” said Josh Woodhouse. Based on the opinions of medical experts in both China and abroad, the pandemic will still impact the global activities in a certain amount of time. Thermal camera can be a crucial tool for organisations and public facilities that seek to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Domestic anti-pandemic measures Dahua Technology has actively participated in the early stage of the domestic anti-pandemic measures and accumulated a lot of valuable experience. In various countries and regions of the world, Dahua Technology will assist local users to use thermal body temperature monitoring technology based on local situations to better prevent the COVID-19 and safeguard the public health. Featuring accurate, non-contact and fast, Dahua Thermal Body Temperature Monitoring Solution are widely applied in transportation hubs, commercial complexes, banks, factories, schools, hospitals, etc. With its mission of ‘Enabling a safer society and smarter living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality and Service’ to serve its partners and customers around the world.

A thermal imaging camera is an effective screening device for detecting individuals with elevated skin temperature. This type of monitoring can provide a rapid screening approach at high-traffic areas, like airports, hospitals, office buildings, and other areas where people congregate, to help identify those whose body temperature is elevated. Non-contact screening of EST Using a non-contact screening solution is one of the current measures to discover quickly individuals with elevated skin temperature (EST). The detection method is designed to help initial screening of EST, with use of medical equipment to further verify symptoms The detection method is designed to help initial screening of EST, with use of medical equipment to further verify symptoms, while reducing manual testing time and the safety risk to those involved in detection. Temperature Screening Solution Hikvision’s Temperature Screening Solution, with various product types and wide range of applications, is designed for the detection of skin-surface temperatures to achieve rapid and safe initial screening in public areas. Its flexibility means it can be used in a multitude of scenarios. Meanwhile, efficiency and cost is important for users. The question here is - What is the best solution for their needs? Temperature screening with fast deployment For high-traffic scenarios, such as urban traffic (train station, bus station, subway, airport, etc.), buildings (such as schools, enterprise parks, office buildings, shopping malls, etc.), a temporary temperature screening scheme can be used. Fast deployment is achieved separately with various devices, such as thermographic cameras, thermographic hand cameras, metal detector doors, etc. This temperature screening with fast deployment is economical and practical, and the deployment process and subsequent disassembly are easy and convenient. The temperature measurement accuracy is guaranteed to be within ± 0.5 ° C or ± 0.3 ° C (with a Blackbody calibrator) to meet the needs of initial screening. Temperature screening with access control In enterprises, schools, factories, communities and other internal areas where people are moving through, the MinMoe wall-mounting touch-free temperature screening terminal (DS-K1T671TM-3XF) can be used. The touch-free nature of the terminal makes access easier and safer, suitable for long-term temperature screening with access control for any building with a high footfall of people. Temperature screening on patrol solution The temperature measurement on patrol solution can also be called a manual inspection program on the move The temperature measurement on patrol solution can also be called a manual inspection program on the move. It can be quickly put into use at fixed entrances and exits for emergencies, for example at external events or building sites, or checkpoints. It can also be used for flexible inspection in high-speed exits, cabins, and engine rooms. Not only that, additionally, Hikvision thermographic bullet cameras support simultaneous temperature screening of multiple people, which can greatly improve the detection efficiency in busy scenarios. DeepinMind NVR and thermographic cameras Additionally, for some countries or regions that require people to wear masks, Hikvision also provides a solution that includes a DeepinMind NVR as well as the thermographic cameras. This delivers a special interface that can visually display temperature and mask status. Hikvision thermal temperature screening products have already been used in airports, ports, office buildings, and other places where many people congregate all over the world. They are providing fast and effective screening as an important part of the fight to maintain public safety and to help public health management.

Kentec Electronics, a life safety system manufacturer, has strengthened its international in-country sales team with the appointment of Morné Müller as Business Development Manager Africa. Morné joins recent recruits Ibrahim Ariqat, Business Development Manager Middle East, and Eloi Del Valle, International Business Development Manager. Eloi, based in Barcelona, works within Kentec’s central European and Scandinavian markets, while Ibrahim, who is based in Dubai, operates within the Middle East and Gulf markets. Morné has extensive experience within the fire and security industry, having managed a subsidiary entity for a communications engineering company that develops and supplies products for the fire and security industry. In his new role, Morné is responsible for Kentec customers in the African regions. Life safety systems Key, during this time, will be supporting customers in ensuring life safety systems are installed safely and within specific COVID-19 environments and regulations. Morné says what impressed him about Kentec was the warm professionalism of employees: “There is an experienced and knowledgeable team at Kentec and I am looking forward to contributing to the good work they do. Kentec’s suite of highly-reliable life-safety products will support me in this goal.” Efficient international operations  We have furthered our ability to operate internationally without the need to travel amid the Coronavirus outbreak" Eloi, Ibrahim and Morné all have in-country experience within the fire sector. The result is that the team understands the languages, regulations and business cultures within the territories that they work. This supports Kentec in operating its international operations efficiently and effectively during this uncharted time, and beyond. Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says the new team significantly strengthens Kentec’s ability to operate internationally despite the Coronavirus outbreak: “We have furthered our ability to operate internationally without the need to travel amid the Coronavirus outbreak. The team’s extensive knowledge and experience within the industry make it a valuable asset for Kentec.” Protect essential sectors With the team reporting into Costas Constantinides, Head of International Business Development, he says he is proud that Kentec has been able to grow its International team to support clients’ life safety needs: “We are lucky that our International team is accustomed to working from home, and is very well set up to support our customers. During this crisis, it is more important than ever to ensure essential sectors such as healthcare, data centres, and infrastructure are protected from fire.” Costas adds, “Having an experienced and professional, international-origin team, strategically based, demonstrates the paramount importance for Kentec to be even closer to its partners, clients and associates, and to ensure we understand different cultures – so vital for business development’’.

In the new normal, differently and hygiene is something that will play a greater part in one's lives. That’s why SALTO Systems, in partnership with BioCote® the anti-microbial technology supplier, has since 2011 incorporated anti-microbial silver ion technology in the electronic smart lock range, electronic cylinders, locker locks, and supporting devices such as wall readers. The addition of BioCote’s anti-microbial technology helps reduce microbes on door handles and improves hygiene in buildings creating a cleaner, more hygienic environment for both users and visitors. “The more hygienic the handle set, the less chance of cross-contamination. This helps to reduce the spread of microbes around a building as microbes are not transferred from door to door and surface to surface,” comments Aznar Sethna, CSMO SALTO Systems. “We have long seen and offered the benefit of having BioCote® added to our electronic lock products to contribute to customers’ existing cleaning and hygiene regimes.” Silver-ion technology for anti-microbial protection BioCote® has successfully tested against a feline strain of coronavirus, showing a reduction of 90% in two hours, which is a positive indicator of the antiviral properties of their technology. Previous testing has revealed that BioCote® delivers 99.9 percent, 24/7 protection against an array of microbes including Influenza A H1N1, E.coli, Salmonella, and antibiotic-resistant CRE, VRE, and MRSA. BioCote® cannot be wiped or worn away and thus enhances hygiene management and reduces the possibility of cross-contamination. SALTO BioCote® anti-microbial protection consists of silver-ion technology which is integrated during the manufacturing process. SALTO added BioCote® as a standard additive for all the plastic devices it produces as well as with the new XS4 Locker Lock BLE. SALTO also offers BioCote® as an option on its complete line of electronic locks and online wall readers. Lasting hygienic protection from BioCote®-treated hardware The finish is long-lasting and maintains its anti-microbial performance over the expected lifetime of the products "Our findings continue to show the positive impact of having anti-microbial coatings on our smart-locking product range with regards to reducing levels of bacterial contamination. BioCote® silver ion technology significantly reduces the level of microbes on SALTO escutcheons and door handles by up to 99.99 percent which is an incredible achievement,” says Sethna. The finish of BioCote®-treated smart door lock hardware differs slightly from that of standard-finish escutcheons due to the mix of lacquer and silver ion particles. On wall readers, locker locks, and lock readers, it's invisible. The finish is long-lasting and maintains its anti-microbial performance over the expected lifetime of the products. Integrated and lasting hygienic protection Current government guidelines recommend regular cleaning to minimize the spread of microbes in all types of building. However, beyond regular cleaning, little consideration has been given to alternate or non-traditional methods for limiting the potential for cross-contamination within a public environment. By effectively reducing a broad spectrum of microbes by up to 99.9 percent, BioCote® anti-microbial technology provides integrated and lasting hygienic protection that supports regular cleaning regimes and hand hygiene. “SALTO has been an innovative leader in electronic access control technology for two decades and we are just as proud to have been equally as advanced when it comes to the hygienic properties of our products with a leading partner like BioCote®,” said Sethna.

Mitie Security, one of UK’s renowned technology-led security business, has become one amongst the first business in the sector to successfully pilot virtual accredited training modules. Mitie is working in partnership with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Highfield Qualifications, the licence awarding body, to provide online access to the training course which is required to become a licensed security guard. Previously, candidates were required to attend on-site courses. However, with social distancing measures in place, an innovative training solution was required to meet the growing demand for licenced Security Officers to support the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six Mitie employees took part in the pilot, successfully completing their training and, after passing their assessments, were awarded their SIA licences. Access and egress control More than 50 Mitie employees are expected to complete their courses in the coming weeks More than 50 Mitie employees are expected to complete their courses in the coming weeks. Designed for people wanting to take their first step into a career in the security industry, the virtual security guarding course consists of 20 hours of virtual training in the form of live tutorials. These are delivered via video conference over a minimum of three days. During this time, participants cover a number of specialist and management modules, such as health and safety, patrolling, searching, access and egress control, and avoiding and defusing conflict. To ensure that the SIA standards are met, the Security Industry Authority and Highfield Qualifications supervisors also make unannounced visits by joining the live tutorials. CCTV Level 2 At the end of the course the participants are required to take three online assessments on invigilated software to test their knowledge and competency. Once submitted, the online test results can be delivered in just 20 minutes, significantly faster than the two to three weeks that it normally takes for on-site exams to be graded. Following the success of the licencing training, Mitie will be rolling out a ‘CCTV Level 2’ online course. With many buildings across the country closed due to lockdown, this will ensure security teams are equipped to carry out roles now encompassing the increased use of CCTV. Retail and healthcare As the UK’s leading technology-led security business, we’re proud to be paving the way with this virtual training" Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services, Mitie, said, “The coronavirus pandemic has brought many challenges to our sector – one of which has been unprecedented demand for Security Officers in key sectors such as retail and healthcare at a time when people are physically unable to attend training." "As the UK’s leading technology-led security business, we’re proud to be paving the way with this virtual training, offering people the chance to kick-start their career in security and supporting the efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to our Learning & Development team for making this happen and congratulations to all our new colleagues that have successfully completed their accreditation online. We look forward to welcoming many more.” Enhance business practices Ian Todd, CEO, SIA, said, “This is an example of fantastic partnerships in action. With Mitie’s passion and support, along with other providers, we have been able to pilot a new approach to training in quick time. At the SIA we are always keen to see innovation in the way that training is delivered, without losing the integrity of the qualification." "The excellent collaboration between the two organisations shows that despite these uncertain times, we can continue to improve and enhance our business practices. We will now fully evaluate the pilot, including with other providers who have taken part. Thank you to all involved for making this possible.”

Across the globe, healthcare providers and facilities from care homes to hospitals and private clinics are working around the clock to reduce the risk to their staff and reduce the spread within their facilities. There are increasing reports in the UK that the virus has devastating effects in care homes, with fears that the US will be next in tow. The impacts on healthcare staff have also been stark with absence levels growing. In some health bodies across the UK up to almost 20% of their staff are off sick. The consequences of COVID-19 are clear to see in the short term, but it may also drive the need for technology that will help mitigate against pandemics and the spread of disease in the long term. One of these technologies that offers some promise is long-range RFID.  The value offered is more than just security and safety Why long-range RFID? The value offered is more than just security and safety. Implemented correctly, it not only helps minimise the dangers posed to staff and patients, but also helps improve the efficiency and workflow around the facility. Here are 5 reasons long-range access control is part of the solution: Reduce contact spread of viruses Most viruses spread through droplets inhaled from someone else’s cough or sneeze. But a common indirect way of infection is germs being passed on when people touch surfaces such as doors, pin pads and handles. This can lead to the dangerous spread within healthcare facilities as it only takes one infected person to spread the virus to those that touch the same surface. Hence, during the current times of peak capacity, the risk increases. The right long-range access control solution can help minimise the risk by reducing shared contact points. Integrating vehicle and people access Long-range RFID is gaining traction as a complete people and vehicle solution. As an ideal solution that automates vehicle access without the need for ticket stations, pin pads or manned gates, members of staff can now go from their doorstep to the room they are required in without having to touch surfaces in order to access the car park and building. All of this can be done from a card that is transferred from a special holder in your car to a land yard for centrally managed, hands-free access around the facility. Card readers providing hands-free access around the facility More efficient building workflow Time is a precious commodity for medical staff and any time that is wasted on trying to enter the building, search for a badge or entering a PIN should be limited. Once in the building, a long-range electronic ID badge allows automated access around the building without having to present a card to the reader. For more emergency situations, its also common to attach cards to push trolleys, wheelchairs and other heavy equipment to help protect staff and patient safety. Fight against theft It’s a sad circumstance that in times of crises, theft is an issue that healthcare facilities have to deal with. Amid global shortages, there have been numerous cases of masks, medical equipment and other supplies being stolen from hospitals. A modern access control solution using long range readers can help by keeping supplies locked in a dedicated room with access granted only for approved staff ID badges. Whilst also restricting access in staff car parks to only approved staff members. Proactively manage the flow of staff members in your facility Access control software offers a unique insight of real-time data Access control software offers a unique insight of real-time data into key staff members and their movements within the building. This software can then compile the data collected into reports which can help reveal bottlenecks in the flow of staff members around the facility.   In the case of an emergency, an access system with connections to readers and cameras, can lock / unlock certain doors, or revoke access to particular people in case their badge was stolen. Whilst we cannot accurately predict what the world will look like post COVID-19, long-range RFID technology could prove to be a powerful tool going forward. It offers solutions that go beyond just security, and helps healthcare facilities build a better future by improving workflow, manage medical equipment, protect patients, staff and visitors from infection and future pandemics.

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

Look who’s talking about the top issues in the physical security industry in 2019. Our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2019 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most-clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2019 was about the year before – reviewing what caused disruptions in 2018. The second most popular was about 2019, the year ahead. Other hot topics that made the Top-10 list of roundtable discussions included what makes a good security salesperson, the need for greater cybersecurity awareness, and how millennials are changing the industry. Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Expert Panel Roundtable discussions posted in 2019, along with a “sound bite” from each discussion and links back to the full articles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Expert Panel Roundtable in 2019 (including the quotable panelists named and linked below). 1. What caused the most disruption in 2018 in the physical security space? “The industry is in the midst of a dynamic technology revolution, and we are seeing increased use of security solutions that leverage machine-based learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This past year, the market embraced these emerging technologies, with a myriad of solutions now being embedded with these capabilities, including IP cameras, access control systems, security robots, and drones.” – Travis Deyle, Cobalt Robotics 2. What technology trend will have the biggest impact on physical security in 2019? “IoT (Internet of Things) will continue to make us more efficient. We’re already seeing the increased integration of IoT devices into enterprise-level solutions. The rise in city-living is also putting pressure on infrastructure, so it will become increasingly important for the truly smart and safe city to move beyond a vision into reality.” – Jamie Barnfield, IDIS 3. What are the security challenges of hospitals and the healthcare industry? “Preventing security incidents is a priority and a challenge for healthcare directors. Traditionally, the success of a healthcare facility’s safety program has been equated to the number of issues that warranted a response; though, the simple number of emergency responses is not helpful in preventing the same situations from occurring again.” – Julie Brown, Johnson Controls 4. What characteristics do salespeople require in the physical security industry? “To be a good salesperson, you must understand each customer’s needs and help them solve their problems. In physical security, this need is typically some kind of risk mitigation – guarding themselves and their organisations against threats, danger and liability. This makes the conversation more fraught than if you were selling a business product such as lighting, HR software or insurance, since ultimately you are talking about people’s lives and livelihoods.” – Dave Whitis, Boon Edam 5. How does security technology make our schools safer? “IP-based physical security solutions can help deliver safer environments so that students, staff, and faculty can focus on learning. Video surveillance provides a live and recorded visual representation of what’s happening across a school and can readily be called upon to access important information during an investigation. Electronic access control on doors and barriers not only regulates who goes where, but also provides protection for property and assets.” – Terry Schulenberg, Genetec 6. Is greater awareness helping to increase cybersecurity? “On a daily basis, we hear of widely publicised cybersecurity incidents which affect our customer’s businesses, peace of mind, and assets. This new world is one the physical security industry has not been familiar with. What follows these well-publicised events is frustration and confusion, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Confusion then leads to application of ineffective security tools or, worse, inaction.” – Drew Alexander, STANLEY Security 7. What security markets are likely to embrace AI? “Transportation seems to be the market that could benefit the most from embracing artificial intelligence. As it relates to people tracking, AI could single out deviating behavior, such as someone walking against the flow of rush-hour traffic, and in turn could initiate a real-time response so authorities can determine whether or not intervening is necessary.” – Per Björkdahl, ONVIF 8. How are Millennials changing the security industry? “Over the last few years, we’ve seen the Millennial generation have a profound impact on the security industry, and this is largely due to the fact that those born in this time period have a very knowledgeable and in-depth experience with technology. Millennials are accustomed to smart devices, automation and at-your-fingertips accessibility, which has created new and unfamiliar demands when it comes to security systems and solutions.” – Ron Virden, ACRE 9. What are the mainstream uses for thermal cameras? “Thermal cameras have been the go-to solution for perimeter protection applications for decades. This year, we’re seeing more integrations of thermal cameras with other solutions like radar to improve redundancy, long-range detection and alarm verification for airports and other large sites. Thanks to new technology partnerships and thermal offerings, customers are seeing the value of thermal beyond traditional use cases.” – Fredrik Wallberg, FLIR Systems 10. How do software improvements drive physical security? “Software improvements ultimately drive greater interoperability among technology partners and system integration in physical security solutions. From a surveillance standpoint, software is also increasingly used to enhance system performance and overall longevity by identifying anomalies. For example, to ensure video data is preserved and not lost, customers are using health monitoring software on surveillance hard drives.” – Jessica Burton, Seagate Technology

ISC West is being affected only minimally by the COVID-19 coronavirus, which is having an impact on international business travel, specifically to and from China. One consequence of coronavirus travel restrictions is a decision by Reed Exhibitions International not to proceed with a dedicated pavilion for Chinese companies at ISC West, March 17-20. In the main hall, however, some Chinese companies will remain in the show and staff their exhibit booths with U.S. office personnel and resources. Importantly, the ISC West event is moving forward as planned. Several trade show organisers globally have cancelled events because of fears of spreading the disease. For example, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was cancelled at the end of February. “Our clear focus is on the health and safety for our entire ISC community, and empathy and compassion for our Chinese customers relative to personal health and safety, and the very challenging business predicament for these companies,” says Will Wise, Group Vice President, Security & Gaming Portfolio, Reed Exhibitions. Minimal Impact Our clear focus is on the health and safety for our entire ISC community, and empathy and compassion for our Chinese customersThe ISC West team and Reed Exhibitions International colleagues in China have been working diligently to assess the status of all ISC West exhibitors from China, given the travel restriction, says Wise. Among show attendees, Chinese travel restrictions will have a negligible impact. In past years, only a tiny fraction of attendees traveled to Las Vegas from China for the show. Immediate action by the U.S. government as soon as the world became aware of the COVID-19 coronavirus has enabled a controlled business and health and safety dynamic that will allow the show to proceed as planned. The U.S. took quick action to put major travel restrictions in place, including no incoming flights/travel from China. “The status is ever-evolving and we’ll be keeping the expo floor plan updated,” says Wise. The China pavilion In previous years, the China pavilion had hosted 50 or more companies as part of what was formerly known as “Global Expo,” located in the Venetian Ballroom adjacent to the Sands Convention Center.  In 2019, the slate of companies in the Venetian Ballroom expanded to include some domestic exhibitors as well as the international companies. Importantly, the ISC West event is moving forward as plannedThis year, Venetian Ballroom exhibits will continue without the participation of Chinese companies. There will be international exhibitors from countries outside China as well as some domestic companies, including the Emerging Technology Zone, where new startups will highlight their latest innovations. The Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase will also be featured in the Venetian Ballroom, as well as a VIP international lounge. Additionally, a new pavilion highlighting Loss Prevention and Supply Chain companies will be featured, and there will be an educational theatre offering free sessions on topics such as drones and robotics.  Reed Exhibitions strongly urges exhibitors and visitors to refer to the guidelines and protocols as suggested by the World Health Organization and local/national public health authorities to contain and mitigate against any further spread of the virus. Suggested precautions include frequent hand washing (including alcohol-based hand rubs) and maintaining a three-foot distance between oneself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.

Video, access control and visitor management are among the technologies that are enabling greater safety and security at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Video surveillance systems enable hospital management and security professionals to know what goes on in and around a medical facility. Recording images in high resolutions (megapixels and gigapixels) is becoming more and more important in healthcare, says Jason Ouellette, Product Line Director – Access Control, Tyco Security Products. Video event management software Video analytics are now being leveraged for patient tracking, asset tracking, and operational purposes If an incident occurs in a medical facility, the security staff has to be able to identify faces easily and accurately. Storage and costs have to be considered, of course. With technology improving and prices decreasing, video solutions can even be used for purposes beyond traditional security. For example, video analytics are now being leveraged for patient tracking, asset tracking, and operational purposes, and captured video can be used to defend against liability claims. What’s next? Video analytics will continue to be a valuable addition to any surveillance infrastructure due to its ability to address patient needs, operational efficiencies and early risk detection, says Brandon Reich, Senior Director of Surveillance Solutions, Pivot3. Through video event management software (VEMS), hospitals can customise the statistics that are relevant to their individual buildings or campuses without having to spend extra time or money on rigorous employee training. Data capture form to appear here! Real-time access control security updates Furthermore, once healthcare facilities are able to digitise all of their patient records, secure any of their ingress and egress points with real-time access control security updates, and fully transition from analogue to IP video surveillance cameras, VEMS systems that house analytical software will be able to multiply the benefits offered to hospitals, not just in real time, but in planning ahead for future risk, expansion and safety protocols. It is vital to implement integrated and innovative access control solutions With large, complex facilities, directors of security at hospitals struggle with controlling access to various levels of the facility, according to Eric Widlitz of Vanderbilt Industries. To manage the risks that hospitals face and ensure a comprehensively protected atmosphere for patients and staff, it is vital to implement integrated and innovative access control solutions. For example, ease of access with controlled entrances is vital to medical crash teams, as is the need for a zonal access control lockdown in the event of a contagious disease outbreak. Strict access limitations Different hallways, rooms, floors and waiting areas within a hospital require different amounts of restriction, and sensitive materials, such as medical files, controlled substances and sterile environments (such as operating and procedure rooms) all necessitate an additional layer of protection. Access control in particular has advanced significantly to offer healthcare facilities the ability to control access remotely, through mobile applications, confirm identity quickly and easily and program varying levels of access for visitors, patients, doctors and staff. One area that is recently experiencing rapid growth – and drastic change – is the securing of narcotics within healthcare facilities, says Robert Laughlin, CEO and Chairman, Galaxy Control Systems. In the past, all medicine was controlled in a central pharmacy located somewhere in the hospital or health facility. These pharmacies were highly secured areas, with strict access limitations; only authorised staff could get near the medicine stocks. Fiber optic communication lines For vehicle access control, medical centers and hospitals prefer beam barricades and shallow foundation barriers To improve the speed of delivery, and to have the necessary medicines ready at hand for in-patients without retaining a large delivery staff, the current trend is to have distributed pharmaceutical closets or carts that hold medicines much closer to the intended patients. For vehicle access control, medical centers and hospitals prefer beam barricades and shallow foundation barriers, according to Gregg Hamm of Delta Scientific. Manual beam barricades are installed at the Fort Bragg Veterans Administration Hospital in North Carolina to shut down certain areas of the facility when a higher alert is sounded. They will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling 50 mph. The Navy Hospital in San Diego uses high speed, high security and very shallow foundation barricades to control all vehicles going in and out of the facility. With their extremely shallow foundation, they obviate the concerns of interference with buried pipes, power lines and fiber optic communication lines. They will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling 50 mph. At the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, even stronger shallow foundation barriers are used for traffic control and protection. These barriers will destroy a 65,000-pound (5.4 million foot-pounds) dump truck traveling 50 mph and continue to stand. Physical access control systems Controlling visitors to hospitals and healthcare facilities can directly impact security Controlling visitors to hospitals and healthcare facilities can directly impact security. Traditional methods of visitor management, such as paper visitor logs and handwritten badges are insufficient given today’s variety of security challenges. A hospital using paper-based systems cannot easily cross-check information, confirm patient information, check visitor names against up-to-date watch lists, or visually confirm identity. An increasingly popular and important application is secure and simplified visitor management, integrated with the physical access control systems (PACS). Today’s visitor management systems enable the screening, badging and tracking all visitors or, at a minimum, those visiting critical areas or during ‘after hours’ periods, Quickly identify inappropriate visitors One other growing technology is the ability to link to internal or governmental watch lists, to quickly identify inappropriate visitors before they gain access to the facilities. For example, Visitor Management systems can be configured to perform a Sex Offender search in both Children’s Hospitals and Pediatric areas, further decreasing the likelihood that someone of the list could gain access. Wayfinding is indoor navigation to guide a person step-by-step on the way to a desired destination HID Global and Phunware Inc. are addressing the need of healthcare institutions to deploy standardised technology to provide a better wayfinding and visitor engagement experience inside the hospital, across campus and even in parking lots. The companies are collaborating to improve the experience for hospital patients and visitors to find their way within medical facilities, using wayfinding on their mobile phones. Wayfinding is indoor navigation to guide a person step-by-step on the way to a desired destination. Enterprise-level mobile wayfinding “It’s easy for visitors and patients to get lost in hospitals, and every time they do it puts appointment times and patient satisfaction at risk,” says Rom Eizenberg, Vice President of Sales, Bluvision, part of HID Global “With our location-aware app on a mobile device, we equip the visitor to get instant, turn-by-turn navigation that creates a better experience than that which is currently available on the market.” HID’s healthcare IoT solution-enablement platform simplifies the delivery of real-time location of clinicians, patients and devices. The platform is enabled by Bluvision (part of HID Global). Phunware’s Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform also provides enterprise-level mobile wayfinding, engagement, data and more for other vertical markets, including retail, residential, hospitality, media and entertainment and more. Missed the rest our healthcare mini series? Read part one here and part two here.

The healthcare market is rife with opportunity for security systems integrators. Hospitals have a continuous need for security, to update their systems, to make repairs, says David Alessandrini, Vice President, Pasek Corp., a systems integrator. “It’s cyclical. Funding for large projects might span one to two years, and then they go into a maintenance mode. Departments are changing constantly, and they need us to maintain the equipment to make sure it’s operating to its full potential.” The experience of Pasek Corp. is typical of the opportunities available for security integrator companies in the healthcare vertical. A single large hospital system can supply a dependable ongoing source of revenue to integrator companies, says Alessandrini. Hospitals are “usually large enough to provide enough work for several people for an extended length of time.”  Healthcare customers in Pasek’s service area around Boston provide the potential for plenty of work. “We have four major hospitals, each with in excess of 250 card readers and 200 cameras, in the Boston area,” Alessandrini says. One appeal of the healthcare market for North Carolina Sound, an integrator covering central North Carolina, is the breadth of possible equipment they can sell into the healthcare market, including access control and video, of course, but also other technologies, such as audio-video systems in a dining room. North Carolina Sound has also installed sound masking in some areas with waiting rooms to protect private patient information from being overheard. Locking systems on pharmaceutical doors are another opportunity. Data capture form to appear here! IP based networked video systems A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network Among North Carolina Sound’s customers is Wayne Memorial Hospital, Goldsboro, N.C., which uses about 340 video cameras, with 80 percent or more of them converted to IP. The hospital is replacing analogue with IP cameras as budget allows, building network infrastructure to support the system. The healthcare market tends to have a long sales cycle; in general, sales don’t happen overnight or even within a month or two. In fact, the period between an initial meeting with a healthcare facility and installation of a system could stretch to a year or longer. A lot happens during that time. Healthcare systems involve extensive planning, engineering, and meetings among various departments. Physical security systems that involve the information technology (IT) department, as do most systems today, can be especially complex. Installation of networked video systems based on Internet protocol (IP) requires deep and probing discussions with the IT team about how a system fits into the facility’s network infrastructure. A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network. Compatible with the network They must vet the technology to ensure the devices and solutions will be compatible with the network, and must sign off on technology choices. And even more important is determining if the security system will adhere to cyber security requirements of the facility. A complete solution that integrates nearly any system that lives on or uses a facility’s network is ultimately what the healthcare vertical is moving toward, says Jason Ouellette, General Manager – Enterprise Access Control & Video, Johnson Controls. Healthcare security professionals are early adopters of technology, implementing the best technology available” “We are hearing more and more from customers across industries that they want to be able to use their security systems and devices for more than just security: they want added value,” says Ouellette. Many want to use access control, video surveillance and other data sources to assess their business operations and/or workflows with the goal of improving efficiency. Upgrade cost-effectively Historically, three factors have prevented many organisations from moving forward with new technologies: lack of money, proprietary systems, and the need to “rip and replace” large parts of the installed systems, says Robert Laughlin, CEO and Chairman, Galaxy Control Systems. "Today, while funding is almost always a limiting factor at some level, the progression of industry standards and ‘open’ systems has made a big positive impact on the ability of organisations to upgrade cost-effectively,” he says. Despite any obstacles, healthcare customers generally welcome new innovations. “I would say healthcare security professionals in general are early adopters of technology and like to implement the best technology available,” says Jim Stankevich, Global Manager – Healthcare Security, Johnson Controls/Tyco Security Products. “For most, rapid implementation is limited by budgets and available funding." Read parts one and three of our heathcare mini series here and here.

International medical imaging IT and cyber security company Sectra (STO: SECT B) is receiving new orders for its crypto solutions for mobile telephony, smartphones and the blue-light operations’ communication network TETRA from several European government authorities. Order bookings for Sectra’s Secure Communications operating area amounted to approximately SEK 35 million in April 2020. With solutions from Sectra, authorities that handle sensitive information are able to maintain their operations even when faced with exceptional circumstances.“Communication is pivotal for an operation in times of crisis. If information is unreliable, it is impossible to lead the operation,” says a spokesperson for a European security authority. Mobile encryption solutions During the COVID-19 pandemic, many operations are being run from the employees’ home offices During the COVID-19 pandemic, many operations are being run from the employees’ home offices. Currently, opportunities to work remotely are extensive in many work categories, but for individuals who are privy to classified information, working from home is not always an option. This means that certain critical operations risk coming to a standstill if employees are unable to meet each other or access their usual working tools. To uphold operations, many European government authorities have now implemented mobile encryption solutions from Sectra. Measures taken include providing their key employees with smartphones and tablets that are protected with Sectra’s crypto solution. With these tools, they are able to exchange information in encrypted calls and chat, as well as gain access to important applications like email and calendar via a secure connection. Maintaining security and integrity Without such a solution, classified information belonging to the authorities cannot be exchanged at all outside of the walls of their official facilities. Other authorities that are closer to the field are taking advantage of Sectra’s crypto technology for the TETRA network. The TETRA network is used by blue-light operations and other emergency services and is usually operational on a national level. One country in Europe has elected to expand its access to Sectra’s crypto solution to ensure that, for example, healthcare professionals are able to discuss sensitive information while maintaining security and integrity for both healthcare services and the individual.

Nottingham-based manufacturer and supplier of protective systems, Hardstaff Barriers announced that it has completed the installation of a hostile vehicle mitigation system at the site of the Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The hospital is one of a series of temporary facilities which have been built around the United Kingdom to add additional bed capacity to the NHS (National Health Service) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Linear surface-mounted concrete security barriers Appointed as part of its role as the designated National Barrier Asset delivery partner, Hardstaff Barriers, which is part of the wider HS Security Group, has installed temporary linear surface-mounted concrete security barriers, as well as a gated access system, across the site. The system, which was installed overnight, is designed to especially mitigate threats such as hostile vehicle attacks and protect against reckless or accidental damage from vehicles to the site’s workforce and buildings. Hostile vehicle mitigation system installed Fellow HS Security business, ATG Access was also recently commissioned to protect the Nightingale Hospitals The project at the Harrogate Nightingale Hospital is the latest in a series of related developments for HS Security Group, a group of the UK’s renowned physical security specialists, owned by Hill & Smith Holdings PLC. Fellow HS Security business, ATG Access was also recently commissioned to protect the Nightingale Hospitals at both the London ExCel and the Cardiff Principality Stadium. Enhanced security for Nightingale Hospitals Kathryn Cooper, Service Manager at Hardstaff Barriers, said, “The NHS is doing a fantastic job of caring for and protecting the people of the country at this most extraordinary time.” She adds, “Naturally, we are tremendously proud to have been able to play a small part in the delivery and operation of this hospital. This is a time for the whole nation to pull together and do everything they can to protect our collective wellbeing.” The Nightingale Harrogate has been set up within the Harrogate Convention Centre in the North Yorkshire town and provides 500 additional beds.

As a consequence of COVID-19, many hospitals have needed to quickly erect new portable buildings to expand the capacity of certain sensitive areas. This in turn has created a requirement to immediately expand the scope of existing CCTV systems to ensure control room operators are able to monitor and react appropriately to any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the new buildings. New Cross Hospital, which is run by the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, is just one of many hospitals throughout the UK who are faced with the challenge of ensuring all areas of its campus can be monitored 24/7. Providing 700 beds and employing almost 9,500 staff, it is the largest teaching hospital in the Black Country, having been originally built circa 1900 as a workhouse. Cost-effective solution We clearly needed to find a much simpler and cost-effective solution which would enable our clients to take full advantage" The need to install a new 4K camera in a location over 300 metres from the hospital’s control room initially seemed daunting in terms of the cost of laying the network cabling normally needed to transmit ultra-high definition captured by IP cameras. “Apart from the cost of the engineering work and the disruption caused by installing the new cabling, it would also have taken several days to achieve,” said Dan Mather, Director of Derby based JKE Security, who have had a long term working relationship with the Trust. “We clearly needed to find a much simpler and cost-effective solution which would enable our clients to take full advantage of the superb quality images captured by 4K cameras and, if necessary, pass evidence of any wrongdoing to police.” Electronic security products Dan Mather sought advice from Smart R Distribution, the Haverhill based specialist electronic security products distributor. They were able to offer him an assurance that their own brand 602POE-2P single port PoE Ethernet Extender would be able to reliably support a new 4K Wisenet PNP-9200RH dome camera, by facilitating the transmission of the IP images over the hospital’s existing coaxial cabling. The Smart R 602POE-2P single port PoE Ethernet Extender has been proven to be able to robustly transmit data over any 2 wire cable, and with the ability to handle bandwidth of up to 200Mbps, is more than capable of coping with the transmission demands of the Wisenet 4K camera. Safe working environment It was truly a case of plug & play, with both devices installed, configured and working within half a day" “Although we did not source the camera from Smart R, it could not have been easier to connect it to the Ethernet Extender,” said Dan. “It was truly a case of plug & play, with both devices installed, configured and working within half a day!” Commenting on the successful installation of the new camera, Paul Smith, Head of Security and Car Parking for the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust said: “It is essential during this challenging time that we are able to continue to provide a secure and safe working environment for all our heroic colleagues who are so compassionately caring for people who have contracted COVID-19." Electronic security supply chain "I have been impressed with how quickly various companies within the electronic security supply chain have been able to come together and use their combined expertise to provide us with an effective and cost-effective solution.”

It has become increasingly important to control the spread of Coronavirus through monitoring key symptoms, such as a fever. To reduce the risk to the key workers and patients of University Hospital Llandough from doing this manually, Oprema, the renowned Cardiff-based multi-brand distributor of security equipment, and its partner, Dahua Technology, the globally-renowned solutions provider in the global video surveillance industry, has donated a thermal imaging solution to the facility. Thermal imaging solution This high-tech thermal imaging solution can automatically detect a person’s temperature in less than a second without the need for personal contact, providing the hospital with an accurate primary screening solution. The process currently being used by many hospitals largely involves frontline health and other key workers using a handheld infrared thermometer to measure peoples’ temperatures as they enter and exit a facility. Temperature monitoring The Dahua Thermal Solution has an accuracy of ±0.3℃ and removes the need for handheld thermometers For this method to work, the individual conducting the temperature monitoring of people has to get very close to the potentially infected person, thereby increasing the risk of the virus being transmitted. These manual checks are also very time-consuming in an environment where no-one wants to wait longer than necessary, considering the threat of the infection. The Dahua Thermal Solution has an accuracy of ±0.3℃ and removes the need for handheld thermometers, so as to reduce the risk to staff and speeding up the patient entry process. Dahua Thermal Solution By combining the latest CCTV and thermal temperature measurement technology, the donated solution is capable of automatically detecting if a person has a higher-than-normal body temperature, and can screen individuals or larger groups simultaneously. As a comparison, using a handheld forehead thermometer to measure the temperatures of 5,000 people would take over four hours roughly. With the Dahua Thermal Solution, which is capable of measuring three people per second, checking the temperature of 5,000 people takes just approx. 30 minutes. Alarm indicators for high risk individuals The donated thermal solution has been installed in the Trauma & Orthopaedics Department at University Hospital Llandough. Should someone enter the space with a high temperature, an alarm sounds as an indication that they are potentially carrying a virus and should be checked by a medical professional. Chris Wilson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Trauma & Orthopaedics at University Hospital Llandough, commented, “We need to keep our clinic going during the current crisis, now for trauma patients and also later on for patients suffering with pain and disability waiting for urgent assessment.” Secure thermal screening solution The donated thermal solution will be a huge help to our team in screening patients quickly and effectively" He adds, “The donated thermal solution will be a huge help to our team in screening patients quickly and effectively, without putting those doing the measuring at unnecessary risk of infection themselves. Thank you to Oprema and Dahua for donating this great solution, it is really helpful in this current climate and very much appreciated by our team.” Matthew Epps, Managing Director at Oprema, added, “Being our local hospital, we wanted to donate the Dahua Thermal Solution to University Hospital Llandough to help in the fight against COVID-19, reducing the risk to our community’s frontline keyworkers and freeing up time for them to perform other critical functions”. Easy installation and operation Matthew further stated, “The same solution has been implemented in other environments requiring the screening of a high volume of people since the beginning of the pandemic, including airports and NHS Nightingale. We’re really pleased to be doing our bit locally by donating one of these systems to University Hospital Llandough.” Installation of this rapidly deployable solution requires very little disruption to general operations and can be up and running in as little as 24 hours from point of order.

Sepura’s Italian partner GEG has donated vital critical communications equipment to an emergency hospital in Italy, to aid the country’s medical support during the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19 health facility The rapidly deployed Fiera di Bergamo hospital is situated in an event venue in Bergamo, the worst affected region in Italy and is managed by staff from a nearby permanent hospital. The facility was constructed in just a week, supported by private and corporate donations and volunteer support from the region. The facility comprises 142 beds including over 70 intensive care beds and access points for both ambulances and helicopters. As a mark of the community endeavour behind the construction, the canteen is being run by the locally-based Michelin-starred chef Vittorio Cerea, with his family volunteering to provide meals to the emergency staff. Sepura SC21 TETRA radios To ensure that all medical staff, logistic support and volunteers can communicate effectively, GEG have donated a complete critical communications system to the site, comprising of 50 Sepura SC21 TETRA radios, programming software and a TETRA base station from DAMM to provide the local network. The radios have been provided with individual battery chargers and belt clips to reduce the amount of contact with hands and to reduce the risk of cross contamination. For the control room, GEG have provided a desk-mounted SRG3900, multiple charging units and desktop programming devices to ensure that the radios are correctly set up for emergency use. Training to radio fleet administration GEG also delivered training to all radio fleet administration staff on basic radio use After performing a full site inspection and installing the base station, GEG also delivered training to all radio fleet administration staff on basic radio use, including switching between talk groups and making full duplex calls. Ian Gotti, Sales Area Manager for GEG said, “Communication is particularly important in this environment, as many of the key workers in this highly pressured environment are not used to working together; on site there are member of both the Italian and Russian armies, volunteers from international emergency response and civil protection organisations, nurses and medical staff from all across Italy and many maintenance staff across site covering many functions.” He continued, “We are proud for GEG to have played our part in enabling Italy to fight back against the coronavirus and we stand with the emergency teams on the frontline that are providing the expert medical help patients desperately require.” TETRA radio communication systems Due to the protective masks worn on the mouth, communication over a critical communications device was the only available solution to the workers. The Sepura radios allow for a very quick configuration and programming of the fleet and also an efficient way to link the fleet to the control room which was vital in this situation. The radios have the additional advantage of being easy to clean and sanitise, capable of functions with minimal use of hands and provide guaranteed secure coverage even in the deepest parts of the building. Enhancing communications Victor Rodrigues, Strategic Account Director for Sepura said, “GEG have many years’ experience in selling TETRA systems into environments such as hospitals and it is a tribute to their dedication that the system was up running so quickly to support the emergency operation. We pass our best wishes to the medical staff on the frontline.”

Verkada Inc., globally renowned provider of cloud-based enterprise video security, has announced the company's 'Remote Video Monitoring Station' programme which includes 90 days of complimentary equipment and cloud services to help healthcare facilities, shelters, and municipal services across the U.S., Canada, and UK respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. 'Remote Video Monitoring Station' programme With this programme, Verkada will provide hospitals and municipalities with all the necessary video equipment to quickly scale patient video monitoring while reducing medical workers' exposure and use of critical PPE equipment. Organisations will receive Verkada security cameras, a designated viewing station and complete access to Verkada's cloud-based management software, which delivers secure remote monitoring from any device or browser. Cameras can be easily deployed in both existing sites and newly converted "pop-up" locations at shelters and hospitals. HIPAA compliant video solution Over 200 leading healthcare providers already use Verkada's HIPAA compliant video solution Over 200 leading healthcare providers already use Verkada's HIPAA compliant video solution. With a focus on customer privacy and security, Verkada provides customers with the tools to ensure patients and staff are always protected. For organizations looking to enable remote visibility without adding overhead, Verkada deploys in minutes, is simple to maintain, and requires no additional equipment like NVRs or DVRs. To ensure a low network impact and support limited connectivity, cameras store continuous footage while select metadata is sent over the cloud, reducing network consumption to just 20 kbps per camera in the steady-state without impact to quality. Remote Viewing Station "Verkada has helped us implement features that make our business better and allow us to use video footage in ways that we hadn't thought of before," said Michael Marques, Director of Technical Services at Halifax Health. At the end of the programme, organisations can either return their Remote Viewing Station at no cost using prepaid postage or can purchase the equipment for ongoing use.

Passwords are one of the most familiar elements of information systems, but also one that can be overlooked or underutilised. New alternatives are emerging, and the role of passwords is evolving in the age of the Internet of Things. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of passwords changing in physical security systems?

Artificial intelligence is on the verge of changing the face of multiple industries – from healthcare to entertainment to finance, from data security to manufacturing to the cars we drive (or that will drive themselves!) In the physical security market, AI has garnered a lot of attention as a buzzword and as a harbinger of things to come. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What security markets are most likely to embrace artificial intelligence (AI)?

The ability to treat patients in a secure environment is a base requirement of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Whether facilities are large or small, security challenges abound, including perimeter security, access control of sensitive areas, video surveillance, and even a long list of cyber-risks. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of hospitals and the healthcare industry?