IP Surveillance

The latest Wisenet Pentabrid video recorders from Hanwha Techwin are designed to extend the life of existing analogue based CCTV, whilst providing a smooth and cost-effective migration to an IP network based video surveillance solution. Wisenet Pentabrid video recorders Combinations of analogue or IP cameras up to 4K ultra high definition can be connected to the new Wisenet Pentabrid 4, 8 and 16 channel video recorders, with a simple onboard software switch enabling users to convert any channel from analogue to IP, when required. “Although the benefits of an IP network based video surveillance solution are widely understood, analogue systems are still being specified and there are also countless legacy systems being retained because the end-user is not yet ready to migrate to IP,” said Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. IP-based video surveillance solution Uri adds, “This may be because the network infrastructure is unable to support a video surveillance system or provide the necessary bandwidth, but if existing analogue systems are still meeting an end-user’s requirements, it may also be difficult for them to justify the investment in upgrading or installing a new network.” The 6 new Wisenet Pentabrid models support a wide range of Intelligent Video Analytics He further stated, “In this respect, these new appliances, which are supported by the Wisenet WAVE Video Management Software (VMS) platform, represent a safe and future-proof investment in a recording solution. In addition to supporting all Wisenet IP cameras and Wisenet HD+ analogue cameras which are able to capture and transmit images and audio without any latency at distances up to 500m using standard coax, they will also help facilitate the transition to future generation of Wisenet products and, if required, support cameras from selected other manufacturers.” Integrated with Intelligent Video Analytics The 6 new Wisenet Pentabrid models which support a wide range of Intelligent Video Analytics including audio, face, defocus, enter/exit and camera tampering detection, can be configured to trigger a variety of actions when an event occurs, such as automatically sending email alerts to specified personnel or move a PTZ camera to a pre-set position. The model numbers of the Wisenet Pentabrid video recorders are as follows: Wisenet HRX-420: 6 channels, Up to 4 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 1 internal SATA HDD Wisenet HRX-421: 6 channels, Up to 4 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 2 internal SATA HDDS Wisenet HRX-820: 10 channels, Up to 8 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 2 internal SATA HDDS Wisenet HRX-821: 10 channels. Up to 8 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 4 internal SATA HDDS Wisenet HRX-1620: 18 channels, Up to 16 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 2 internal SATA HDDS Wisenet HRX-1621: 18 channels, Up to 16 channels can be used for analogue cameras, 8 internal SATA HDDS

Site security specialist, Safer Scotland is celebrating a double victory at this year’s business awards run by the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. Paisley-based Safer Scotland, headed by founder and managing director Ryan Clark, made it to the shortlist in two categories of the 2019 ROCCOs Business Awards and secured the top accolade in both. Held on November 15 at the Normandy Hotel, the ROCCOs are the largest business event in Renfrewshire and rank among the top corporate events in Scotland. Safer Scotland awarded Safer Scotland was also honoured with the ROCCO Award for Innovation & Technology, sponsored by Creation IP Ryan received the ROCCO Award for Young Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, for his success in expanding Safer Scotland from its foundations in 2016 as a start-up with £18,000 of his own savings. Safer Scotland was also honoured with the ROCCO Award for Innovation & Technology, sponsored by Creation IP. This was for the development of Safer Scotland’s ‘Solarwind Tower’, a mobile generation unit powered by wind and solar power which is being used by construction companies operating in remote locations with no existing power supply or internet connection. Security guards, CCTV and Rapid Response Services Safer Scotland protects its clients through a combination of traditional security services along with technological solutions that are bespoke in nature, tailored specifically to the client’s requirements. It offers security guards, CCTV and Rapid Response Services, though most of its services are delivered to corporate clients who have high-value assets deployed in remote or temporary locations. The Solar Tower was developed after a Safer Scotland client asked whether there were any units out on the market that could power security systems from both wind and solar sources. There weren’t any readily available systems suitable for year-round deployment in Scotland, so Safer Scotland worked to come up with a rapidly deployable trailer-based system capable of connecting to any mobile data network in order to provide surveillance capabilities in remote locations within hours or requirement. Deployable trailer-based system It was deployed for the first time in July 2018 on the site of the Dalry Bypass in North Ayrshire. Safer Scotland now has these self-powered units deployed at sites across the country for various clients. As a technology-centric security company, our services are continually developing" “We always knew there would be demand for this because our client specifically asked us to come up with a solution,” Ryan said. “Our Solar Tower is an excellent example of how Safer Scotland will flourish with – rather than be threatened by – new advances in technology”. Real time access He adds, “It’s been fantastic to receive individual recognition as the Young Business Person of the Year at the 2019 ROCCOs, but I’m far more proud of the members of our hard-working team who are continually coming up with new, innovative ideas. As a technology-centric security company, our services are continually developing in both scope and capability.” Safer Scotland provides real-time access to its systems to all of its clients, allowing them to see for themselves what is happening at their sites at any point in time. The firm also carries out monthly intrusion tests to check for any system weaknesses, providing regular updates on test results along with monthly reports of all on-site activity.

Hikvision, global provider of innovative security products and solutions, has introduced its Video & Audio Convergence Solution to the market, featuring an innovative real-time intrusion deterrent feature. With Hikvision’s new Video & Audio Convergence Solution, IP speakers now can be linked with cameras, access control systems, and alarm devices. When the CCTV system automatically detects an intrusion or if the alarm system is activated, IP speakers can immediately play programmed audio warnings to drive away would-be intruders. CCTV systems and IP cameras Efficient security operations and digital transformation are supported by alarm video that can pop up automatically The audio message acts as a deterrent to possible intrusion actions as they happen. Loss and damage can be prevented, and footage of the event gets recorded for investigation and evidence collection. Along with imported audio warnings, operators can also speak via the IP speakers to give live warnings when notified of an intrusion. Efficient security operations and digital transformation are further supported by alarm video which can pop up automatically. Scheduled audio messaging and public information broadcasting are two more practical functions made possible by Hikvision’s Video & Audio Convergence Solution. IP speakers can play recorded audio recordings according to a schedule, and operators can use the audio system to broadcast public information as needed to audiences as well. Video & Audio Convergence Solution Frank Zhang, General Manager of the International Product Marketing Department at Hikvision says, “We are excited to introduce our innovative Video & Audio Convergence Solution to the market. With the linkage between video and audio, our solution will empower security systems with cautionary and immediate processing abilities. We believe convergence will be a new trend in the near-future for the security industry.” With its valuable functionality, Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence can be applied across a wide range of scenarios and applications – including perimeter security, petrol stations, metro and railway stations, office buildings, and much more. Continue reading for more details on various applications. Perimeter Security In luxury homes equipped with outdoor CCTV cameras, trespassers will be recorded by security cameras and NVRs, but no immediate deterrent actions can be taken. Now with the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution, audio warnings can be automatically triggered to deter intruders, helping to prevent loss of property or more serious incidents. Intelligent detection function Petrol stations are vulnerable to intrusions during non-business hours and damage to petrol storage facilities Petrol stations are vulnerable to intrusions during non-business hours and damage to petrol storage facilities can cause disasters. Currently, with CCTV systems alone, no immediate action can be taken when an intrusion occurs. But the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution now provides an intelligent detection function, alarm triggering, and audio warnings. At petrol stations with self-payment systems but no outside service staff, the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution enables operators to speak to customers remotely via the IP speakers. They can help customers and prevent security incidents without putting themselves in danger. And in emergency situations, the audio system can be used to broadcast critical information to staff and customers. Metro and Railway Stations Platforms are dangerous during peak hours when passengers cross warning lines and move too close to the edge. The Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution helps monitor people flow and can identify when passengers cross warning lines. Staff can use the solution to broadcast live audio warnings and train schedule information whenever it’s needed. Office Buildings CCTV and access control systems are commonly used in office buildings. However, when an intrusion or security anomaly has been detected, operators rely on sending on-site guards to check the situation. Efficiency is low and guards often arrive too late to prevent an incident. In such a case, Hikvision’s Video & Audio Convergence Solution can send an immediate audio warning to deter an intrusion, as well as build video and audio linkage for operators to check remotely via live view. Similarly, during emergency situations, security operators can use the audio system to broadcast information to people inside a building.

ZMR has been appointed a distributor of Video Storage Solutions’ (VSS) pre-engineered video recording and storage appliances. VSS and ZMR partnership Based in Saudi Arabia, ZMR will supply the complete range of VSS products, which includes IP video recording servers, storage and network architecture, to systems integrators across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who are part of the Milestone Systems Community. We are very excited about partnering with VSS and adding its appliances to our portfolio" “We are very excited about partnering with VSS and adding its appliances to our portfolio. We are confident this partnership will add value to our security solutions offering. As an authorised VSS distributor, we are able to provide Milestone systems integrator partners with robust, fit-for-purpose, recording and storage solutions which are integrated with the XProtect platform”, said Firas AlBeiruti, Sales Director at ZMR. Verified video management hardware appliances Part of the BCD International brand of companies, VSS has been formed to provide verified video management hardware appliances which are pre-engineered with Milestone XProtect, Seagate SkyHawk surveillance-grade drives and its state-of-the-art Storage Accelerator, which significantly increases storage scalability, performance and reliability for Milestone Systems projects. As such, they are able to withstand the taxing video data write load of systems which have a large number of cameras.  “This is a great opportunity to expand our growing video appliances business in the Kingdom. ZMR’s reputation and leading position in the Saudi Arabian market makes them a unique distribution partner to address the growing demand for our pre-engineered video recording appliances with guaranteed performance. We are proud to help them and their resellers gain a competitive edge across all verticals which they are addressing within the video surveillance market,” said Rohit Khubchandani, Regional Sales Director - METAI, Video Storage Solutions (VSS).

Analog CCTV technology has been around for more than thirty years in the security industry, with the latest innovation being the Analog High-Definition (AHD) camera. Inexpensive and simple to install, AHD cameras are ideal for surveillance systems that need HD quality for video evidence but may not need more the more advanced features of IP video. AHD705A3.6 5MP bullet camera The AHD705A3.6 grants users access to the newest technology in the surveillance world To ensure its customers the best quality AHD cameras, LILIN Americas has announced the model AHD705A3.6 5-megapixel vandal-resistant bullet camera for indoor and outdoor surveillance projects. As an affordable alternative to IP technology, the AHD705A3.6 grants users access to the newest technology in the surveillance world while staying on budget, an important factor in retail, SMB, C-Store and Commercial properties. High resolution IP cameras The LILIN AHD705A3.6 features 2592 (H) x 1944 (V) resolution without compression to capture and view video in real-time of any crimes, attacks, vandalism, or other questionable behavior, letting users see exactly what happened. Other performance enhancing features are 2D noise reduction, IR Cut Day/Night imaging, and IP66 rain and dust resistance. In addition, Infrared LED automatically activates for image capture in total darkness. Integrated with "Up the Coax" technology UTC or "Up the Coax" technology lets users remotely set up the AHD705A3.6 camera with compatible UTC recorders, reducing installation time and eliminating the need for varifocal adjustments at AHD cameras.

Matrix is gearing up for participation in the 13th edition of The International Fire & Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) India. The company will be demonstrating their latest Time-Attendance and Access Control device COSEC ARGO along with People Mobility Management and Video Surveillance solutions. At the event, Matrix will be showcasing COSEC ARGO, their performance, design and engineering wonder, equipped with an enhanced IPS LCD touchscreen for a visually splendid experience. The addition of Gorilla glass ensures enhanced toughness. This device has higher processing speed, wall and flush mounting options, and increased fingerprint and event storage capacity. It is specifically designed for serious Time-Attendance and Access Control applications. Standalone Access Control solution Their enterprise grade IP Cameras – NETRA will also be exhibited at the event. Furthermore, this device offers connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, PoE, and USB. Last but not the least, IP65 and IK08 certifications make it suitable for challenging and outdoor installations. Our solution experts will be demonstrating the Standalone Access Control solution and exhibiting the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance system as well. They will also elaborate their cloud based Time-Attendance solution. Matrix Video Surveillance solution experts will be talking about the company’s Parking Management solution, which is known to easily solve parking woes faced by organisations. Their enterprise grade IP Cameras – NETRA will also be exhibited at the event. NVRX - PARAM, Matrix’s Network Video Recorders, and SAMAS - Video Management System will be highlighted at the event too. Advanced Security solutions “IFSEC is South Asia’s largest security, civil protection and fire safety show, which in turn provides us with a platform to expand our ties with industry experts and system integrators. The event also serves as a great stage for highlighting our well-engineered solutions. We aim to use this opportunity to expand our network and spread the word about our technologically advanced Security solutions,” commented Vihar Soni, Marketing Manager, Matrix Comsec.

Where are video surveillance cameras headed? At the core of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are advanced chips with artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, enabling cameras to gather valuable information about an incident: scanning shoppers at a department store, monitoring city streets, or checking on an elderly loved one at home. Thanks to advanced chip technology, complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras —professional to consumer — fueling the democratisation of AI in the IP camera market. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras Expanding the global IP camera market  The video surveillance equipment market grew to $18.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase this year, according to IHS Markit. The latest research points to video everywhere, edge computing, and AI as the top technologies that will have a major impact in both commercial and consumer markets in 2019. Computing at the edge means that the processors inside the camera are powerful enough to run AI processing locally, while still encoding and streaming video, and are able to do it all at the low-power required to fit into the limited thermal budget of an IP camera. New SoC chips will be able to perform all of the processing on camera and provide accurate AI information, with no need to send data to a server or the cloud for processing. Instead, data can be analysed right in the camera itself, offering high performance, real-time video analytics, and lower latency — all critical aspects of video surveillance. This new AI paradigm is made possible by a new generation of SoCs, a key driver behind the market growth of IP cameras. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras to fuel the advent of AI in the IP camera market Micro-processor-enabled video analytics Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time Microprocessor-enabled analytics allow users to more easily extract valuable data from video streams. How about an insider’s view into retail customer behavior? Consider video cameras at a department store, monitoring shoppers’ behavior, traffic patterns, and areas of interest. Next-generation cameras will recognise how long a shopper stays in front of a specific display, if the shopper leaves and returns, and if the shopper ultimately makes a purchase. Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time, so retailers will be able to adjust product placement accordingly. Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly. By understanding customers’ behavior, retailers can determine the best way to interact with them, target specific campaigns, and tailor ads for them. Cue the coupons while the shopper is still onsite! Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly Fast processing for rapid response at city level City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations such as loitering, big crowds forming, or cars driving the wrong way.Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations, adjust traffic lights, identify license plates, automatically charge cars for parking, find a missing car across a city, or create live and accurate traffic maps. Real-time HD video monitoring and recording When it comes to home monitoring, what will next-generation video surveillance cameras offer? Real-time monitoring and notification can detect if a person is in the back yard or approaching the door, if there’s a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, or if a package is being delivered (or stolen). Advanced video cameras can determine when notifications are and aren’t required, since users don’t want to be notified for false alerts such as rain, tree branches moving, bugs, etc. Next-generation video camera capabilities can also help monitor a loved one, person or pet, helping put families at ease if they are at work or on vacation. For example, helpful analytics may be used to detect if someone has fallen, hasn’t moved for a while, or does not appear for breakfast according to their typical schedule. City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations Next-gen IP cameras When evaluating next-generation IP cameras (cameras on the edge), look at the brains. These cameras will likely be powered by next-generation SoCs chips. Here is what this means to you:       Save on network bandwidth, cloud computing and storage costs. There is no need to constantly upload videos to a server for analysis. Analysis can be performed locally on the camera, with only relevant videos being uploaded. Faster reaction time. Decisions are made locally, with no network latency. This is critical if you need to sound an alarm on a specific event. Privacy. In the most extreme cases, no video needs to leave the camera. Only metadata needs to be sent to the cloud or server. For example, the faces of people can be recognised in the camera and acted upon, but the video never reaches the cloud. The cameras can just stream a description of the scene to the server “suspicious person with a red sweater walking in front of the train station, has been loitering for the last 10 minutes, suggest sending an agent to check it out.” This could become a requirement in some EU countries with GDPR rules. Easier search. Instead of having to look through hours of video content, the server can just store/analyse the metadata, and easily perform searches such as “find all people with a red sweater who stayed more than five minutes in front of the train station today.” Flexibility/personalisation. Each camera at the edge can be personalised to work better for the specific scene it is looking at, compared to a generic server. For example, “run a heat map algorithm on camera A (retail) as I want to know which sections of my store get the most traffic; and run a license plate recogniser on camera B (parking lot) as I want to be able to track the cars going in/out of my parking lot.” No cloud computing required. For cameras in remote locations or with limited network bandwidth, users have the ability to perform all analytics locally, without relying on uploading video to a server/cloud. Higher resolution/quality. When AI processing is performed locally, the full resolution of the sensor can be used (up to 4K or more), while typically the video streamed to a server will be lower resolution, 1080p or less. This means more pixels are available locally for the AI engine so that you will be able to detect a face from a higher distance than when the video is streamed off camera. AI at the edge Professional-level IP cameras capable of performing AI at the edge are coming soon with early offerings making their debut at this year’s ISC West. As we enter 2020, we will begin to see the availability of consumer-level cameras enabling real-time video analytics at the edge for home use. With rapid technology advancement and increased customer demand, AI is on the verge of exploding. When it comes to image quality and video analytics, IP cameras now in development will create a next-generation impact at department stores, above city streets, and keeping an eye on our loved ones.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance of ease of installation Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labour to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labour costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labour in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labour cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying installation of cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement through modular cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilise magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular cameras offer flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analogue video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software programs help in enhancing installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (CCTV at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labour to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open architecture platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple licensing processes and pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing and matching camera license types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto camera detection and configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart camera driver technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance of network security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomised video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

There is a growing trend towards more outsourcing of the monitoring function among security companies. Technology developments are accelerating and increasing the need for monitoring companies to invest. The barriers to entry are higher than ever. These are some of the trends covered in a discussion at Securing New Ground 2019 titled ‘Monitoring: New Models and New Monetisation Strategies’. A panel of monitoring company executives addressed topics centered on how the industry is changing and evolving. New entrants in the monitoring space New entrants in the monitoring space face barriers to entry, in particular the need for more investment"“New entrants in the monitoring space face barriers to entry, in particular the need for more investment in infrastructure and expertise,” said Spencer Moore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rapid Response Monitoring. ”Because of the expense of new technologies, more full-service monitoring companies are outsourcing the monitoring function to existing wholesale monitoring companies.” “The cost of entry has gone up, and companies are trying to preserve capital,” agreed Jim McMullen, President/COO at COPS Monitoring. “Larger companies are realising wholesale monitoring does a better job from a customer service viewpoint. We are more focused on monitoring and the quality of service. It takes a lot of money to keep up with the cyber world,” added McMullen. Wholesale monitoring companies Wholesale monitoring companies are finding that they need petabytes of storage space, among other expensive requirements. “The trend is toward technology evolving quicker, and that often requires investment and training in a monitoring center,” said Daniel Oppenheim, CEO of Affiliated Monitoring. “Because trying out new technology is so important, wholesale monitoring centers often find that they serve as a ‘laboratory’ to experiment with newer technologies. Limited trials often expand later to broader outsourcing of a company’s monitoring services”, said Oppenheim. Automated Secure Alarm Protocol “What people miss out on is that monitoring is quite complex, and there are specialised services and skillsets, and barriers to entry from a regulatory perspective,” said Moore. Adding value to the monitoring function is The Monitoring Association’s ASAP-to-PSAP service Adding value to the monitoring function is The Monitoring Association’s ASAP-to-PSAP service. The national service saves time, improves accuracy and increases efficiency in communications between monitoring centers and public safety answering points (PSAPs). The service uses the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). Public Safety Answering Points Up to 60 PSAPS have joined the programme, although the low number is misleading, given that a single PSAP could represent the ‘City of Houston’. (There are an estimated 6,000 total PSAPs nationwide). It has taken six to eight years to develop the program from its genesis to where it is today, when more participation is finally creating a critical mass. Technology is fundamentally changing monitoring companies. “We used to be a services company powered by a little bit of technology, but we’re now moving toward a technology services company,” said Moore. Critical ‘filtering service’ Monitoring provides a critical ‘filtering service’ between public requests for emergency service and those tasked with providing the services. In effect, monitoring centers work with manufacturers to make them more resilient to false alarms. Monitoring companies also provide a human touch in a time of need, and emotional empathy. Today, emergency information is being transmitted to PSAPs electronically, which saves time and money. The current low-taxation environment means there are fewer resources for municipal governments, so cost savings make a difference. Monitoring, a specialised skillset Increasingly, monitoring is becoming a business that requires a more specialised skillset Increasingly, monitoring is becoming a business that requires a more specialised skillset. Regulation, and the need for increasing investment, is driving consolidation. “With a decreasing number of monitoring companies, there are fewer customers for software developers and other tools. Less outside innovation makes it more likely monitoring centers will have to ‘go it alone’ and develop software and other tools internally,” said Oppenheim. Importance of monitoring systems “In effect, consolidation will serve to limit technology choices, and to increase the need to in-source a lot of expertise”, agrees Moore. Tying monitoring systems into other software systems is another continuing challenge. “People want our system tied into their system,” said McMullen. “I have two people who focus full time to tie our systems into other systems. There will be more computers talking to computers.”

The boundaries between the smart home market and security market at large are narrowing. Amidst a wave of expansion, suddenly everything is becoming digital. Home automation has been around for close to 30 years but hasn’t really hit it big because integration hasn’t been that simple. Now that the Internet of Things has stepped into the market, home automation is really taking off. As technology in the smart home market advances, the gap between the residential and professional security markets is growing smaller. Additional revenue for security industry There will continue to be more opportunity for interoperability, and home automation will continue to grow and eventually become a norm. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions, have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras and other products suffice for their security. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition.  Data capture form to appear here! Residential security solutions Growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that" The trend has no doubt accelerated in the last couple of years. New collaborations are being made between audio-video (AV) suppliers and security solution providers. The clientele of high-end AV products is becoming increasingly concerned with home security and property protection. So, in recent months, the requirement for residential security solutions has been increasing as technical solutions can go hand in hand with AV installers’ capabilities and client base. “One of the big mistakes many make is that they assume – based on some of the hype and big market investments – that the smart home market is set to explode,” says Michael Philpott, Senior Practice Leader, Consumer Services at Ovum. "This is not the case – growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that, rather than expecting some rapid ramp up simply because some big names have entered the market.” Pressure to upgrade security standards Surprisingly for what has historically been something of a grudge purchase, in the context of home automation, security is seen as a solution some consumers are looking for. Another security aspect of home automation is cyber security, in particular how it applies to various IoT devices in the home. Now as connected devices gather personal information from realms long considered private and protected – the bedroom, the kitchen counter, the nursery – the risks are higher than ever. All of the data that various devices and sites have collected can be combined, shifted and then exploited by marketers or even stolen by hackers. Both manufacturers of smart home products and the companies that install them are feeling pressure to upgrade security standards. They are moving to set policies that will regulate who has access to data and how it is used. Ease of installation Advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies  A recent revelation that some “smart TVs” might be listening to conversations and transmitting them to "third parties" caused an uproar. These sets have voice activated features that enable users to change channel, turn on a DVD or browse the internet by speaking to the screen or remote. The fine print in privacy policies contains warnings that general conversations are also being heard, and one company even told owners to turn off this function if they were concerned. Another impact of smart homes on the security marketplace is to raise expectations about the capabilities of commercial systems. Products made today for residential applications are very high quality, easy to install (do-it-yourself, or DIY), and have very rich feature sets. End users expect their commercial solutions to have a similar ease of use and ease of installation. Geofencing in commercial applications The quality of video that people are seeing at home is motivating some legacy commercial customers to finally move to IP video from lower resolution analogue cameras. A higher percentage of commercial customers use mobile applications to view integrated video and access control data. People’s experience with smart thermostats has them asking for geofencing in some commercial applications. In short, advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies. Read part two of our smart home mini series 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.

The experience of high-quality, high-performance automotive engineering and the sleek lines and signature beauty of luxury auto brands like Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and more are investments worth protecting. When damage to these vehicles occurs and body work is required, only the work of attentive, highly trained, and craftsman technicians owners can trust, will do. Phoenix-area Autobahn Collision serves the region’s owners of luxury European automobiles with precisely such expertise they can trust, and when the time came to upgrade the premier body shop’s security infrastructure, they looked for a surveillance solution able to meet the same high standards of performance they meet every day. Seamless Integration  Autobahn Collision provides customers with a service and repair experience, well-crafted to be as high-end, responsive, and trustworthy as the luxury vehicles they work on. The body shop’s expectations were no less for their surveillance solution, which needed to seamlessly integrate new and existing technologies in a way that was both easy to use and maintain, allowing for monitoring and documentation, as needed, without distracting from the team members core priority: optimising customer experiences and quality body work for their customers. Scottsdale based integrator SARC Monitoring answered Autobahn’s call with an upgraded virtual guarding solution DirectIP NVR Surveillance Solution Scottsdale based integrator SARC Monitoring answered Autobahn’s call with an upgraded virtual guarding solution with IDIS DirectIP network video recorders (NVRs) at the heart, addressing all issues of compatibility and operational concerns. IDIS NVRs, specifically designed to reduce (if not eliminate) compatibility issues, support multiple industry standards and 3rd party protocols. At Autobahn Collision, SARC integrated multiple IDIS DR-8364(F) NVRs in designing a user-friendly surveillance solution that enhanced and fully supporting the shop’s existing IP camera infrastructure. IDIS DR-8364(F) series of NVRs The IDIS DR-8364(F) series of NVRs have multiple features that enhance the overall ease-of-use and maintainability. The DR-8364(F) supports 64 IP channels of 4K UHD with a maximum incoming throughput of 900Mbps, which means fewer NVRs are needed to support a large installation of cameras. Fewer devices reduce the overall complexity of any solution, by definition, and mean less time spent on installation and maintenance. The intuitive DR-8364(F) NVR interface, common to all IDIS products, also means that training and transition investment is minimised. IDIS’s license free software model, which also includes free software updates, further minimises the cost and complexity of owning and maintaining an IDIS solution. Enhanced protection for luxury vehicles The upgraded solution allows Autobahn Collision and a team of remote monitors to keep the premises—and the concentration of luxury vehicles, parts, and accessories—secure 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, enabled by the enhanced recording, storage, and failover benefits of the IDIS DirectIP NVRs and IDIS’s modular IDIS Solution Suite VMS. Data can be transferred on existing cabling and saved in existing storage space The IDIS DirectIP DR-8364 NVR’s support for H.265 with IDIS Intelligent Codec and Motion Adaptive Transmission (MAT) reduces the need for additional bandwidth and storage upgrades, providing up to a 90% reduction in both bandwidth and storage utilisation. IDIS SmartFailover Additional data can be transferred on existing cabling and saved in existing storage space. Multi-layered data protection through IDIS SmartFailover features include RAID 5 storage redundancy, dual power supply redundancy, and NVR failover, which provides support for a standby NVR that continually monitors the primary NVR (taking over recording if the primary hardware fails). IDIS SmartFailover ensures that data integrity and system operation are automatically monitored and maintained, simplifying system support and maintenance tasks. Real-time monitoring, playback and review, high-quality imagery for reference and documentation purposes, and more are now seamlessly empowered by the new system, allowing Autobahn to continue doing what it does best of all, meeting and exceeding the needs of the region’s most discerning vehicle owners.

March Networks, a video security and video-based business intelligence provider, announces that the rapidly growing U.S. convenience store chain Yesway has selected its Searchlight for Retail solution for advanced video surveillance and analytics. Yesway is currently deploying March Networks Searchlight for Retail in 136 locations across Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. The c-store chain, which is operated by an affiliate of Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC, is expanding across the U.S. and plans to standardise on March Networks as it moves forward. Asset protection investigations Brandon Pohlman, Yesway Safety & Asset Protection Manager, said the company selected Searchlight for its scalability and centralised management features as well as its powerful exception-based reporting capabilities. Through its combination of high-quality video surveillance, point-of-sale (POS) transaction data and analytics, Searchlight helps Yesway visually monitor operations at all of its sites and quickly analyse transaction data for anomalies. “Having our video surveillance, POS data and analytics together on one easy-to-use platform is a huge advantage for Yesway,” said Pohlman. Using the software, the c-store can rapidly search and sort all of its transactions and match them with corresponding video clips. The company can also group higher-risk transaction types like refunds and assign risk factors to its stores based on the number of these transactions. “The insights uncovered by Searchlight have helped Yesway reduce its shrink levels and improve the speed and efficiency of asset protection investigations,” Pohlman said. Advanced system management software Yesway is also deploying March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs for reliable video recording In addition to asset protection, Searchlight also delivers valuable business intelligence through the integration of video analytics including people counting, queue length and dwell time. Several different Yesway departments use Searchlight’s information to monitor operations, merchandising and customer service across the organisation. Iverify, a full-service interactive security company and March Networks certified partner, managed the Yesway installation. Marty Brakel, Iverify National Account Manager, said March Networks’ products are ideal for the c-store market. “March Networks Searchlight is a professional-grade solution for customers like Yesway that need robust loss prevention tools and the ability to manage hundreds of locations simultaneously,” said Brakel. In addition to Searchlight, Yesway is also deploying March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs for reliable video recording, and March Networks SE2 Series IP Cameras for high-quality video capture. It is managing the solution with March Networks Command Enterprise, advanced system management software that simplifies multi-site video management. Improve customer satisfaction “With March Networks’ complete solution for c-stores, organisations like Yesway can cut losses and improve customer satisfaction as well as operational efficiency,” said Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, March Networks. "Because Searchlight is also available as a hosted service, c-stores and other retailers can enjoy all the benefits of this powerful solution for a low monthly fee. They can have peace of mind knowing that March Networks’ trained professionals are monitoring and maintaining the health of the video system on their behalf.”

Sitting on the banks of the river Niger in West Africa is Niamey, Niger’s capital city. The capital city faces some unique challenges to the safety of its local residents and visitors. To help tackle these issues, the government of Niger is working with Hikvision’s West Africa team to install a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge video surveillance solution across the region. Niamey has a history of trade and commerce. Its large and bustling open air market – the Grand Marché – sells everything from clothes, to jewelry, to food, and attracts an estimated 20,000 tourists a year. But while the city has long been known as one of the more relaxed capitals of West Africa, in recent years Niamey has received high profile attention due to criminal incidents in and around the capital city. African Union Summit The city would also receive high profile guests from around the world, including key personnel from the UN and WTO When it was announced that Niamey would host the 33rd Session of the African Union (AU) Summit for the very first time, the Government of Niger decided to seize the opportunity to establish a complete urban video surveillance network. It was vital that this high profile event could run for the full five days without any disruption or untoward incidents, as Niamey would attract visitors and heads of states from across the continent. The city would also receive high profile guests from around the world, including key personnel from the United Nations and World Trade Organisation. Complete video surveillance solution Vincent Wang, Technical Support Engineer for Hikvision West Africa, says, “The AU Summit is a key event in Africa’s diary, and always requires a high security presence. It gave us the ideal springboard for launching a complete surveillance solution that would provide security to those in attendance, while giving the city a robust set of tools to help prevent and manage security incidents long into the future.” When seeking out the ideal surveillance solution for this project, the Government of Niger learned about several similar projects that Hikvision had already completed in African cities and was impressed how well the solution is running. “They wanted to emulate a project, so that’s what we set about doing.” says Vincent. Hikvision high resolution cameras Vincent and the team worked with technology partners, ITS Solutions to design a complete urban surveillance network in Niamey, which would protect residents and visitors across the whole city during the summit and beyond. Central to the solution was the installation of more than 100 Hikvision high resolution cameras for 24-hour monitoring of the city. Along the 12 main roads, and at key intersections throughout the city, the government’s security team installed the Hikvision DarkFighter 2 MP Speed Dome Cameras (DS-2DF8225IX-AEL). These cameras are designed to deliver high quality images in low light or dark environments. They are also equipped with license plate recognition technology so as to effectively identify vehicle violations, such as over speeding or other traffic rules violations, even at midnight with no light. Hikvision PanoVu Series 180° Panoramic + PTZ Cameras Security personnel can also know close-up details of the scene with the 180 degree panoramic PTZ cameras Meanwhile, Hikvision PanoVu Series 180° Panoramic + PTZ Cameras (DS-2DP0818ZIX-D/236) were installed at the entrances and exits of the main government offices and hotels, for reliable surveillance and overall protection of all visitors with panoramic view at the time of the summit event. Security personnel can also know close-up details of the scene with the 180 degree panoramic PTZ cameras. And the high speed PTZ also offers the function of fast detail positioning over the panoramic area. In the control center, security teams were given Hikvision iVMS-8600 video management software (VMS) in conjunction with large LCD monitor screens, to display a live stream from all the city’s surveillance cameras. Hikvision’s urban video security solution also includes mobile surveillance, allowing law enforcement or government officials to use a mobile device to see a live stream from any Hikvision camera installed in the city, even while on the move. Enhancing network infrastructure The installation was thoroughly planned. “The existing local infrastructure provided some challenges,” says Vincent. “But we investigated it fully during our test phase, so we could design a surveillance network to suit”. “For instance, we found a few potential issues with the local power supply, but to remedy this we installed a UPS network to guarantee power to the cameras for at least 2 hours should the grid fail. We also assessed the local network infrastructure, and the ambient lighting at night. This work was fully completed during our proof of concept several months before the summit.” Hikvision surveillance solution for smart city The African Union Summit was well received and passed without event. The Hikvision surveillance solution undoubtedly played a key role. “The people of Niger feel a certain confidence when talking about the summit,” says S.E Brigi Rafini, the Premier Ministre, at the government of Niger. “It couldn’t have happened without the support of Hikvision technology. The comprehensive security solution was central to the event’s success.” Counseil de Bureau de Securité at the Government of Niger kept positive attitude towards the future potential of this solution. “Thanks to Hikvision technology, Niamey now has a comprehensive city safety solution that will help us to both prevent crime, and respond in real time when incidents do occur. It’s a landmark project for our country and the region as a whole, and we are very interested to see how this innovative technology can help our city and our people to be safer.”

STANLEY Security, one of the UK’s renowned security providers, has completed a major CCTV installation for Bridgnorth Aluminium Limited, the UK's only manufacturer of aluminium flat rolled products. At 27 hectares, Bridgnorth Aluminium’s site in Bridgnorth, Shropshire is extensive. It is home to a casthouse, rolling mill, two litho centres, a multi-slitting line and finishing lines. IP CCTV system The IP CCTV system is critical to our business in terms of health and safety of our employees and site security" The company had previously been using three separate CCTV systems, each covering different parts of this large site, one of which was over 15 years old, had very poor image quality and was starting to show signs of failure. Furthermore, none of the CCTV systems had any level of redundancy, so if one failed access to those particular cameras were lost, along with any recorded footage.  Steve Denton, IT Manager at Bridgnorth Aluminium, explains the decision to upgrade, stating “We needed to consolidate everything into one single CCTV system, including all of the cameras from the other three systems, and we needed to add a level of redundancy. The IP CCTV system is critical to our business in terms of health and safety of our employees and site security.” IP video surveillance Following detailed discussions with Bridgnorth Aluminium, STANLEY Security designed a new site wide IP based CCTV system, covering external areas and the perimeter of the site, along with internal areas including key indoor production spaces.  The system takes advantage of Bridgnorth Aluminium’s existing IP network which is deployed in most areas of the site, negating the need to install COAX cable. Opting for an IP-based CCTV system has also enabled Bridgnorth Aluminium to make use of newer technology with better quality images, which was the key. STANLEY 2MP bullet cameras and dome cameras The cameras feed is stored in two Milestone Husky M500 Advanced Network Video Recording hardware platforms The new IP CCTV system features STANLEY 2MP bullet cameras and dome cameras, including 360⁰ dome models. The cameras feed is stored in two Milestone Husky M500 Advanced Network Video Recording hardware platforms; one of which is used in case of redundancy.  Bridgnorth Aluminium is pleased with the new CCTV system as Steve Denton comments, “The image quality of the new system is streets ahead of the old system. The area of coverage is also far greater thanks to the addition of 180-degree wide angle and 360-degree cameras. The software is very easy to use and has some very useful features to aid with playback of recorded footage. The software has already helped us to retrieve footage that we would have had little chance of retrieving before.” Enhanced site security STANLEY Security has been working with Bridgnorth Aluminium since 2017 when it took over the support of the company’s existing CCTV systems. “The transition period had proved successful” states Steve, commenting on their decision to appoint STANLEY Security for this project. He adds, “The service from STANLEY has been excellent, our account manager Amber is one of a kind and always goes above and beyond for us to ensure that we receive the best service possible.”

Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) are transforming policing and security around the globe, helping to create new connected officers who can stream video, access information and collaborate in real-time enabling them to operate safely and more efficiently in the field. Richie McBride, Managing Director of BWC experts Edesix, says "BWCs are now built for a connected world and are being used by officers on the front line to help prevent both criminal and anti-social behaviour when out on patrol.” Importance of body worn cameras in policing Innovative solutions driving creation of connected officers who can stream and access information in real-time He adds, "Technology has transformed policing and security in recent years. New innovative solutions have driven the creation of new connected officers who can stream, access information and collaborate in real-time. BWC captured footage not only provides greater transparency of interactions with the public, but also significantly increases early guilty pleas and saves officers valuable time as they often do not need to attend court”. Richie further said, "Police officers have always been connected, either to the public and communities they serve, or with their colleagues on the street and in the control room. They have shared information and generated insights to help address common problems and protect those with common vulnerabilities. However, digital technology has now enhanced these connections, enabling officers to feel more empowered, supported and secure." VideoBadges enhance police personnel VideoBadges have been utilised by police forces across the UK for some time now. Police forces, such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), have utilised our BWCs since 2016 to enhance the security of both officers and the general public, and to improve training and best practice. There are now 2,500 cameras being used by over 7,000 officers covering approximately 173,000 incidents each year in Northern Ireland. The BWCs are being utilised by Local Policing Teams, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Tactical Support Groups, Roads Policing Units, Dog Section, District Support Teams and Armed Response Units. Importance of good video evidence Body Worn Video has the potential to improve the quality of evidence provided by police officers" PSNI Superintendent David Moore adds, "Video evidence puts the victims of crime first. The pilot of this technology in Foyle district demonstrated how Body Worn Video has the potential to improve the quality of evidence provided by police officers and thereby increase the number of offenders brought to justice. Video evidence provides a compelling account of events and enables the raw emotion and action from a scene to be replayed in the courts in a manner that could never be captured in a witness statement.” He adds, "It also supports accountability and transparency, both of which are key elements in increasing public confidence in policing. The introduction of this new technology is the latest example of our commitment to these principles as we continue to work together with the community to keep people safe." Head-mounted cameras Armed response and firearms teams are also being equipped with head-mounted cameras due to the fact that chest-mounted cameras could potentially obstruct an officer's view during firearms use. The Metropolitan Police recently began rolling-out 1000 head-mounted cameras, with West Yorkshire Police and North Wales Police following suit.

APRR (Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhône) Group has selected Teleste’s S-VMX Video Management System for upgrading its motorway safety and surveillance infrastructure. The system will be implemented by a consortium composed of Teleste and ENGIE Ineo, a part of worldwide renowned energy provider, The ENGIE group. Teleste S-VMX video security system APRR Group, a subsidiary of Eiffage, manages motorways and toll structures under concessions awarded by the French State. Under the terms of its concession agreements, the Group also invests heavily in its 2,323 km network in order to improve travel conditions and satisfy customers’ new mobility requirements. Teleste’s S-VMX system will be in charge of monitoring and securing the East & South of France Motorways network, including the motorway routes as well as car parks and rest areas. The project is expected to be delivered during 2019 and 2020, and the contract scope includes a 10-year maintenance agreement. Security and operations control systems Security and operations control systems are becoming increasingly complex as they are expected to process large amounts of information in real-time. Teleste’s S-VMX video surveillance and S-AWARE situational awareness platforms enable the building of security systems that will evolve alongside the changing needs of public authorities. In addition to the powerful video core, the systems can control large amounts of information from multiple sources within the operating environment to ensure that the right information is available to the right people, when and where needed, and that the correct action is taken promptly whenever unexpected situations occur.

An aging employee population and the influx of a new generation of workers and customers is driving change in the physical security industry. Millennials – those born in the 1980s and mid-1990s – are especially impacting how the industry operates, the technologies it produces, and the customers it serves. This tech-savvy generation grew up with the Internet at their fingertips. They embrace innovation in all its glory and expect it to play a seamless role in their lives – and work. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are millennials changing how security systems are designed, installed and/or operated?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?

In many regards, 2018 was a turbulent year for the physical security marketplace, driven by evolving technologies and changing customer needs, among other factors. Year-end is a great time to reflect, so we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What caused the most disruption in the physical security marketplace in 2018?