IP Surveillance

Ho Chi Minh City takes its place at the centre of Asia’s security world this week, as a record 380 exhibitors aim to catch the attention of trade buyers at the 12th edition of Secutech Vietnam. Displaying best-in-class products in the fields of safety, security and fire, the trade fair takes place at the Saigon Convention and Exhibition Centre from 14 – 16 August 2019. According to Ms Regina Tsai, the Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, the fair has adapted to accommodate emerging vertical markets: “Thanks to the traction of Industry 4.0, a new wave of IoT adoption is taking place in Vietnam. With this in mind, we have introduced the ‘Smart Factory Conference’ to the fair’s fringe programme. This adds to what is already an exciting exchange platform for the smart city and smart building markets.” 11% rise in number of exhibitors As the market for security products in Vietnam has matured, exhibitor participation has risen for six consecutive yearsBy further easing the process of doing business in Vietnam, the fair continues to gather support from both industry associations and new exhibitors. In fact, as the market for security products in Vietnam has matured, exhibitor participation has risen for six consecutive years. In celebration of the fair’s expansion, Ms Tsai added: “This year we are delighted to be recording an 11% rise in exhibitor numbers. Last year, the fair attracted 13,800 trade visitors, and at the coming edition we are anticipating yet another strong turnout from system integrators, distributors, consultants and related trade buyers.” Solution providers from 21 countries and regions will showcase their products across 11,000 sqm of exhibition space at the fair, including the likes of Avigilon, Bosch, Hanwha Techwin, Hitron, KPS, LILIN, PHUC BINH, Nha An Toan (a distributor of Hikvision and ABB products), and ZKTeco. Demand for energy efficient solutions In the smart building sector, demand for connected IoT products can be broken down into four main categories: smart homes, smart apartment buildings, smart commercial buildings and smart factories. Security applications are a key demand, but buyers also seek solutions for energy savings and management efficiency. With this in mind, Secutech Vietnam’s concurrent SMABuilding Vietnam event provides a sourcing hub for related products such as building management platforms and energy-saving systems, as well as access control systems, biometrics, IP surveillance solutions and intercoms. Connecting with suppliers of smart building The Pavilion will provide destination for buyers to connect with suppliers of smart building and security technologyOne of numerous highlights of the event is the Singapore Pavilion. As a leader in cloud services and IoT technology, Singapore is home to some of the world’s premier digital solution providers. The Pavilion will provide a one-stop destination for buyers to connect with suppliers of smart building and security technology, including ASME, Force 21, Kedacom, Multron, Servo Dynamic, Ubergard, and Worldtags. Another cluster of international brands is the Shenzhen Pavilion. Organised by the Shenzhen Circular Economy Association and the Shenzhen Municipal Commerce Bureau, the pavilion gathers more than 20 leading suppliers to showcase up-to-date solutions not only for smart building and smart home, but also transportation. In addition to excellent product variety, trade visitors will be able to gather relevant industry information at the fair. In fact, a series of conferences and seminars ensure that visitors will leave with up-to-date market intelligence in the areas of smart factories and fire & safety. Implementing appropriate fire systems The sector draws demand from a variety of different verticals, including high rise buildings, factories and industrial parksIn collaboration with Houselink JSC, the new Smart Factory Conference has been introduced to meet the needs of contractors, consultants, investors, end users and other related stakeholders from Vietnam’s expanding smart factory sector. Shining a spotlight on Industry 4.0, topics will include security solutions for industrial zones, factory automation management as well as the implementation of appropriate fire systems for industrial premises. Bringing the full fraternity of regional fire safety stakeholders together is the concurrent ‘Fire Safety and Rescue Vietnam’ event. International exhibitors will be trying to capitalise on the high demand in the Vietnamese fire safety sector, as rising awareness has raised demand for higher standard equipment. The sector draws demand from a variety of different verticals, including high rise buildings, factories and industrial parks. Thanks to the current construction boom, real estate developers in particular are investing in high standard products for their latest projects. Fire safety products at the event Products that can be located at the event include fire trucks, personal protection equipment and sprinkler systemsThe Korea Fire Institute and the Japan Pavilion are two international pavilions offering a wide selection of quality products including fire extinguishers, alarms, rescue equipment and first aid kits. The pavilions join a total of 28 exhibitors, both domestic and international, such as Akao, Hatsuta, Jinwoo, Kobayashi, Masteco, Rezontech, and Shilla Fire. Other products that can be located at the event include fire trucks, personal protection equipment and sprinkler systems. Supplementing the event is the ‘Fire and Safety Seminar’, which will provide information about new technologies and best practices for disaster prevention in factories and buildings. To help visitors navigate Secutech Vietnam’s wide range of products and solutions, a business matching service will run throughout the three days of the fair. Based on vertical markets, or specific products of interest, catered tours will ensure that trade buyers connect with the most appropriate suppliers for their business needs. Visitors can pre-register for the service online, or visit the business matching centre during the fair.  

The Dallmeier 5000 series single sensor cameras are equipped with a new encoder technology. The new versions of the dome, IR and fisheye cameras support H.265 HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) and offer improved object classification with camera-based, AI-enhanced Video Content Analysis (VCA). H.265 compression By its nature, the constantly improving resolution of video images demands high bandwidths and large amounts of memory. With the new generation H.265 encoder in the Dallmeier cameras, data rate can be reduced by up to 50% compared with an H.264 stream without sacrificing resolution or image quality. When used in conjunction with the latest Dallmeier recording systems, a significant reduction in network and memory capacity can be achieved. Another advantage of the new 5000 series cameras is the new generation of Video Content Analysis (VCA) Another advantage of the new 5000 series cameras is the new generation of Video Content Analysis (VCA). Neural networks are implemented in the camera, supporting the classic VCA and thus enabling significantly more efficient object classification in the camera itself. After a short learning phase, the system is capable of delivering still more precisely defined analysis of the recordings and more effective use of automatic video analysis functions such as lossless and multiple auto tracking. Dallmeier Camera Series 5000 The camera models DDF5250HDV-DN and DDF5450HDV-DN (dome), DF5250HDV-DN/IR and DF5450HDV-DN/IR (box IR) and SDF5450HD-DN (fisheye) can be ordered now and will be ready for delivery from 19 August 2019 onwards.

Johnson Controls has updated its popular Illustra Pro camera family with a new generation of Illustra Pro Mini-Domes featuring Smart Wide Dynamic Range. Offering a choice of 2, 3, 5 and 8 megapixel models and a variety of lens options, the new Pro Mini-Domes are ideal for a wide range of deployments in both medium and large-sized facilities. Smart WDR technology This new Smart Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology built into the new Mini-Domes greatly improves the quality of images captured in varying lighting environments. By continuously analysing the scene, Smart WDR, without operator intervention, automatically adjusts tone mapping intensity and optimises the quality of the captured images by enhancing darkened areas, without over-saturating brighter areas. Setup times are also reduced with the addition of configuration profiles, such as auto, LPR, casino, indoor, outdoor, shutter priority and iris priority, where camera settings are automatically adjusted based on the environment, with a simple click of a button. The smart technology embedded in our latest generation of Illustra Pro cameras automates image tuning" Illustra Pro Mini-Domes “The smart technology embedded in our latest generation of Illustra Pro cameras automates image tuning and ensures that what you see is always dynamically optimised, even in changing scenes and lighting conditions. We are aiming to reduce operator setup and management costs while always delivering a perfectly configured picture,” said Ric Wilton, Director of Product Management for Illustra. “Adding intelligent, automated capabilities to our solutions, is core to our product design and the illustra portfolio.” Building off the previous generation of cameras, the Mini-Domes improve on important features such as Illustra IntelliZip bandwidth management, effective failover redundancy, cybersecurity, and video intelligence analytics. Video intelligence analytics The new Mini-Domes also offer wide field of view and narrow field of view options, and are packaged in a bubble-free IP66 environmentally sealed and IK10 vandal-resistant housing, instead of a transparent dome cover usually fitted to dome cameras. This negates the potential problem of IR diffused reflection and maximises image quality, regardless of the camera tilt angle. The new generation of Mini-Domes also have enhanced safeguards against cyber attacks The new Illustra Pro Mini-Domes feature video intelligence analytics, which means users can offload analytic streaming from network video recorders to the edge, saving time and resources. Users can select from a choice of 10 video analytics tools, including object detection, object abandoned/removed, crowd formation, dwell and perimeter protection in order to set up real-time, user-customisable event alarms which will enable them to respond quickly to any incidents and make best use of human resources. Cyber Solutions Product Security  As part of the Johnson Controls, Cyber Solutions Product Security Program, the new generation of Mini-Domes also have enhanced safeguards against cyber attacks. With cyber-threat resilience in mind, the Mini-Domes feature ‘secure boot’ which prompts the installer to change the default password at the time of installation. Additional safeguard controls include an enhanced security mode which forces the use of complex, non-default passwords and encrypted communications.

In a move to build upon their existing radar technical and sales support, 360 Vision Technology, renowned UK CCTV manufacturing company, is delighted to announce that it has appointed Mark Rainbow to the role of UK & Export Business Development Manager. Radar, video camera solutions Greatly experienced in the sales, engineering and specification of radar and video camera solutions across a wide range of applications, Mark begins his new role at 360 Vision Technology after 25 years with Ogier Electronics - where he established an industry reputation for his extensive knowledge of radar technology installations. Bringing this wealth of engineering experience to his new role, Mark will be supporting 360 Vision customers across EMEA and the US. “My aim is to build greater market awareness for 360 Vision’s range of innovative and robust radar and camera products -employing my many years of engineering knowledge and radar sales experience to demonstrate the benefits of the company’s product range to integrators, installers and end-users,” enthused Mark. 360 Vision radar solutions I’m very much looking forward to demonstrating 360 Vision’s ready-to-go radar solutions" He adds, “I’m very much looking forward to demonstrating 360 Vision’s ready-to-go radar solutions, suitable for employment across a wide array of professional security surveillance applications.” “After many years of working on installations together across the globe, we are very pleased to welcome Mark to the 360 Vision team,” says Mark Rees, 360 Vision’s Managing Director. “Mark will be integral in further developing 360 Vision’s presence, developing new markets and supporting existing installations with his unparalleled radar surveillance experience.”

Honeywell announces the release of 30 Series IP Cameras, a new suite of video cameras that strengthens building safety and security through advanced analytics and secure channel encryption. The Honeywell 30 Series IP cameras are designed for use as part of video systems that comply with U.S. government procurement standards instituted under the John S. McCain National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA Section 889). With the new cameras, end users can also benefit from lower total cost of ownership and lower risk as well as improved picture quality without increased storage needs. Telecommunication equipment Honeywell is in the business of protection – from the buildings to the data and people within" NDAA Section 889 prohibits the U.S. government from procuring video and telecommunication equipment from certain companies and their subsidiaries. Many security end users outside of the government are also looking to follow these provisions. “Honeywell is in the business of protection – from the buildings to the data and people within,” said Jeremy Kimber, video global product management director, Honeywell Commercial Security. “With the release of the 30 Series IP Cameras, we are providing advanced secure channel encryption that guards against unauthorised access and unsanctioned distribution of data and video to help end users seamlessly integrate security into any business.” Increasingly stringent requirements Honeywell 30 Series IP Cameras are available in dome, bullet, ball and fisheye models that feature: Secure channel encryption: In addition to enabling end users to follow the provisions in NDAA Section 889, the new cameras provide HTTP over TLS1.2 (HTTPS) encrypted streaming to Honeywell MAXPRO Network Video Recorders (NVR). They also adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Together, these elements help meet the increasingly stringent requirements being set by IT Departments to shield businesses against unauthorised access and unsanctioned distribution of data and video – potentially saving end users up to $3.86 million, the average global cost of a data breach. Traditional motion detection Advanced motion people detection: Traditional motion detection only detects pixel changes, leading to a higher false alarm rate. Advanced motion people detection is designed to reduce false alarm rates as it will only create an alarm when the moving object is recognised as a person. A higher quality camera resolution of up to 5MP deliver exceptional images Enhanced storage space and image quality: A higher quality camera resolution of up to 5MP deliver exceptional images and comes with a user-friendly interface for secure remote viewing. The H.265 smart codec feature allows for storage of longer clips, lower bandwidth consumption and enables images to take up to 50% less storage space, which decreases operating costs. Access control management The new line of cameras are fully integrated using HTTPS encrypted streaming with MAXPRO® Network Video Recorders. They can also be used with Performance Embedded NVRs linked to the MAXPRO Cloud multi-site video and access control management platform and with the ADPRO XO range of NVRs with on-board video analytics. With its advanced analytics and encryption capabilities, Honeywell 30 Series IP Cameras offer an array of quality options for all small-to-medium businesses, entry-level enterprise and critical applications where compliance is essential such as banking and finance, government, utilities, campuses, retail and premium commercial.

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to welcome Gwen Curran as its new Channel Partner Manager North. Gwen’s role is a pivotal one in TDSi’s ongoing relationship with its Channel Partners in Northern England and Scotland. John Davies, Managing Director of TDSi commented, “Channel Partners are a lifeblood for TDSi and we have a close working relationship with them as we build our business together. We are very pleased to welcome Gwen to this highly important role in that ongoing relationship, she will be a key contact for our Channel Partners across the North.” Integrated security portfolio Reflecting upon her new position Gwen commented, “My new role means I will be working closely with leading Channel Partners in the North to grow the awareness of our full Access Control offering, supported by the wider TDSi integrated security portfolio. I will be here to support our installation partners with all their TDSi needs, but equally to support their business with end users and grow joint revenue overall.” Within those 10 years Gwen worked with manufacturers on a range of security systems and products Gwen’s career in the security industry started in 2004 when she joined Norbain, working as an Internal Account Manager with the Distributor for over 10 years. Within those 10 years she worked with manufacturers on a range of security systems and products including CCTV, IP Solutions, Access Control, Gate Automation and Intruder systems. In 2013 Gwen joined Intruder market manufacturer Risco, before taking on her new role with TDSi.  Many exciting projects Gwen continued, “Access Control is a part of the security industry that is growing at a rapid pace and as part of the TDSi team I aim to be an integral part of this vibrant sector. As a leading British security manufacturer, TDSi’s systems are at the heart of many exciting projects, which often include close integration with many other brands/manufacturers.” She concluded, “I am looking forward to working alongside our channel partners and to being a key part of TDSi’s rich ongoing history, helping to grow the businesses and develop from strength to strength.”

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.

The devil is in the details. The broader implications of the U.S. Government ban on Chinese video surveillance manufacturers are being clarified in the federal rule-making process, and a public hearing in July gave the industry a chance to speak up about the impact of the law. Ban on equipment The hearing centered on Section 889 of Title VII of the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) for FY 2019, specifically paragraph (a)(1)(B). The paragraph "prohibits agencies from entering into a contract (or extending or renewing a contract) with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system." “Covered equipment” refers to products and services from Huawei, ZTE Corp., Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua “Covered equipment” refers to products and services from Huawei Technologies Co., ZTE Corp., Hytera Communications Corp., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Dahua Technology Co. Hikvision and Dahua are two of the largest manufacturers of video surveillance equipment, and Huawei manufactures HiSilicon chips widely used in video cameras. ‘Chinese ban’ provision The public hearing was part of the rule-making process for paragraph (a)(1)(B), which the industry has informally referred to as the “blacklist” provision of the NDAA. However, the “Chinese ban” provision [Paragraph (a)(1)(a)] is not at issue, was not covered by the public hearing, and is already scheduled to go into effect a year after the law was signed by President Trump (August 13, 2018).   There were seven presentations at the public hearing. Presenters included the Security Industry Association (SIA), two Hikvision integrators, a representative of communications manufacturer Hytera, an economist and an attorney on behalf of telecommunications company Huawei, and Honeycomb Secure Systems, a federal contractor. There was no livestream or transcription of the meeting, although PowerPoint summaries of the 10-minute presentations were published.   SIA emphasises on clarity In its presentation, the Security Industry Association (SIA) emphasised that contractors need clarity, i.e., that paragraph (a)(1)(B) applies to an entity's use of covered equipment or services in the performance of federal contracts, but NOT to non-federal sales or use of covered equipment by a contractor that is unrelated to federal work. SIA also focused on the distinction (and contrasting risk profiles) between video surveillance equipment, which are endpoint devices that may or may not be on the Internet, and telecommunications equipment. In contrast, telecommunications equipment is essential to Internet infrastructure and manages all data on a network, encrypted or not.    Fully-compliant video surveillance products Security equipment suppliers and integrators doing federal work can offer fully compliant video surveillance products" SIA's presentation included the following "outcome" statement: "Security equipment suppliers and integrators doing federal work can offer fully compliant video surveillance products in the federal market, while offering other products tailored to technical requirements, price points and specific customer needs that vary widely for non-government commercial sectors – e.g. malls, banks, convenience stores, etc.” In other words, involvement in government contracts should not restrict an integrator’s flexibility to offer any and all products and services (included those from the listed Chinese companies) to non-government customers. The two integrators made similar points, specifically about their business with Hikvision. One presenter was Rick Williams, General Manager of Selcom, a systems integrator in Selma, Ala., with 10 employees. They have been a Hikvision partner since 2012 with a year-to-date revenue from Hikvision products of approximately $400,000. Hikvision integrators speak out A second integrator at the hearing was Mark Zuckerman of Clear Connection Inc., a security company in Beltsville, Md., with 32 local employees, that focuses on electronic security, telecommunications and IT. Clear Connection designs, installs and services systems throughout Metro DC and Baltimore, including commercial entities, schools and non-profit organisations. They do about $120,000 a year in business as a Hikvision partner and have over $500,000 in business awaiting federal NSGP [Nonprofit Security Grant Program] approval. In two almost identical presentations, the integrators sought clear guidance on how to comply with the language of the law as written, specifically confirmation that Section 889 of the NDAA does not apply to non-federal sales or use of covered equipment. "This is critical to my company as I provide integrated security solutions across multiple government and commercial markets, using a mix of products from different manufacturers tailored to the technical requirements, price points and customer needs that vary widely for each sector," said Williams. Hytera speaks at hearing It is not clear what Section 889 means, who it applies to, or how far its prohibitions extend" "It is not clear what Section 889 means, who it applies to, or how far its prohibitions extend," commented Zuckerman. "If interpreted broadly, some of my customers would be barred from entering into a federal contract because they have covered products installed in their facility to protect their property and staff.” Also presenting at the hearing was Hytera, a manufacturer of open standard digital mobile radio technology. The presentation emphasised that Hytera does not sell to U.S. telecommunications carriers, and does not supply 5G components or video surveillance equipment. Hytera equipment is used by federal customers such as the National Gallery of Art, National Archives, National Zoo and the Holocaust Museum. Impact on clients and commerce "These federal entities do not play a role in national security, and the Hytera systems do not connect to any critical systems," says the company. "However, the lack of clarity in the implementation of the NDAA has a significant impact on Federal, state and commercial clients, impacting competition and choice." Hytera's presentation continues: "Hytera has never been informed by any U.S. government entity that its equipment posed a national security risk and as such has not been given the opportunity to respond to any concerns. The result of Section 889 is the creation and circulation of misinformation in the marketplace." Hytera also said that the federal proposed rules and regulations should exempt federal agencies that do not include a national security component, and equipment not interconnected with the public network. Impact on cybersecurity Consolidating the number of equipment suppliers hinders rather than helps cybersecurity" James E. Gauch, an attorney with James Day speaking on behalf of Huawei, offered a global argument that could be applied to any of the banned companies: “Virtually all equipment manufacturers rely on a global supply chain and face security risks from a wide range of sources, excluding may be one or two vendors based on their national origin will not address these risks.” He adds, “However, consolidating the number of equipment suppliers hinders rather than helps cybersecurity. Creating a small number of dominant suppliers, regardless of national origin, reduces the incentives of those suppliers to embrace industry-leading standards and creates greater exposure to vulnerabilities of a single supplier.”

Verkada was founded by three computer scientists and security experts who studied together at Stanford University. They connected with a former founder of Meraki and created Verkada with a mission to “modernise the world of physical security”. The fast-growing company currently focuses on delivering an all-in-one hybrid cloud video security solution powered by edge processing inside the camera. On the surface, the product is simple: cameras record video, connect to the internet, and push data to the cloud. “What sets us apart is the system architecture that drives our solution,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s VP of Product and Operations. “Starting with edge processing, all data is instantly analysed and processed at the camera. This enables enterprise users to scale coverage without traditional limitations like bandwidth consumption or the costs of supporting additional equipment for processing footage. Simultaneously, all footage is stored directly on each camera and can be streamed securely via Verkada’s centralised management platform to any device.” The product is simple: cameras record video, connect to the internet, and push data to the cloud Hybrid cloud architecture Verkada’s goal is to make it easy to buy, deploy and manage large-scale enterprise video security systems across hundreds of cameras and dozens of sites. The hybrid cloud architecture makes it easy to access video footage from hundreds of cameras across any platform (web, mobile apps, tablets, and AppleTV). Verkada is appropriate for any business, school or enterprise that needs a scalable, secure and reliable video security solution, says Davito. “Our system streamlines surveillance management, removes the need of supporting equipment, and is ready to use, out-of-the-box, without the need for technical configurations,” says Davito. The simplicity and scalability of the end-to-end solution is attractive to security professionals, simplifying the day-to-day of surveillance management and providing insights that drive a business forward in other areas of the organisation. “This approach also allows us to provide customers with a complete experience, as we build our hardware and software to work seamlessly together,” Davito adds. Verkada does not integrate with other equipment or systems. “Taking an end-to-end approach ensures that we are able to develop and roll out features more quickly and take advantage of the edge-processing capabilities of our cameras,” Davito says. The simplicity and scalability of the end-to-end solution is attractive to security professionals Defending against IoT threats An end-to-end solution also increases defenses against threats in today’s Internet of Things (IoT) space. IP cameras have historically been some of the most vulnerable devices. Verkada cameras save time by updating automatically, and they are unable to accept 3rd party software (and the risks that come with it). Verkada partners with many of the leading channel distributors and is always recruiting new integrator/reseller partners. “The solution is easy to sell. It's a bolt-on value-add that doesn't require altering or configurations to existing infrastructure,” says Davito. “Sales cycles are also much shorter because implementation is simple and streamlined; it’s creating a lot of business efficiency.” The world of physical security is always evolving, so Verkada’s ongoing challenge is to continue delivering on the potential of hybrid cloud management of physical spaces. “We are always launching new features and enhancements, as well as ensuring the security and integrity of our customers’ environments,” says Davito. “We will look to continue to push the boundaries of physical security and deepen our use of technologies like machine learning and future advancements in video analytics and AI technologies.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding the capabilities of license plate readers and vehicle identification systems. Within a smart/safe city scenario, automatic license plate reader solutions are used to help analyse real-time video streams for site surveillance, inspection and public safety, and to offer actional information through a network of connected camera systems. Outside of law enforcement, this can include other public safety initiatives such as traffic tolls, car counting, and parking security. Vehicle recognition systems Rekor Systems is a provider of vehicle recognition systems in more than 60 countries Using AI to enable video cameras, Rekor Systems is a provider of vehicle recognition systems in more than 60 countries. Applications include security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. AI allows Rekor’s products to recognise and read license plates, while also providing information about each vehicle, including colour, make, year, and model. Rekor’s products are powered by OpenALPR software, an AI-based solution that enables any IP (internet protocol) surveillance camera to scan license plates and provide vehicle data including tag number, make, model, and colour in real time with 99% accuracy, according to the company. Rekor’s products are powered by OpenALPR software Integrated solutions “Rekor's software started as an open source project, and we have done our best to keep the commercial software as open as possible,” says Rod Hillman, Chief Operating Officer, Rekor Systems. “One of the challenges we see with others in our space is a tendency to ‘close off’ and ‘silo’ their solutions. Our goal is to make it as simple as possible to deploy, integrate, and ultimately use.” Rekor has numerous application programming interfaces (APIs) and ways the solution can be integrated into partners' solutions with a software development kit (SDK). Rekor solutions can be purchased directly or through a worldwide partner network of integrators, wholesalers, and within integrated solutions such as Nokia's smart city platform. Electronic toll collection Rekor’s solutions have viable applications within multiple markets While many systems are hardware-based, Rekor’s software-as-a-solution offering can turn an IP camera into an automatic license plate reader. Rekor’s solutions have viable applications within multiple markets, including law enforcement, security and surveillance, electronic toll collection, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, traffic management, and customer experience. “Rekor offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional LPR systems with a much higher accuracy rate at 99% allowing more cameras to be present and active at any given time,” says Hillman. “Traditional LPRs need someone to go through hours of footage to find what they are looking for while Rekor’s technology will send alerts in real time, resulting in much quicker response times.” Move Over Camera mounts onto roadside worker’s vehicles to capture ‘Move Over’ violations Two-part authentication Rekor’s products include: NUMERUS, a cloud-based solution for high-volume vehicle recognition, designed to reduce costs and increase efficiencies for the electronic toll collecting industry. Two-part authentication instantly identifies the vehicle’s make, model, colour and body type along with the license plate read. Machine-learning-enabled software recognises license plates from all 50 U.S. states, in addition to plates from more than 70 countries on six continents. Edge, an all-in-one camera and vehicle recognition system that instantly reads vehicle license plates, along with the vehicle’s make, model, colour and body type. Move Over Camera, which mounts onto roadside worker’s vehicles (police, tow truck, etc.) to capture ‘Move Over’ violations. ‘Move Over’ laws state that vehicles must move over one lane and/or slow down if they cannot move over to avoid incident while roadside workers are in the shoulder lane. The camera can detect what lane vehicles are in and how fast they are moving. Violators are flagged in the system for law enforcement’s review.

360 Vision Technology’s Invictus ruggedised Hybrid PTZ cameras are being used to protect endangered nesting green sea turtles. The Invictus camera has been deployed as part of Security Centres International’s high-performance Mobile Advanced Safety Tower (MAST), rapid deployment camera solution, which is now installed on the Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Mobile Advanced Safety Tower The MAST unit was deployed after a funding campaign led by Caymanian, Michael Ridley, to install video surveillance at a key nesting beach at Sand Hole Road in Boatswains Bay. “Sand Hole Road is a critically important nesting beach for the female turtles, who crawl out onto the beaches to dig nests and lay eggs during the night,” Michael explains. We are all very confident that the data obtained from this project will prove invaluable " “Unfortunately, poaching poses a constant threat to the survival of the nesting sea turtles at many locations. In addition, economic development of the island has seen more beach front property being built and a subsequent squeeze on places available for the turtles to nest safely after migrating long distances between feeding grounds.” HD surveillance imaging He adds, “After analysing the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE) detailed nesting data accumulated over 20 years, to identify the most vibrant turtle nesting grounds, I selected the beach to implement a pilot program to monitor nesting turtles and protect them from poaching activity. The beach site has been dubbed, ‘Turtle Beach’ and provides a perfect nesting ground for turtles due to its minimal property development, zero light pollution, and enough sand and vegetation to support the turtles’ nesting activity.” “The Invictus based MAST solution was perfect for the application at the beach,” says Stuart Bostock, Executive Group President at Security Centres International. “Featuring world-class HD surveillance imaging from the 360 Vision Invictus camera, leading-edge design, robust build, zero infrastructure requirements and seamless Video Management System (VMS) integration, MAST is the only product of its kind. It’s also 100% self-powered, using solar energy and a 100-hour back-up battery; a feature supported by the use of the low power requirements of the 360 Vision Invictus camera.” High-performance CCTV surveillance Monitored 24/7, images from the camera enable DoE and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) officers to be alerted and dispatched when nesting turtles arrive at the beach, assisting the DoE to monitor the beach and provide the highest level of protection against poaching. “We are all very confident that the data obtained from this project will prove invaluable in assisting the DoE with their conservation efforts and assist them with their Island-wide monitoring efforts,” says Michael. “Sand Hole Road is a critically important nesting beach with poaching posing a constant threat to the survival of the sea turtles that nest there, so high-performance CCTV via the MAST solution was specified as the best way to protect them.” Night-time surveillance The MAST system was selected for deployment on the beach due to its excellent night-time surveillance capability The MAST system was selected for deployment on the beach due to its excellent night-time surveillance capability, operating without the need for any supporting local infrastructure. Plus, the MAST system is silent in operation, posing no environmental impact, and thanks to the 360 Vision IR LED illuminator equipped Invictus camera, the system can operate without a visible light source that may disturb, or draw unwanted attention to the turtles nesting site. Mark Rees, Managing Director at 360 Vision Technology added “The Invictus is a high-performance, ruggedised all-in-one PTZ camera with full 1080P HD and Predator ultra-low-light camera technology, making it the perfect choice for off-grid temporary/rapid deployment mobile surveillance rigs, such as MAST. Additionally, Invictus’ low-power consumption greatly assists the longevity of critical off-grid battery power when deployed in remote applications, extending MAST’s operational performance, and meaning fewer maintenance visits to the camera, with the benefit of less disturbance to the green sea turtles.” Video evidence gathering “The Invictus camera’s unparalleled mix of competitive cost and advanced functionality make it the perfect imaging component for the innovative MAST system, where it is now providing much needed surveillance protection and research video.” To date, the use of the MAST unit has proved a huge success in protecting the sea turtles from poachers and providing evidential video of the turtles’ feeding and nesting activity on the beach. Calculating population, nesting patterns and survival rates from the footage gained during this season, plans have already been made for additional protection measures and the extension of the MAST based surveillance program to other locations on the British West Indies island.

Globally renowned sensor solutions provider, HENSOLDT will equip the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel “Svalbard” with the latest version of its TRS-3D naval radar and MSSR 2000 IIFF System. This is already the second upgrade contract from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency as HENSOLDT is already under contract to equip the three new Arctic Coast Guard Vessels in the P6615 Program with the upgraded radar and IFF system. TRS-3D naval radar system Under both contracts worth more than € 27 m HENSOLDT will deliver four TRS-3D radars including the latest solid-state technology and signal processing software and will deliver them from 2021, in parallel to the building program of the new Arctic Coast Guard vessels. The TRS-3D includes a secondary radar MSSR 2000 I for Identification-friend-or-foe (IFF). It operates all current IFF modes, including the latest “Mode S/Mode 5 Level 1/2” standard answering the most recent NATO requirements. Our TRS-3D naval radar is an extremely reliable radar, particularly suited for littoral missions" “Our TRS-3D naval radar is an extremely reliable radar, particularly suited for littoral missions”, said HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller. “We are taking the upgrade contract of the Norwegian Coast Guard as proof of the customer’s satisfaction with our product and services”. Air and sea surveillance TRS-3D is a three-dimensional multimode naval radar for air and sea surveillance. It includes the ability to correlate plots and tracks of targets with the MSSR 2000 I identification system for automatic identification of vessels and aircraft which is essential to avoid friendly fire and to establish a comprehensive situation picture. It is used for automatically locating and tracking all types of air and sea targets and safe guidance of on-board helicopters. Thanks to its signal processing technologies, the TRS-3D is particularly suited for the early detection of low flying or slow moving objects under extreme environmental conditions. Naval surveillance and security More than 50 units of the radar are in operation with naval forces around the world. Among the ships equipped are frigates and corvettes of the German Navy, the US Coast Guard National Security Cutters and the "Squadron 2000" patrol boats of the Finnish Navy. 

Comelit 4 camera wireless CCTV system has been selected on site at the iconic, Grade II listed Chichester Cathedral, to protect the retail area and provide 24x7 high-quality monitoring capability and extra peace of mind for staff. Wireless CCTV surveillance This magnificent Cathedral has stood at the centre of Chichester for over 900 years. With unique architecture from each century of its life, this Cathedral is both ancient and modern, where original medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artworks. Any works needed to consider the sensitivities of working in such a historic building. A representative from Chichester Cathedral commented, “When it came to upgrading CCTV for the retail area, we contacted Envisage Technology Ltd who recommended Comelit’s 4 camera wireless CCTV system. It has proven to be the perfect solution, with the system proving simple to install. Staff now have access to monitors by the till points that also act as a significant visual deterrent. The high-quality images available add extra peace of mind.” Four camera wireless CCTV Kevin Brown, Managing Director, Envisage Technology added, “Chichester Cathedral is one of the most prestigious visitor sites in West Sussex. Comelit’s wireless CCTV specification, coming from such a renowned brand, provided the necessary infrastructure to embrace the need for delicate installation, minimising the need to run cables, and still provide the high-quality footage. We can support the ongoing maintenance process to ensue volunteers, customers and staff are kept safe and secure.” Comelit’s simple four camera wireless CCTV system provides a clear, detailed and well-defined high-resolution image Comelit’s simple four camera wireless CCTV system provides a clear, detailed and well-defined high-resolution image. Installed outside of opening hours to avoid disruption to the retail environment, monitors were positioned directly by the till points, enabling staff to have full visual access of the complete area at all times.  Retail surveillance Tim Edmonds, Comeilt CCTV Manager concluded, “The retail area, established in such a significant Cathedral is a great example of how Comelit’s wireless CCTV system can be used to protect any environment.”  “Working with Envisage, the solution was presented as a simple, yet effective option, installed with absolutely no impact on the surrounding building. The result is a powerful visual deterrent and peace of mind that staff in store, and in back offices can keep an eye on operations quickly and easily, on a 24x7 basis.”

As prominent in Belfast’s history as its cranes are on the city’s skyline, it’s hard to imagine Belfast without Harland and Wolff. Once the world’s greatest shipbuilder, Harland and Wolff today has evolved into a company that provides over 150 years of engineering excellence to the maritime, offshore, and renewable energy sectors. The Harland and Wolff facilities on Queen’s Island are now used to maintain some of the world’s largest ocean-going vessels, ranging from offshore platforms and cruise liners to offshore wind farms. The company is spread over two sites in Belfast and covers over 200 acres. Its main facility has a public-facing perimeter of no less than 1.5 kilometers. With safety as a primary consideration in the execution of projects, the company goes to great lengths to protect its investments from unwanted visitors, intruders, and vandalism. FLIR VMS solution For over 15 years, Harland and Wolff has been using FLIR’s United VMS to manage a wide variety of security cameras For over 15 years, Harland and Wolff has been using FLIR’s United Video Management System (VMS) to manage a wide variety of security cameras. As technology innovations and features were being added onto the United VMS over the years, Harland and Wolff has always remained loyal to the FLIR brand. But with the increasing development of Queen's Island as an industrial, commercial, and tourist area came a greater public presence and an increased safety and security threat. That is why in recent years Harland and Wolff has been continuously investing in the latest security camera technology from FLIR, including enterprise security cameras, PTZ cameras, intelligent thermal cameras, and mobile and wearable cameras. Optical and thermal cameras “Today, over 140 FLIR cameras on-site and along the site’s perimeter make sure that we can detect any irregularity,” said Chris Neill, security operations manager at Harland and Wolff. “Whenever one of our cameras picks up an incident – an intruder for example – an alarm is generated and sent to our security control room, who can then follow up the incident. This ensures us that our investment and that of our customers is safe and secure at all times.” Due to the high impact and risk associated to a possible incident on site, the company’s security department follows a proactive approach for possible intruders. Even in complete darkness, in perimeter areas where there is no additional lighting, thermal analytic cameras can pick up the presence of intruders, animals, or vehicles automatically based on their heat signatures. Intruder detection While thermal camera footage does not allow actual identification of intruders, it can still be used as evidence for insurance companies or law enforcers, especially when an intrusion pattern can be seen over different cameras. United VMS is FLIR’s enterprise-level software solution for video surveillance operations United VMS is FLIR’s enterprise-level software solution for video surveillance operations. The software is currently used at Harland and Wolff by four control room operators and eight managers, all of which have dedicated user rights. One of the strengths of the United VMS system is that it can connect with nearly any security camera on the market and that video streams and detection alerts can be presented on any screen, be it on a video wall, a PC, or a smartphone. United VMS But Harland and Wolff has been using United VMS for far more applications. “We also use the United VMS platform to monitor alarms coming from fire sensors on oil rigs, for example,” said Neill. “Another example is the detection of failed pumps on one of our drydocks. This information also comes in on United VMS, where we generate alarms and notify key staff in real time.” Harland and Wolff has indeed managed to make use of United VMS's flexibility and deploy it for much more than security applications only. "We are not in a static business," said Neill. "At Harland and Wolff, we are always taking on new challenges and solving new problems; FLIR’s United VMS platform helps us do that.” TruWITNESS mobile sensor technology Harland and Wolff will also make use of TruWITNESS, the latest mobile and wearable sensor technology from FLIR. TruWITNESS will allow guards on patrol to stream video directly to the control room in real time and from anywhere on the Harland and Wolff sites. Harland and Wolff needs to comply with a minimum security level imposed by the UK Department of Transport" Guards will be able to bookmark events so that incidents or irregularities can be reported and can be followed up more efficiently. In case of incidents, camera footage from the TruWITNESS wearable devices can be used as evidence. In addition, control room operators will be able to track members of staff via the United VMS and display their location on a map. Security technology advancements “Our yellow gantry cranes have become a national icon,” said Neill. “Unfortunately, this also means that they are an attractive target for political messages or, as in the past, terrorism. As a port facility, Harland and Wolff needs to comply with a minimum security level imposed by the UK Department of Transport. But in reality, we always exceed these requirements. We owe this to our continuous investments in security technology, which we also consider as a commitment to our customers.” Maybe this is what connects Harland and Wolff with FLIR. “As committed as we are to our customers, we expect the same from our suppliers as well,” said Neill. “As someone with a technical background, I have always been convinced of the quality of FLIR security products. But there will always be a time when you need to rely on technical support, and that’s where FLIR really makes a difference.”

New Covent Garden Market is the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable, and flower market in the United Kingdom. Redevelopment work launched in 2015 included a new security monitoring system, as well as a migration from analogue security equipment to an IP solution from FLIR Systems. New Covent Garden Market is a phenomenon in London, to say the least. The world-famous wholesale market provides 40 percent of London’s fresh fruit and vegetables eaten outside the home and serves 75 percent of London’s florists. With more than 175 affiliated businesses, New Covent Garden Market is the largest wholesale market in the UK. IP-based security system Redevelopment construction works started in 2015 and should continue until 2022 When London authorities decided to redevelop the entire site on Nine Elms and Battersea in order to meet future needs, it was clear that New Covent Garden Market was facing a huge operational challenge. Redevelopment construction works started in 2015 and should continue until 2022. In addition to a better road layout, improved waste management, and upgraded parking facilities, the market authorities wanted better security so that employees, tenants, customers and suppliers would feel safer. The organisation wanted to upgrade its legacy analogue CCTV technology to an IP-based security system capable of incorporating future upgrades. Surrey-based company Phoenix Integrated Security Limited, which had been the security solution provider for New Covent Garden Market for years, oversaw the security overhaul, as well. Future-proof system “We designed a security system together with the end customer and the site constructor so that it could meet today’s security standards again,” said Trevor Hearn, Director at Phoenix Integrated Security Limited. “We were looking for a future-proof system that was able to monitor this complex site and that was easy to work with for our security guard personnel. We looked at various manufacturers for this, but FLIR Systems was the only company that ticked all the boxes.” Phoenix opted for FLIR United VMS, which includes FLIR’s enterprise-level software solution Latitude, and a wide range of FLIR IP cameras. At the end of 2018, New Covent Garden Market already had more than 300 IP cameras installed across the entire site it intends to gradually upgrade all analogue systems over a five-year period. Wide range of cameras The image quality of the FLIR IP cameras represents a huge improvement over analogue The site combines a wide range of cameras, including the FLIR Quasar 4K fixed box camera, the FLIR Ariel Quad HD bullet camera, and the Quasar 1080p PTZ camera. The cameras offer high evidentiary detail and discreet, compact form factors. According to Hearn, the image quality of the FLIR IP cameras represents a huge improvement over analogue. Image quality is not the only benefit of using United VMS. Another valued feature is the platforms scalability. From 2016 onwards, New Covent Garden Market has been gradually replacing analogue cameras and storage equipment across the entire site, and Latitude has the flexibility to incorporate an unlimited number of channels. Body-worn cameras Operators have the flexibility to present their video sources on screen where they want and define user profiles to see only specific video sources from a given particular building, for example. “This project is an engineer’s dream,” said Hearn. “The FLIR Latitude system allows New Covent Garden Market to easily expand their camera network whenever they feel the need and to connect with practically any camera they want, including body-worn cameras. The Latitude system is also easy to couple with third-party systems, such as intercom and access control systems.”

In a highly visible, and competitive sport like Formula One racing, it’s not hard to understand why an organisation like Aston Martin Red Bull Racing attracts people who want access to their factory, and all the secrets contained within. Intrusion from unwanted visitors or vandalism is something that the people at Milton Keynes headquarters, in Buckinghamshire, England, want to avoid at all cost. Asset protection “Our Milton Keynes facility contains valuable technology and intellectual property,” says Mark Hazelton, Chief Security Officer. “At the same time, we are located alongside a public road, close to a residential area with high footfall. That is why it is critical for us to have high-performing security processes and systems in place, so we can effectively protect our assets as well as the people who work here.” The scale of operations at the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team factory in Milton Keynes is amazing The scale of operations at the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team factory in Milton Keynes is amazing. Crafting the next Formula One challenger is done on the engineering site with a variety of buildings, including many office spaces, an R&D facility, manufacturing and storage areas. The design, testing, building and assembling of thousands of parts required to construct each race car all happen in house. About 750 people are employed at Milton Keynes and some parts of the factory are operated on a 24/7 basis. Site and facility security “As our site has grown, our previous CCTV system was no longer sufficient to provide adequate security monitoring,” says Caroline Tierney, Infrastructure Project Manager at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. “Our CCTV installation was no longer state of the art and we wanted to ensure that we made best advantage of the improving technology available. We were also looking to make it easier to retrieve information from the system.” Aston Martin Red Bull Racing started to look out for an updated CCTV system, investigated different options and ultimately selected FLIR Systems as their technology provider through a local IP security system integrator. Quasar HD and 4K cameras The facility is now equipped with some 120 cameras, both visual and thermal, that cover the entire area 24/7. Cameras on site include FLIR’s visual Quasar HD and Quasar 4K, the latter presenting four times the resolution of the HD camera and, therefore, able to cover larger areas with less cameras. The facility also makes use of the Quasar Hemispheric Mini-Dome, which provides 360° immersive viewing, and of the thermal FLIR FC-Series ID camera, which includes onboard video analytics capable of classifying human or vehicular intrusions. The entire camera network is managed by FLIR’s Latitude Network Video Management System (VMS). FLIR thermal cameras The image quality that we get from the new range of visual FLIR cameras is truly impressive" “The image quality that we get from the new range of visual FLIR cameras is truly impressive,” says Zoe Chilton, Head of Technical Partnerships at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. “It’s amazing what kind of image quality can come out of such a compact camera unit.” The FLIR thermal cameras have powerful video analytics on board, which makes them extremely useful as intrusion protection devices at several strategic locations across the Milton Keynes site. With the FC-Series ID camera, you can set custom trip lines and regions of interest that will trigger alarms for human or vehicular intruders, even at night or in poor weather conditions. Upon the detection of an intruder, an alert is sent over to security personnel via email. FLIR Latitude VMS The FLIR Latitude video management system is the backbone of the system, allowing Aston Martin Red Bull Racing personnel to easily view, playback, search and export video from a scalable number of cameras. “In the past, when we wanted to investigate a particular incident in more detail, it used to take a long time to actually retrieve the information we needed from our video recordings, but with the new FLIR Latitude VMS, this is much more straightforward and we save a lot of time,” says Tierney Comprehensive camera network The cameras used in the network around the Milton Keynes site are relatively small in size. And there’s a very good reason for that, according to Chilton. “Of course, it’s important to have the best image quality possible, but on the other hand, we don’t want our cameras to be too large and imposing either.” The Milton Keynes headquarters receives visitors, customers and partners every day. For Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, it’s important that everybody feels welcome: “While we need our site to be secure, and the cameras are of course important, we don’t want them to be the first thing visitors see when they arrive to visit us, " said Chilton. "I think that the FLIR cameras strike that difficult balance between security and subtlety really well.” The cameras can also be used to check whether visitors are using the parking lot correctly FLIR security monitoring system Other than the security aspect, there are other practical benefits of having a comprehensive camera network, as well. The cameras can also be used to check whether visitors are using the parking lot correctly, to track contractors around the site, and just for general site management purposes. The selection of the FLIR security monitoring system fits into a long-standing technology partnership between FLIR and the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team. Since 2014, the team has been integrating FLIR cameras for a wide variety of uses around the factory and track, from electrical maintenance, test rigs and security on site, to tyre temperature assessments in the garage. High product quality The high product quality and innovative approach FLIR takes to developing new solutions for the challenges of Formula 1 makes a great fit with Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s desire to push the boundaries of available technology for developing their cars.

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? 

Knowledge shared among peers is often afforded more credibility than information from manufacturers. An approximation of that principle is at work in the use of case studies as marketing tools in the physical security industry. Case studies are aimed at telling real-world success stories – from actual customers – about how various technologies are used to accomplish security goals and make the world a safer place. But how useful are they? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the benefits of case studies as a marketing tool in the security industry?

The residential/smart home market is undergoing revolutionary transformation, with a flood of new products and technologies helping to make our homes more connected, easier to manage and, yes, smarter. These massive steps forward provide challenges, and also opportunities, for the security industry, which has played a major role in protecting homes and residents for decades. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are changes in the residential/smart home market impacting security?