Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)

Dealing with the number of systems and volume of data generated in a modern control room can be overwhelming. There comes a point when too much information can be as bad as no information at all. Routine activities such as creating reports, demonstrating compliance to SOPs, enforcing SLAs, ensuring all security members can use multiple systems can quickly become too much.  That's why CNL Software built IPSecurityCenter. Their award-winning PSIM platform will give deeper insights, drive greater efficiencies and provide one global view: all in one place. It offers a full suite of features created for security, life safety and facilities management: each powerful on their own, and even better when used collaboratively. IPSecurityCenter will put the right information in front of the security team at the right time by aggregating information using its powerful workflow capabilities. CNL can create customised interfaces to help the teams focus on what is important to you and much, much, more.

The 3rd edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia got underway with 111 exhibitors from 20 countries zooming in on the Middle East’s largest commercial security and fire safety market. Running for three days at the Jeddah Centre for Forum and Events, Saudi’s foremost security, safety, and fire protection trade show targets the Kingdom’s vast market which is estimated to grow at an annual compound growth rate of 7.7 percent over the next seven years. It was opened yesterday in a pre-show ceremony by Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Amr, the director-general of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense. Economic diversification plans According to 6WResearch, homeland security and policing currently holds the lion’s share of Saudi’s market spend A report released on the side-lines of the show by consultancy firm 6WResearch said the total spend on Saudi’s commercial security, information security, homeland security and policing, physical and perimeter protection, and fire safety markets was worth US$8.5 billion in 2018, a five percent increase over the previous year. By 2025, the market will be worth US$14.4 billion, driven by a combination of increased investments in infrastructure in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the stabilisation of oil prices, and the government’s ongoing economic diversification plans. According to 6WResearch, homeland security and policing currently holds the lion’s share of Saudi’s market spend, at US$4.6 billion in 2018. This is followed by information security (US$2.6 billion), commercial security (US$838 million), fire protection (US$273 million), and physical and perimeter protection (US$198 million). Integrated platform The impressive opportunities are underlined by a long list of manufacturers and suppliers this week in the Red Sea port city, spearheaded by the show’s launch partners eager to boost business opportunities. Hikvision, the world’s largest video surveillance provider, is among these, and is putting the spotlight on its latest suite of technologies, much of which is powered by Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Others include Al Alameya, Axis Communications, Bristol, Drager, Genetec, NAFFCO, Nedap, and ZMR. With 69 per cent international participation, more than 500 brands, and an enlightening three-day conference programme, Intersec Saudi Arabia caters to growing demand for an integrated platform providing crucial access to one of the world’s most promising markets. Intersec Saudi Arabia is licenced by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Intersec in Dubai, the world’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection. Safety and security industries Intersec Saudi Arabia is a vital platform bringing together key stakeholders in the Kingdom’s security, safety, and fire protection industries" “Safety and Security is high on the agenda of Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and there is a perennial requirement of safety and security products, fire protection and the accompanying innovations that are displayed at this event,” commented Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s organiser ACE Exhibitions. “Intersec Saudi Arabia, apart from targeting the five million population of the Western Region inclusive of the annual pilgrimage, round-the-year Umrah pilgrims, oil and gas installations, airports and seaports, the multitude of events taking place Kingdom wide, is the ideal meeting and networking showcase for safety and security industries.” Andreas Rex, Show Director of Intersec, added: “Intersec Saudi Arabia is a vital platform bringing together key stakeholders in the Kingdom’s security, safety, and fire protection industries. In its 3rd edition in 2019, it will once again be at the forefront of the latest technologies and solutions dedicated to meet the demand of the Middle East’s largest market.” Smart patrol solutions GET Group Holdings was among those launching new products in the Saudi market, including its latest Smart Patrol solution that assists law enforcement agencies by providing full 360 degrees surveillance, body-worn cameras, speed detection and violation as well as identification of wanted people and vehicles. GET also launched its AI-Powered process automation solutions to manage and optimise enterprise and government operations. Mrs. Maysoon Jamal, CEO of GET Group Holdings, said: “The Saudi security market is crucial to our business and our products especially for government and law enforcement agencies. We’re looking for great growth in three main categories: Secure card printing especially through our Heidi and GET/Toppan ID Card Printers, Smart Patrol Solutions, and Robotic Process Automation.” Promising markets Intersec Saudi Arabia is held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, and supported by the Saudi Civil Defense Other exhibitors this week include Optex Europe Limited and Fiber Sensys, both of which recently joined forces to better serve Saudi Arabia and the regional market in deploying perimeter protection and intrusion detection systems. Intersec Saudi Arabia is held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, and supported by the Saudi Civil Defense. It features a three-day security and fire safety conference programme operating under the wider theme of ‘Safety, Civil Security and Technology: Future Integrated Solutions’. Intersec Saudi Arabia 2019 covers the key product groups of Commercial Security, Information Security, Perimeter & Physical Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, and Safety & Health. The dedicated showcase caters to growing demand for an integrated platform providing crucial access to one of the world’s most promising markets.

Qognify - the trusted advisor and technology solution provider for physical security and enterprise incident management – reveals the advances that have been made since the acquisition of On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (OnSSI) and SeeTec GmbH in January. The company is delivering its expanded product portfolio, complemented by enhanced service and support for its expanded global customer-base and network of channel, technology and camera partners. The new unified company will demonstrate how it is ‘Safeguarding Your World’ on Booth 13074 at ISC West in Las Vegas, April 10-12, 2019. Provider of VMS, PSIM and video analytics Qognify is dedicated to supporting and developing its portfolio of award-winning technologies, including VMS platformsQognify is one of the largest VMS, PSIM and video analytics providers for mid-market and enterprise organisations and CEO, Steve Shine states: “Our customers place a premium on their physical security strategy, either because of the complexity of their needs, or the specifics of the industries in which they operate. Therefore, our focus is to deliver the solutions they need to achieve their required outcomes.” From its research and development centres in Germany, Israel and the United States (as well as additional offshore resources), Qognify is dedicated to supporting and developing its premium portfolio of market-leading and award-winning technologies, including VMS platforms – VisionHub, Ocularis, Cayuga, NiceVision and FAST, and enterprise incident management platform – Situator. Benefits for customers   Shine adds: “Qognify, OnSSI and SeeTec have always shared a similar solutions philosophy. Thus, it was a logical step to combine these companies in order to accelerate global growth and to extend the portfolio of products and technologies available to customers, resulting in faster access to new markets and vertical industries.” Customers are benefiting from expanded professional services offering, customisation capabilities and support Customers are already benefiting from expanded professional services offering, customisation capabilities and worldwide support. Furthermore, the ability to share developments across three of the market’s leading VMS solutions such as camera integrations, gateways, analytics and mobile applications, is creating some very exciting opportunities for organisations. In addition to its headquarters in Pearl River, New York, Qognify has regional offices positioned throughout Europe and Asia, ensuring it is geographically close to all its customers and partners.

Maxxess Systems, the innovator in security solutions that empower total situational awareness for security enterprises, is demonstrating the company’s powerful eFusion Security Management Software at ISC West 2019 (booth #6065). eFusion embraces the advancements of today’s leading PSIM, VMS, access control and numerous other technologies on a single platform to provide a new level of systems intelligence for enterprise-wide security and business intelligence applications. “Maxxess eFusion aggregates data from previously disparate surveillance, security and operations systems on a unified management and control platform, dramatically improving overall situational awareness, safety and security,” said Nancy Islas, President of Maxxess Systems. “Already integrated with over 50 industry leading manufacturers’ solutions, eFusion eliminates the need to rip and replace legacy systems and infrastructure which increases users’ Return on Investment (ROI) for existing capital expenditures.” The powerful eFusion platform provides video, access system management and control capabilities along with alarm monitoringVideo and access system management Field-proven worldwide, eFusion Security Management Software correlates data from surveillance, access control and facility systems such as HVAC onto a comprehensive monitoring and reporting dashboard. In addition, the powerful eFusion platform provides video and access system management and control capabilities along with alarm monitoring; remote access credentials tracking; authorisation and de-authorisation; door/access status and more. New enhancements to eFusion include new Flow Control with Auto Expiration, and Advanced Data Processing. Flow Control allows users to configure the specific door(s) that must be used first to gain primary access to a facility with programmable timer setting. Advanced Data Processing correlates databases to accommodate complex relationship rules between the authoritative database and the Maxxess database. System-wide lockdown, VMS integration To further simplify user engagement with eFusion, Maxxess Systems’ MX+ Web Dashboard has also been further enhanced with new features including: System-wide lockdown; Video Management System (VMS) integration; mobile cardholder management operations with badge printing; access control status indication in an easy-to-read graphical format; and schedule configuration. eFusion can be deployed as a stand-alone management and control platform or supplemented with the unique capabilities of Maxxess Ambit Event Management Communications Software. Both Ambit and eFusion are core components of Maxxess Insite Awareness and Response Coordination System.

PCSC, a designer and manufacturer of access control solutions and Coolfire Solutions, a St. Louis based software company known for creating Military-Grade situational awareness platforms, collaborate to deliver top-level capabilities for access and security. Coolfire Solutions created its innovative Ronin Platform to deliver software that sits on top of existing systems and infrastructure to transform data into actionable intelligence. Originally developed for the U.S. military, the Ronin Platform is being widely adopted by industry leaders and organisations who recognise the importance of placing the right data, in the right hands, in real-time, so that intelligent decisions can be made. LiNC-NXG PSIM system Stacking the Ronin Platform on top of the data provided by PCSC’s LiNC-NXG PSIM system provides a robust, real-time common operational pictureStacking the Ronin Platform on top of the data provided by PCSC’s LiNC-NXG physical security information management system provides a robust, real-time common operational picture, visually representing physical security events, and enabling a coordinated security response. For instance, urgent security related event details are pushed to mobile devices of nearby security officials for immediate action. An additional benefit, in the case of an on-premises environment, the underlying access management system is not exposed, only the top-level data is managed. Extend the capabilities of access solutions “An extremely impressive GUI for our industry and an actionable set of features extend the capabilities of PCSC’s access solutions for real-time response,” said Mas Kosaka, President and CEO of PCSC. “The expansion possibilities are virtually limitless too. We’re excited to debut the capabilities of Ronin to our Business Partners during the PCSC Symposium in conjunction with ISC West, the largest security industry trade show in the U.S.” Coolfire Solutions and PCSC have the experience and capabilities to transform the way security professionals do their job every day" “Coolfire Solutions and PCSC have the experience and capabilities to transform the way security professionals do their job every day. We can maximise the value of existing technology investments by combining data from any source and making it actionable," said Don Sharp, CEO at Coolfire Solutions. "Security professionals have an incredibly challenging job and it’s only getting tougher. By bringing all of their critical data onto a single pane of glass we can increase the level of security while driving significant operational efficiencies.”

A new conference will examine fundamental issues of trust as society transitions from paper-based to digital security and ID documents. Digital Document Security The first Digital Document Security Conference in Berlin (May 13 – 15, 2019) comes as the illicit production of counterfeit and fake ID documents continues to be big business. The security of banknotes is also a huge concern for governments and law enforcement agencies Around the world, the use of fraudulent passports, driver’s licences and pass cards aids criminal activity and illegal cross-border movement. Meanwhile, the cost of paying for anti-counterfeiting measures and teams tasked with bringing the criminals to justice can run into the millions of dollars. The security of banknotes is also a huge concern for governments and law enforcement agencies. Growth of contactless payments The conference will consider the growth in contactless payments and smartphones used to pay for products and services, while several countries or states are adopting digital driving licences or ID cards, whereby a person’s identity is confirmed by their phone, not by a piece of paper or plastic. The questions raised by all this will be examined by experts: how secure are these systems, and how much can we trust them when we can no longer use our human senses to assess them? Are they as well protected as the physical documents we’re so familiar with, or are they more vulnerable to criminal fraud? And what are the implications of the answers? Digital ID identification The conference will consider the interaction of the physical and digital domains in financial transactions and identity confirmation The only global event dedicated to addressing these pivotal questions, the conference will consider the interaction of the physical and digital domains in financial transactions and identity confirmation, as well as providing a stage for both communities - physical and digital - to showcase how their documents or systems are secured, and to exchange ideas for ensuring that future digital documents of value are as secure as present physical documents. Four sessions (The Physical/Digital Interface; Print in a Digital World; Smartphone Applications and Digital ID) will reflect the move towards digital, demonstrating how the different domains interact as well as how digital systems - particularly smartphones - can be used on their own. Physical and digital security domains Ian Lancaster, associate at Reconnaissance International and co-chairman of the new conference, said: “We are living through a watershed period in how we manage what must be secure documents and secure information. So, this first conference of its type comes as a timely opportunity to engage in the debate and examine the most pressing issues as the transition from the physical to the digital gathers pace.” The Digital Document Security Conference will be preceded by a half-day course, which will cover the physical and digital document security domains ahead of addressing if physical and digital approaches can work together to create an even more secure environment.

  2017 demonstrated the need for increased safety, security, and collaboration. We predicted that there would be an increase in the role of cybersecurity in 2017, and without a doubt there was great focus around the need for stronger network security protocols. Growing focus on cybersecurity Cybersecurity continues to be top of mind and organisations demand solutions that are cyber-secure. Manufacturers, integrators, and end-users must actively collaborate to develop policies and solutions that reduce exposure to cybersecurity challenges; this includes ensuring that all network devices are updated with the latest versions of software and firmware, and implementing best practices around things like password hygiene. One of the interesting benefits of the increased focus on cyber protection is the greater collaboration between our customers' physical security and cybersecurity teams. This approach will further propel stronger security measures across a business’ infrastructure. It is important to implement best practices around areas like password hygiene Additionally, as the growth of Big Data and the Internet of Things continues onward, a strong partnership between multiple departments allows for a quicker fusing of data sources, leading to streamlined investigations and more rapid response. Technology helping to troubleshoot Over the past year, the healthy economy has enabled Verint’s customers to continue to invest in projects that maintain and improve their security, reduce fraud, and enhance customer engagement. Companies are willing to invest in projects that fuse rich data sources to improve speed to resolution as well as long-term costs.  We see an overall trend of our customers being able to move from simply reacting, to proactively trying to identify the potential areas where fraud can occur, and address the exposure before it becomes a problem. From a technology perspective, deep-learning analytics are now replacing traditional video analytics in applications like face and licence-plate recognition. Over the next several years, we expect to continue to see this technology solve unique industry problems that are not currently possible with existing technology. Deep-learning analytics are now replacing traditional video analytics in facial recognition A fully cloud-enabled solution The continued evolution to more cloud-based solutions will impact our customers because they will be able to choose whatever architecture best suits their needs, whether it be a fully on-premise solution, fully cloud-enabled solution, or a hybrid architecture. With the further evolution of the cloud, end-users will be the winners as they adopt solutions that are easier to install and configure, as well as easier to manage, support, and use, resulting in a lower overall total cost of ownership and an improved customer experience. Verint’s business continues to grow because of our heavy focus on physical security, cybersecurity, and customer experience. This deep focus helps us develop solutions that mitigate problems in an easy, user-friendly manner. Looking forward to 2018, we will continue to invest in these areas and expect to continue to help our customers face challenges as an experienced and committed partner.

  The past year has proved to be a year full of many changes both within our industry and for Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD). While we have experienced increased adoption of artificial intelligence-based solutions, the industry has been challenged with an ever-evolving technology landscape. Protecting enterprise organisations from both cyber and physical security threats will be an ongoing challenge the industry must grapple with. Greater adoption of robotic solutions To address the physical security challenges, we saw a greater adoption of robotic solutions across the board. Our massive industry started to make the change: Shifting from an uneducated view of this advanced technology to increased interest about artificial intelligence across multiple markets including guarding companies, integrators and, most importantly, end-users. In 2017 there was a greater adoption of robotic solutions across the board With security-guard robots, security directors now have access to additional tools to meet their performance and budget goals. Currently, we see a great adoption with progressive guarding companies, which are signing up to have RAD as their robotic guarding partner. RAD deployed its first robot this year, and we look forward to deploying many more as we work with our customers to customise our robotic solution to their needs. Human collaboration with robotics I believe our industry is at the beginning stages of what could be a serious paradigm shift in how we rely on a combination of humans and technology to do a job. We've seen that in video analytics and the wide variety of solutions available on the market today. The trend has progressed beyond video analytics and into robotics, and that will continue to evolve into 2018 and beyond. As we continue to build on the success of our security guard robot solution, we look forward to expanding our product offerings to meet the security needs of our customers.

The security industry was strong and healthy in 2017. High-end security markets, such as the power distribution and critical infrastructure sectors, saw continued growth and opportunity for perimeter security technologies like thermal imaging, video analytics and radar. For the low-end security markets, there was significant competition from Chinese manufacturers. Despite this challenge, we saw continued growth from premium Western security manufacturers in 2017 in which many introduced cost-effective security solutions for the small to medium enterprise markets. Increased adoption of AI  In 2018, the increased adoption of artificial intelligence in the video surveillance sector will play an important role. As the demand for an ROI beyond the traditional security system increases, developing camera hardware that can support edge analytics will be essential. The brands that will succeed will be the ones that can provide end users with video solutions that not only provide intrusion detection with low false alarm rates, but also offer features such as equipment condition monitoring. As the demand for an ROI beyond the traditional security system increases, developing camera hardware that can support edge analytics will be essential Other technologies that will see continued performance enhancements and greater adoption in 2018 are cloud storage, advanced video management systems and physical security information management (PSIM) solutions. Demand for thermal imaging In 2017, we continued to see strong interest and demand for thermal as it remains the industry standard for 24/7 perimeter monitoring and protection. As the leader in thermal imaging, FLIR introduced several noteworthy solutions this year such as the FB-Series line of premier thermal security cameras for any size perimeter. The FB-Series brings state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology to small to medium enterprises where perimeter size is no longer a barrier for adoption. FLIR United VMS For our enterprise business, there was great success with new FLIR United VMS platform, which received praise and recognition across the marketplace. FLIR United VMS is an enterprise level video management solution scalable for any size deployment. At ISC West, it received the Security Industry Association New Product Showcase 2017 Award in the VMS category, which is one of the highest accolades in the industry. Receiving the award was a significant milestone for our enterprise business, validating the hard work the FLIR team has put into delivering exceptional solutions for video operations management.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) and other trends drive the convergence of physical and information security, integrators and end users attending ISC West may be struggling to keep pace with new areas of responsibility and expanding roles in the larger security ecosystem. Help is here. The Connected Security Expo, co-locating with ISC West, focuses on building a holistic security strategy for the connected enterprise. Exhibitors will focus on how physical and information security can be used together to mitigate new and emerging cyber-threats in a hyper-connected world. Connected Security Expo provides attendees access to cutting-edge products and technology in both the physical and IT secure realms. It is clearly a growth factor in the market. Here’s a look at some of the companies on display in the 2019 Connected Security Expo: Integrated video cloud service The AI-powered video analysis software suite delivers high-speed object search and facial classification Arcules provides the Arcules integrated video cloud service, which combines untapped video and sensor data with the latest technologies in cloud, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to deliver actionable business and security intelligence for modern organisations. The cloud-based service is designed to ensure security, scalability, streamlined operations, and bandwidth management — all from a single, easy-to-use interface. Hardware-accelerated solutions BrainChip Inc. is a global developer of software and hardware-accelerated solutions for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications. The AI-powered video analysis software suite delivers high-speed object search and facial classification for law enforcement, counter terrorism and intelligence agencies. PSIM software platform CNL Software Inc. is an open, adaptable, scalable and secure Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) solutions provider. The IPSecurity Center PSIM software platform helps law enforcement, government agencies, the military, public and private critical infrastructure, transportation networks, corporations and campuses to integrate, automate and manage systems, allowing better security intelligence and improved operational efficiency. Facial recognition software IOmniscient Corp. provides facial recognition software that can recognise multiple faces even in crowded and uncontrolled scenes IOmniscient Corp. provides facial recognition software that can recognise multiple faces even in crowded and uncontrolled scenes. Matching faces with an existing database, the system can detect an unauthorised person and track him or her across non-overlapping cameras. Enhance situational awareness Oncam offers 360 and 180-degree video technology. The company has the largest range of wide-angle cameras that are open platform and easy to integrate. Unique dewarping technology allows the creation of award-winning video solutions for stakeholders from the C-suite to the security officer in wide range of industry segments. Oncam’s products greatly enhance situational awareness. Enterprise-class security Pivot3 is a provider of intelligent solutions using hyperconverged infrastructure. Pivot3’s intelligent infrastructure is optimised to deliver performance, resilience, scalability and ease-of-use required for enterprise-class security, video surveillance and IoT deployments. Electronic physical security The UL 2900-1 standard offers general requirements for software cybersecurity for network-connectable productsUL LLC is working to increase the prominence of the Underwriter Laboratories brand in cybersecurity with the UL Cybersecurity Assurance Program (CAP). The UL 2900-1 standard, the standard that offers general requirements for software cybersecurity for network-connectable products, was published in 2016 and in July 2017 was published as an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard. The standard was developed with cooperation from end users such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. National Laboratories, and other industry stakeholders. UL 2900-2-3 – the standard that focuses on electronic physical security/life safety & security industry, was published in September 2017. Proactive automated system Viakoo is a provider of the security industry’s first proactive automated system and data verification solution. Create significant value Vidsys is innovating and accelerating a transition to Converged Security and Information Management or CSIM. The company is committed to educating and supporting customers with their evolving needs to provide a more holistic view of risk and throughout the overall business process re-engineering necessary to create significant value across the entire organisation.

Twitter has around 350 million active users a month, all eagerly posting 280-character “tweets” about the world around them. It’s a vast amount of data from all over the globe. Security professionals have begun to appreciate the value of mining all that data for insights to help them protect people, assets and operations. One company leveraging the Twitterverse to provide real-time situational awareness to corporate security end users is Dataminr.Dataminr assembles this information flow into a useful timeline that summarises the ongoing sequence of events Algorithms for actionable security signals The New York-based technology company has developed algorithms that comb through the full Twitter dataset to provide actionable signals to security professionals around the world about security-related events as they unfold. For corporate security, early information about an unfolding event enables them to take action faster in order to secure their people, locations and business operations. “OMG! Just heard a loud bang on the quad,” a tweet might declare. Combined with location information gleaned from a mobile phone, such a tweet could be the first indicator of an unfolding security incident. As an event unfolds, hundreds of such tweets are likely to be posted from the surrounding areas, collectively offering a running narrative of developing events. Dataminr assembles this information flow into a useful timeline that summarises the ongoing sequence of events. Many times, tweets are the first information available from an incident even before the arrival of first responders.Dataminr’s information is provided in a variety of platforms, from a web-based dashboard to a mobile app or notification via email “Early notification allows security professionals to be more proactive,” says Dillon Twombly, SVP, Corporate Sales at Dataminr. “We have a broad range of users across Fortune 1000 companies, and also including country security managers, security operations centers, and executive protection. "In retail, we provide information for security operations or loss prevention. Events sometimes have a potential to spin out of control, and we allow security professionals to react faster and get ahead of an event proactively.” Various security platforms Dataminr’s information is provided in a variety of platforms, from a web-based dashboard to a mobile app or notification via email. The system can be integrated with a company’s workflow, and the software interfaces with various security platforms, such as physical security information management (PSIM) systems. Another corporate use for Dataminr is in public relations, where social media could be a source of misinformation or rumors about an issue or event Dataminr addresses all regulatory and legal concerns, and it is GDPR-compliant. However, privacy is generally not a big concern because Twitter data is posted publicly, and Dataminr gleans information related to a specific event, not a specific Twitter user’s individual data. “Over the past couple of years, we have grown the security vertical,” says Twombly. “The market is receptive to the value of social media as a tool for users tasked with responding in a comprehensive way to a range of issues.”The company’s services are useful across the full range of vertical markets in the security industry Public safety and security In addition to security and public safety applications, Dataminr also provides services to financial companies and even media outlets. In fact, the 9-year-old company started in finance, where stock or currency traders were able to leverage breaking news notifications to make decisions faster. In the media vertical, Dataminr provides information to 500 newsrooms globally. Public safety and security uses have evolved, and Twombly currently spearheads the company’s work in corporate security, calling on his experience in the security world. Another corporate use for Dataminr is in public relations, where social media could be a source of misinformation or rumors about an issue or event.Customers can customise the kind of information they want to receive, and Dataminr algorithms use the full publicly available data set of Twitter Tracking Twitter posts enables a company to get ahead of an evolving story and help to shape the narrative. Twombly says Dataminr has “deep and broad relationships” with corporate customers and delivers information that can possibly be used by multiple departments in an organisation. The company’s services are useful across the full range of vertical markets in the security industry, from transportation to major industrials to financial services to energy. In the education vertical, major universities are customers, as are local school districts. Customers can customise the kind of information they want to receive, and Dataminr algorithms use the full publicly available data set of Twitter. Twombly says the company’s software is constantly evolving and being fine-tuned in response to changing needs. Dataminr is a “strategic partner” of the social media giant and works closely with them on product development, he adds.

Qognify’s security management systems compile information from a variety of sensors to provide situational awareness, and now they can leverage the benefit of a different kind of sensor, what the company calls the “human sensor.” Employees see and hear a lot of information during their work day, and some of it has an impact on security. Now that information can become part of an integrated security system, reported by trusted employees through a smart phone app. Qognify’s Extend adds new capabilities to the company’s existing Situator physical security information management (PSIM) and VisionHub video management; it’s a new element in Qognify’s interconnected product portfolio. Using smartphones to report incidents The Extend Mobile Solutions Suite enables systems to leverage the “human sensor” by equipping employees (or students in a campus environment) with an easy-to-use app on their smart phones. If a user sees or hears something, they can initiate an “incident” through the smart phone app’s “See It Send It” function. The app can also provide protection for a student or employee with a GuardMe function that enables a security operations centre to hear an employee, see their location and monitor their progress from Point A to Point B, reporting any distress situations along the way. The system also provides mass notification capabilities (using smart phones) without the installation of any software or hardware. “The best sensor is the human sensor,” says Dharmesh V. Patel, Qognify’s global business initiatives vice president. “At an airport, you may have 20,000 employees, and they each know if something is awry because they work there all day long.” A reported incident might not even be a security issue; it could be something as simple as a slippery floor. Live Video Broadcasting Qognify Extend, which is the company’s rebranding of a system “powered by CloudScann,” captures the data from human sensors and allows it to be brought into the Qognify platform. Because smart phones are equipped with high-resolution megapixel cameras, Extend also enables the addition of 20,000 video cameras (and audio), all tied into a command centre. The app can also provide protection for students or employees with the GuardMe function “It would take years and millions of dollars to [add that many cameras] any other way,” says Patel. “And the information is coming from your employees, which is a trusted source. Actionable information becomes part of the workflow.” In case of an emergency, a smart phone can be used to stream live video to a command centre, a capability called Live Video Broadcasting, even as a control room operator dispatches an officer to help. Qognify visual intelligence desktop application Information from Extend mobile apps reports to the Qognify Visual Intelligence Command Center (VICC), a cloud-based desktop application that collects and aggregates information and presents it on a map to enable control room operators to have complete situational awareness. The live, global system compiles data from open source systems anywhere in the world. If you type in New York City, for example, the interface takes you to a live map that shows where live cameras are viewing the Lincoln Tunnel. Various “levels” of information provide real-time routing and traffic, weather information, etc. In addition to information from mobile apps, the system can bring in views from any public source cameras, including tapping into cameras mounted on drones hovering over the scene of an emergency. Fast response to incidents Finding information on any incident using VICC is like conducting a Google search. The system can also find the locations of people (employees or students) based on their smart phone signals.  Availability of real-time video from a trusted source in an emergency helps to shift the mission of a video system from reactive after the fact to a real-time response, says Patel. And the cameras providing the video are not mounted on the ceiling but are closer to the action (held by a person on the scene). Because smart phones provide location data, the command centre knows the location of an incident and can trigger a response. “I know where it is, I can say ‘who’s my closest responder?’” says Patel. “We can see this whole situation in the command centre – not just visualise it but dispatch a response.”

Abu Dhabi is a major cultural and commercial centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounting for roughly two-thirds of the UAE’s economy. While oil and natural gas make up a large portion of its GDP, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a premiere tourist destination, with major investments in luxury resorts and business hotels. Consequently, public safety is a top priority — and FLIR Systems is playing a critical role in the city’s long-term safe city initiative. Recently, the Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Center (ADMCC) was tasked with integrating all public access cameras onto a single platform to provide fully uninterrupted coverage of the city. This is in compliance with the Safe City 2030 vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. As part of this initiative, ADMCC launched the Falcon Eye project, where surveillance cameras and sensors would be installed across the city to enable real-time situational awareness, threat detection, data collection, data sharing among public safety organisations, and crime prevention. Updating video management system To manage such an extensive system under the Falcon Eye project, ADMCC needed to update its VMS softwareFalcon Eye expands Abu Dhabi’s existing surveillance system to thousands of license plate recognition cameras and surveillance cameras, with cameras equipped with video analytics and/or facial recognition capabilities. To manage such an extensive system under the Falcon Eye project, ADMCC needed to update its video management system (VMS) software. ADMCC sought a VMS that would provide enhanced image quality, as well as increased storage and integrity of streamed video. The VMS also needed to be able to incorporate current, emerging and future technologies, such as Big Data, cyber protection, smart cameras, analytics at the edge, and automated camera management. Additionally, ADMCC required a cost-effective VMS that would seamlessly integrate with the existing physical security management information (PSIM) without compromising any data or operations from subsystems. Reliable software solution for video surveillance Previously, ADMCC had a strong relationship with FLIR, having deployed an older FLIR United VMS version for several years. After careful research and evaluation, ADMCC chose to continue partnering with FLIR as the industry leader in advanced video solutions in the safe city sector. ADMCC selected the most recent FLIR United VMS release as its VMS for the Falcon Eye initiative. FLIR United VMS is a reliable, enterprise-level software solution for video surveillance supporting an unlimited number of cameras over IP networks. Complying with ONVIF Profile S, Latitude ensures greater compatibility between cameras and the VMS Part of FLIR’s award-winning United VMS platform, Latitude features enhanced cyber security protocols. Its distributed server architecture enables unlimited scalability, multi-site deployments and sophisticated network topologies. Latitude’s open platform functionality provides advanced edge device integration, bringing together hundreds of third-party technologies. Complying with ONVIF Profile S, Latitude ensures greater compatibility between cameras and the VMS. Integrating Latitude and PSIM solution ADMCC upgraded to the recent United VMS version in June 2017. With special support from the FLIR team, the integration of Latitude and ADMCC’s in-house PSIM solution was successfully completed without any data loss. Adding value to the integration was the presence of an in-house FLIR engineer, who provided insight and guidance throughout the process. “FLIR is considered one of ADMCC’s trusted vendors, delivering regular upgrades and specialist support to our operations when needed,” said His Excellency Saeed Al-Neyadi, Director General at ADMCC. “The on-site FLIR engineer provided an immeasurable value to ADMCC.” Ensures maximum integrity and reliability One of the defining characteristics of United VMS is its simplicity and easy user interface. United VMS offers simplified access in managing and controlling video operations for the support staff. For all safe city projects, the preservation and availability of data is paramount. United VMS ensures maximum integrity and reliability with exceptional failover, disaster recovery capabilities" “The use of actionable information through data collection is vital in running such a huge scale operation such as Safe City initiatives,” Mr. Khalfan Al Hassani (ICT Director) said. “United VMS ensures maximum integrity and reliability with exceptional failover, disaster recovery capabilities, and 24/7 redundant recording.” Day/night safety of city and residents ADMCC oversees one of the world’s leading safe city solutions that utilises license plate recognition, facial recognition, video analytics and video management from over 45,000 sensors spread across the Emirate. United VMS serves as the central operational platform for all data of this unified platform, providing an efficient combination of video software and server hardware. By utilising the state-of-the-art technologies and subsystems brought together by United VMS, ADMCC ensures the safety of the city and its residents at all hours of the day and night. “United VMS has given ADMCC a reliable, stable, robust and secure platform for the past six years,” said Al Hassani. “It underpins a custom PSIM solution that supports various government agencies in Abu Dhabi helping the city to be ranked the ‘Safest City in the World.’”

CNL Software, a provider of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, is pleased to announce that its award-winning PSIM technology was used to support a multiagency security program for Super Bowl LIII. The company’s IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution is installed in the Atlanta Police Department’s Video Integration Center (VIC) and helps secure the city and surrounding metro area, keep the metro area’s transportation networks and systems safe, and to help law enforcement personnel make sense of the huge volume of video intelligence that is generated day-to-day and during large-scale events like Super Bowl. Provide law enforcement Atlanta is no stranger to hosting large-scale events, which includes a previous Super Bowl, and has invested in a multitude of surveillance, analytic, data fusion, and communications systems and technologies in recent years. The City has also established an innovative public-private partnership, known as Operation Shield, that effectively leverages the surveillance assets and infrastructure of other participating Atlanta metro area departments and agencies, including the City’s Metro Atlanta Rail and Transit Authority (MARTA) and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and the City’s business community, while also bridging communication gaps between and across them. IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement and other public safety professionals with the data and video intelligence they need to effectively respond to incidents before they arrive on scene. Crowd size monitoring “Estimates are that nearly one million people travelled to Atlanta for Super Bowl Week. As with all major events, ensuring public safety and security is a big job and huge concern,” comments Mike Mostow, General Manager – Americas at CNL Software. “IPSecurityCenter was installed in the VIC by the Atlanta Police Department to provide the real-time situational awareness and decision support they need to ensure public safety and security during large-scale special security events like Super Bowl LIII.” IPSecurityCenter PSIM is installed in some of the largest public safety and security programs in some of the world’s largest cities. The platform enables the most intelligent integration of the widest range of disparate public safety, security, emergency management, and homeland defence system and sensor technologies, including video and video analytics, facial recognition, license plate recognition, crowd size monitoring, gunshot detection, chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear and explosives detection, geospatial mapping, and asset tracking.

Maxxess eFusion technology is being used to provide seamless integration and easy management of security, safety and site management systems at Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Maxxess eFusion technology The region’s newest tourism hotspot, Bluewaters opened in November 2018 and is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors every year. The US$ 1.6bn project was completed by Meraas Holdings over five years and comprises four luxury residential complexes, a landmark Caesars Palace hotel, a shopping mall and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, as its centrepiece. Security and safety integration Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system, with particular emphasis on a solution that would be efficient to use, inexpensive to maintain and robust going forwards Following a sector comparison, Maxxess eFusion technology was identified as providing the best fit. Security management platform The eFusion security management platform was chosen instead of a more costly or complex conventional PSIM solution, because it uses versatile, open-technology software. Omnix International, one of the leading integrators brought in for the project, says eFusion proved particularly straightforward to work with, offering the advantages of a modular, building block approach and allowing maximum freedom to integrate, customise and adapt to future needs. “Thanks to its compatibility with leading surveillance, intruder, access and fire detection systems, eFusion proved to be a highly efficient integration technology for the Bluewater project,” says Mr. Henry Azoury, Senior Security Design and Engineering Manager at Omnix International. ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system. It allows a unified system approach, with a single enrolment protocol for both front- and back-of-house access. The solution enables centralised management of room safes, mini-bars and cupboards, and for control of all alarm transactions. eFusion integration with the Zenitel Stantaphone IP Intercom System ensures that video and transaction data is called-up automatically in the Bluewaters control room as soon as any user press a call button. For maximum efficiency, the system allows the operator to unlock doors and communicate with the user remotely, with full activity logs kept for audit. With easy integration to the SeeTec Video Management System, eFusion also allows seamless control of all cameras. In addition, cameras are linked to the door access system, with video pop-up triggered by pre-defined events. The solution also gives the operators complete PTZ control, playback and video functionality. ID badging integration ID badging and building management systems are also fully integrated, allowing easy operation and control of a wide range of functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance" “For maximum efficiency there is no need to switch between different management systems and the eFusion platform is easy to work with, allowing full benefit from integration with individual systems,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess. eFusion at Intersec 2019  “The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance, as well as being fully scalable as needs change the future. We look forward to our continued work with Omnix International, which is providing the world-class specialist engineering services combined with local, customised support that customers value.” To see Maxxess solutions in action come to Intersec 2019 on stand SA-H12.

Prison drone pioneers introduce Government to perimeter savings. The integrated security team behind a British prison’s pioneering war against drones is to share its innovative and cost-saving approach with the UK Government. Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey became the first in the world to use a new system designed to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and other contraband over perimeter walls. A group of four collaborating British companies styling itself as The Perimeter Security Centre of Excellence (PSCoE) installed the comprehensive perimeter protection package, including the new ‘Sky Fence’ technology. Now PSCoE (stand Z35) is exhibiting at the official UK Government global security event, Security & Policing 2018, which takes place from 6 to 8 March at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. A group of four collaborating British companies styling itself as The Perimeter Security Centre of Excellence (PSCoE) installed the comprehensive perimeter protection Latest equipment, training and support The unique three-day event, established over 30 years ago, is the premier platform for UK suppliers to showcase the very latest equipment, training and support, to police services, Government departments, organisations and agencies from the UK and overseas. Binns Fencing, the leading fencing contractor for the Ministry of Justice, led the Guernsey project for the conglomerate, which offers the simplicity and efficiencies of a single line of communication and management from cradle to grave of high-security perimeters. Eclipse Digital Solutions is the second of the collaborators. It created Sky Fence with fellow British company Drone Defence and offers full turnkey security design through to installation. Eclipse’s Joe Vasso said: “Our proposition is all about seamless integration to offer the most cost-effective high-end security for perimeters – whether that be along a border, around a prison, airport or the Olympic Games, or even airborne above ground, on roofs and the like. The beauty of our conglomerate is that our relationships have been formed over years and we’re all friends, so the trust is absolute and we care about each other.” Our proposition is all about seamless integration to offer the most cost-effective high-end security for perimeters" Significant cost savings The other two members are Harper Chalice, an intrusion detection company providing PIDs, electric fencing and RADAR detection, and ISM, which offers integrated security systems, PSIM software and intercom security systems. Together, they believe the UK Government could make significant savings by adopting its proposed model for delivering perimeter security and PIDs procurement and delivery. Their single point of contact for the complete perimeter security package provides greater opportunity for innovation, reduced complexity and no need to manage multiple contractors. PSCoE believes this could offer significant cost savings on PIDs cable installation and contract and project management costs – as with Les Nicolles, where the State of Guernsey that runs the prison saved £1.3 million. The other two members are Harper Chalice, an intrusion detection company providing PIDs, electric fencing and RADAR detection, and ISM, which offers integrated security systems Trusted advice and design State Deputy Mary Lowe said: “The committee decided, following discussions with key staff, that it was possible to continue housing Category B prisoners at Les Nicolles without the installation, at significant expense, of a second fence. While the second fence is advised under UK guidelines for Category B prisons, the committee is comfortable that the current technological upgrade offers security that enables Guernsey to continue housing Category B prisoners. Sending such prisoners off island to serve their sentence comes at a significant cost of approximately £50,000 per year each. The committee decided that these upgrades, which will cost £1.3m less than a second fence, offered a Guernsey-appropriate solution.” Binns MD Adam Binns said: “We have devised this model in consultation with the Government, main contractors and suppliers, to deliver best value and a greater potential to innovate with a single point of contact throughout procurement, delivery and installation. The model will give them trusted advice on design, manufacturing and installation from exclusively British companies with British products from electronic systems of CCTV, detection, video management and access control to physical security fencing, gates and hostile vehicle mitigation.” We have devised this model in consultation with the Government, main contractors and suppliers, to deliver best value and a greater potential" Security & Policing Security & Policing provides a platform for professionals from the UK and across the world to engage with the very highest level of security expertise and the latest technology. It provides the level of industry engagement needed to enable UK Government to procure and deliver its national security priorities. Major specifiers and Government specified users can obtain reference to its products from the Home Office. Normal commercial users can obtain reference to its specialist electronic perimeter security systems on the police ‘Secured by Design’ website. Harper Chalice Group’s products and systems are sold, installed and maintained worldwide via a network of specialist accredited dealers. ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) has been at the forefront of innovation, design and manufacturing excellence in integrated security systems for almost 30 years. ISM operates from an extensive manufacturing and design facility in the United Kingdom, close to Gatwick Airport. It is the UK’s leading developer of integrated security management, intercom and cell call systems.

To grasp the current manufacturing trends and seize the Zeitgeist of Industry 4.0, a new smart IoT industrial park in Hangzhou has been put to use by Dahua Technology, a video surveillance solution provider. Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park occupies in total 512 acres in Fuyang district of Hangzhou, about 20 minutes’ drive from Dahua headquarters, designed to host 6000 staff (by 2017, 4500 people have been working/living in the 262 acres of phase one area). With topnotch technologies, personnel, materials and other benefits, Dahua’s smart industrial park will bring productivity and quality to a brand new level. Efficient information integration The automatic production solution based on integrated information system not only grants a higher productivity that significantly shortens the delivery cycle time for Dahua customers, but also a greater flexibility to specialised requests and ever-changing reality.The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration, which, combined with industrial cameras, RFID sensory technologies and automation technologies, can integrate personnel, logistics, works, engineering projects and finance from respective sections of production(preparation, assembly, testing, packaging, inspection, shipment), rendering the whole process visible, traceable and digital. The mounter serves as a good synecdoche to illustrate the incredible efficiency of the whole production system. The concerning high-end devices (including mounter, printer, automated optical inspection equipment, Ersa reflow soldering tools, etc.) provided by ASM (originally Siemens) achieve a speed among the fastest in the world. Fast processing According to IPC standard, X4iS, the latest high-speed mounter can process 125,000 components per hour, or 35 per second. X35 multifunctional mounter can do 54000 components per hour, or 15 per second. A production line in X series can enhance the productivity by 2.7 times while reducing the consumption of energy by 52%, comparing to the original production line in D series under the same conditions. Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy The faster speed also applies to the development of new molding, since Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy, allowing the end-to-end vertical supply chain with marketing, R&D and manufacturing efficiently integrated. The advanced organising system is supported by topnotch equipment, such as MAKINO high-speed graphite processing machine, GF CNC, GF WEDM-LS machine, Hexagon 3D Nikon projectors and electronic displays. With a processing accuracy of +/-0.002 to +/-0.005MM, while also supporting CAD / CAM / CAE collaborative development and simultaneous manufacturing, these machines enable Dahua to develop new mechanical molding in as short as 7 days.Higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical situations Time- and cost-saving solution By far, this developing system has already produced high precision molding for Lechange Robots, monitoring cameras in TP1-TC6 series, G20 intelligent head-gears, smoke alarm for fire detectors, etc., all of which proving the effectiveness of the system in shortening the development cycle and keeping the competitive edge with new products in the business. Higher quality saves lots of time and economic costs for clients. Even more importantly, higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical, not-allowed-to-go-wrong situations. Dahua’s products are guaranteed with a higher quality for two reasons: first, Dahua has set a high standard of accuracy in production; second, with a reliability lab at the production end, Dahua has put together an effectively closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process. Accuracy has always been one vital index defining the manufacturing ability because it directly sets the limit to quality and range of products to be produced. Again, take the mounter mentioned above for example: it can process components, in metric size, as small as 03015(0.3x0.15mm), with a +-0.025mm SMD precision (within the 3-stigma range), boasting world leading performance and capable of covering basically all types of components used in the industry.Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process Enhanced vision and intelligent analytics Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process, in which all materials, personnel and devices are connected and products are traceable to the specific production line and precise time it got made. Boasting a variety of functions, Dahua industrial cameras are used in different sections of production, enabling automatic assembly, high-precision graphic inspection and product flaw inspection. Through high-definition machine vision, Dahua industrial cameras automatically and precisely locate the components, limiting the assembly error to micron level. Equipped with enhanced vision and intelligent analytics algorithm, the industrial camera can spontaneously detect and recognise flaws in the performance and outlook of products, thus promising not only the volume of cameras production but also the steady quality of each and every one of them.In the future phase, this industrial park is expected to be more intelligent to enable a safer society and smarter living Safe society and smart living Reliability must be put to test, in R&D as well as in manufacturing process. The reliability lab at the production end serves to assure quality by randomly taking products from production lines and put them into reliability tests simulating falling, high/low temperature, worn-out conditions, which are conducted by industry leading testing equipment in the lab. Thus what’s conceived in R&D is confirmed from the production line, the synergy of both ends promising better products (for common use or specialised needs). This lab is also responsible for testing all the raw materials. Thanks to the aforementioned information integration, all tests are automatically conducted, recorded and traceable. In conclusion, Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park is endowed with the latest and world leading manufacturing equipment/system boasting high level automation and intelligence, which is essential to satisfy the ever higher demands from clients in terms of delivery time, specialised use and quality. There is still great potential to this new smart industrial park. It is literally only in its phase one. And in the future phase, it is expected to be more intelligent, to realise client-centred flexible production and to enable a safer society and smarter living.

Genetec, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, introduced Genetec Airport Sense , part of the Genetec Airport Practice Group. This advanced operational analytics solution relies on data provided by an airport’s existing security infrastructure, including cameras, sensors, and various detection devices to produce actionable intelligence about airport security, operations, and passenger flow. By accessing and analysing both structured and unstructured data from these untapped security information sources, airports can extend their security investment. Airport Sense is available now from any Genetec certified channel partner. Until now, airports have traditionally relied on standalone, unconnected systems to manage passenger flow and security. By analysing and correlating data provided by multiple sensors such as video surveillance cameras, access control hardware, and IoT connected devices, Airport Sense gives airport security and operations managers, business analysts, and airport executives, a deeper understanding of what’s happening in their facilities. This allows them to make timely, informed decisions to improve the passenger experience and increase revenue for duty-free, retail, and food services in the airport terminal. Seamless, hassle-free traveler experience Essential elements for a safe, easy-to-navigate, and profitable airport include understanding how people flow from the parking areas, check-in, duty-free and retail shops, in-airport cafes and dining areas. Airport Sense combines and processes correlative data to help airport managers understand this traffic in order to design a seamless, hassle-free traveler experience resulting in increased brand attachment, venue and airline loyalty, and positive business growth. By relying on powerful analytics such as queue detection and delays, heat mapping, directional analysis, and people counting, Genetec Airport Sense pinpoints hindrances to the flow of passengers in ticketing, screening, and passport control—and can identify where wait lines build in areas such as duty free, dining, entertainment, and pre-boarding. Real-time activity uopdates Through intuitive web-based dashboards and dynamic maps, security personnel, operations and business analysts, and retailers stay informed of real-time activity and compare it against key performance indicators (KPI) or historical trends. With timely, relevant information on hand, they can take instant action to address a variety of situations, such as managing over-flowing queues, reallocating staff to deal with peak times, and more.   Airport Sense helps airports better understand passenger flow in retail and dining areas, leading to enhancements in terminal layout. By sharing insights such as traveler behavior and footfall with retailers, airports guide their customers on layout and product placement decisions. Advanced unified security management “Today, air travel is much more than just transporting a passenger from one place to another. Airports are now thought of as ‘small cities’, and must provide a safe and efficient experience, from parking, check-in, and exposure to world-class shopping and dining,” said David Lenot, Airport Practice Group Leader at Genetec. “The challenge for airports is to offer this amazing journey while delivering an environment that’s safe and secure, with operations that run like clockwork. That’s the guiding vision behind Airport Sense: to give airports the tools they need to get a clearer understanding of their business, and give passengers a seamless experience—from drop-off to take-off,” added Lenot. Airport Sense is one aspect of the larger Genetec airport portfolio of solutions. While Airport Sense delivers greater intelligence on passenger flow, the open-architecture Genetec Security Center platform delivers advanced unified security management, and Genetec Mission Control offers collaborative decision and event management. Combined, these three powerful Genetec systems allow airports to craft a flexible and comprehensive strategy for security, operations and commercial success—enabling different stakeholders to rely on a common set of tools and data.

Cloud computing has been around since the turn of the millennium. Over the years, the concept of storing and accessing programs over the Internet (instead of using an on-premises computer system) has grown in almost every realm of business. Some might say the physical security industry has come late to the party, delayed in some instances by (misguided?) concerns about cybersecurity of cloud systems. The bandwidth needed to transfer video to the cloud has also been a challenge. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What features of Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) are the most valuable to the average user?

Body-worn cameras are becoming more common every day, driven both by needs of the marketplace and technology developments. However, questions remain about the usefulness of the devices, and their future role in promoting safety and security. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges of body-worn cameras for the security industry?

In recent years, information technology (IT) departments at end user companies have often been seen as adversaries of traditional security departments – or, at least, as a thorn in their side. One of the issues is territorial: As physical security products have migrated to use of Internet protocols and the network infrastructure, the IT and security departments have clashed – erm… make that interacted – more and more often. New realities such as cybersecurity have made it critical that the two entities work in harmony, and IT professionals often provide useful insights into product selection, among other issues. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the influence of the IT department on security purchases at an end user company?