PoE

To reduce service calls and deliver additional benefits for clients, Luxul, the innovator of IP networking solutions for AV integrators, announces Self-Healing capability for select managed network switches. Available via a free upgrade to firmware version 4.1.1 or greater, the new functionality empowers integrators with two advanced features: Auto-Recovery and Power Scheduling. Luxul's Self-Healing capability is currently available on the company's 12-port/8 PoE+ AMS-1208P, 26-port/24 PoE+ stackable L2/L3 AMS-4424P, 26-port/24 PoE+ AMS-2624P, 26-port/24 PoE+ XMS-2624P, 52-port PoE+ L2/L3 XMS-5248P, and 52-port stackable L2/L3 XMS-7048. Free firmware update With Auto-Recovery, devices connected to these switches by PoE no longer need to be manually rebooted when they fall offline or become unresponsive; the configuration in the switch triggers PoE-connected devices to reboot automatically. And with Power Scheduling, integrators can now trigger the switches to power PoE-connected devices on or off based on any schedule they create within the switch. Self-Healing will also be a standard feature on a number of soon-to-be available Luxul switches "With Self-Healing, we're amping up the performance of Luxul switches to an entirely new level," said Mike Grubb, vice president of marketing at Luxul. "Imagine never getting another call about security cameras or other PoE-connected devices freezing up; your clients' switches will take care of them automatically. Furthermore, it's effortless to schedule devices to power down overnight, over the weekend, or whenever your clients request it. All it takes to realise these benefits is a free firmware update." Self-Healing will also be a standard feature on a number of soon-to-be available Luxul switches, including the 18-port/16 PoE+ L2/L3 AMS-1816P and 12-port/8 PoE+ XMS-1208P shipping soon.

Aiphone has announced significant improvements to its full IP IX intercom and security solution. The new and upgraded features built into the new IX2 series include improved audio and camera functionality, large touch screen monitors and communication with up to 9,999 door stations. IX2 IP intercom and security solution “With no server or licence fees, the IX2 system offers highly affordable P2P full IP video entry security, internal communication and multicast paging,” said Wyatt Taylor, Managing Director of Aiphone UK Ltd. “Utilising its ability to connect directly to a network, all these functions can be implemented between remote locations over large areas.” “However, what elevates IX2 above other traditional and IP intercom systems currently available for large scale installations, is the ease at which it can be integrated with third-party systems. As a result, we are able to provide a totally integrated intercom and security solution, including access control, IP network cameras and video management software (VMS), such as Avigilon, ExacqVision and Milestone, as well as Lenel Onguard access control management software out of the box and without the need to buy any licenses.” Scalable solution offering video entry security IX2 has the capacity to provide communication with a practically infinite number of intercom stations IX2 has the capacity to provide communication with a practically infinite number of intercom stations. Video entry security, internal communication, emergency stations and multicast paging are all able to be implemented between remote locations over large areas and distances, making the IX2 system an ideal solution for education campuses, as well as any other type of application involving multiple locations such as airports, railway stations and parking facilities. Key features of IX2 include: No wiring-distance limitations: LAN and VPN connections enable implementation over extensive areas and between remote locations. Peer-to-peer configuration results in space savings, reduced installation time and lower cost. Simply connect the units to Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches. No need for a dedicated server, with the additional benefit of eliminating the risk of system downtime due to server malfunction. 7-inch handset with a touchscreen which can be used in domestic and commercial environments. Hands free touch screen monitors. Picture in picture video can show the door station camera and an overhead camera simultaneously. Video intercom between master monitors. Newly designed IX panels which comply with DDA regulations, e.g. offer clear visual guidance and a blue halo button. Audio and video SIP Integration with Cisco IP phone systems. ONVIF compatibility provides the option for images captured by call panel cameras to be integrated with a video surveillance system. SD card slots on panels and monitors enable video and audio data to be recorded and backed-up. Call log facility on each handset provides data trails. IX2 is also equipped with some advanced functionality rarely found in other IP Intercom POE systems. These include: Call queuing Up to 20 calls can be queued and prioritised on an IX-MV7 master station When multiple calls are made to the same monitor station, the IX2 system places the calls in a queue which is displayed on the LCD screen. On the calling end, users are given notification that their calls are in the queue. Up to 20 calls can be queued and prioritised on an IX-MV7 master station. The importance of each call, e.g. normal, priority or urgent, can be indicated by the display of respective red, amber or green colours on the master station. Higher priority calls are moved automatically to the top of the list. Call transfers Calls and conversations within the IX2 system can be transferred to up to 10 other IX-MV7 monitor stations. The transfers can be done manually or through a variety of system settings. With Delay Transfer, for example, the system automatically transfers calls which are not answered within a pre-set time. An Absent Transfer feature immediately calls another IX-MV7 master station when someone is away from their desk, whilst Scheduled Transfer automatically transfers calls to another IX-MV7 master station during pre-determined times, e.g. out of hours.

Antaira Technologies a global developer and manufacturer of industrial networking devices and communication solutions for harsh environment applications and is proud to announce the expansion of its industrial networking infrastructure family with the introduction of the LNP-1600G, -1802G-SFP, and -2004G-SFP series. As PoE technology has become increasingly popular in many industrial markets including automation manufacturing, security surveillance, power/utility, water wastewater treatment plants, oil/gas/mining, and transportation industries have adopted PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) ready devices; such as, cameras, VoIP phones, wireless radios, and access controllers into their production networks. Works in harsh environments Antaira’s LNP series work well in harsh or outdoor environments that require rugged power sourcing equipment (PSE) with high-density Ethernet port connectivity, wide bandwidth, long-distance data transmission, and reliability. Antaira Technologies’ LNP-1600G, -1802G-SFP, and -2004G-SFP series are the latest industrial Gigabit unmanaged Ethernet switch series that offer high density for sixteen full gigabit Ethernet ports (-1600G, -1802G-SFP, and -2004G-SFP) with each port supporting PSE maximum of 30W and have two or four SFP gigabit fibre slots (-1802G-SFP and -2004G-SFP) for long distance connectivity. These product series have an IP30 rated metal casing design that can support DIN-Rail and wall mountable orientations. Overload current and reverse polarity prevention The devices provide a dual redundant power input range of 48 to 55VDC with an overload current and reverse polarity prevention. The series also has a high EFT, surge protection (2,000VDC), and ESD (6,000VDC) protection. Additionally, there is a built-in relay warning function to alert maintainers when power failures occur. Each unit is built to withstand industrial networking hazards like shock, drop, vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and temperature extremes. Wide operating temperature version options include a standard (-10° ~ 65°C) model or an extended (-40° ~ 75°C) model. The units conform to the following dimensions of 67mm (W) x 99mm (D) x 142mm (H) and a unit weight of 2.69 pounds (LNP-1600G and LNP-1802G-SFP) or 2.75 pounds (LNP-2004G-SFP).

Aadhaar authentication, for attendance marking, has now been made mandatory for employees working in the government organisations. Matrix Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance Device – COSEC VEGA FAXQ – is the first of its kind. This device enables employees to directly mark their attendance, without having to manually entering their Aadhaar number. They can either use a smart card or the keypad on the device followed by their fingerprint authentication to mark their attendance. If using the keypad, the Aadhaar number needs to be entered, whereas with the smart card, the Aadhaar number will already be stored in it. Hence, a smart card becomes an easier option. Key features of COSEC VEGA FAXQ: STQC Approved Fingerprint and Smart Card based Terminal Embedded Linux based Device Multiple Authentications: Keypad (Aadhaar Number) + Finger Smart Card (Aadhaar Number) + Finger Multiple Language Support Ethernet, PoE, Wi-Fi, 4G/3G Mobile Broadband IP65, CE, FCC, RoHS and BIS

Redvision, the manufacturer of high-performance, rugged CCTV cameras has added a PoE-driven, wiper option to its VEGA 2010, rugged camera, housing range. The Tru-park, silicon wiper removes dirt and water from the housing’s optically-correct, camera window. When not in use, the wiper is concealed behind the front bezel of the VEGA. Marine-grade plating Stephen Lightfoot, technical director at Redvision explains, “Wiper power comes from the PoE-driven, CHAT interface board. This also provides camera, washer and built-in heater power to the VEGA, along with audio communications.” “All VEGA 2010 rugged housings allow installers to fit their own camera and lens combinations, up to 290mm long. The VEGA is made from tough, die-cast aluminum, which is both IP67 weather-proof and IK10 impact rated. It has an integrated junction box and all cabling is managed through its wall or pedestal mounting brackets.” “The VEGA is finished with a marine-grade plating, followed by a tough powder-coating. It is available in a light grey (RAL 7035), as standard, but can be ordered in any other RAL colour, if required. It is without a doubt one of the toughest and most durable, rugged housings in the security industry.”

Opening up new possibilities for competitive video surveillance deployments in retail, restaurant and small business applications, IDIS has launched a compact range of robust, high performance cameras and recorders. The IDIS Compact Solutions series is designed for rapid installations and both single and multi-site roll outs, allowing for the mixing and matching of analogue and IP technologies, making upgrades and system extensions more affordable than ever. IDIS Compact Solutions The new line includes a choice of network and HD-TVI cameras and recorders, all of which are easy to install through one-click network configuration. A highly competitive price point comes without any compromise on IDIS’s signature reliability and performance, while hardened network security protocols provide complete reassurance against hacking risks. The new Compact Solutions line features 4-channel compact recorders that can be conveniently desktop or wall mounted, and for end-users and operators - including branch managers, small business owners and security personnel – the line combines high performance features with simple operation and a choice of client software. The IDIS Compact Solutions range is hard-wearing, making it particularly durable and perfectly suited for busy environments where reliable capture of high definition video images is important. IDIS dome and bullet PoE cameras IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance in live view and playback (including on remote devices such as smartphones) and come with motion detection, tamper alarms, zoned privacy masking, day and night ICR and IR LED up to 20m. A choice of four and eight channel IP or HD-TVI recorders allows fast and trouble-free installation and lets installers take advantage of existing coax cabling. The IP recorders also benefit from H.264 live view which eliminates the need to upgrade hardware peripherals. For highest performance streaming capacity, H.265 and IDIS Intelligent Codec compression deliver bandwidth savings of up to 90 percent, ensuring smoother real-time viewing and full evidence retention. “The new IDIS Compact Solutions line continues our longstanding tradition of market-responsive offerings, designed and developed in house to meet the real-world needs of our industry partners and end-users. This new line of fills an important need in the market, for high value, high performance technology from proven market leaders able to reliably meet highly specific requirements in vertical spaces, such as retail, and smaller business operations,” noted Keith Drummond, Senior Director, IDIS America. IDIS Total Solution As with all IDIS products the Compact Solutions range is backed by industry-lauded technical support and service, including the company’s global technical support operation, co-located with IDIS America’s regional headquarters near Dallas, Texas. The new IDIS Compact Solutions line is the latest offering in the powerful and award-winning IDIS Total Solution—an end-to-end, single sourced offering that delivers unrivalled plug-and-play simplicity (combined with highest-quality performance, compatibility, now featuring the longest recorder warranty in the industry), with a low total cost of ownership.

2017 was quite an interesting and eventful year for the physical security industry. The economy has been robust and technology has become progressively sophisticated—with interactive services, cloud computing and network-based solutions taking charge to provide new insights to installers and their end-user customers. The Internet of Things is creating increasingly integrated solutions, with a heightened emphasis on total connectivity. Changing security expectations World events have also put the spotlight on the need for comprehensive security at public events, tourist attractions and schools and campuses. Security is an expectation and systems integrators are becoming trusted advisors to their customers, who are looking to them to solve problems or issues. Residential systems are more robust and now, are migrating to the commercial side of the business. There’s a blurring of the lines of technology—many of the products that come to the security industry originate from the consumer side. This proposition is also changing expectations by both residential and commercial customers, who want common, easy operation from their smartphone or user interface. Unexpected was some of the biggest deals in the industry, including acquisitions by dominant companies who grew even larger and continued ongoing consolidation on the manufacturing side. Those who remain will need to be progressive and step up their game with the latest proven technologies. Selling hardware isn’t the end game any longer. It’s providing solutions that generate revenue for security dealers and offer a solid return on investment for the end-user. In addition, solutions need to be easier for the user, and integrate many different systems and components across the enterprise. Cybersecurity safeguards End users want to get the most out of their solutions—and they want to be able to have more than safety and security. They are looking for the types of products that yield insights into system performance and give them the data the need for greater control and to proactively address any challenges or problems before they occur. Downtime is not an option and therefore, there’s an increased emphasis on consistent power so solutions are always on and running reliably. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines Cybersecurity is a dominant conversation in the security industry these days and that buzz will continue into 2018. Because solutions are increasingly network connected, they have vulnerabilities that will have to be addressed by service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers will need to take the upper hand in providing hardened products—testing and certifying for cybersecurity safeguards. That is not an easy task and can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Because cybersecurity is in constant evolution, many will go the route of outsourcing this component of their manufacturing to third parties well-versed in threat detection and hardening. Hardened products will also need to evolve with new emerging attacks. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines. Intelligent access control solutions Manufacturers no longer operate in silos. They are working with systems integrators to more fully understand their needs and those of the end-user. Manufacturers are also partnering with technology providers—bringing in the expertise of others so their solutions are comprehensive and holistic. We will continue to see integration of formerly disparate components, open systems and open APIs. There will also be strong migration to access control systems with edge intelligence and power over Ethernet, leveraging existing cabling for network connectivity. The winners will be those who take the lead in providing cyber secured and hardened products, as well as companies who partner with others to bring best of breed solutions to market. The losers will be those who continue to develop proprietary, closed systems and fail to recognise the importance of network connectivity for real-time, proactive reporting. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7 Ongoing partner success LifeSafety Power® has been working consistently and diligently on elevating the status of power from unintelligent hardware device to network-connected component that yields rich data for the user and allows the installer to provide remote monitoring and managed power services. We have changed the paradigm of power but there’s additional work to do to get people to understand the new, critical role power plays in comprehensive enterprise and campus security. Now, security installers can help the end user know what’s happening with locks, access control, gates or other connected solutions and fix problems before they happen. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7. We have also had continued, ongoing successes with our many partners in the access control community and that’s where we will further focus our efforts in 2018—working with leading security solution providers to present the best technologies and solutions that are reliable, certified and present the types of insights security dealers need to offer customers to provide the highest levels of service. This will also help security dealers and integrators differentiate themselves and compete more effectively in the crowded marketplace.

Recent developments in physical security systems have enabled us to expand access control using IT infrastructure. By eliminating the need for hard wiring to a central panel or controller, IP-based systems enable installations that are non-proprietary, flexible and scalable. This means not only a more versatile solution, but also a more cost-efficient one. A network-based system can be enlarged by one door, and one reader, at a time, unlike some traditional systems where controllers or panels often support multiple openings even if only one opening is required. This e-book was developed by ASSA ABLOY to take you from the early development of this game-changing technology to today’s latest offerings that enable the use of existing network infrastructure to more cost-effectively ensure the physical security of people, equipment, and data. Find out more about IP access control: The dawn of IT-enabled network security The move to IP access control How to choose your best IP access solution IP security success stories Challenges of IP access control The impact of IP-enabled access control on your network    

The locks, alarms and access control solutions used for buildings have little impact outdoors Large campuses – colleges and universities, hospitals and office parks – face difficult security challenges in protecting people and property across wide-open outdoor spaces. Outdoor security requires a different approach. The locks, alarms and access control solutions used for buildings have little impact outdoors. Outdoor security may include protecting a student on an early morning run; a nurse walking to a bus stop at the end of a late-night shift; or possibly securing athletic fields, parking structures, landscaped gardens or performance amphitheaters. One constant between securing the indoor and outdoor environments is the need for multiple security layers. No single solution can meet all security needs. Outdoor surveillance Information – both visual and audio – takes on added importance as security guards and first responders need input from areas that may be hundreds of yards away from the nearest dispatch center. This is one reason video surveillance is an effective outdoor security tool. Pan-Tilt-Zoom megapixel cameras can provide sharp images of wide areas. Infrared cameras continue providing useable images throughout the night, even in low-light environments. Recorded video also provides forensic views to be used in assessing events after they have occurred. Cameras have long been shown to be a deterrent for many criminals. So, it makes sense to post signs throughout the campus reminding people they are likely to be under surveillance at any time.  Emergency stations are ideal for any outdoor area Emergency stations Emergency stations are another valuable outdoor security tool. These stations are easily recognisable by their bright blue lights atop the tower. With a touch of a button, a distressed person can immediately speak with a security guard via imbedded audio intercoms. Video intercoms provide additional views of the area to help dispatchers make decisions about an emergency. The stations can also be integrated with the video surveillance system to provide a broader view of the area. There are other important benefits offered by emergency stations. They are on and available 24/7. Dispatchers immediately know the station’s precise location when calls for assistance arrive. A station’s speakers can broadcast emergency information across the campus. And the intercoms feature two buttons – one for emergencies and a second for non-critical calls, such as inquiries for campus directions. The stations are designed for easy setup by integrators or campus engineers. The units are available in IP-based models which connect to the campus network and draw power over the Ethernet using CAT-5e/6 cable. Stations are also available as stand-alone towers or wall-mounted boxes. Braille signage and adjustable call button heights allow them to comply with ADA standards. Emergency stations are ideal for any outdoor area such as running trails, parking lots, pedestrian pathways and perimeters around office buildings, dorms and recreational centers. They are also useful indoors in areas including elevator bays and stairwells. Ideally, the stations should be placed close enough to allow a distressed person an option of choosing the closest unit. The proliferation of smartphones in the campus environment has led to the development of dozens of apps capable of reaching security or local first responders Mobile applications Unlike telephone-based systems, intercom stations require no POTS line, saving monthly phone costs. Mobile apps are also available to allow patrolling guards to have immediate access to emergency calls on a smartphone or tablet. Over the past few years, the proliferation of smartphones in the campus environment has led to the development of dozens of apps capable of reaching security or local first responders. Most allow the submission of voice and video and may offer other features such as the ability to track friends’ progress as they walk to their destination. While these apps do serve as another valuable layer of outdoor security, they have limitations. They are only useable for people who have enrolled in a campus database. That eliminates students and/or employees who choose not to enroll or campus visitors. Weather, topography and the proximity of cell towers can affect signal quality, making it difficult for security to accurately identify the precise location of calls. Some remote campus areas may totally lack cellular coverage. Then, too, phones have no value if the battery is dead or is taken in a robbery. Also, they can be difficult to remove from a pocket, purse or backpack if a victim is being attacked or chased. The lessons from CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) certainly apply when protecting campus outdoor space. Lighting is critical along pathways, in parking lots and garages and surrounding building perimeters. It not only deters criminals, but also allows security to have a better view of situations either onsite or via surveillance camera or video intercom. Keeping bushes and trees well-trimmed helps deny criminals easy hiding places Additional outdoor security precautions Keeping bushes and trees well-trimmed helps deny criminals easy hiding places. Fencing and locked gates keep people from wandering into potentially dangerous areas. Fences and gates also works well to protect outdoor storage lots and equipment yards. Many campuses, particularly universities and hospitals, have formed escort services. Either security guards or carefully screened volunteers are available to accompany students or employees crossing the campus at night. Outdoor campus security requires well thought-out plans incorporating layers of security equipment. As with any security project, outdoor improvements should follow a thorough risk assessment conducted by an experienced consultant or integrator. Identifying a campus’ strengths and weaknesses will help administrators better spend limited budgets. Campuses may range in size from a few to hundreds of acres. But even the smallest offer significant challenges in protecting outdoor spaces. In the case of colleges and universities, the pressure to keep people safe has never been greater with federal mandates requiring regular crime reports. Fortunately, the security industry has responded with a range of tools to handle the challenge. With careful planning and implementation, a campus’ outdoor spaces can be made much safer.  

End users at ASIS 2017 in Dallas may feel overwhelmed by all the new technology on display, but often their integrator partners can offer a helping hand. Traffic continued through much of Day 2 of the ASIS exhibition, but the foot traffic appeared to slow considerably as the day wore on. Convergint seeks closer manufacturer relationship Integrators are prominent at ASIS and play an important role connecting end user customers with manufacturers' products that meet their need. "We are taking them by the hand and introducing them to our [manufacturer] partners and to the solutions," said Tony Varco, Vice President Security Division, Convergint Technologies. Convergint has a global presence and is one of several large integrators with booths at ASIS. "We want a closer relationship with the manufacturers we work with," Varco said. Previously manufacturers may have preferred to keep their distance from end users, but not anymore. "They want us to facilitate the relationship between manufacturers and customers at a very high level," says Varco. In addition to their booth presence, Convergint personnel are escorting their big clients through the exhibit hall, one-on-one, to view the latest products. "It's not about whiz-bang technology, but about the technology that can produce business results. We may spend half a day or several days, depending on the client. We map it out ahead of time, and talk with them weeks ahead about their objectives. They may not be looking to make an immediate investment, but more looking ahead three to five years: These are the things you need to start thinking about." Digitising building systems "It's not about whiz-bang technology, but about the technology that can produce business results" Varco sees a trend in the market to digitise more building systems, including power-over-Ethernet lighting (using low-voltage LEDs), occupancy sensors, HVAC, fire alarms/life safety and physical security. These technologies are being combined in the "digital ceiling," which refers literally to the space above the ceiling tiles of a building and the network and cabling infrastructure that accommodates all the digitised operations for various functions. As a large-scale integrator, Varco points to managing customer expectations as a challenge, both at ASIS and in general. "What the customer expects and what's being sold to them may be two different things," he said. "When solving problems and creating business outcomes, you have to control expectations so they understand what they're getting, and what they're not getting. If the customer doesn't believe they got what they were sold, it causes problems." ADT and cybersecurity Cybersecurity continues to be top-of-mind, both among attendees and exhibitors. Protection 1 (now ADT) is a company that has been talking about cybersecurity and other networking issues for several years now, dating back to before it was such as "hot" topic. "It's irresponsible to just provide physical security without addressing what that entails in your cyber environment," said Morgan Harris, ADT's Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions. Ironically, security systems are often the cause of vulnerabilities on a network, and ADT's cybersecurity and network management approach seeks to minimise the vulnerabilities.  Avigilon Blue is a subscription-based cloud service that enables integrators to manage more sites with fewer resources ADT's network operations center offers health management, network services and cybersecurity to business customers. Services that previously targeted national commercial accounts are now being brought downmarket to help smaller commercial customers, which can be even more vulnerable to cyber-attack. Meeting cybersecurity challenges The entire market -- manufacturers, integrators and end users -- all have a stake in meeting cybersecurity challenges, according to Harris. "Everyone has ownership in it," he said. "It starts with the products, but cybersecurity also has to be considered during installation, operation and maintenance." "We try to be out on the edge looking at vulnerabilities," Harris said. "If you are using our managed video recorders, we can push a patch out to the devices fairly quickly." He provided an example of a recent deployment of video systems at a national grocery store chain – more than 300 locations installed over 90 days. A couple of weeks into the deployment, a Windows vulnerability was discovered related to the NVR. Because ADT had a remediation plan in place, they were agile enough to solve the vulnerability problem and continue to deploy on schedule. Leveraging Protection 1's historically successful approach to customerservice has benefited both customers and employees Bringing back national commercial accounts to ADT (which gave up the business in a non-compete provision when the company separated from Tyco) is just one of the benefits of combining Protection 1 and ADT, which will use the more familiar ADT brand going forward. New national account business has also been added by recent acquisitions. Cloud service platforms for video Since the merger with Protection 1, ADT has been working to up its game by improving customer service, drastically lowering customer wait times, and replacing automated audio recordings with live people. Leveraging Protection 1's historically successful approach to customer service has benefited both customers and employees, who don't have to deal with as many angry and frustrated customers. Therefore, employee turnover is going down. "We are proud of the results we are seeing," said Bob Tucker, ADT Director, Corporate Affairs. Cloud services are another hot topic at ASIS 2017, and Avigilon is the latest company to introduce a cloud service platform for video. Avigilon Blue is a subscription-based cloud service that enables integrators to manage more sites with fewer resources, and to add recurring monthly revenue (RMR) based on site subscriptions. A twist is use of "self-monitoring”, in effect, self-learning video analytics, to provide alarm notifications to bring attention to events as triggered by analytics. The customer can also view live and/or archived video through a browser. The system is powered by Microsoft Azure.

With global events putting security at the forefront of everyone’s minds, IFSEC International 2017 was a chance for the industry to come out in force. Over 600 exhibitors and numerous seminars kept visitors informed on the latest innovations in security products, solutions and best practice. Despite the challenging heatwave, exhibitors were raring to go for the three mercifully air-conditioned days of the exhibition. SourceSecurity.com took to the show floor to check out what exhibitors were talking about. [Pictured: Nedap Security Management welcomes new Managing Director Fokko van der Zee] Increasing ROI in vertical markets Sustainable partnerships overtake integrations Power in the hands of the customer Adding value in vertical markets The big question for many exhibitors was how to stand out on a show floor (and in a market) dominated by larger commoditised brands. Manufacturers rose to the challenge by deliberately positioning themselves as solutions providers within specific vertical markets, rather than trying to compete on low cost products. For Vivotek, the Taiwanese IP surveillance specialists, the emphasis was on adding value in particular markets such as transport and retail. Alongside a lineup of 180° and 360° solutions, the manufacturer debuted its 12-megapixel fisheye camera, FE9391-EV, whose 360° lens technology makes it ideal for crowd detection and loitering-time analysis in the retail sector, in addition to traditional security applications. Vivotek’s vertical market focus was further reinforced by demonstrations of its integrations with SeeTec and Wavestore. This collaboration forms part of the company’s Solution Integration Alliance programme, which aims to create better end-user solutions through integration of Vivotek products with partner technologies. Collaborating on technology and customer support This was a theme which resonated across the show floor. The Promise Technology stand firmly emphasised collaboration, with presentations from the storage provider’s IP camera partners including IronYun and Axis Communications. Particular importance was given to education and training for partners and end users to get the most out of integrated solutions. The emphasis for Promise Technology was on education and training for partners and end users Similarly, for Nedap Security Management, the increasing demand for connected systems means that open platform solutions are essential to excel within the security industry. As well as welcoming new Managing Director Fokko van der Zee, Nedap used its presence at the show to inform visitors about new and ongoing partnerships with key players in the industry. These partnerships include ASSA ABLOY, Touchless Biometric Systems and Milestone Systems. According to Jeroen Harmsen, Nedap’s Director of Product Management, the ability to provide collaborative solutions is becoming a key differentiator in the security sector and beyond. While many companies pursue product integrations, what makes sustainable partnerships stand out is ongoing cooperation on issues such as customer support. This, according to Harmsen, is why the deep integration of Milestone’s XProtect VMS and Nedap’s AEOS access control system has been so successful. Making customers’ lives easier This insistence on customer service as a differentiating factor also extended to video surveillance manufacturers. However, not all exhibitors were aiming to achieve this through increased integration. Cisco Meraki, whose cloud-managed video system is relatively new to the security market, deliberately steers clear of the market trend for integration in favour of the ‘Apple’ approach, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution on one easy-to-use platform. The architecture is intended to make customers’ lives easier by removing the NVR from the equation - video is stored on the edge and managed via the cloud, eliminating the ongoing costs and maintenance associated with traditional hardware solutions. Eagle Eye Networks president Ken Francis was also hoping to highlight the benefits of customer-friendly cloud surveillance at the show. The acquisition of Panasonic's Cameramanager has allowed Eagle Eye Networks to cater to smaller businesses with cameras connected directly to the internet. The company’s cloud storage solution also includes Remote Power Cycling via an integrated PoE switch, allowing users to remotely repower cameras themselves with no training or expertise. Crucial to Eagle Eye Networks' customer-friendly outlook is the possession of its own local data centres worldwide, reducing cloud storage costs and allowing customers to choose where their video is stored. Making your security products stand out on a crowded show floor is no easy task, but IFSEC 2017 saw plenty of innovation from video surveillance, access control and intrusion providers alike. As competition increases, added value solutions, collaboration and ease-of-use are sure to help manufacturers make a splash at future shows!  

End users are looking to expand access control beyond its traditional role securing perimeter doors. Innovations such as wireless locks, wi-fi, power-over Ethernet (PoE) and panel-less IP architectures are yielding more flexible solutions for a larger range of locking needs both inside and at the perimeter of an enterprise. Donna Chapman, an ASSA ABLOY Integrated Solutions Specialist, notes that new technologies are increasing how many openings are secured in a building from the current 5 to 15 percent to as many as 25 to 40 percent of openings. Access control for data centres Openings don’t just mean doors – it could mean a lock for a prescription drug cabinet in a hospital or physical access to a server in a data centre. I caught up with ASSA ABLOY at AMAG’s Security Engineering Symposium (SES) 2016. AMAG and ASSA ABLOY are technology partners – AMAG’s Symmetry access control system is integrated with ASSA ABLOY’S IP-enabled locks. Our discussion covered changing locking trends – and new opportunities for consultants, integrators and end users. “It used to be enough to secure the perimeter of a data centre, for example” says Jim Crowley, ASSA ABLOY’s Electronic Access Control (EAC) OEM Business Development Manager. “But now customers want to be able to secure the actual rack the server blades are in. In a co-located data centre, you have data from various companies stored together at one facility, and you want to control who’s getting physical access to the data.” Regulations are driving some needs for new locking solutions. In the data centre scenario, protection of medical information required by HIPAA [the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996] is driving the need to secure various openings – there are hefty fines for any violations of HIPAA rules. "It used to be enough to secure the perimeter of a data centre, but in a co-located data centre, you have data from various companies stored together at one facility, and you want to control who’s getting physical access to the data" “If you look at the regulatory environment we’re in today, NERC (for the electric utility market) and HIPAA and those types of regulations are requiring that openings have auditability,” says Crowley. “You need to know which people have access to openings both proactively and on a forensic basis. That’s driving access control further into the enterprise and onto openings that you historically didn’t see.” [NERC is the North American Electric Reliability Corp.] Wired vs wireless locks “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” adds Chapman. “You want to be able to offer a locking solution based on needs and budget, and you have a lot of options.” While every lock cannot be wired, it’s also true that many applications don’t lend themselves to wireless solutions. A strategic mixture is the best approach. “We are not trying to displace all hard-wired doors with wireless,” says Crowley. “There will always be a need for wired and wireless – they’re complementary, and not mutually exclusive.” He also notes that wireless locks use AES 128-bit encryption to ensure security. “We are always looking to improve the security of that wireless transmission, but some people have it in their head that wireless is not secure, which isn’t the case.” However, because concerns persist, ASSA ABLOY just came out with Wiegand wired versions of its cabinet locks and server cabinet locks. Some data centres just don’t want wireless locks in their facility. Adopting cloud security solutions Another development is cloud applications for the light commercial market, which offer an attractive price point that combines security and convenience. “When folks talk to me about being concerned about security in the cloud, I ask them: How do you do your banking? If you’re using your bank’s Web-based services, your entire financial life is in the cloud.” When developing its variety of locking solutions, ASSA ABLOY is always listening to the voice of the customer, says Chapman. “We want our solutions to be innovative and customer-centric, with everyone having a good user experience – including our OEM partners, channel partners, integrators and end users.” The company has teams of people who constantly call on integrators, security consultants and architects, as well as owners and users. “We are constantly evolving, and we want to take whatever necessary steps to make doing business with ASSA ABLOY easier.”

Having one of the world’s top predators take up residence in the middle of your town may not seem like a welcome surprise. But, when that predator is the world’s fastest bird and provides the chance to capture its behaviour at its nest site, courtesy of a top 4K camera from Hikvision, it proved to be too good an opportunity for the people of Taunton and UK peregrine experts to miss. The Peregrine Falcon is a large, powerful, and breathtakingly fast bird – the fastest animal on the planet. In normal flight it cruises at 40 mph and can reach 65 mph in a chase. But, on the hunt, it can dive towards its prey at more than 200 mph. The peregrine has little to fear except man, being driven close to extinction in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain Taunton Peregrine Project A top predator, the peregrine has little to fear except man, being driven close to extinction in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain. With the benefit of stronger legislation and listed species protection, these birds have recovered in their natural strongholds and have now expanded into many urban areas. Just like the urban fox, the peregrine has found our built environment a perfect place to call home, lifelong pairs nesting in their eyries on tall structures and high-rise buildings and feeding predominantly on feral pigeons. St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton, Somerset, found itself with a pair of peregrine falcons at the top of its 163-foot church tower earlier this year and quickly turned to naturalist and ecologist, Michael Leigh-Mallory, to lead the Taunton Peregrine Project. Monitor Birds behaviour Working with Coomber Security Systems, a total of five Hikvision cameras were installed to monitor the bird’s behaviour, with all the video feeds wirelessly transmitted to a Hikvision NVR and 4K monitor within the church. Located in the heart of Somerset’s county town, St Mary Magdalene can trace its history to the early eighth century when Christianity was established in Taunton. Since the 12th century, the church has been built mainly of sandstone and this ancient structure provided the first challenge for the installation team as no drilling or permanent fixing to the listed building’s structure is now allowed. The second challenge to the team: placing all five cameras at a height of more than 160 feet within the confines of the church tower Highest point possible Naturally, the birds chose the highest point possible to establish their perch, providing the second challenge to the team: placing all five cameras at a height of more than 160 feet within the confines of the church tower and in positions that would allow the Peregrine Project to observe the widest possible range of behaviours, including in-flight as they arrived and departed the site. Finally, the ornithologists were determined that the monitoring activities should not disturb the birds. This meant locating the NVR and 4K monitor at ground level at the opposite end of the church. Comprehensive coverage Coomber Security Systems took on the task of designing and installing the bespoke surveillance system, using Hikvision PoE Switches to provide power and data handling for all five IR-equipped cameras that were sited on the tower. The three 4K Vari-focal bullet cameras were mounted on wooden poles and then strapped to the tower to overcome the prohibition on making any permanent change to the church structure. Between the three feeds, the project team can see the birds in the air arriving at and departing from the tower, together with comprehensive coverage of the nest box that they installed in the hope that the birds would be encouraged to breed in the future. A Ubiquiti AC Nano wireless bridge was used to create a secure connection between the top of the tower and the far end of the church Impacting natural behaviour The Project’s observation team also capture video and sound from a 4MP Mini Dome IP camera mounted within the nest box and a small 2MP PTZ camera mounted at the top of the tower to capture all round views, and to ensure the birds are not disturbed, a Ubiquiti AC Nano wireless bridge was used to create a secure connection between the top of the tower and the far end of the church. This means the video and sound from the cameras can be recorded and monitored 24/7 without impacting the natural behaviour of the falcons. Providing valuable information According to Michael Leigh-Mallory, Project Leader of the Taunton Peregrine Project, “With two months of operation under its belt, the new system has been providing 24-hour coverage of the falcon pair, including highly-resolved images of the peregrines flying in to the perch with their prey.” “Despite the difficult and potentially hazardous installation on the ancient building, and the use of an unorthodox mounting system that puts the cameras in very exposed positions, the 4K video from the IP bullet cameras is of amazing quality both day and night. The Hikvision equipment has recorded ground-breaking images of a wide range of behaviours, including nocturnal hunting, and all in incredible definition. These 4K images are most probably a first for peregrine observation in the UK. What’s more, this unique 4K footage has been providing valuable information to external Peregrine experts, like Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and writer of the book Urban Peregrines.” The team plan to raise more money so the views of the birds can be live streamed to the Internet via their web-site Ground-breaking images An Open Day was held at the end of March to allow the local community to see for themselves the result of their donations that fund the entire project. In addition, Somerset Ornithological Society and the BBC Springwatch team have shown great interest in the communities’ efforts and a large following is emerging on social media. Now, the team plan to raise more money so the views of the birds can be live streamed to the Internet via their web-site, which is currently under construction. Michael Leigh-Mallory, Project Leader of the Taunton Peregrine Project, said, “The Hikvision cameras have provided images of incredible definition! We have been able to record ground-breaking images of nocturnal hunting and a wide range of behaviour. The 4K images are probably a first for peregrine observation in the UK and this unique 4K footage has been providing valuable information to Peregrine experts like Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and writer of the book Urban Peregrines.” Results Ground-breaking 4K images of nocturnal hunting and a wide range of behaviour for the first time. 2 months of uninterrupted operation with cameras operating in very exposed positions. Difficult and potentially hazardous installation on ancient building. Very satisfied End User. HIKVISION Equipment DS-2CD2685FWD-IZS - 8 MP WDR Vari-focal Network Bullet Camera 8MP Ultra HD high resolution 1/2.5" Progressive Scan CMOS Triple stream - Max. 3840 × 2160@20fps 2.8-12mm motorized vari-focal lens Up to 50m IR distance H.265+ compression IP67 weatherproof 120dB Wide Dynamic Range 3D Digital Noise Reduction Supports on board storage (up to 128GB)  DS-2CD2542FWD-IS - 4MP WDR Mini Dome Network Camera 4MP high resolution Full HD1080p video Dual stream 2.8mm/4mm/6mm fixed lens 120dB Wide Dynamic Range 3D Digital Noise Reduction 3-axis adjustment Up to 10m IR range H.264+ compression IP67 weather-proof protection DS-2DE4A220IW-DE - 2MP Network IR mini PTZ Camera 1/2.8" Progressive Scan CMOS 1920 x 1080 20X Optical Zoom WDR 3D intelligent positioning function Up to 50m IR range DS-7616NI-K2/16P NVR –Embedded Plug & Play 4K NVR Third-party network cameras supported Up to 8 Megapixels resolution recording Support 1-ch HDMI, 1-ch VGA, HMDI at up to 4K(3840x2160) resolution 8/16-ch network cameras can be connected with 80M/160M incoming bandwidth Up to 2 SATA interfaces Plug & Play with up to 16 independent PoE network interfaces Support dual-OS to ensure high reliability of system running Support various VCA detection alarm and VCA search Support H.265/H.264/MPEG4 video formats 4K Monitor

Further augmenting its global surveillance network, VIVOTEK, the IP surveillance provider, has deployed its video surveillance systems across multiple retail locations of the television, internet, and telephony service provider, SBB in Serbia and Montenegro. The latest deployment has been conducted via VIVOTEK’s Serbian channel partner Netiks, and has equipped SBB with advanced video analytics capabilities and proactive surveillance. About 50 of VIVOTEK’s FD8166A ultra-mini fixed dome network cameras, featuring sophisticated design and built-in IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE technology, are a part of the current deployment and will closely monitor more than 450,000 visitors for various use cases, including security and business intelligence. Ultra-crisp and clear images The network cameras are set up alongside an easy-to-use VAST 2 software Leveraging their CMOS sensors, these network cameras can capture 2-megapixel images with 1920x1080 resolution at 30 FPS (frames per second), and deliver ultra-crisp and clear images even in extremely bright and dark environments through WDR enhancement and 3D Noise Reduction. The all-weather cameras can also aptly function in adverse weather conditions using their defogging capabilities. The network cameras are set up alongside an easy-to-use VAST 2 software, which also is VIVOTEK’s top-of-the-line IP Video Management Software (VMS), to make everything work in perfect unison. But all of this merely serves as the groundwork for the specialised, people-counting solution that delivers valuable bi-directional data comprising critical insights in real-time to SBB. Cost-effective cameras These insights include number of incoming customers, length of stays, peak times, and frequency of customer visits, which will help SBB in deriving significant value through Business Intelligence and a more optimal human resource management. Also, counting and monitoring data is directly computed by VIVOTEK systems, eliminating the need of a dedicated computer for the process. The solution has achieved 98 percent accuracy in counting people, despite the challenging areas that it has to cover Till date, the solution has achieved 98 percent accuracy in counting people, despite the challenging areas that it has to cover. The system stores the data for as long as 90 days and issues push notifications to the designated authority or relevant operators. In order to ensure uninterrupted access to information on security and flow, the cost-effective cameras also support H.264 compression. Traffic monitoring projects This significantly reduces data size and minimises post-deployment costs by minimising network bandwidth requirement and enabling real-time monitoring of all camera systems across the company’s retail scene. VIVOTEK has successfully deployed innumerable global video surveillance solutions including UNESCO-recognized National Library of Latvia, traffic monitoring projects in India, Warplane Heritage Museum in Canada, and one of the world’s seven wonders, the Ancient City of Jordan, now also adding SBB to its globally burgeoning video surveillance network.

LAN airline, one of the most important airline companies in Latin America, is based in Lima, Peru. The airline company operates scheduled domestic and international services, controlling over seventy percent of the domestic market. Its main base and maintenance centre are located in Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, which is a significant transfer hub and aviation infrastructure of South America. The LAN airline deploys its surveillance system with Dahua solutions for its office and airplane maintenance centre, which plays a vital role to keep customers' airplanes flying safely. As what the customer specified, they want the centre covered to ensure a 100% regular management and operation. However, since it is located inside of Jorge Chávez International Airport, it brings along with a hassle as neither too many cables nor wireless antennas are allowed because it may generate electronic jamming. The Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power AP mode wireless video transmission Under this circumstance, Dahua team suggested to use a hybrid solution — a combination of AP (access points) and wire transmission — wirelessly transmit the camera data to inter-connected sub-centres, and then cable-transmit to the control room. The ‘AP mode’ wireless video transmission system includes access points, feeders, PoE, antennas and power cables, allowing a 3.0km to 5.0km long-distance fast transmission with a wide angle, by which, the coverage is further expanded. High-quality images at low power consumption There are in total hundreds of network cameras and Dahua speed domes adopted, ranging from basic line-up to the Eco-Savvy series with versatile shapes such as domes and box cameras according to the actual surveillance surroundings. Take the Eco-Savvy camera series for example, the dome camera is able to provide high-quality image with much lower power consumption — saving up to 50% energy compared with similar products from other bidders. Moreover, the Dahua 6C-series speed dome cameras can not only provide clear and crisp images, but also requires less output power, lowering the power output of the airport. Over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording As for storage, over fifteen 16-channel PoE NVRs are applied, each with 384Mbps incoming bandwidth, rendering a smooth HD real-time preview and recording; and its PoE function simplifies installation and reduces signal interference. The NVR accommodates up to 16TB with 4 SATAs supported, ensuring a large volume 24/7 storage. Products deliver excellent performance “Actually, we have many bidders and the final reason that drives us to cooperate with Dahua is their outstanding product quality and service. We can see their professionalism in video surveillance and plus their sincerity makes us moved during the communication,” said Luis A. Gómez Cornejo, Supervisor of Electronic Security at LAN Perú. “The implementation went great, they deployed the system within quite a short time and the products are in very good performance.” “We feel super honoured to be involved in this case,” said William Zhou, Sales Director for Latin Americas at Dahua Technology. “In recent years, we are going vertical rather than providing simple and individual products. And this project deepened our insight and practical experience towards airport projects.”

One of Fortaleza's largest hotels, the Gran Marquise Hotel, which hosts thousands of people each year and holds hundreds of events, has reinvented itself and converted analog technology to IP surveillance. Upon project completion, it is expected that the Gran Marquise will have 250 VIVOTEK network cameras installed, integrated and linked with all other hotel devices under Genetec’s cloud-based video-surveillance-as-a-service (VSaaS) solution, Stratocast. About Gran Marquise The Gran Marquise is a five-star hotel of 18 thousand square meters located on the seafront of Fortaleza (Ceará). With a 23 year history, the hotel has a large infrastructure of 230 apartments ranging in size from 29 to 131 square meters, two presidential suites and 21 floors in total, of which 14 are dedicated to guest rooms 7 are retained for events, recreation and administration. The Gran Marquise realised that its security system needed to be renewed It is one of the most in-demand destinations among national and international authorities, artists and athletes, such as Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, Vladimir Putin, current president of Russia, singer Paul McCartney, rapper Snoop Dogg, as well as the fighters of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In addition, the Gran Marquise was the first hotel in Brazil to achieve the ISO 22000, certificate that ensures adherence to extremely high standards of food quality and safety. Unified security and operations The Gran Marquise realised that its security system needed to be renewed. The hotel had 500 analog cameras and 22 digital video recorders installed – an extensive system, but one which only provided low-quality images and demanded heavy workload when it was necessary to locate and retrieve footage of a recorded event. "We looked at the hotel and realised that we had good internet, excellent rooms, perfect service, but if a customer asked for footage from security cameras, the only thing we could offer were noisy images," said Jussieudo Gomes, Security and Information Technology Division chief of the Hotel Grand Marquise Fortaleza. To solve this dilemma and improve the management and security of the hotel, a plan was formulated to develop a pilot project with VIVOTEK – a global provider of network cameras, PoE switches, and network video recorders, and Genetec, a global provider of IP surveillance software, access control and license plate recognition solutions. Installing VIVOTEK network cameras Divided into four stages, the goal of the project was to enable the total unification of management, security, marketing and commercial operations Divided into four stages, the goal of the project was to enable the total unification of management, security, marketing and commercial operations. In the first phase, 250 analogue cameras were replaced by a mere 48 VIVOTEK network cameras. Also installed was the Genetec Stratocast software, a cloud-based video recorder tool that eliminates the need for any local server, making it possible to monitor and share images with fully encrypted data. Two models of network cameras were installed throughout the hotel: one is the IB8369A, a 2-megapixel camera capable of capturing high quality video, with IR illuminators effective up to 30 meters for superior image quality throughout the day and night. The camera also features Smart Stream II technology, which optimises image quality for the most important regions in any scene; in doing so it can reduce network bandwidth consumption and storage requirements by up to 50%. The other camera installed was the small-scale, but big-featured FD8166, an ultra-mini fixed dome network camera with a tiny diameter of only 90mm. Genetec Security Center solution "Because of the ‘L’ shaped layout of the hotel, we previously had five analog cameras installed on each floor: two in the corridor, because the distance from one side to the other was too long to be monitored by a single analog camera; one in front of the elevator; another covering the 'L' and one more covering the maid’s service area. "Now, each floor has only three cameras: one camera that serves the 'L' and the elevator; another that serves the corridor and one more observing the service area. At the reception area, the same thing happens, we put a different camera on the ceiling, and with just that solution we managed to cover the lobby, the bar, a part of the reception and the stairs of the restaurant, "explained Gomes. The Genetec Security Center solution was implemented for the internal parts of the hotel In the second phase, the Genetec Security Center solution was implemented for the internal parts of the hotel. With this platform, Gran Marquise can unify operations by combining all IP surveillance systems into one interface. Now all access control and video surveillance are connected to, and accessible through, the cloud. Unified access control and fire security The third and fourth stages are still in progress. The goal is to install 250 network cameras in total and unify the security system with access controls and the fire alarm system. In addition, the KiwiVision analytical software was also installed, a system which counts people automatically through cameras and 3D sensors and detects objects added or removed from a scene. This way it is possible to automatically detect if a dangerous object has left behind or if something has been stolen from a particular area. "The new security system has come to improve the image quality of surveillance, the layout of the hotel and the promptness of response to the customer. In the past, if we needed an image we had to expend great effort in searching whole files and spend hours watching videos to be able to select and retrieve the relevant event - not to mention the impact power failures, and malfunctions issues in power supplies, recorders and hard disk drives. ", said Gomes.            Video security integration The new IP surveillance infrastructure has already proven effective during a wedding held at the hotel The new IP surveillance infrastructure has already proven effective during a wedding held at the hotel. The bride had been in the spa area enjoying the luxurious Day of the Bride service. However, when she went to dress up for the ceremony, she did not find the jewelry she had prepared for the wedding. Security staffs were triggered to investigate the occurrence. “Through descriptions of the bag that carried the jewelry and the time when the bride last saw it, we were able to locate the footage though the synergy of VIVOTEK’s camera and the Genetec system, and then proceed to point of precise relevance in the video. We noticed that the bride carried the purse into the car, but on exiting the car she was no longer carrying it. When we showed her the pictures, she went to the car and the purse was there. If it wasn’t for the new IP surveillance solution, we would not have been able to ascertain what had happened, the bride would remember and find the jewelry only after the ceremony, and her day would have been ruined. This entire investigation process, finding the images and resolve the case, took only 15 minutes, but saved a very important day" said the security chief. Genetec public-private partnership The Hotel Gran Marquise’s new security system is part of Genetec's private-public sharing initiative The Hotel Gran Marquise’s new security system is part of Genetec's private-public sharing initiative, which enables the sharing of certain cloud-recorded images with police forces. The Military Police, the Ceará State Government and the ABIH (Brazilian Hotels Industry Association in Ceará) are partners in this project along with the hotel. The purpose of this private-public partnership is that, with the monitoring carried out by private companies, the public sector can achieve a more effective action, speedily curbing the action of criminals in monitored places. The private-public partnership is founded on the belief that such sharing of private company surveillance with the public sector will enable a more expedient and effective curbing of criminal activity in such monitored areas. In this way, it is possible to expand monitored areas and reduce crime without direct public sector investment. Recorded images are transmitted in real time to the police, and a two-way relationship benefits both sectors. "The goal of projects with public-private partnerships is prevention. It is possible to increase public safety with little investment from the private sector," explained Country Manager of Genetec Brazil, Denis André Côté. With such initiatives, we are beginning to see the benefits of advances in total surveillance systems expand beyond those companies who take the initiative to invest in them and begin to serve the broader public.

Safety is at the forefront of hospitals across the nation. According to a landmark report To Err is Human (2000) by The Institute of Medicine (IOM), between 44,000 and 98,000 patients die a year in the U.S. due to preventable medical errors including wrongful administration of medication. Beyond the cost of human life, these errors cost the healthcare industry as much as $29 million per year. This figure takes into account the expenses associated with additional care, loss of income and disability so as to reduce medication administration errors, hospitals are modifying their current medical dispensing systems in operation to prevent and eliminate these errors. Based in Portsmouth, Ohio, Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) is one such hospital that is addressing this concern. A 222-bed hospital that provides emergency and surgical care, as well as a wide range of other health-care services, SOMC employs 2,200 full and part-time doctors and volunteers. SOMC has a medical staff of more than 140 board-certified or board-eligible physicians and specialists and is supported by more than 800 volunteers. WALLaroo 2000 wall station The WALLaroo 2000 wall station featured a cabinet mounted outside each patient’s room to temporarily stock the non-narcotic medications prior to dispensing One of the “Best Practices” outlined in the IOM report calls for the healthcare industry to utilise technology, such as bed side bar coding, to improve patient identification. To meet these standards, SOMC quickly modernised their process from relying heavily on a two-cart dispensing system that included laptops on wheels (LOW’s) and pharmacy carts, to a system that was more efficient and accurate. The new solution, the WALLaroo 2000 wall station, featured a cabinet mounted outside each patient’s room to temporarily stock the non-narcotic medications prior to dispensing. SOMC’s IT department was tasked with finding a way to integrate the wall stations with a state-of-the-art access control system that was equipped with an access-controlled lock and reader. By implementing this solution, SOMC has been able to strictly adhere to their patient’s rights as they pertain to medication dispensing, which includes: the right patient, the right medication, the right dose, the right time and the right route of administration. Centrally networked access control system “When we started our quest for an access-control solution, we looked for two things,” said Dennis Ward, information services and applications manager for SOMC. “First SOMC needed a solution that would be centrally networked with the current eMAR system, as well as have a main power source. Additionally, we needed to replace the magnetic strip on employee badges with a more effective technology.” Ward consulted with several companies within the security industry, including Accu-Tech, SecuriCo, Microman and HID Global, before finding the optimal solution- SecuriCo’s Securus Web software solution. The solution operates with a HID EdgeReader coupled with iCLASS 2K (37-bit) smart cards and Rutherford Controls 3513 Lock. SecurusWeb software solution SOMC project requirements indicated that both a Web-based software solution and an IP PoE Access Control solution were required" “SOMC project requirements indicated that both a Web-based software solution and an IP PoE Access Control solution were required,” said Jim Andrews, president of SecuriCo, Inc. “After Dennis and I reviewed the project requirements and discussed the design options with AccuTech and Microman, everyone agreed that the SecurusWeb software solution with a pre-configured HID EdgeReader and iCLASS 2K (37-bit) smart cards were the perfect fit for the hospital’s unique access control needs.” According to Ward, “As I conducted product research in the security information space, I noted that most available solutions were based on HID technology. This was important since the hospital was growing, and our security needs would grow, too. HID Global has a great industry reputation so it was a natural and easy decision to select the company’s solutions and OEM partner, SecuriCo, Inc.” Installing WALLaroo wall stations and HID EdgeReader Since Ward had never implemented a project like this before, he obtained samples of one of the WALLaroo wall stations, a HID EdgeReader and evaluation software from SecuriCo. Using the samples, he created a prototype that would fit all his access control needs and serve SOMC in the best possible way. Installed by Microman, these pre-programmed wall units have the SOMC specifications that Ward devised. While physical access control is delivered through the HID EdgeReader and iCLASS cards, the control of the hardware is provided through SecuriCo’s Securus Web software. The software controls which individuals are granted access to each station based upon a preset access level, which includes the day and time access is allowed. In addition, the application also records how access is added and removed. This innovative solution also enables pharmacy technicians to deliver barcoded, 24-hour scheduled, non-narcotic medications to the secured wall mounted stations. Using their authorised HID iCLASS cards, the nursing staff is then able to access and administer the medication. SecurusWeb and HID Global’s Edge IP access solutions SecurusWeb and HID Global’s Edge IP access solutions can make it easier to meet the unique and demanding needs of healthcare applications, as experienced by SOMC Thinking outside the box and using innovative products like SecurusWeb and HID Global’s Edge IP access solutions can make it easier to meet the unique and demanding needs of healthcare applications, as experienced by SOMC. Accuracy for patient medication dispensing has improved significantly thanks to the new solution. Workflow is also more efficient because the amount of time it previously took nurses to go to the medication room and retrieve new medications has been significantly reduced. Additionally, medication is secure and located where the staff expects it to be, while eliminating the need for medication carts, making the hospital hallways accessible and less cluttered. With the original installation of 73 of HID’s EdgeReaders being such a great success, SOMC ordered and installed an additional102 EdgeReaders in the hospital’s new North Tower, including 12 on the first floor Heart Care Unit (HCU), 30 on the second floor in the Surgical-Vascular Care Unit (SVCU), 30 on the third floor in the Medical-Surgical Care Unit (MSCU), and 30 more that are located on the fourth floor in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU).

ProdataKey (PDK), an innovator of cloud-based networked and wireless access control products and services, and Dwelo LLC, a provider of smart-home solutions purpose-built for apartment owners, managers and residents, has announced a partnership that is seamlessly integrating PDK’s cloud access control technology into the Dwelo smart apartment platform. Dwelo’s web and mobile software, which currently offers apartment dwellers the ability to control smart devices such as light switches, thermostats and door deadbolts for their individual units, has added features to manage access to common areas of their building or community, such as entry gates, clubhouse, gym and laundry facilities.  These spaces can now be secured by PDK’s cloud access control solution, pdk.io, providing apartment property managers and owners with valuable operational efficiencies. The administrative software interface, not visible to residents, enables management to easily establish and enforce authorised hours of use for common facilities. An audit trail reports all traffic into the property, including any one-time credentials issued by residents, which can be used to assist in investigations in cases of theft or vandalism. When residents move out, their access to unit, common, and perimeter access is immediately deactivated, eliminating the risks that accompany traditional keys that would otherwise remain in circulation. The system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue  Scalable and affordable security solutions Beyond operational efficiencies, residents can unlock perimeter and common doors or gates using the same mobile app they use to control their apartments. In addition, they have the ability to use their phones or computers to generate temporary, one-time credentials that allow visitors, delivery and service people to gain access as needed. These features add to the conveniences afforded to residents living in Dwelo-enabled smart apartments.  Both Dwelo and PDK have built successful businesses by leveraging the power of cloud technology to create scalable, affordable solutions that offer unprecedented ease of installation for contractors and simple usability for customers. With their combined areas of expertise in home automation and security, together they see an opportunity to serve a large and generally neglected market sector – apartment renters who desire the same smart home technological conveniences as today’s home owners and seek out communities that offer those smart home solutions. The Dwelo/PDK solution is available for both new construction and retrofits. After an initial per-unit installation charge, the system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue.  Enhanced apartment living “Dwelo is thrilled to be partnering with such an innovative company as PDK. PDK is a technology leader in the electronic access control space, and Dwelo and its customers are already benefitting from their forward-thinking approach to access." Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector" "The consolidation of smart home control and perimeter and common area access control, in one platform, is a powerful marriage for multifamily property owners. We look forward, with PDK, to crafting more solutions that address the specific needs of these customers,” says Mike Rovito, CEO of Dwelo, LLC. “PDKs solution has been embraced by customers in the commercial sector for its simple ease of use and platform flexibility. Our wireless and PoE options allow for cost-effective takeover of legacy equipment, while supporting new construction projects with all the benefits derived from leveraging the network." "Our mantra, simplicity without compromise, dovetails perfectly with Dwelo’s corporate mission to enhance apartment living through easily accessible IoT technology. Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector,” says Evan Tree, CEO of ProdataKey.