Retail surveillance

Audio over IP pioneer Barix announced that the company has promoted Reto Brader to CEO, following a highly successful tenure as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The change in company leadership correlates with the availability of new products that Barix introduced in 2018, including its award-winning RetailPlayer platform for background music distribution. Barix appoints Reto as new CEO The remaining Barix management team, which has worked together effectively for the past several years, will continue in their established roles with full support from Brader. This includes company founder Johannes Rietschel as CTO, Joan Parrilla as VP Engineering, and Mario Almeida as VP Production. Rietschel founded Barix in 2001 upon anticipating the need to move audio and control signals over IP networks. The company has since shipped more than 450,000 Barix and private-labeled OEM hardware devices worldwide and has more recently evolved into SaaS and managed services for business music and advertising distribution for retail, hospitality and other location-based businesses. Enhancing IoT solutions portfolio Barix has invested heavily in the development of its next generation products that follow the latest IoT architecture Barix has invested heavily in the development of its next generation products that follow the latest IoT architecture, and that support the highest internet security standards.  With Rietschel behind product development and Brader driving marketing strategy, 2018 also saw the introduction of the IPAM 400, a quad-core Linux-based IP audio module for OEMs and developers; Instreamer ICE, Barix’s first AAC+ encoder with an integrated Icecast server; and AudioPoint 3.0, Barix’s low-latency audio-to-mobile streaming platform. Effective immediately, the Barix board has appointed Brader as CEO to seize the market opportunities afforded through these innovations. Before joining Barix as VP Sales and Marketing, Brader held key business and technical roles at Hewlett Packard and Alcatel. He has a degree in Electronical Engineering and an MBA. Audio and control over IP applications “Reto knows the market and has demonstrated his strength in building and managing the distribution channel and key customer relationships,” said Rietschel. “His many years at the frontline in the worldwide AV and broadcast markets are key assets to Barix.” In recent years, Barix has built up an agile organisation that can support both small businesses and enterprise-level customers for a wide area of audio and control over IP applications. Recent company milestones include ISO 9001 certification for quality management systems, and the introduction of double-sourcing with a new manufacturing partner in Europe. The latter adds redundancy to the company’s global supply chain. “It is now important that the entire company is focused on leveraging first market success of our new products to build on recent successes, and continue to drive global business growth,” says Brader. IP audio and control solutions Barix headquarters in Zurich remains the hub for further product development, marketing and support for its product line Barix headquarters in Zurich remains the hub for further product development, marketing and support for its product line. “A key area of our business is to help customers integrate our modules and solutions into their system,” says Rietschel. “This is very support-intensive, and we are proud to be recognised for excellence in that area,” says Rietschel. While Barix will continue to focus on its core markets, Rietschel and Brader’s leadership positions will play a central role in moving Barix forward into new areas of opportunity for IP audio and control solutions. Departing CEO Ivo Killer will leave Barix following a three-year tenure that laid the business foundation for Barix’s recent success. “We thank Ivo for his years of excellent service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Rietschel. “I’m excited about what we have achieved in the last three years, and I look forward to working closely with the new executive team in order to bring all our new and exciting innovations to market, as well as to better serve our global systems integration, end user and OEM customer base.”

Despite having a global presence with regional and local support offices in the Americas, Asia, Middle East and across Europe, Hanwha Techwin is very much defined by its Korean heritage. As a global manufacturer of professional video surveillance solutions whose headquarters are in Korea, Hanwha Techwin is proud of the contribution it is making to its country’s reputation for designing, developing and producing quality, innovative products which make a real difference to people’s lives. Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., Managing Director of Hanwha Techwin Europe, believes the company’s Korean heritage and its core values of Challenge, Loyalty and Integrity, which are at the heart of its ‘WE MOVE with trust’ central marketing theme, have equipped the company to stand out from the crowd. In this interview, we asked Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., to provide an update on the steps the company is taking to ensure it continues to succeed in a highly competitive market, but first we asked Bob if the ‘WE MOVE with trust’ campaign has helped sales. Q 1: Is 2018 proving to be a good year for Hanwha Techwin? Bob: Yes, I am pleased to report we are enjoying what looks to be another record-breaking year. The quantity of products shipped each month has never been higher and it is possible our success will exceed that achieved in 2017 when we saw a 40% growth in the number of products sold. Q 2: Do you think the ‘WE MOVE with trust’ campaign has contributed to this success? Bob: There is no doubt that our efforts to build trust with all parties involved in the supply chain is understood and appreciated by our customers. We continue to ensure our products are designed to combat the activities of hackers and that customers’ confidential data is kept safe" Q 3: Can you give some examples of what this means in practical terms? Bob: We continue to ensure our products are designed to combat the activities of hackers and that customers’ confidential data is kept safe. This is just as important to the many thousands of small businesses that entrust our video surveillance solutions to protect their assets, people and property, as it is for our high security and mission critical end-user clients which include local authorities, government, military and emergency services. Cyber Security Cyber security has been at the top of our list of priorities for some time. We believe our cameras and recorders incorporate all reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised access to images and data. We do not have a ‘back-door’ and we have introduced sensible password protocols. We consider it essential that a secure password is set up during the initial installation process, which is why we prohibit the consecutive use of the same letter or number and we encourage the use of special characters as well as a combination of letters and numbers. It is important not to be complacent and we are constantly monitoring and testing the latest methods of hacking using third party security agencies. When necessary, we release new firmware to counter the latest threats. Our 'WE MOVE with trust’ message also embraces our relationship with distribution and solution partners, our quality & service and extended 5-year Warranty support which we offer to our STEP partners as part of a package of benefits to reward their loyalty and give them a competitive edge. Wisenet Biometrics and A.I Tech video analytics A.I Tech’s video analytics technology was the winner of the Business Intelligence category in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018 In particular, we appreciate our customers do not measure products and solutions just by their features and this is why Hanwha Techwin believes in taking responsibility for the solutions developed with our technology partners. The good news is that our strategy of working in close partnership with specialist application developers in order to deliver new, innovative solutions which make good use of our high performance Wisenet open platform cameras, has been further justified by an award recently won by our technology partner, A.I.Tech. A.I Tech’s video analytics technology, which is utilised by our Wisenet Biometrics and Retail solutions, was selected as the winner of the Business Intelligence category in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018. The awards, which are run by Benchmark Magazine, the UK’s monthly publication which is widely regarded as the “Which” magazine for the electronic security industry, are designed to recognise and reward innovative thinking and the delivery of benefits through advanced security solutions. Q 4: Can we expect to see new technology partnership announcements in the near future? Bob: To answer your question, I should first point out that we now have a formidable range of cameras which collectively provide effective solutions for virtually any video surveillance project. The range starts with Wisenet HD+ analogue cameras which deliver Full HD images in 1080p without the need to upgrade cabling infrastructure. These are followed by (include ‘Wisenet L’ in translated versions) Q entry level Full HD network cameras. Next comes Wisenet X cameras which are supercharged by the most powerful chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range, available in 2MP or 5MP. Finally, our premium, top-of-the-range Wisenet P cameras deliver superb quality 4K (12MP) images. Wisenet Smart solutions The massive processing power of the chipsets built into open platform Wisenet cameras enable customers to achieve much more from video security systems  The massive processing power of the chipsets built into our open platform Wisenet cameras means we are able to help customers achieve so much more from video surveillance systems than just capturing superb quality images. By this I mean we can provide the cameras with pre-loaded specialist analytics applications which deliver real-world practical benefits. We intend to sustain our efforts to seek out opportunities to introduce new, innovative solutions to complement existing Wisenet solutions developed jointly with our technology partners. These include: Wisenet Intruder Detection Solution - a single device intruder detection solution which provides maximum detection, whilst significantly reducing the impact of time consuming and costly false alarms. Wisenet Intelligent Traffic Management Solution - comprehensive suite of ANPR-based intelligent traffic management solutions. Wisenet Automatic Incident Detection (AID) Solution - an easy to deploy and highly accurate city-wide incident detection solution which is designed to be affordable for budget conscious local authorities. Wisenet Retail Intelligence Solutions - includes Heatmap and People Counting cameras to enable retailers to monitor continuously updated live reports and view comparative hourly and weekly reports on footfall, store hotspots and dwell times, as well as how long customers have to queue. Wisenet Transport Solution - vibration-proof Wisenet cameras and small footprint NVRs which are designed to provide a robust solution for monitoring activity on buses, trains, trucks and other forms of transport. Q 5: Have you taken any action to help customers comply with GDPR? At Hanwha Techwin, we believe it is important for end-users and system integrators to work closely together to negate the risk of data misuse" Bob: At Hanwha Techwin, we believe it is important for end-users, system integrators and manufacturers to work closely together to negate the risk of data misuse. In this respect, we have placed maximum importance on providing privacy-friendly products which assist end-users to comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR compliance and white paper Although not wishing to be alarmist, a serious violation of GDPR could be subject to a fine of up to 4% of a company’s annual revenue or EUR 20 million, whichever is higher. In addition, non-compliance with GDPR violation could result in a class action or civil law suits against individuals. With this in mind, Hanwha Techwin has published a White Paper which sets out the impact on video surveillance systems of the new GDPR which came into force in May 2018. The White Paper addresses in detail the responsibilities of those who are in control of video surveillance systems. It also explains what steps Hanwha Techwin has taken to ensure the features and functions of its Wisenet cameras, recording devices and video management software (VMS), are able to assist operators in complying with GDPR. Alternatively, an Executive Summary is available which highlights the key aspects of the White Paper. Q 6: How would you summarise Hanwha Techwin’s aspirations for the future? Bob: We intend to drive forward our plans to further enhance the value of our Wisenet brand by capitalising on the expertise of our talented design and development engineering teams and the ingenuity of our technology partners. We will be able to do this as a result of the encouragement we receive from our parent company in Korea who have supported our decision to continue to recruit sales and technical colleagues of the highest calibre to ensure our Wisenet brand is backed by unbeatable pre and post-sales support. Most importantly, we are determined to build on our reputation for operating with integrity and for striving to excel in everything we do.

March Networks, a global provider of advanced video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions, is pleased to announce its complete lineup for Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2018. In addition to the company’s industry-leading solutions for financial, retail and transportation organisations, March Networks will showcase its newly launched Software as a Service (SaaS) offering for quick service restaurant (QSR) and convenience store (c-store) franchisees, as well as its seed-to-sale tracking and compliance solution for the cannabis market. It will also demonstrate its mobile RideSafe MT Series video recording platform for enhanced security and risk mitigation in college and healthcare transit applications. All March Networks products and services deliver the exceptional reliability, scalability and enterprise-class video management customers have come to expect from the brand. They reflect March Networks’ long-standing commitment to developing intelligent video solutions that help solve everyday business challenges in customer service, corporate compliance and operations, in addition to security and loss/fraud prevention. March Networks Searchlight for Retail as a Service GSX will be the first opportunity for show attendees to see March Networks Searchlight for Retail as a Service GSX will be the first opportunity for show attendees to see March Networks Searchlight for Retail as a Service. The secure, hosted service delivers all the benefits of March Networks’ powerful Searchlight for Retail solution – including loss prevention, data analytics and operational audits reporting – for an average cost of just $4 a day. The service is easy to deploy and eliminates the need for franchise owners to purchase and maintain servers within their own IT infrastructure. It includes all software licensing, and the administration of camera and recorder processing, health management, user management and software upgrades, performed by March Networks Network Operations Center staff working in cooperation with certified systems integrators. Seed-to-Sale security and tracking March Networks will also demonstrate its industry-leading solution for the cannabis industry at GSX. The solution provides enhanced seed-to-sale security, tracking and compliance at every stage in the process – from the cultivation facility, in transit and through to the dispensary. It includes purpose-built video recording and management systems to ensure clear surveillance video is reliably captured and stored as long as required under government legislation. Uniquely, the solution also integrates video with data from fixed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags – which are required by law throughout the cultivation process in some U.S. states – and point-of-sale (POS) systems used in dispensaries. The video and data are correlated in March Networks Searchlight for Retail software, providing operators with advanced search, investigation, loss prevention and reporting capabilities. RideSafe MT Series IP recorders The mobile recorders can be managed seamlessly with March Networks Command Enterprise video management software The newest addition to March Networks’ transit portfolio will also be on display at GSX. The RideSafe MT Series IP Recorders address a common gap for college, healthcare and other campuses operating shuttle or transport services. The compact recording platform is ruggedised to ensure reliable operation in demanding mobile environments and enables automated video downloads over WiFi, 4G and other wireless networks to keep vehicles in service longer. Equally important, the mobile recorders can be managed seamlessly with March Networks Command Enterprise video management software in parallel with the company’s entire fixed video recording portfolio – giving customers a single, end-to-end video solution that simplifies system administration and management significantly. All visitors attending the show in search of proven video surveillance systems and differentiated solutions that deliver relevant video-based business intelligence for their broader organisation, are invited to see March Networks in Booth 3515 at GSX 2018, September 25-27, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Eagle Eye Networks, the global provider of cloud-based video surveillance solutions, announced a partnership with Arlo Technologies, the pioneer in wire-free surveillance cameras, to combine the Arlo FlexPower Camera System with the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS. This new combined offering provides up to 4 wire-free cameras per Arlo FlexPower Base Station; with as many FlexPower Base Stations as desired connected to Eagle Eye Networks’ commercial grade Bridges or Cloud-Managed Video Recorders (CMVRs). Eagle Eye Cloud VMS is a provider of in cost effective, flexible, and cyber-secure, video surveillance. When installing an Eagle Eye Cloud VMS, a certified technician installs wired or wire-free cameras behind Eagle Eye Networks’ secure ‘CamLan’ network, protected by Eagle Eye Networks’ Bridge or CMVR. This best practice for video surveillance system installation insures maximum protection from predator bots attacking available and unprotected devices on the customer’s primary network. Reliable performance in SME environments Eagle Eye Networks’ global support organisation has experienced and assisted in hundreds of cases where certified resellers and customers have suffered through efforts to operate wireless cameras and off-the-shelf access points in commercial applications. “It is for this reason we are so very pleased to be working with the Arlo team,” stated Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks. “Arlo has a considerable pedigree in understanding the commercial wireless environment and designing solutions which perform reliably in the small or medium business environment.” The Arlo Flexpower Camera System easily integrates the cameras into their Eagle Eye Cloud VMSIn many retail surveillance applications, video customers experience ‘blind spots’ resulting from the inability or cost of getting wires in desired locations. The Arlo Flexpower Camera System enables customers to cost effectively locate high quality, battery powered cameras in blind spot areas and easily integrate the cameras into their Eagle Eye Cloud VMS. Most secure cloud video surveillance Global customers using Eagle Eye Cloud VMS enjoy the benefits of fully managed, regionally stored, redundant surveillance video without concern for cyberattacks and ‘lost video’. The Eagle Eye Cloud VMS user experience is rich with features designed specifically with multi-site, centrally managed users in mind. “We are very excited to partner with Eagle Eye Networks and expand the reach of the Arlo Flexpower product line,” stated Tom Babula, Senior Vice President of World Wide Sales at Arlo Technologies. “As the leader in commercial cloud surveillance, Eagle Eye Networks offers the most secure and extendable cloud video in the industry. With our wire-free system, our two brands can deliver an elegant solution that makes things simple for the customer and dealer.”

Oncam, a provider of 360-degree video capture and business intelligence technology, announced it was honoured with two awards for its innovative products: Most Innovative Online Solution from the 2018 North American Fraud Awards alongside its partners at Video Analysis Solutions (VAS) and a 2018 Money-Saving Products Award from BUILDINGS Magazine for its new Evolution 180 Indoor Camera. The recognitions demonstrate the company's continued dedication to innovation and the development of technology to address today's greatest security and business challenges. At the 2018 North American Retail Fraud Awards dinner in May, Oncam and its partner VAS were recognized by Retail Risk for their retail-centric Cloud Searching Dashboard. Oncam and VAS have created a powerful and user-friendly analytics tool that leverages Oncam's high-quality 360-degree video and intuitive VAS analytics to allow store managers and staff to securely log in and view live or recorded images, as well as monitor customer behaviour and provide details on store traffic. The solution offers significant ROI by optimizing store operations, improving customer service and growing sales. The Evolution 180 range uses a 12MP sensor for high-resolution panoramic video Evolution 180 Indoor Camera The Evolution 180 Indoor Camera was recognized in the June 2018 issue of BUILDINGS Magazine for the features it provides building owners and facility managers for life safety and security. The Evolution 180 range uses a 12MP sensor for high-resolution panoramic video. Oncam’s unique Angle Compensation Technology provides adaptive dewarping in the camera, eliminating the need for integration in video management software. The camera is ONVIF Profile S compliant, making it plug-and-play with the leading video management systems on the market today. “Oncam provides innovation in the products we create, but more than that, our close collaboration with other technology leaders allows us to create solutions that enhance the abilities of our video capture tools to provide valuable insight to end users,” said Jumbi Edulbehram, Regional President – Americas, Oncam. “These awards are an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of our team and we're honored to be recognized.” Oncam will showcase its award-winning technology during IFSEC International 2018.

Thefts, fraud and losses from other retail ‘shrink’ decreased to $46.8 billion in 2017 from $48.9 billion the year before as shoplifting and organised retail crime continued to be the leading causes, according to the annual National Retail Security Survey released today by the National Retail Federation and the University of Florida. “Retailers are making progress in combating criminal activity, but there are still many challenges,” NRF Vice President of Loss Prevention Bob Moraca said. “Whether the threat is coming from cybersecurity, organised retail crime or employee theft, the job for retail security teams continues to become more difficult every day, especially when resources and staff are limited.” Shoplifting and organised retail crime were the most frequent causes, accounting for 36 percent of losses Organised retail crime According to the report, shrink averaged 1.33 percent of sales, down from 1.44 percent the year before. A total of 59 percent of retailers surveyed said shrink was flat or decreasing, up from 51 percent. Only 41 percent said shrink was growing, down from 49 percent. Shoplifting and organised retail crime were the most frequent causes, accounting for 36 percent of losses, followed by internal employee theft (33 percent), administrative paperwork errors (19 percent) and vendor fraud or mistake (6 percent). The most substantial losses per incident came from retail robberies, at an average $4,237.02 each (down from $5,309.72 the year before), followed by employee theft at $1,203.16 (down from $1,922.80) and shoplifting/ORC at $559 (down from $798.48). Cybersecurity concerns are top-of-mind for retailers today as criminals continue to become more sophisticated in this area" Combating cybercrime For the first time in the survey, retailers were asked about their role in combating cybercrime. Two-thirds of LP executives said they meet at least quarterly with IT/cybersecurity counterparts to discuss potential threats, and 86 percent said their companies have a cybersecurity incident response plan in place. “Cybersecurity concerns are top-of-mind for retailers today as criminals continue to become more sophisticated in this area,” said Richard Hollinger, a veteran University of Florida criminology professor and the lead author of the report. “This is a growing threat that will require more resources going forward. Retail executives need to invest more in loss prevention to reduce these losses to their bottom line.” The survey of 63 loss prevention and asset protection professionals from a variety of retail sectors was conducted March 14 to April 13. The study is a partnership between Hollinger and NRF and sponsored by Appriss Retail.

It's no secret that one of the next market segments to see exceptional growth in the United States is somewhat non-traditional: cannabis. The global cannabis market is projected to reach $60 billion by 2024, according to Ameri Research, fueled by the increasing legalisation and decriminalisation across much of the United States. It is estimated that 22 million pounds of marijuana are grown each year in the United States, with 80 percent coming from California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii and Washington, according to Mother Jones. Unlike other products, this commodity is valuable from the moment the seeds go in the ground to the exchanging of money for end-user products - and at every point in between. Within large greenhouses, 360-degree cameras that show a wide field of view are essential for cannabis protection From seedlings to selling, securing every point within the supply chain is vital to the assets being distributed, and companies are now realising how lucrative this endeavour can be. Critical to the success of the industry is keeping the merchandise secure and the workers safe. In this article, we explore each part of the supply chain within the cannabis market and address ways of implementing robust security measures.  Plants, fields and greenhouses This is one industry where money actually grows on trees! When cannabis crops are planted either in greenhouses or in fields, security becomes critical, since the plants themselves are worth a significant amount of money. A single truckload can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, so securing the load is crucial to the process Producers don't want plants stolen – especially high-end varieties that garner a bigger profit when harvested and sold – and the size of the plants make theft a greater possibility. Video surveillance becomes vital at this point and can be used in a variety of ways. Within large greenhouses, single cameras that can cover a wide expanse of space, such as cameras that offer 360-degree views, are essential and can provide more coverage with less investment overall than traditional narrow field-of-view cameras. Advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones), are also being used in open fields in an effort to protect these plants.  Comprehensive video surveillance becomes the main tool for thwarting cannabis theft and addressing incidents as they arise Transportation and protection Once the plants are mature enough to be harvested, they must be transported to a production facility where they are either dried or cured based on the needs of the grower, as well as processed and transformed into edible products to be sold at retail locations. There are already a range of companies that specialise in keeping these crop yields safe while they are transported: think Brinks armoured transportation used for cash, but for cannabis. A single truckload can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – if not more – so securing the load is crucial to the process. Losing one of these loads can lead to large-scale losses for a producer. Surveillance equipment that can withstand sanitation standards and power-washing is paramount for effective protection After being transported, cannabis must be processed. In these environments, where strict handling processes are in place, surveillance equipment that can withstand sanitation standards and power-washing is paramount. This requires camera enclosures that are rated for resistance to high-pressure water jets, dust and vandalism/tampering. Since edible processing requires stringent regulations be followed, it becomes more critical for security managers to identify solutions that carry the NSF Mark, making them compliant with standards set forth for commercial food equipment in North America, or the HCV EU, the equivalent in Europe.  Many of these locations handle and store large amounts of cash since customers have to pay with cash Retail protection As the final products come out of processing and go into storefronts to be sold by retailers in States that have recreational or medical facilities, there's another level of security that must be in place to protect these transactions. But careful considerations must be made. Traditional security tags cannot generally be used because of the small size of many of the end products, making it more difficult to track with tracking devices.Traditional security tags cannot generally be used because of the small size of many of the end products In this instance, comprehensive video surveillance becomes the main tool for thwarting theft and addressing incidents as they arise. In these locations, a loss prevention or security officer has to be an integral part of the team. Another consideration is the careful screening of the potential employees.  Since the federal government doesn't recognise cannabis producers and retailers, banks that are federally insured through the FDIC don't accept money from these establishments, meaning that many of these locations handle and store large amounts of cash since customers have to pay with cash. There must be security measures in place for these kinds of transactions, including the ability for video surveillance to be played back instantaneously in the event of an incident at a cash register. The cannabis market comes with a variety of challenges at each and every step of the operation, from growing to transport to production and sales. Video surveillance and business intelligence solutions are ideal for these applications, and as the market grows, more and more security companies will look to cater to the market. 

The term “smart city” gets thrown around a lot nowadays, but as different technologies that strive to be defined in this way are adopted by different countries globally, the meaning of this phrase gets lost in translation. The simplest way to define a “smart city” is that it is an urban area that uses different types of data collecting sensors to manage assets and resources efficiently. One of the most obvious types of “data collecting sensor” is the video camera, whether that camera is part of a city’s existing CCTV infrastructure, a camera in a shopping centre or even a police car’s dash camera. The information gathered by video cameras can be used with two purposes in mind, firstly: making people’s lives more efficient, for example by managing traffic, and secondly (and arguably more importantly): making people’s lives safer. Live streaming video all the time, everywhere In the smart and safe city, traditional record-only video cameras are of limited use. Yes, they can be used to collect video which can be used for evidence after a crime has taken place, but there is no way that this technology could help divert cars away from an accident to avoid traffic building up, or prevent a crime from taking place in the first place. However, streaming live video from a camera that isn’t connected to an infrastructure via costly fibre optic cabling has proven challenging for security professionals, law enforcement and city planners alike. This is because it isn’t viable to transmit video reliably over cellular networks, in contrast to simply receiving it. Video transmission challenges Transmitting video normally results in freezing and buffering issues which can hinder efforts to fight crime and enable flow within a city, as these services require real-time, zero latency video without delays. Therefore, special technology is required that copes with poor and varying bandwidths to allow a real-time view of any scene where cameras are present to support immediate decision making and smart city processes. The information gatheredby video cameras can beused to make people’s lives more efficient, and to make people’s lives safer There are many approaches to transmitting video over cellular. We’ve developed a specialist codec (encoding and decoding algorithm) that can provide secure and reliable video over ultra-low bandwidths and can therefore cope when networks become constrained. Another technique, which is particularly useful if streaming video from police body worn cameras or dash cams that move around, is to create a local wireless “bubble” at the scene, using Wi-Fi or mesh radio systems to provide local high-bandwidth communications that can communicate with a central location via cellular or even satellite communications. Enhanced city surveillance Live video streaming within the smart and safe city’s infrastructure means that video’s capabilities can go beyond simple evidence recording and evolve into a tool that allows operations teams to monitor and remediate against incidents as they are happening. This can be taken one step further with the deployment of facial recognition via live streaming video. Facial recognition technology can be added on to any video surveillance camera that is recording at a high enough quality to identify faces. The technology works by capturing video, streaming the live video back to a control centre and matching faces against any watch lists that the control centre owns. Importantly, the data of people who aren’t on watch lists is not stored by the technology. Identifying known criminals This technology can work to make the city safer in a number of ways. For example, facial recognition could spot a known drug dealer in a city centre where they weren’t supposed to be, or facial recognition could identify if a group of known terror suspects were visiting the same location at the same time, and this would send an alert to the police. Facial recognition technology captures and streams live back to a control centre, matching faces against any watch lists that the control centre owns In an ideal world where the police had an automated, electronic workflow, the police officer nearest to the location of the incident would be identified by GPS and would be told by the control room where to go and what to do. Most police forces aren’t quite at this technological level yet, and would probably rely on communicating via radio in order to send the nearest response team to the scene. As well as this, shopping centres could create a database from analogue records of known shoplifters to identify criminals as soon as they entered the building. This would be even more effective if run co-operatively between all shopping centres and local businesses in an area, and would not only catch any known shoplifters acting suspiciously, but would act as a deterrent from shoplifting in the first place. Live streaming for police As mentioned above, live streaming video from CCTV cameras can help the police fight crime more proactively rather than reactively. This can be enhanced even further if combined with live streaming video from police car dash cams and police body worn cameras. If video was streamed from all of these sources to a central HQ, such as a police operations centre, the force would be able to have full situational awareness throughout an incident. This would mean that, if need be, officers could be advised on the best course of action, and additional police or other emergency services could be deployed instantly if needed. Incorporated with facial recognition, this would also mean that police could instantly identify if they were dealing with known criminals or terrorists. Whilst they would still have to confirm the identity of the person with questioning or by checking their identification, this is still more streamlined than describing what a person looks like over a radio and then ops trying to manually identify if the person is on a watch list. The smart, safe city is possible today – for one, if live video streaming capabilities are deployed they can enable new levels of flow in the city. With the addition of facial recognition, cities will be safer than ever before and law enforcement and security teams will be able to proactively stop crime before it happens by deterring criminal activity from taking place at all.

Nowadays, there is a lot of hype around data and its utility for almost any industry – from security and law enforcement to business operations and retail. While we are inundated with information about data and its significance to business success, technological development and fulfilling the promise of the Internet of Things, we don’t always get practical feedback as to how to obtain this valuable data from the resources available to us. Security teams feel this challenge acutely. As an industry that depends on accurate intelligence and real-time information, data is vital for preventing breaches, reacting to threats, and maintaining public safety. Obstacles in video surveillance monitoring One of the primary resources at the disposal of security teams is video, yet extracting insights from this medium has never been particularly efficient. Monitoring video feeds takes time and – even if security teams have sufficient resources – after twenty minutes of reviewing surveillance footage, 95% percent of incidents are likely to be missed and 98% of recorded video is never even watched (source: Accenture. New developments in video analytics are revolutionising this reality. Video analytics based on Video Synopsis technology makes it possible to review hours of video in minutes and easily extract actionable data from video, enabling immediate and effective response. To fully understand how this works and how to retrieve these insights, we need to break down what actionable data means, how it is extracted from video and how to interpret the data output and results.  Video Synopsis technology Simply put, actionable data is information that can be easily and effectively utilised. Regardless of the business sector or market, actionable video data refers to information about who and what is being viewed, as well as quantitative statistics about these elements, enabling the detection of anomalous behaviour. Using the who and what data, viewers now have statistical data about the video content Video Synopsis technology analyses the video and determines all the objects in the video. It then classifies this data to make it easier for the viewer to understand who is in the video. Objects are evaluated and indexed based on factors such as size and appearance, enabling the technology to filter them into categories, such as person or vehicle. Smart Video Synopsis can deliver rich classification, drilling down to categories such as gender and vehicle type, from buses to bicycles and everything in between. The technology also determines what the objects are doing: where and how fast they are moving, – noting any lack of movement, as well – and how long the behaviour persists. Using the who and what data, viewers now have statistical data about the video content. Having these statistics is key for understanding the baseline of activity in a video feed. Once normative behaviour has been analysed and established, the viewer can be alerted in the case of abnormal behaviour, which, for instance, could be used to indicate a security threat. Extracting of actionable data Ironically enough, the only way to extract actionable data is possessing plenty of video data. Today, there are various video analytics technologies that can extract and identify objects with deep learning techniques, using deep neural networks (DNNs) that imitate the way humans are taught and learn. Processing multiple videos and through deep learning techniques, these technologies can detect, classify, and recognise features and objects in video better and faster. Using video data, retail businesses can decide where to display expensive products, prevent shop lifting, and enhance the overall customer experience By processing more video and aggregating more metadata, the right system becomes increasingly efficient at searching, tracking, and understanding object behaviour in videos. It can be used to learn and monitor activity, closely analyse complex scenes, and present object behaviours in a detailed and organised fashion that makes it easier to evaluate. For example, increased scene coverage for occupancy, crowd and queue control, cross camera search and, recently, metadata aggregation over time trending. Metadata is also easier to store and save than the actual video footage, because it takes up less bandwidth. Effective video analytics solutions can extract information from video in the form of metadata, quickly and cost-effectively upload the metadata to the cloud and aggregate it to generate reports and identify developing trends. Interpretation of video data results Metadata is the key for further unlocking the potential of video analytics, but, for the data to be useful, it must be presented to the user in conducive ways: Each vertical has its own requirements for ingesting and applying data from video, and video analytics offers solutions for the varying needs of every business type. For law enforcement and safety organisations, for instance, the ability to review large volumes of video quickly is important. Video analytics based on Video Synopsis enables security teams to watch hours of video in minutes, by simultaneously presenting objects that appeared at different times in the original video. This helps investigators quickly identify threats and find targets in recorded video. Video analytics based on Video Synopsis enables security teams to watch hours of video in minutes Uses for data in retail applications Enterprise businesses, such as retailers, have different needs and are more reliant on statistical data derived from video than from watching the actual video footage. Video data can be presented in easily readable dashboards, and reports and business intelligence can effectively be disseminated throughout the organisation. As a result, businesses can understand where customers tend to linger in stores and which displays are most popular: Information which can then be used to decide where to display expensive products, how to optimise staffing, convert wavering shoppers, prevent shop lifting, and enhance the overall customer experience by understanding and meeting their preferences, habits and needs. From security teams to corporate businesses to municipal bodies, having actionable data helps all organisations streamline their operations, recognise inefficient work flows and understand which behaviours and activities are most effective. The technology is developing in a direction where business intelligence offered by video analytics is becoming predictive, opening doors to more efficient business practices, from enabling faster response to prevent terror to validating investment in video across verticals and use cases.

The Middle East security market provides a healthy opportunity for manufacturers who can capitalise on the region’s key verticals. Intersec’s 20th edition show focused more on solutions than on products, including solutions for the growing retail sector and an infrastructure market requiring ruggedised equipment to stand up to harsh environments. Intersec hosted security, safety and fire protection exhibitors from over fifty countries at Dubai’s spacious International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21st - 23rd January. For the security market, the show was an opportunity to demonstrate how the industry’s latest technologies can benefit end-users in the UAE and globally. While the show hosted many impressively-sized stands from key security players, these tended to reflect the ongoing shift from a product-centric market to a focus on customer problems and solutions. Rather than filling the floorspace with an abundance of products, many brands chose to showcase how their flagship solutions could function in real-world applications. Retail surveillance delivers ROI Numerous companies opted to highlight their retail solutions – a key vertical for Dubai, which is known for its elaborate city shopping hubs. The Axis Communications stand allowed visitors to experience its network video offerings for the retail sector, including integrations with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and Point of Sale (POS) technologies. Solutions on show reflected how security systems are increasingly expected to provide a tangible return on investment: With options for queue management and people counting, Axis video technology can be used to provide business intelligence and improve the customer experience, as well as enhancing safety. IP video manufacturer Vivotek also showcased its latest retail offering, including fisheye cameras with built-in crowd detection and heatmap technology, which can help retail managers analyse customer traffic patterns and highly frequented areas. The panoramic nature of Vivotek’s IP cameras makes them ideal for collecting comprehensive data from retail stores.    MOBOTIX CEO Thomas Lausten demonstrates how the company’s dual modular camera delivers high-quality images in extreme weather conditions IP video in extreme conditions The MOBOTIX stand was also less product-driven than at past shows. Instead, the focus was on how the manufacturer combines intelligent IoT technology and robust materials to address real end-user needs. CEO Thomas Lausten, who joined the company in June 2017, was on-hand to demonstrate how the company’s dual modular camera continues to deliver high-quality images in extreme weather conditions including ice, rain and sand. Rugged solutions were a big theme across the show floor. This is unsurprising given Intersec’s location in Dubai – the Middle East provides ample opportunity for the security market to capitalise on large outdoor projects, including the oil and gas industry. Video surveillance manufacturer Videotec showcased its latest HD PTZ cameras built to withstand harsh outdoor environments. The stand hosted an immersive ‘Experience Centre’, where the company’s flagship PTZ cameras moved in sync to a rolling video, demonstrating their use in vertical markets including oil and gas, marine surveillance, and critical infrastructure. Video surveillance manufacturer Videotec showcased its latest HD PTZ cameras built to withstand harsh outdoor environments MENA security market requirements Storage provider Promise Technology showcased its latest portfolio of surveillance solutions, including a cloud-based infrastructure optimised for growing IP video requirements. The manufacturer also introduced its new Vess A700 network video recorder series. This latest NVR offering specifically targets medium- to large-scale applications such as banking and industry. Such a solution is ideal for the growing Dubai market, where strict legislation requires a video retention time of 180 days. Intersec is set to return to Dubai from 20th - 22nd January 2019. Organisers expect over 1,300 exhibitors from across to globe to come together for a bigger, wider ranging and more innovative show.

Despite the increasing popularity of body-worn cameras, the technology has its detractors. For example, this month Big Brother Watch, a British civil liberties and privacy organisation, is raising new questions about the effectiveness of body-worn cameras. Specifically, Big Brother Watch found that 32 of the 45 police forces that have adopted body-cams in the United Kingdom were “unable to say” how often the footage was used in courts. To be clear, being “unable to say” doesn’t equate to the cameras not being useful, and using video as evidence in court is just one of the possible ways the cameras could be beneficial. Even so, point taken. Adoption of the body-worn cameras continues full speed ahead despite lack of empirical evidence of their effectiveness. Studies in the United States and Canada on the effectiveness of the cameras have also often been inconclusive. Big Brother Watch warns: “The value of technology must be proven and not just assumed. It is not enough to tell the public they are essential policing tools if the benefits cannot be shown.” In addition to seeking more data on camera effectiveness, the organisation urges police forces to publish regular “transparency reports” to show how body worn cameras are used in day-to-day policing. Cameras should also have a screen to display when citizens are being recorded. Does video surveillance prevent crime? In some instances, police forces have embraced the cameras on the assertion that the police and/or the public believe they are beneficial. But believing something doesn’t make it true. Body-worn cameras are not the first video systems whose effectiveness has been questioned. There have also been repeated challenges over the years to the effectiveness of video or CCTV cameras in preventing crime. For example, one report in Chicago placed the number of crimes solved by video evidence between the years 2006 and 2013 at 4,500. Not bad, except when you consider there were more than a million incidents during the time period, and surveillance cameras helped solve less than 0.5 percent of them. Looking at it another way, the numbers work out to one crime solved for every five cameras; i.e., the average camera never solves a crime -and then there were the British Home Office studies in 2002 and 2005 that questioned the impact of CCTV cameras on crime. [Jeremy Reddington / Shutterstock.com] British Home Office studies have questioned the impact of CCTV cameras on crime Quantifiable benefits of security products Again, however, solving crime is only one aspect of the benefits of video. There is also a “halo effect” when cameras are installed. That is, the areas where cameras are deployed tend to be more secure, even outside the immediate view of cameras. There is a diffusion of crime prevention benefits to surrounding areas. Questioning the effectiveness of body-worn cameras, CCTV or any other technology, is a necessary exercise. Real answers may be hard to come by, but we shouldn’t be discouraged in making the effort. The technology capabilities of our industry’s products should be able to withstand scrutiny and, in the end, provide verifiable and quantifiable benefits. Public scrutiny of security systems Public scrutiny is an important aspect of technology implementation, especially in the public sector. For private companies, there is another, even more potent force at work that focuses attention on the effectiveness of technology – the bottom line. Spending money on video (or other technologies) is viewed unforgivingly through a lens of return on investment (ROI) by managers and accountants of customer companies. Fortunately, in this environment, video systems more than justify their existence every day. It only takes avoidance of a single multi-million-dollar personal injury lawsuit to cost-justify a whole system of video cameras. The impact of video to deter shoplifting or other crimes, and the resulting extra value to an enterprise, is sufficiently demonstrated every day. We as an industry should welcome any questions about the effectiveness of our products. Their value can speak for itself, and can stand up to any questioning or research projects. If it doesn’t, then we must be willing to let the chips fall where they may.

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!  

Traditionally, many stores have used an assortment of tags and labels on a diverse range of merchandise, most of which were designed for an entirely different set of products. As a result, many apparel retailers have recognised that in some instances merchandise and textiles are being damaged. Checkpoint Systems, renowned supplier of source-to-shopper solutions, has therefore developed an innovative new anti-theft solution to meet their specific requirements – Mini NeedleLok. Mini NeedleLok anti-theft solution Designed to protect all types of garments, including very thin fabric, the one-piece solution deters thieves while preventing damage that would usually occur on application of pinned security tags. Whilst other products on the market feature a hinged mechanism which can snag and rip textiles, Mini NeedleLok uses a needle in place of a separate pin, which separates the fibres rather than breaking through them. This allows store assistants to gently spread fabric threads on application to avoid leaving a visible hole after removal. In order to reduce time spent on in-store tagging labour, the Mini NeedleLok mechanical design allows quick and easy application, whilst the solution’s wide opening also allows freedom of placement anywhere on the garment. Minimum product damage risk The Mini NeedleLok speeds up the self-checkout process The Mini NeedleLok also speeds up the self-checkout process. It can be removed quickly and efficiently at the point-of-sale, thanks to its single-piece design and wide opening, enabling store associates to assist with other enquiries, improving the in-store customer experience. It also eliminates the risk of damage to the merchandise, or injury to the customer, as the needle is never exposed. Not only that, with 70% of purchase decisions made at the shelf, Mini NeedleLok has been designed with display in mind. Its sleek look and smart black colour ensures it doesn’t impede on the garment’s aesthetics in order to help turn a browser to a buyer. For those retailers wishing to take their visual merchandising a step further, the solution can also be customised, from adding a logo to a bespoke colourway that matches the company’s branding. Anti-theft retail solution Irene Fernandez, Product Management Europe at Checkpoint Systems, commented:  “We’re more customer focused than we have ever been in our history, which is demonstrated through the diverse range of solutions that we now offer retailers across a variety of markets. With the Mini NeedleLok, we took our existing technologies and created a product that fits our apparel customers’ requirements - an effective anti-theft solution that protects merchandise, with the added benefit of being customisable. This is ideal for fashion brands where aesthetic is crucial to their identity.”

Bosch experts for building safety are networking the IKEA MAR Shopping mall in the Algarve, Portugal with trendsetting solutions. They make sure everybody can feel at ease and safe during their shopping experience. Scores of tourists are attracted every year to the Algarve, Portugal’s most southerly region where vacationers enjoy the sun and beaches and descend on popular seaside resorts like Lagos or Albufeira. However, whenever people have had enough of sunbathing, the Algarve also offers a multitude of other things to do – whether it is hiking or shopping, there is something for everybody. Those fancying a spot of the last mentioned have every opportunity to do just that in “IKEA MAR Shopping” – an IKEA-run mall in the Algarve that is home to about 100 other brand shops. Every day numerous visitors frequent the mall and they not only present a challenge to the staff at the checkouts. The safety technology in such a mall also has to work smoothly and on the dot. It is why the architects and planners of the IKEA MAR Shopping mall decided to use a connected, smart safety solution from Bosch Building Technologies. Intuitive and fully-integrated security solution “Our customer wanted a fully-integrated solution whose systems could be controlled via a single management system,” is how Luis Gomes, Bosch Building Technologies Sales Manager Iberia, describes the remit. Networked systems that communicate with each other have to facilitate quick and precise measures in emergencies. The customer also requested a means by which they could schedule the deployment of security personnel more efficiently plus intuitive-to-operate and clearly-structured systems to make their jobs easier. The Bosch Intelligent Video Analytics software which is installed in each and every camera processes the image data in real time  Together with the customer and partners, Bosch has created a harmonious overall picture consisting of a video and public address system, a fire and intrusion detection system and access control within the space of two years. It includes 1,100 loudspeakers inserted in the ceiling and 390 video cameras. The mall is equipped with a total of 4,000 fire detectors and 520 sensors for both intrusion alert and controlling access to IKEA MAR Shopping. Bosch Intelligent Video Analytics The Bosch Intelligent Video Analytics software which is installed in each and every camera processes the image data in real time and recognises suspicious activities by means of an algorithm. Whenever there is danger, it can make all the information available to the staff who need it as quickly as possible to initiate appropriate measures. For a person, it is virtually impossible to continuously retain an overview of the images provided by 390 cameras. “Intelligent Video Analytics and the complete solution make the security personnel’s everyday jobs significantly easier,” says Luis Gomes. “At the same time, the customer has lower costs – and every shopaholic can feel safe.”

Edesix, a provider of Body Worn Cameras (BWC), announces that it has teamed up with retailer Asda to enhance in-store security. After a successful trial, which began in 2016, there are now over 900 Edesix VideoBadges being utilised in over 250 sites nationwide, with more growth expected in the near future. Edesix collaborated with CBES, Asda's preferred security installer, to design and install a tailored wearable CCTV deployment system perfectly suited to the retail giant's needs. Edesix and CBES worked closely at Asda's national security centre and across four store deployments to provide them with the knowledge and expertise so the cameras could be rolled out in the remaining stores with minimum impact on store efficiency. Improved colleague security Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time This system, which is intuitive to use and requires minimum training, has enabled staff to integrate the cameras into their daily working processes with minimal fuss. As a result of this partnering strategy, which relied on both the innovative nature of Edesix's technology and communication between all parties, Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time, thus reducing costs. Since the deployment, Asda has proven the viability of these cameras by securing numerous convictions relating to theft and violence against staff. Confrontation preventer Richie McBride, managing director of Edesix, explains: "Asda, along with CBES, identified the need to re-think its key security policy around challenging aggressive behaviour towards staff. In searching for a technology partner, CBES chose Edesix as their BWC provider, to deploy initially to the most affected stores, eventually rolling out to over 250 sites across the UK. The aim was to improve the safety of colleagues in public facing roles and shoppers within the stores, whilst producing compelling evidence when needed." The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members" McBride adds: "The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members if they know they are being filmed." Winning major contracts Edesix, which was recently acquired by US-based security specialists Vigilant Solutions, has enjoyed a great deal of success lately, ranging from winning some major contracts with the likes of UK prisons, Scotrail and South Australian Police, to being named in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 league table. Edesix currently supplies markets across the globe, through direct sales and international partners, to geographies including the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, the Middle East and Australasia.

Videowall technology supplied by Ultimate Visual Solutions (UVS) is at the heart of a new security control room at iNTU Trafford Centre. High-end videowall technology The new facility helps ensure 30 million annual visitors have a safe and enjoyable time at what is the single best-known and most iconic retail and leisure destination in the UK. Burnley-based UVS, formerly eyevis UK, provides video wall displays and audio-visual solutions to a range of clients across the UK. UVS Full HD Videowall As part of the new state-of-the-art facility, UVS installed a 7.2m wide by 2.7m high videowall As part of the new state-of-the-art facility, UVS installed a 7.2m wide by 2.7m high videowall, made up of 24 eyevis 55-inch XSN extremely narrow bezel LCD screens with Full HD resolution. The displays offer 1920 × 1080 pixels, direct-LED backlight technology, a mechanical bezel width of only 3.5 mm between two displays and a brightness of 500 cd/m2. The installation also includes a control room meeting space featuring a videowall made up of four eyevis 46-inch XSN screens with 3.5mm bezel. Netpix 4900 videowall controller Both videowalls connect to a Netpix 4900 videowall controller configured for multiple analogue video feeds, IP video feeds, graphic PC data and web browsers. iNTU security staff, who monitor the centre and liaise with visitors, will be able to send live videos from their tablets directly back to the video wall to share incident video with security staff. Video monitoring and visitor management iNTU Trafford Centre is a retail and leisure destination and it is important that the control room has the latest videowall technology" UVS managing director Steve Murphy said: “iNTU Trafford Centre is a retail and leisure destination enjoyed by millions of people each year and it is important that the control room has the latest videowall technology.” He adds, “We are delighted to have been involved in such a prestigious and important project.” Lee Barlow, Security Manager, iNTU Trafford Centre said “The security and safety of our customers, retailers and staff is our number one priority so having a control room that allows us to keep them safe is really important. The new videowall and meeting room screens allows us to do just that and we are really happy with them.” New control room with videowall The new control room was designed and refurbished by Intech Solutions, which specialise in technical and control room furniture including full control room fit-outs in the UK and worldwide. UVS also worked to deliver the videowall with its security integrator partner, Nottinghamshire-based Quadrant Security Group.

Lodge Security is to provide protection for Poundland stores and distribution centres throughout the UK. Over the past two years Lodge Security has been operating its Elite Store Detective programme from the LodgIC Intelligence Centre, where national and local data on crime incidents is analysed and used to deploy protection to produce the maximum return on security investment. Sarah Frain, Profit Protection & Assurance manager, Distribution and CSC at Poundland, says: "Lodge Security has worked with Poundland for more than 5 years and has provided a great service which has now developed with technology additions to achieve an even more effective solution. The operatives we receive from Lodge are always highly trained and professional when dealing with day-to-day issues and figures are reported back clearly to management. Furthermore, they provide confidence to our staff whilst making them feel safe and secure in the workplace.” Analysing the patterns of criminal activity Poundland and Lodge are now examining new opportunities to deploy other technology that is available from the intelligence centre. This includes the capability to analyse retail transactions through the use of Transpeye for data mining of EPoS, online transactions and other store systems, to then identify any sources of loss in real time and the relationships between apparently isolated incidents. Lodge can analyse and track any patterns of criminal activity to enable the investigative team to attribute recurring losses to known criminals and gangs Lodge can then analyse and track any patterns of criminal activity, to enable the investigative team to attribute recurring losses to known criminals and gangs, who can be identified from in-store CCTV recordings. Perpetrators are then stopped in-store by Lodge Security detectives. Preventing organised retail crime In many instances Lodge has been able to track a gang’s activity around the UK and assess the probability of where and when they might strike next. “Retailers are increasingly alert to the scale of the threat from Organised Retail Crime. A string of small, seemingly unrelated criminal acts are often committed by the same gang; if they think they can get away undetected each time they will keep coming back. “Through the blended use of our specialist teams in the field and technology, our intelligence centre is quickly able to map related losses and then stop them fast,” says Stuart Lodge, CEO of Lodge Service International, a third generation family-run business that celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019.

As Philadelphia beat New England at U.S. Bank Stadium, fans were able to enjoy the spectacle safely, in part thanks to Lenel. As the host of major national and international events, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota counts on Lenel to provide advanced security systems that help protect fans attending some of the world’s leading sporting events and concerts. Lenel is part of UTC Climate Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. Working in such a high-profile venue, Lenel teams are constantly adjusting systems to maintain a high-level of security. Lenel’s OnGuard security management system has been a vital hub in the $1.12 billion stadium’s comprehensive, layered security plan since the first event in July 2016. In addition to major events, which can hold 66,000 people, the stadium routinely hosts a range of other activities for area residents such as college baseball, distance running and inline skating. The Lenel team helped us create a comprehensive system that works exactly as we drew it up" Integrated security Bill Langenstein, director of event services for U.S. Bank Stadium venue manager SMG, said OnGuard’s integration of systems helps defuse potentially dangerous situations. “I don’t know of another platform capable of integrating the number and size of disparate systems we have in this stadium,” Langenstein said. “The Lenel team helped us create a comprehensive system that works exactly as we drew it up. The result is we are more efficient and proactive.” The OnGuard system acts as the single platform integrating access control with: More than 400 surveillance cameras monitoring seating areas, concourses and exterior perimeters Visitor management systems checking identifies at delivery gates Video intercoms protecting doors on high-value rooms More than 250 intrusion system alarm points protecting retail shops and ticket windows A real-time incident management system safeguarding attendees and staff Incidents such as an altercation in the stands or a door improperly left open generates a real-time alert for the security team"Pre-defined alerts Alex Housten, Vice President and General Manager of Fire & Security Products – Americas, said the incident management integration was critical as it provides stadium security with pre-defined alerts from all systems. Alerts are received in the command centres or on smartphones or tablets carried by patrolling guards. “Incidents such as an altercation in the stands or a door improperly left open generates a real-time alert for the security team,” Housten said. “The OnGuard system helps guards take immediate action. And with the entry of a few keywords, other types of events can be added to the alert list.” Secure viewing experience Housten credited the Lenel Custom Solutions Group with seamlessly integrating the incident management system with the OnGuard platform. The group designs, develops and delivers software solutions to create custom solutions often by automating third-party integrations. Langenstein said it’s vital that his team be able to perform their duties at the highest standard as many stadium events draw tens of thousands of fans and millions more television viewers. “We strive to execute our jobs flawlessly,” he said. “It helps to be on the cutting edge of technology. With the Lenel integration, we know we’ll be ready to provide a memorable and secure experience no matter what type of event guests attend at U.S. Bank Stadium.”