Ruggedized products

Pulse Secure, the provider of software-defined secure access solutions, is pleased to announce new partnerships with Westcon EMEA, Nuvias Group and Spectrum Networks, to deliver Pulse Secure authorised training courses to its reseller partners and customers across EMEA. Following on from the successful North American launch of the authorised education training course curriculum earlier in the year, the Pulse Secure training and certification programme has authorised new partnerships to prepare customers and reseller partners for the Pulse Secure certified technical expert certification exams in the following countries: United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Secure access solutions Pulse Secure has always made its training towards certification available virtually" “Pulse Secure has always made its training towards certification available virtually,” said Sudhakar Ramakrishna, CEO of Pulse Secure. “Now by expanding our authorised education partnership base of providers, we can fulfill our business objective of delivering secure access solutions for people, devices, things and services by offering instructor-led, in-person, hands-on training in local languages.” “As a technology training organisation, we have always focused on imparting the right skills needed for the successful implementation of products and solutions in the vendor, partner, customer ecosystem. We are excited to collaborate with Pulse Secure to add value in this space,” added Sanjeev Singh, MD of Spectrum Networks DMCC. Training and education “Now is a great time for partners to join the Pulse Secure access now partner programme, and we’re delighted to be selected as an ATC partner. This will help our partners gain extra knowledge, helping them differentiate in the marketplace and grow their business. Now is a great time for partners to join the Pulse Secure access now partner programme" "Adding training services to our deep knowledge of Pulse Secure solutions means partners can invest in a relationship that will pay dividends in the long-term. As with all our training and education, our goal is to increase partner profitability and the value they bring to their customers – all from a single, trusted source,” said Sam Paris, VP EMEA of Services and Renewals Westcon at Comstor. Implementation consultants The Pulse Secure training and certification programme includes training courses designed to help network engineers, enterprise system architects, technical support specialists and implementation consultants to successfully deploy and maintain Pulse Secure products and services. After completing the training course, participants are prepared to take the Pulse Secure certified technical expert exams. Local classes will begin in June 2019 and will include training for: Pulse Policy Secure (PPS) - deployment, implementation and configuration; Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) - administration and configuration; and Pulse Secure vADC - administration and configuration.

Hikvision, the provider of security products and solutions, releases the first version of its product security white paper, introducing the security challenges of IoT products and sharing Hikvision’s practices to continuously improve the security throughout the whole product lifecycle. The product security white paper outlines Hikvision’s comprehensive approach to product security covering device security, data security, application security, network security, privacy protection, and security compliance, which can greatly enhance the product security and the risk resistance in various application scenarios. Current security threats Interconnection of IoT devices is becoming much more common today" “Interconnection of IoT devices is becoming much more common today, while the consequent risks are fast growing. Product security remains among our top priorities on multiple dimensions such as R&D, production, and delivery. We also hope to raise the awareness of security issues and establish trust and cooperation with all the stakeholders by sharing our insights”, said Dr. Wang Bin, Vice President, Director of Network and Information Security Laboratory of Hikvision. In addition to the newly released product security white paper, Hikvision also released an updated cybersecurity white paper, which comprehensively illustrates the current security threats for IoT and relevant challenges for the whole security industry, and it shares Hikvision’s ongoing efforts to improve its cybersecurity system. Supply chain management According to the updated cybersecurity white paper, the existing security research and development process of Hikvision has been enhanced with more advanced technical means and tools, which meets higher standards in terms of design, development, verification, risk mitigation, and configuration management. Meanwhile, the company has optimised the operation mechanism and the professional qualifications of its security teams. The white paper also highlights the security issues related to supply chain management. The company has adopted effective technical and management systems to ensure supply chain security with reference to the international standards, extending the protection scope of cybersecurity systems and building a security ecosystem together with supply chain partners.

OPTEX, the sensor manufacturer, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019 and has taken a look back at the changes in the industry and its impact on them. Founded on 25th May 1979, the idea and principles of the company were first agreed in a coffee house in Kyoto, Japan, between Toru Kobayashi, an electronics engineer and three of his colleagues. They had a vision for a new business, a business that had sensing technology at its heart, precision technology that could detect the 'status' and 'changes' of people and things. Wireless outdoor security Soon after its creation, OPTEX recorded a number of significant milestones: In 1980, OPTEX developed the world’s first automatic door sensor using Far-Infrared technology, a technology now adopted as standard. In 1983, OPTEX developed one of the first, wireless outdoor security sensors – a significant innovation in its time. On the security side of the business specifically, OPTEX’s sensing algorithm know-how, built up through many years of field-based technological development, is its most valuable asset, and central to the evolution of its Far-Infrared, Near-Infrared and Laser sensor technologies. Different security applications In 2000, OPTEX developed laser technology for security applications and brought the innovative LiDARs REDSCAN RLS-3060 to the market; IP-ready and featuring very precise detection using X&Y coordinates, the sensor opened new possibilities for many different security applications. The OPTEX Group now comprises 1,963 employees across 35 companies Alongside this, OPTEX developed its PIR range starting with the curtain FTN series, the Super Multidimensional Analysis (SMDA) logic – sensing analytics to make the sensor very stable. Toru Kamimura, CEO of OPTEX CO LTD in Japan says: “The company is proud of what it has achieved to date.” Artificial intelligence software The OPTEX Group now comprises 1,963 employees across 35 companies. delivering products and services worldwide and turns over approximately $366 million. “OPTEX never stands still. We are taking our knowledge and ‘know how’ to new levels, using machine-learning and artificial intelligence software to enhance its detection algorithms and introduce greater automation, and create the sensor detection technology for the next generation of security professional,” he says. “Together with our technology partners we are developing more customised solutions to solve specific security or safety problems.”

The MR6442X IP 4MP dome camera is suitable for demanding outdoor installations in challenging lighting conditions, such as schools, parking lots and sports stadiums. The camera's outstanding features include 2.8 to 12mm Varifocal-Auto Iris Lens, 30-meter IR night vision, and built-in Sense up+ low light technology, all at a price point that allows smaller budget projects to have access to this powerful 4MP outdoor camera. Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) functionality is a cornerstone of LILIN IP M-Series cameras. Advanced motion detection, object counting and tripwire detection empowers the camera to detect when an object or person has breached an area such as the entrance to a building or parking lot. Outdoor perimeter protection The MR6442X is exceptionally rugged. An IP67 waterproof rating qualifies it for outdoor perimeter protection where early detection of an intrusion attempt is critical, while its IK10 rating means superior protection against impact and vandalism. LILIN Sense up+ technology combined with 30-meter infrared night vision ensures reliable detection and quick verification in complete darkness without motion blur. LILIN MR6442X cameras deliver comprehensive coverage with sharp detail and multicasts up to 4 configurable streams in H.264 and Motion JPEG at configurable frame rate and bandwidth. The 4MP resolution (2688 x 1520) achieves superior image quality at 20 frames-per-second while reducing overall system costs by covering large areas that would normally require several standard resolution cameras. The camera is ONVIF Profile S for simplified integration.

HENSOLDT, the independent sensor house, is introducing the new radar warning system ‘Kalaetron RWR’ (Radar Warning Receiver) onto the market, which revolutionises the protection of aircraft and helicopters from radar-guided weapons. This new product will be presented to the public for the first time at the Electronic Warfare Europe Conference in Stockholm. “With the help of the latest artificial intelligence and digital signal processing methods, our Kalaetron RWR detects radar-based threats early and reliably,” explained Celia Pelaz, Head of the Spectrum Dominance / Airborne Solutions Division. Air defence systems “Our new product thus increases the assertiveness of aircraft and helicopters and their survivability, especially in view of the increasingly dense signal spectrum and the growing threat posed by highly integrated air defence systems.” Due to its fully digital design, the new radar warner detects and identifies threats incredibly quickly and with an very low false alarm rate, over an extremely wide frequency range. The Kalaetron RWR uses artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to detect new threat patterns from a huge amount of collected raw data. This is especially important to identify the latest air defence radar systems that cover an extremely wide bandwidth or which hop between particular frequencies in fractions of a second. Kalaetron thus enables fighter or transport aircraft to be protected even against upcoming anti-aircraft weapons and integrated air defence systems, while also offering great potential for adaptability to cope with future threats.

At InfoComm 2019 (booth 3055), Matrox will be showcasing its complete range of award-winning, IP-based products including quad 4K enterprise encoders, remote recorder appliances, 4K capture/encode/decode and multiviewer cards, 4K IP KVM extenders, lecture capture appliances, and 4K/multi-HD webcasting encoders. Be amongst the first to discover new products and features from Matrox. Matrox will be launching a major addition to its world-class portfolio, unveiling a revolutionary new line of video wall products. Not only will Matrox be revealing this new product alongside a show-stopping demonstration, Matrox will also be holding a raffle, where one lucky guest will take home this innovative new product. Increases operational efficiency Matrox Maevex 6100 Series enterprise encoders are also now supporting IPv6 Matrox Extio 3 high-performance IP KVM extenders will also be showcasing a brand new feature that brings IP extension and switching flexibility to the next level. A live demonstration will show how this feature drastically increases operational efficiency for users working on multiple source systems simultaneously. Matrox Maevex 6100 Series enterprise encoders are also now supporting IPv6, HLS streaming, and MOV recording. These rugged, quiet, and rack-friendly appliances are now equipped with every feature needed for the simplest and most complex encoding made easy—all without sacrificing on quality! Matrox Monarch EDGE will be making its InfoComm debut. Featuring next-generation 3G/12G-SDI and 25 GbE SMPTE ST 2110 connectivity, as well as versatile multi-protocol support—including RTMP, SRT, MPEG2. TS, and RTSP—this 4K/multi-HD webcasting and remote production (REMI) encoder delivers H.264 streams with resolutions up to 3840x2160p60 or quad 1920x1080p60 and profiles up to High 4:2:2. Real-world benefits The AIMS Pro AV Group will be on hand at InfoComm in booth 375 The AIMS Pro AV Group will be on hand at InfoComm in booth 375, showcasing the real-world benefits of open standard approaches for the professional AV and installed systems market. Via a series of theatre presentations, as well as a multi-vendor interoperability demonstration featuring the SMPTE ST 2110 standard, show attendees will discover the benefits of truly flexible, scalable, and interoperable AV-over-IP infrastructures. At the show, AIMS will also be hosting a panel session titled 'Audio and Video Streaming Using Established IP Standards' on Tuesday, June 11 at 1-3 p.m in Room W304E. Featured products Matrox Maevex 6100 Series enterprise encoders - Matrox Maevex 6120 and Matrox Maevex 6150 dual and quad 4K enterprise encoders allow for the simultaneous capture, streaming, and recording of multiple 4K inputs. These powerful all-in-one appliances can feed cloud-based servers to reach internet viewers—including new simplified webcasting to multiple cloud-based and social media sites—push many streams over LAN for audiences on-premises, and record to local or network storage for later editing and viewing, all concurrently. Maevex PowerStream Plus software and APIs ensure easy operation, and are included with all Maevex 6100 Series appliances. Matrox Maevex 6020 Remote Recorder - The Panopto-certified Matrox Maevex 6020 Remote Recorder supports best-of-breed live streaming and recording to the Panopto video platform for education and business with easy 1-2-3 connection to your Panopto account. Users will benefit from simultaneous dual live streaming video and multiple on-device recordings of different qualities per input for the fastest VOD availability. It also boasts one-touch recording controls and whisper-quiet operation, on a rack-friendly, single-purpose appliance. Matrox Mura IPX video wall and multiviewer cards - Matrox Mura IPX video wall and multiviewer cards will exhibit the most advanced capture, encoding, decoding, and/or display capabilities from a single card by streaming and recording desktops, entire video walls, and selected regions of interest—with pixel-for-pixel or scaled-down representation of the display wall—over LAN and internet. Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders will deliver exceptional 4Kp60 4:4:4, dual 4Kp30 4:4:4, and 2Kp60 4:4:4 performanceMatrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders - Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders will deliver exceptional 4Kp60 4:4:4, dual 4Kp30 4:4:4, and 2Kp60 4:4:4 performance over a standard 1 GbE network—at unprecedentedly low bitrates. Extio 3 will also demonstrate a brand new feature designed to drastically increase operational efficiency for users working on multiple source systems simultaneously. Extio 3 cards and appliances work with COTS network switches, illustrating a scalable and cost-effective KVM matrix over IP to securely route any system to any remote location on the network. Matrox Monarch EDGE 4K/multi-HD webcasting and remote production encoder - The Matrox Monarch EDGE 4K/multi-HD encoder will demonstrate several webcasting workflows, including streaming 4Kp60 content that ensures high-quality viewing experiences on any size device. Attendees will also learn how to leverage Monarch EDGE with multi-channel online video platforms (OVPs) like YouTube, to capture and stream up to four cameras, allowing the viewer to select and/or switch to their preferred camera views. Matrox Monarch LCS lecture capture appliance - The Matrox Monarch LCS multi-source streaming and recording appliance will exhibit how IT administrators can readily integrate these encoders into today’s most popular open video and learning management systems, and how operators can in turn, easily define profiles for live streamed and recorded lectures by mixing camera and presentation material.

Consolidation persisted in the physical security industry in 2018, and big companies such as Motorola, Canon and UTC continued to make moves. Also among the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) news in 2018 was a high-profile bankruptcy (that ended well), continuing consolidation in the integrator market, and the creation of a new entity called “LenelS2.” Here’s a look at the Top 10 M&A stories in 2018: 1. Motorola acquires Avigilon Motorola Solutions announced in February that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire video surveillance provider Avigilon in an all-cash transaction that enhances Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of mission-critical communications technologies. Avigilon products are used by a range of commercial and government customers including critical infrastructure, airports, government facilities, public venues, healthcare centers and retail. The company holds more than 750 U.S. and international patents. 2. UTC Climate, Control & Security buys S2 Security UTC Climate, Controls & Security agreed in September to acquire S2 Security, a developer of unified security and video management solutions. UTC subsequently combined S2 with its Lenel brand to create LenelS2, “a global leader in advanced access control systems and services” with “complementary strengths.” 3. Costar Technologies acquires Arecont Vision after bankruptcy Arecont Vision, the provider of IP-based megapixel camera and video surveillance solutions, announced in July that the acquisition by Costar Technologies, Inc. of its assets had been approved by the bankruptcy court. After the closing of the sale, the company began operating as Arecont Vision Costar, LLC and is part of Costar, a U.S. corporation that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. 4. Allegion acquires access control company ISONAS Allegion plc, a security products and solutions provider, agreed in June to acquire ISONAS through one of its subsidiaries. ISONAS’ edge-computing technology provides access control solutions for non-residential markets. ISONAS' devices – like its integrated reader-controllers – utilise power over ethernet, making them easy to install and cost effective as they utilise existing customer infrastructures. The company is based in Boulder, Colo. 5. HID buys Crossmatch for Biometrics HID Global announced that it had acquired Crossmatch, a provider of biometric identity management and secure authentication solutions, from Francisco Partners. Crossmatch’s portfolio of products includes biometric identity management hardware and software that complement HID’s broad portfolio of trusted identity products and services. 6. BriefCam announces acquisition by Canon BriefCam, a global provider of video synopsis and deep learning solutions, announced its acquisition in May by Canon Inc., a global digital imaging solutions company. The addition of BriefCam to Canon’s network video solutions products portfolio complements the Canon Group’s previous acquisitions of Axis Communications and Milestone Systems. 7. Allied Universal acquires U.S. Security Associates Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, finalised its acquisition of U.S. Security Associates (USSA) in October, further building on its position in the security services industry. This acquisition includes Andrews International (including its Government Services Division and Consulting and Investigations and International Division) and Staff Pro. 8. Johnson Controls acquires Smartvue Corp. Johnson Controls announced in April that it had acquired Smartvue, a global IoT and video provider that empowers cloud video surveillance and IoT video services. The addition of the Smartvue cloud-based video platform will enhance Johnson Controls’ offering of an end-to-end, smart cloud-based solution that can provide superior business data and intelligence to customers and added value to partners. 9. ADT acquires Red Hawk Fire & Security (and others) ADT Inc.’s acquisition of Red Hawk Fire & Security, Boca Raton, Fla., was the latest move in ADT Commercial’s strategy to buy up security integrator firms around the country and grow their footprint. In addition to the Red Hawk acquisition, announced in mid-October, ADT has acquired more than a half-dozen security system integration firms in the last year or so. 10. Convergint Technologies continues to acquire Convergint Technologies announced in August the acquisition of New Jersey-based Access Control Technologies (ACT), bringing further electronic security systems experience to Convergint's service capabilities. Convergint has strategically grown its service footprint across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific through strong organic growth and the completion of 18 acquisitions since early 2016. And it continues: Convergint announced acquisition of SI Technologies, Albany, N.Y., in November and Firstline Security Integration (FSI), Anaheim, Calif., in December. (And Convergint itself was acquired in February by private equity group Ares Management.)

With increased demands being placed on safety and security globally, and supported by advancements in IP cameras and 360-degree camera technology, the video surveillance industry is growing steadily. Market research indicates that this worldwide industry is expected to reach an estimated $39.3 billion in revenue by 2023, driven by a CAGR of 9.3 percent from 2018 to 2023. Video surveillance is not just about capturing footage (to review an event or incident when it occurs), but also about data analysis delivering actionable insights that can improve operational efficiencies, better understand customer buying behaviours, or simply just provide added value and intelligence. Growth of Ultra-HD surveillance To ensure that the quality of the data is good enough to extract the details required to drive these insights, surveillance cameras are technologically evolving as well, not only with expanded capabilities surrounding optical zoom and motion range,4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021 but also relating to improvements in signal-to-noise (S2N) ratios, light sensitivities (and the minimum illumination needed to produce usable images), wide dynamic ranges (WDR) for varying foreground and background illumination requirements, and of course, higher quality resolutions. As such, 4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021, representing an astonishing 170 percent growth per year, and will require three to six times the storage space of 1080p video dependent on the compression technology used. Surveillance cameras are typically connected to a networked video recorder (NVR) that acts as a gateway or local server, collecting data from the cameras and running video management software (VMS), as well as analytics. Capturing this data is dependent on the communications path between individual cameras and the NVR. If this connection is lost, whether intentional, unintentional, or a simple malfunction, surveillance video will no longer be captured and the system will cease operations. Therefore, it has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism. Despite lost connectivity to the NVR, the camera can still record and capture raw footage locally until the network is restored, which in itself, could take a long time depending on maintenance staff or equipment availability, weather conditions, or other unplanned issues. Since microSD cards play a critical role as a failsafe mechanism to ensure service availability, it is important to choose the right card for capturing video footage.  It has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism if an NVR breaks Key characteristics of microSDs There are many different microSD cards to choose from for video capture at the network’s edge, and they range from industrial grade capabilities to commercial or retail grade, and everything in-between. To help make some of these uncertainties a little more certain, here are the key microSD card characteristics for video camera capture. Designed for surveillance As the market enjoys steady growth, storage vendors want to participate and have done so with a number of repurposed, repackaged, remarketed microSD cards targeted for video surveillance but with not much robustness, performance or capabilities specific to the application. Adding the absence of mean-time between failure (MTBF) specifications to the equation, microSD card reliability is typically a perceived measurement -- measured in hours of operation and relatively vague and hidden under metrics associated with the camera’s resolution and compression ratio. Therefore, when selecting a microSD card for surveillance cams at the edge, the choice should include a vendor that is trusted, has experience and a proven storage portfolio in video surveillance, and in microSD card technologies. Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites possible before the card can no longer store data correctly  High endurance Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites (program/erase cycles) that are possible before the card can no longer store data correctly. The rewrite operation is cyclical whereby a new stream of footage replaces older content by writing over it until the card is full, and the cycle repeats. The higher the endurance, the longer the card will perform before it needs to be replaced. Endurance is also referred to in terabytes written (TBW) or by the number of hours that the card can record continuously (while overwriting data) before a failure will occur. Health monitoring Health monitoring is a desired capability that not many microSD cards currently support and enables the host system to check when the endurance levels of a card are low and needs to be replaced. Having a card that supports this capability enables system integrators and operators with the ability to perform preemptive maintenance that will help to reduce system failures, as well as associated maintenance costs. Performance To capture continuous streams of raw footage, microSD cards within surveillance cams perform write operations about seventy to ninety percent of the time, whereas reading captured footage is performed about ten to thirty percent. The difference in read/write performance is dependent on whether the card is used in an artificial intelligent (AI) capable camera, or a standard one.   microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius Finding a card that is write-friendly, and can provide enough bandwidth to properly capture streamed data, and is cost-effective, requires one that falls between fast industrial card capabilities and slower commercial ones. Bandwidth in the range of 50 MB/sec for writes and 80 MB/sec for reads are typical and sufficient for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras. Temperature ranges Lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments As microSD cards must be designed for continuous operation in extreme weather conditions and a variety of climates, whether located indoors or out, support for various temperature ranges are another consideration. Given the wide spectrum of temperatures required by the camera makers, microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, or in extreme cases, as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Capacity Selecting the right-sized capacity is also very important as there needs to be a minimum level to ensure that there is enough room to hold footage for a number of days or weeks before it is overwritten or the connectivity to the NVR is restored. Though 64GB is considered the capacity sweet spot for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras today, lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments. In the future, even higher capacities will be important for specific use cases and will potentially become standard capacities as the market evolves. When choosing the right storage microSD card to implement into your video surveillance system, make sure the card is designed specifically for the application – does it include the right levels of endurance and performance to capture continuous streams – can it withstand environmental challenges and wide temperature extremes – will it enable preventative and preemptive maintenance to provide years of service? It is critical for the surveillance system to be able to collect video footage whether the camera is connected to an NVR or is a standalone camera as collecting footage at the base of the surveillance system is the most crucial point of failure. As such, failsafe mechanisms are required to keep the camera recording until the network is restored.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology overview and early adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations at critical infrastructure sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation and advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New market opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-sensor thermal solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

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.

  The cloud and deep learning are two technologies on the verge of transforming the video surveillance market. You often hear the two technologies mentioned as separate trends, but lately, I have been hearing about how interdependent they are. Economies of scale provided by the Cloud (Software as a Service, or SaaS) are making the sophisticated capabilities of deep learning affordable to a wider audience. Meanwhile, deep learning augments cloud systems with capabilities that may not be available, or affordable, in on-premise systems, thus accelerating the broader move to cloud systems. A new era of autonomous video One company that is combining the cloud and deep learning in an end-to-end system is Umbo Computer Vision, an “autonomous video security technology” company built on its founders’ expertise in deep learning and machine vision. The company’s cameras are equipped with basic video analytics, and they are tied into a cloud infrastructure that provides additional deep learning algorithms. The cameras provide computer vision pre-processing, with the bulk of detailed analysis happening in a neural network in the cloud.One customer benefits from another customer and all the knowledge is aggregated together" “Having a SaaS model gives companies like ours the resources to improve the deep learning model,” says Shawn Guan, CEO and co-founder of Umbo Computer Vision. “We can make more accurate systems that scale better and faster. SaaS enables vendors to do something great with deep learning. You don’t have to redo it for everybody. One customer benefits from another customer and all the knowledge is aggregated together.” Adapting to a changing landscape Umbo’s deep learning analytics provide higher accuracy, says Guan. For example, the system can provide accurate alerts on people climbing a wall, and it can accommodate for elements such as shadows and adverse weather conditions. The cameras can also provide occupancy information from a video view of a room; unlike people-counting applications, the camera does not need to be mounted above the door. The algorithms can detect loitering and can track a subject even if he or she disappears briefly from view (such as walking behind a building). Umbo developed the algorithms from scratch using the company’s deep roots in technology. Guan says the company was “built on data and using data.”    The company’s cameras are equipped with basic video analytics, and they are tied into a cloud infrastructure that provides additional deep learning algorithms The cloud serves as a media gateway “Cybersecurity is ensured,” says Guan. The cloud provides built-in authentication with the camera; user names and passwords are handled in the cloud, so there is no manual reset of the password at the device level. The cloud serves as a media gateway, and two-way communication between the camera and the cloud addresses how much data is streamed. Data in the camera has 256-bit encryption, and there is a secure “tunnel” through which data moves in the Internet. In the cloud, the host provider, such as Google, Microsoft or Amazon, protects the data to their own high standards. Each camera has industrial grade SD providing 30 days’ storage of full frame rate, 30fps video at 1080p, with backup in the cloud. In effect, the camera operates in-lieu of a network video recorder.The end-to-end system is designed to handle an essentially-unlimited number of cameras and can also be integrated with other products Handling unlimited cameras Customers interface with the system through the cloud’s software user experience. The end-to-end system is designed to handle an essentially-unlimited number of cameras and can also be integrated with other products. Umbo targets the enterprise market and has around two-hundred enterprise customers in the United States - their biggest market - as well as offices in London and Taipei, and customers around the world. The cost structure involves an annual payment per camera, between $280 and $600 depending on features/capabilities. Umbo is introducing a new bullet camera with a zoom lens for exterior applications, incorporating a higher-end Sony sensor for good low-light performance and wide dynamic range (WDR). The camera’s modular design enables the addition of features such as longer-range infrared – increased from 100 to 160 feet – white-light LED to provide a colour image, and greater deterrence, at night, and a long-range microphone for audio. The company also offers a fixed-lens dome camera for indoor applications.

The last two years have been pivotal for MOBOTIX, the German IP surveillance manufacturer. In 2016, the company entered into a share transfer agreement with Konica Minolta, a provider of advanced imaging and sensor solutions. More recently, the company has welcomed new CEO Thomas Lausten, who joins MOBOTIX with a wealth of experience from companies including Siemens, ADI Global Distribution and Milestone Systems. The changes have been accompanied by an updated look for the MOBOTIX brand, with a simpler logo and more unified branding across solutions and regions. SourceSecurity.com caught up with CSO Dr. Tristen Haage and CEO Thomas Lausten [pictured left-to-right] to find out what we can expect from the new-look MOBOTIX. High-quality IP solutions in a commoditised market With a new CEO and Konica Minolta on board, MOBOTIX is set for expansion on a global scale. But how much growth can we expect for a company like MOBOTIX in an increasingly commoditised surveillance market, where many of the larger players compete on price as a key differentiator? While MOBOTIX respects those players, says Lausten, the German manufacturer wants to tell a different story. Rather than competing as a camera hardware manufacturer, MOBOTIX is increasingly positioning itself as a specialist in high-quality IP surveillance software – camera units are just one part of an intelligent system. When MOBOTIX succeeds in telling this story, partners understand that it’s not about the price. "They stop selling boxes,” says Haage, “and start selling IoT devices." To this end, the company is deliberately moving away from promoting individual products and features, and instead concentrating its efforts on complete vertical market solutions where IoT devices can add the most value. These vertical markets include retail, transportation, perimeter protection and industry – although the list is set to expand with the addition of Konica Minolta’s expertise. “When you look at companies like MOBOTIX where there are people who have been on this ride for years, it’s clear they are passionate people” MOBOTIX has the potential to stand out in these markets; not only because of the company’s advanced IoT and sensor capabilities, but also because of its famous robustness. In challenging environments such as transportation and industry, MOBOTIX devices are ruggedised to withstand motion and shock, all the while providing reliable image quality and detection with fewer cameras. In the retail sector, MOBOTIX is already working on integrations with Point of Sale (POS) technologies, and hopes to add value for end users by partnering with experts in the fields of analytics and facial recognition. As Haage explains, “Driving innovation is not just about finding the best image resolution. It’s about finding new ways to innovate.” What makes MOBOTIX unique? Lausten sees MOBOTIX as distinct within the industry. This is due to the unmatched passion and longevity within the MOBOTIX community. “The passion in this company is unique,” says Lausten. “When you look at companies like MOBOTIX where there are people who have been on this ride for years, it’s clear they are passionate people.” The company has kept this enthusiasm from the beginning, through MOBOTIX’s continuing transformation to its new-look incarnation today. “It comes back to what [Dr. Ralf] Hinkel made: A community of partners.” According to Haage, this enthusiasm boils down to MOBOTIX’s mission to provide integrators with high-quality, smart products: “The people on the sales team appreciate they are not selling a commodity – not just a camera – but a smart IoT device with German quality, and this is what drives people in the company.” MOBOTIX is increasingly positioning itself as a specialist in high-quality IP surveillance software – camera units are just one part of an intelligent system Developing MOBOTIX on a global scale Might the majority acquisition by Konica Minolta alter MOBOTIX’s distinct “Made in Germany” DNA? No, says Lausten, who wants to reassure partners. While MOBOTIX is 65% owned by Konica Minolta, with many other shareholders, it remains an independent company. What Konica Minolta brings to the table is a financially strong owner who can advise on technology development. By leveraging MOBOTIX’s existing IP technologies and Konica Minolta’s advanced optical systems, the companies can work together to develop Intelligent solutions for specific vertical markets, including perimeter security and healthcare, according to Lausten. The challenge is to take what is already great about MOBOTIX – proven quality, made in Germany – and develop this on a global scale In addition to technology advances, the deal aims to broaden the distribution of MOBOTIX products by leveraging Konica Minolta’s global direct sales network and support systems. Although there are no “open doors” between the two companies, there is ongoing collaboration between Konica Minolta and MOBOTIX channel partners. Konica Minolta has a customer-centric approach and good relationships with end users in Europe and beyond, and can share this experience with MOBOTIX and its partners. While MOBOTIX has traditionally had a headquarters-centric approach, says Haage, the introduction of Thomas Lausten and Konica Minolta allows the company to cater to the individual needs of various regions, including the US. One might expect this increasingly global focus to mean that MOBOTIX will be varying its approach to products from region to region. On the contrary, explains Lausten, the challenge is to take what is already great about MOBOTIX – proven quality, made in Germany – and develop this on a global scale. Unifying the company’s approach globally is the best way to ensure customers’ needs are met efficiently. “When we do something,” says Lausten, “we do it properly.” Cybersecurity concerns drive innovation The company’s focus on innovation and quality is increasingly important in a market beset by cybersecurity concerns. Whereas two years ago end users were choosing products based on price, they are now asking whether devices have a back door to cyber threats. "The biggest concern for C-level people is cybersecurity,” predicts Lausten, “This will be a key driver moving forward." MOBOTIX's quality-driven focus means the company is well-prepared for this change: One hundred percent of software is programmed in-house, with frequent firmware and software upgrades to fix weak points. In the case of a software reset, this can only be carried out by sending the device back to MOBOTIX, which may seem less convenient from an end-user perspective, but significantly increases the security of the process. In light of cyber security threats, should users be concerned that MOBOTIX is becoming increasingly open to integrations with other video surveillance partners? The company is aware of the concerns, says Haage, and can therefore take countermeasures. While the market today is based upon open systems, MOBOTIX does not take partnership lightly. By integrating with key players only where there exists a synergy with MOBOTIX’s own technologies, the company can work on new aspects such as IT systems and processes, while taking MOBOTIX’s core products to the next level. “You have to comply with industry trends,” concedes Haage, “but that’s not the whole story.”

Two of the most important priorities in a manufacturing environment are safety and productivity. Failure to follow safe work practices around machinery on a factory floor can result in serious injury, while poor productivity can erode profits and ultimately threaten the viability of the business. At WCCO Belting, a Wahpeton, North Dakota-based manufacturer of custom rubber products for agriculture and light-industrial conveyor equipment, a March Networks® video surveillance solution plays a key role in enhancing both safety and productivity. Monitor work processes “Recently, for example, we had a minor safety incident on one of our machines that was captured by the system,” said Michael Marsh, Senior Technology Administrator. “The video not only allowed us to determine the cause of the incident, it also helped us create a proprietary piece of equipment to ensure that the accident would never happen again.” Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015 Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015, but the company soon discovered it could use the technology for other equally important priorities. “We found that we could use the video solution for time studies, to be more effective and efficient,” said Marsh. WCCO engineers use the video to monitor work processes and then tweak them to speed production, while ensuring optimum quality. Security system integrator The company selected Marco Technologies as its security system integrator in 2015, and acquired March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs shortly thereafter. Two years later, when WCCO Belting decided to also equip a second production facility in Arlington, Texas, it upgraded to a March Networks Command™ Recording Software (CRS) solution in North Dakota and moved the 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs to its Texas facility. At the same time, the company deployed March Networks Command Enterprise Software to tie all the video from its geographically-dispersed facilities together, said Marsh. The software enables WCCO Belting “to oversee everything and manage the entire system from a single point of entry.” In addition, approximately 50 March Networks IP cameras — including indoor domes with wide dynamic range and outdoor IR bullet cameras — provide crystal-clear video of activity on the company’s factory floors, loading docks and parking lots. Remote configuration Marsh cites ease of use and outstanding support as the main reasons for selecting the video solution. “The technology is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to navigate. Support has also been great. When we ran into some early issues, they responded quickly to help resolve the problem.” We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place" “More recently, when we decided to expand the system to include our second location, it was Marco that recommended the CRS solution and the redeployment of our NVRs to Texas. It was really plug and play. That was the winning piece for us. We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place.” A system that was easy to rollout was important because WCCO Belting’s IT department does the physical camera install themselves, while partnering with Marco Technologies for remote configuration. Command mobile app “It’s one of the reasons we like March Networks, because we’re a hands-on IT department,” explained Marsh. “We like to make sure we’re always on top of things and that we understand the equipment we’re working with. If we can’t install it ourselves and need someone to come in and do it for us, it just creates future costs.” Aside from the IT department, which has administrative access to the system, authorised supervisors and managers at WCCO Belting are able to audit video for safety and security purposes. Temporary access is also provided to engineering staff for time studies. Marsh and several supervisors also have access to video through the Command Mobile app on their smartphones. Available as a free download from the Apple Store and Google Play, Command Mobile runs on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Track offending vehicle Remote, after-hours access to video proved valuable during the previously mentioned safety incident, for example, “by allowing managers to pull up video from home and use it to make decisions quickly,” said Marsh. The video solution has also proven useful to local law enforcement, as some of the bullet cameras covering the employee parking lot at the North Dakota facility also have a clear view of North 9th St., a busy artery in the town of 8,000. The video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle" “One day, I was called to the front desk and met by two police officers and three sheriffs,” recalled Marsh. “They wanted to come to my office but didn’t say why. I was never so nervous in my life. Once in my office, they explained that they wanted to see if we had any recorded video to help them solve a hit and run a block and a half down the road. We did, and the video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle.” Rubber belting solutions “We’ve had two law enforcement visits since then, so now when they show up, I know I’m not in trouble,” joked Marsh. A family-owned business, WCCO Belting was founded in 1954 by Ed Shorma, a Korean War veteran who mortgaged the family car and borrowed $1,500 to buy a shoe repair shop. Propelled by Shorma’s strong work ethic and talent for ingenuity, the business grew and evolved as a manufacturer of rubber belting solutions, leading to Shorma’s recognition as Small Business Person of the Year by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1982. WCCO Belting is currently led by president and CEO, Tom Shorma, Ed’s son, and has 270 employees — 200 in North Dakota and 70 in Texas. The company’s rubber product solutions are sought after worldwide, and exported to customers in more than 20 countries. The company won North Dakota’s Exporter of the Year award in 2003, and in 2010 and 2016 it was the recipient of the Presidential ‘E’ Award and ‘E-Star’ award for its export promotion efforts.

Prama Hikvision partnered with the Sanjivani Group of Institutes to offer latest surveillance and security solutions. For the first time that Artificial Intelligence was offered, and enabled face recognition terminals in India’s education sector. Sanjivani Group of Institutes situated at Kopargaon, Ahmednagar is a premier institute for Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing and Diploma in Ahmednagar District. Sanjivani took its names and inspiration from the famous epic of Ramayana where ‘Sanjivani buty’ was brought for revival of life. The Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES), was established by Honorable Shri. Shankarrao Genuji Kolhe in 1983, at Kopargaon, rural domain in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. Identify unauthorised person The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land As the educational scenario changed with time, SRES understood the need and added a number of courses under the umbrella of the Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES) and consequently it gave birth of the Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sanjivani Senior and Junior College, Sanjivani Academy, a CBSE school and Sanjivani International school. The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land. There are different departments in various buildings, playgrounds, hostels and staff quarters. Due to vast area and huge numbers of students, it’s very difficult for management to identify unauthorised person inside the campus. In the past, many instances of bullying, robbery, theft, ragging and pick-pocketing were reported. Up-to-date surveillance solution With the expansion of the Sanjivani Group, there were many challenges faced by students and staff in terms of safety and security. “Consequently, we took our first step towards it by installing Hikvision IP CCTV surveillance in all our campus areas for monitoring. The clarity and the quality of the camera is appreciable and satisfying,” said Amit N Kolhe, Managing Trustee, Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES). He further added, “Presently the security technology has changed a lot. While understanding the need of safety and security of the students, we decided to go for an up-to-date surveillance solution. We contacted Prama Hikvision team and their system integration partner Om Agency for an advanced solution. After understanding our requirements, they introduced some of the latest technologies related to security surveillance.” Facial recognition devices The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance" He further elaborated, “After this we finalised the key areas by conducting the security survey in the campus. We got many advanced solutions implemented with help of SI partner and Prama Hikvision team. The solutions included, ANPR cameras for number plate recognition of cars and bikes at entry and exit gates, facial recognition devices for time attendance and access control of students & staff members.” “The advantage of Hikvision security and surveillance products is that things can be monitored through a single software platform, i.e. IVMS 5200E, which comes as all in one software. The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance,” concluded Amit N. Kolhe. Access control systems By visiting Sanjivani Group of Institutes along with System Integration Partner Om agency, the following solutions based on the latest technology and products were adopted: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras Tripod turnstile integrated with face recognition panels HD IP cameras A broadcasting solution for the seminar rooms Face recognition based access control systems Hikvision solutions delivered results: ANPR Cameras helped the institute to identify unauthorised vehicles at entry gates, through which they stopped many outsiders in getting entry into campus area. Face recognition panels and access control panels helped institute in getting entry and exit record of students as well as visitors. Through the large number of cameras installed at various locations, the management is able to keep an eye on the entire campus. One-stop solution We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision" “Implementing IP Surveillance project for Sanjivani Group of Institutes, Kopargaon was a great learning experience. We have built a strong relationship with Prama Hikvision over the past 10 years. They work with vendor partners to deliver solutions that suit the requirements. The efficient professionals and quality of service is appreciated.” said Mr. Hemant Rokade – Director Sales, OM Agency. “We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision. It was a huge challenge to execute the project of such gigantic proportions. While implementing the project, Prama Hikvision helped us through the project at every step. We appreciate the level of details and accountability, which Prama Hikvision has demonstrated in this project. This reaffirms our faith that Hikvision is the one stop solution for all security and surveillance solutions,” said Mr. Pravin Rokade – Director Operations, OM Agency.

This year’s Super Bowl LIII American football game to determine the champions of the National Football League (NFL), has been protected by 360 Vision Technology’s ruggedised-Hybrid Invictus PTZ camera. The cameras were deployed as part of Security Centres International’s high-performance Mobile Advanced Safety Tower (MAST) rapid deployment camera solution. In all, 10 rapid deployment MAST units were deployed in various areas surrounding the brand new, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena in Atlanta Georgia. With over 1 million fans expected to participate in Super Bowl and the 10-day fan festival, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), was keen to complement the existing CCTV networks around the grounds and mass transit point footfall areas, such as bus and rail stations. HD surveillance imaging MAST is the only product of its kind that would readily integrate into the existing CCTV infrastructure" Stuart Bostock, Executive Group President at Security Centres International explains why the 360 Vision Invictus camera based MAST system was chosen by MARTA: “Featuring world-class HD surveillance imaging, leading-edge design, robustness, zero infrastructure requirements and seamless Video Management System (VMS) integration, MAST is the only product of its kind that would readily integrate into the existing CCTV infrastructure. Additionally, MAST benefits from a significantly smaller footprint than similar trailer based stand-alone surveillance systems.” “MAST has been developed to answer the need for a more sophisticated and flexible surveillance system for infrastructure and public space safety, including large crowd gatherings, as in this application. MAST is unique, as it combines a rapidly deployable unit with some of the most advanced safety and surveillance technology available – the very reason why we selected 360 Vision Technology’s Invictus camera for its core imaging technology.” Full 1080P HD PTZ camera Invictus’ low-power consumption greatly assists the longevity of critical battery power when deployed in the field" Mark Rees Managing Director of 360 Vision Technology added: “360 Vision Technology’s Invictus is a high-performance, ruggedized all-in-one PTZ camera with full 1080P HD and ultra low-light camera technology - making it the perfect choice for off-grid temporary/rapid deployment mobile surveillance rigs, such as MAST. Additionally, Invictus’ low-power consumption greatly assists the longevity of critical battery power when deployed in the field – extending MAST’s operational performance for deployment in more remote applications.” “The Invictus camera’s unparalleled mix of competitive cost and advanced Predator low-light camera imaging technology makes it the perfect imaging component for the innovative MAST system.” MAST units at Super Bowl LIII The use of the MAST units integrated to the existing fixed camera points during Super Bowl LIII week proved a huge success with high-definition images transmitted back to the MARTA Emergency Operations Centre via a mobile network. System operators were able to identify and tackle a number of incidents Thanks to the high quality of images received, system operators were able to identify and tackle a number of incidents, including a vehicle theft. Additionally, the images were also used to predict areas of dense footfall, tackle crowd control safety issues, and manage general health and safety concerns. The deployment of the Invictus based camera system at Super Bowl LIII proved such a success that plans are already in place for deployment at other large-scale US sporting events, including the NCAA Final Four Basketball Championship in 2020 and for city centre deployment across Atlanta.

The retail industry is constantly looking to find new ways to be relevant in the ever-increasing shadow of online shopping. Researchers have predicted a 17.5 percent growth in the ecommerce share of global retail sales in 2021, rising from 13.7% in 2019. When designer brand Miniso opened new shops in Poland, they used Hikvision technology to give them the edge. The management team at Miniso had a number of specific questions they needed answers to in order to make the stores successful in the cut-throat high street environment. Best-selling products They resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise How do we know if our marketing strategy is working? What is the conversion rate of purchases? What are the ‘hot areas’ of the store, and do these actually represent best-selling products? Originally, with no access to significant information, they relied on experience and conversation with staff. But there was no way to verify these findings. They also needed to be able to get this information remotely – i.e. management in their HQ in Warsaw wanted to be able to see the situation in the other four stores without having to visit them separately. Sometimes, they resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise. Tailor-made solution Miniso turned to Hikvision AI products, with a solution built by Polish reseller Volta, including people counting cameras, fisheye cameras and NVRs. These were all coordinated using the HikCentral software platform. A people counting camera in each store counts people passing by, while another counts people entering and leaving. With this tailor-made solution management could calculate how many people were passing by to see a purchasing conversion rate. This also helps them to know whether marketing strategy is working. They can analyse the information further to see whether the rate of people entering the store is dropping, and whether that relates to the number of those passing outside. Miniso’s management can then look into the causes of these numbers, along with sales figures, to form a picture. For example, whether there is an external factor affecting shoppers either to pass by, or to enter. Video management platform The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere Because Miniso have the same technology set up in all the stores in Poland, they can compare different locations. This also comes in useful when it’s time to negotiate rent with shopping malls. Using ceiling installation of several fisheye cameras, the system can generate heat maps. This helps managers to see where ‘hot areas’ are, helping them to allocate products in the optimal place for promotion. Hot areas can also be compared with sales figures to provide further insights into shopping patterns. All the information provided by the system is coordinated, and business information on both layout and original image can be overlaid in Miniso’s HQ in Warsaw. The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere. This makes life a lot easier for the operations team as they need to check the situation in all stores. Fiercely competitive environment It also means that everything can be viewed simultaneously, so they can identify trends throughout the network of stores. Byron Zeng, Vice President of Miniso Poland, says: “The high accuracy of conversion rate the solutions provides really solves a number of our management issues. We can now easily see what’s going on in the other stores, including heat mapping, which makes management of the whole networks so much more efficient.” This is a great example of how AI surveillance products can change the landscape of business decision-making. In a fiercely competitive environment, like a shopping mall or high street, shopping trend data can help a retailer to survive. In fact, this worked so well for Miniso, they decided to use the solution in their stores across the whole of Europe – potentially about 200 stores in the next year.

Police in the Belgian city of Lokeren can now respond more effectively to criminal incidents – thanks to an upgraded video surveillance solution that features 120 Sony security cameras, including the rugged SNC-VM772R 4K minidome camera. Lokeren video security system Like all urban centers, Lokeren faces the challenges of crime, vandalism and antisocial behavior in its streets, public buildings and open areas. Until recently, the municipal police force relied on analog security cameras to assist with detecting and responding promptly to incidents. However, these cameras’ limited resolution and image quality often prevented efforts to prosecute individuals as they could not be successfully identified. In response to requests from citizens to maximise their safety, Lokeren police chiefs and city politicians pledged to upgrade their video surveillance capabilities. In particular, the urgent need was identified to improve the accurate recognition of suspects caught on camera – an even greater challenge at night or on dull, poorly-lit days. Full HD and 4K network surveillance cameras  Security specialists DS-Consulting therefore recommended upgrading Lokeren’s video security to a combination of Full HD and 4K network surveillance cameras. A competitive comparison by DS-Consulting saw Sony’s outdoor minidome and fixed box-type cameras compare favorably with other brands. The rugged SNC-VM772R 4K minidome camera delivered significantly better images in tough low-light conditions “There was only one choice when we compared the image quality of Sony’s security cameras against other market-leading brands” states Emiel De Smet of security specialist DS-Consulting. “They offer so much more detail and clarity – and that makes all the difference in critical surveillance applications.” SNC-VM772R 4K minidome camera In particular, the rugged SNC-VM772R 4K minidome camera delivered significantly better images in tough low-light conditions. The camera’s large-sized Exmor R CMOS image sensor allows it to capture more light than ordinary sensors. This allows it to ‘see’ suspicious activity clearly in conditions of almost complete darkness, where less sensitive cameras struggle. Installed by Belgian integrator Seris Technology, the complete surveillance solution features a video management platform by Genetec Security Center plus 120 strategically located Sony cameras, providing 24/7 coverage of city center streets as well as public buildings, including Lokeren’s police station, central library and city hall. Crime prevention and 24/7 video monitoring The new cameras give police a clearer picture of criminal activity in the city streets, assisting with the positive identification of suspicious persons even at night and in low light conditions. Round-the-clock video footage is routed via an optical fiber network, where images are monitored in the central dispatch office at police headquarters. Since the cameras’ installation, city police have seen a reduction in crime levels, accompanied by greater peace of mind for residents and visitors.

PureTech Systems recently announces a delivery milestone for the next phase of the Border Patrol’s Mobile Video Surveillance Systems (MVSS) program. The latest deliveries, consisting of ruggedised Ford F-150 trucks outfitted with telescoping surveillance payloads, are being deployed in San Diego, CA and will support mobile video surveillance up to 6 miles away. Remote surveillance scenarios The event was followed by Fox 5 News and ABC 10 News in San Diego and highlighted the value to Border Patrol agents in the field, including rapid deployment and ease of use. The MVSS platform utilises PureTech Systems’ PureActiv software as its central command and control, providing video intelligence, user interface display and sensor collaboration logic for the surveillance suite which consists of visible and thermal cameras mounted on a telescoping mast which extends over 35 feet in the air. Mobile surveillance solution In the interview with ABC 10 News, Michael Scappechio, a supervisor with the Border Patrol, said, it’s their increased rate of arrests that landed the trucks here, “nearly a 90 percent increase is significant, that’s going to get attention, that’s going to get resources, that’s going to get man power, infrastructure and technology.” Border Patrol also furthered that these trucks won’t replace the border wall but instead, will go hand in hand with it. PureTech Systems is teamed with Benchmark Electronics to deliver the complete mobile surveillance with the mission to track and identify Items of Interest (IOI) along the U.S. southwest border and other remote surveillance scenarios where rapid mobile deployment is needed. The most recent delivery of the mobile video surveillance solution is not the first, with several systems already being deployed along the border in Texas.

They call it “critical” for a reason. The so-called “critical infrastructure” is composed of the basic services that citizens have come to depend on, and which are necessary to support society and ensure national stability. The term includes high-visibility segments such as airports, refineries, transportation, wastewater, nuclear reactors, electric utilities, pipelines, and more. Because these functions are so critical, the stakes of providing security are higher than for any other market. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of critical infrastructure facilities?