Security installation

The shift to renewable energy is here, and with it comes valuable infrastructure that needs protecting. Rain, dust, and other environmental factors are constant threats to outdoor equipment, and a quality gasket could be the difference between safe energy storage systems and costly damage. Along with their sealing benefits, gaskets also provide vibration resistance and improve a door’s structural integrity. This keeps enclosures quiet and safe, no matter how much the internal machinery may hum. Keep the outdoors out One of the primary functions of gaskets in enclosure manufacturing is to provide environmental sealing. This is crucial for applications where dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants may compromise the integrity and functionality of the enclosed equipment. By providing a tight seal, gaskets help to maintain the internal environment of the enclosure, ensuring that the equipment operates efficiently and reliably, and the outdoors stays where it belongs. Cut the noise Gaskets designed with good compression characteristics can dampen vibration and minimise rattle Vibration is a common issue when it comes to enclosure manufacturing, as it can lead to abrasive noise and damage to sensitive equipment. Eliminating noise pollution is particularly necessary in residential areas, where homeowners must be assured the enclosure will not disturb their daily lives. Gaskets designed with good compression characteristics can dampen vibration and minimise rattle. This not only enhances the operational life of the equipment but also improves the overall user experience. Enhancing structural integrity and aesthetics Gaskets, while primarily functional, also ensure clean lines and seamless integration of the enclosure components. The right gasket material and design can prevent unsightly gaps and misalignments between doors and frames, contributing to a polished and professional appearance. Much like vibration resistance, the aesthetics of an enclosure can be integral to its success in residential areas. While temperatures can change over time, warping the enclosure’s metal exterior, gaskets remain malleable and provide increased tolerance for slight variations in a panel’s shape. This reduces maintenance costs and part replacement. Choosing the right gasket and hardware The importance of gaskets in enclosure manufacturing cannot be overstated. Their functionality ensures that enclosures are not only secure and accessible, but also well-protected from environmental factors and vibration damage. But they are only part of a solution. Users judge devices based on how they physically interact with them. It is critical to combine a gasket with the right latch, hinge, and handle for a complete package that ensures a safe, high-quality experience for end users. As the demand for reliable enclosures continues to grow, these components will remain crucial in delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and quality.

ASIS International, the world's largest association for security management professionals, opened its annual conference—Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2024 in Orlando. The event will continue through 25 September and feature more than 200 education sessions and approximately 500 exhibitors.  This year GSX featured two days of pre-conference events on Saturday and Sunday, including Secure Horizons: An Immersive Experience for Senior Security Executives, ASIS Volunteers’ Day, the ASIS Awards of Excellence and the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).  Discussing the strategic direction 2024 ASIS International President, Cy A. Oatridge, CPP, opened the conference by discussing the strategic direction of ASIS International and the importance of uniting global security professionals.   “We're pushing boundaries to deliver real value, joining forces with key players and tapping into data to showcase security's true worth,” Oatridge said. “Our goal? To support security professionals - whether you're in Boston or Bangladesh - and to reach even those who don't yet know they need us." Broader security community Tenney addressed GSX for the first time as CEO, having joined the organisation in early July Oatridge added: "These strategic pillars will guide us in delivering unparalleled value to our members and the broader security community while at the same time focusing on the role of our association as a facilitator both within and beyond our profession. Together, we're a global force, united in our mission to make a lasting impact.”  Oatridge was joined onstage by ASIS International CEO Bill Tenney. Tenney addressed GSX for the first time as CEO, having joined the organisation in early July. He spoke about the value security personnel add to their organisation, and how ASIS can help support and grow those security pioneers.  Strategic insights “As security pioneers, we bring strategic insights, risk management expertise, and crisis leadership to our organisations,” said Tenney. “We punch above our weight, often carrying more organisational heft than we realise. Our common purpose is to recognise and leverage that influence.”   Tenney added, “In the face of wars, civil unrest, terrorism, crime, natural and manmade disasters, there’s a level of concern and anxiety among populations around the world, and security teams and security professionals have unique abilities, skills, and experience to address these head on. The world needs security professionals now more than ever.”  Insightful Keynote session Sanna Marin kicked off Monday’s programming with an insightful Keynote session Sanna Marin, the former prime minister of Finland, kicked off Monday’s programming with an insightful Keynote session about the intricacies of modern geopolitics, especially the recent Russian assault on Ukraine and Finland’s entry into NATO. Her presentation, titled “Geopolitics: Strategic Security Diplomacy: Charting Paths in a Rapidly Changing World” discussed the Russian attacks on Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and how resilience is crucial to surviving unexpected crises like these.  Global security challenges “This unpredictability underlines the importance of building resilience into our systems and societies so that we are not only prepared for known risks but also able to adapt and recover when unforeseen events occur,” Marin said.  She called for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to global security challenges, one that maintains the benefits of global trade while reducing vulnerabilities to authoritarian regimes.  Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 In award of Saudi National Day, Monday also featured a special session highlighting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Monday featured close to 90 education sessions covering topics from across the security profession, including sessions on critical infrastructure, active assailants, mental health, and autonomous vehicles. The Game Changer from Maribeth Anderson and Ralph Miles, CPP, discussed the importance of building organisational resilience and provided methods for attendees to implement in their own organisations.  In recognition of Saudi National Day, Monday also featured a special session highlighting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The session, led by H.E. Governor Aali Al-Zahrani, focused on industrial security and Saudi Arabia’s vision that emphasises strategic alignment with national unity, progress, and ongoing transformation.  Program highlights for Tuesday’s GSX lineup  General Session: Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, Co-founder, and AI Investor  Press Briefing: Update on ASIS International’s Forthcoming School Security Standard  Game Changer: Do You Trust Me? How to Thrive in a Mistrustful Era  Frontline Workers in Crisis: Leveraging Integrated Security Systems to Address Today’s Greatest Workplace Safety Threats  Redefining Resilience: Empowering Effective Risk Management for the Future  Fatal Flaws: When Life Safety and Security Conflict  Hardening Soft Targets from the Inside Out—How to Detect and Prevent Organised Retail Crime  ASIS Celebrates! at Universal Orlando.

Aiphone, the global pioneer in intercom and security communication, announced the debut of AiphoneCloud and its Remote Management at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2024. The cloud platform is set to revolutionise IP intercom management for security integration professionals.  AiphoneCloud "We're excited to introduce AiphoneCloud, a platform designed to simplify the work of security integration professionals," said Sean Peterson, Director of Product, Marketing, and Support at Aiphone. "We are committed to continuing the integration and expansion of our offerings and services on the platform to provide our customers with the tools they need to excel in their roles."  Simplify security projects with AiphoneCloud   The platform streamlines subscription management, providing a centralised hub AiphoneCloud introduces a suite of powerful tools designed to simplify security system management and increase operational efficiency. With Remote Management, security professionals can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Aiphone IP intercom systems from anywhere at any time. Additionally, AiphoneCloud's on-demand system design tool, QuikSpec, enables security integrators to create customised solutions tailored to their client's unique needs. The platform streamlines subscription management, providing a centralised hub for the activation and renewal of services.  New telephone entry kit   The new telephone entry kit simplifies installation by combining key components into a single box set, including an IXG-DM7-HIDA entrance panel, an IXGW-TGW Cloud  Gateway, and a SIM card. This kit allows users to communicate and unlock doors remotely via a telephone keypad or the IXG App. By activating the cellular data plan on AiphoneCloud for the Cloud Gateway, security integrators can begin utilising remote management to service and support their clients’ systems.   The AC Series - enterprise-grade access control An intuitive and scalable access management solution for medium-sized businesses In addition to AiphoneCloud, Aiphone is showcasing the AC Nio access control management software at GSX. An intuitive and scalable access management solution for medium-sized businesses seeking enterprise-level features and benefits. Pair with any Aiphone intercom solution for an added layer of protection and control.  Visit at GSX 2024  Experience Aiphone solutions, including the IX | IXG Series IP Video Intercom System integration with i-Pro and Genetec, at Booth #1186 during GSX 2024 from September 23rd to 25th. See firsthand how Aiphone can transform security and communication systems.

Vigitron, Inc., a manufacturer of networking solutions for security applications, is pleased to announce the launch of an addition to its enterprise line of next-generation network switches. Vi30310U The Vi30310U is an 8 + 2 + 2 tabletop/rack mount network switch with 2 independent UTP and fiber uplink ports.  This powerful 1G PoE switch is built upon the success of previous versions, offering a wider range of features to cater to diverse customer needs. Both generations will remain readily available, allowing distributors to provide the perfect solution for each project. Key highlights of the "U" Midspan Series Enhanced Power Delivery: Boasting a 730W PoE budget for the Vi30210U . They comply with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt (90W) on all eight ports and most non-standard high power PoE types providing bridge from previous and newer camera translating to powering more devices simultaneously, including high-demand PoE applications. Precise Time Synchronisation: Introducing the unique TimeZone feature, these switches eliminate the need for external time servers or web-based connections. TimeZone ensures seamless date and time synchronisation across your entire network. Comprehensive System Monitoring: Syslog messages provide detailed insights into network status and potential operational errors. Every "U" series switch comes bundled with Vigitron's complimentary SysCap™ software, allowing for convenient remote monitoring and troubleshooting. Unmatched Versatility: providing 10/100/1000Mbps PoE ports, independent 1G copper and fiber uplink ports, they offer a plethora of connectivity options, tailoring your network to specific needs and distances Enhanced Reliability: Featuring Autochecking technology, the "U" series proactively monitors each port connection. In case of a lost connection, Autochecking automatically re-establishes it and restarts PoE, minimising downtime and service calls.

Advantech, a global pioneer in industrial IoT and embedded computing solutions, has officially inaugurated its expanded regional office in Singapore. This strategic investment is set to enhance Advantech's core competencies within the ASEAN region.  Singapore office Located at 7002 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, the new office will double the company’s current facility space, enhancing its infrastructure to meet the rising demand for high-technology solutions, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The expansion underscores Advantech’s commitment to collaborating with silicon and ecosystem partners and investing in local talent development through industry-academia partnerships. Configure-To-Order Service (CTOS) The new office will support Advantech’s CTOS reinforcing its strategic goal of localising industry presence The new office will also support Advantech’s Configure-To-Order Service (CTOS), reinforcing its strategic goal of deepening and localising industry presence while advancing a comprehensive AIoT industry development strategy. Vincent Chang, Managing Director of Asia and Intercontinental Region at Advantech, stated, "The relocation to our new premises marks a significant milestone in Advantech's nearly 30 years of growth in Singapore." Corporate Development Core Competency hub "Established in 1995, Advantech Singapore has grown to become a pivotal hub in the ASEAN region, pioneering the creation of Advantech Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam as key regional business units." "Advantech envisions Singapore evolving into a Corporate Development Core Competency hub, focusing on business intelligence, strategic planning, and advancing branding, public relations, and ESG programmes across the ASEAN region." AIoT Innowork programme The programme will advance intelligent EV charging and parking space monitoring with Advantech’s LoRaWAN Advantech is also excited to launch the second year of its AIoT Innowork programme with Singapore Polytechnic (SP). 2024's projects will focus on sustainable development, net-zero emissions, and generative AI. Students will use Advantech’s WISE-PaaS, a cloud-based platform, to develop AIoT solutions, including a smart outdoor agriculture proof-of-concept within SP’s campus. Additionally, the programme will advance intelligent EV charging and parking space monitoring with Advantech’s LoRaWAN gateway and generative AI, featuring a dashboard for carpark occupancy and an assistive chatbot for availability queries. AI technology In response to the government's focus on future workforce development, a student team from SP is set to create a proof of concept for a "Generative AI-powered Virtual Sales Agent." This innovative project aims to transform customer interactions by enhancing sales and engagement through cutting-edge AI technology. SP envisions this technology revolutionising customer engagement, enhancing service support, and improving operational efficiency. MySkillsFuture programme Advantech aims to build a collaborative value chain that fosters a sustainable and thriving IoT ecosystem Advantech Singapore is dedicated to advancing the “MySkillsFuture” programme, a key initiative by the Singapore government to support lifelong learning. Advantech aims to build a collaborative value chain that fosters a sustainable and thriving IoT ecosystem by partnering with ecosystem players, academic institutions, and industry pioneers.  Social responsibility objectives Additionally, through academic collaboration, Advantech seeks to cultivate industry growth and align with its social responsibility objectives by producing and distributing urban farming products to underserved communities. These strategic partnerships are poised to drive long-term industry success and reinforce Advantech’s commitment to its ESG goals.

Codelocks introduces Gate Solutions by Codelocks – XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock to its expanding range of access control lock solutions. XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock Codelocks’ single-point, bolt-through, fixed gate lock is specifically designed for gates where a coded lock is the preferred method of entry for secured perimeters and outdoor areas. The XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock is a robust, durable access control solution designed to withstand the toughest conditions. CL500 and CL600 mechanical locks The XtraD Gate Lock is engineered to work with Codelocks’ heavy-duty CL500 and CL600 mechanical locks for basic access control, and the electronic CL5000 lock for enhanced flexibility with time-sensitive codes. These options make the XtraD Gate Lock suitable for a wide range of gated access control environments, including those with high traffic use and in corrosive environments. Applications in various environments The XtraD Gate Lock is especially suitable for public facilities that are close to visitors at certain times The range of options available for the XtraD Gate Lock includes a marine-grade finish for harsh outdoor and coastal environments, and knob or sprung lever options where a single-handed means of access is required. The XtraD Gate Lock is especially suitable for public facilities that are close to visitors at certain times to prevent access by unauthorised people but allow access to workers for out-of-hours maintenance. It is also a workable solution for industrial, commercial, and building sites to provide site access for workers and delivery drivers without having to have a gate operator on hand. Perimeter gates Jo Milne-Rowe, Managing Director at Codelocks said, “Perimeter gates are necessary to control access to outdoor areas that you find in industrial or commercial property, including residential communal areas like bin stores and bike storage as well as publicly accessible areas like sports facilities, schools, parks and playgrounds." "The XtraD extends the convenience and quality of Codelocks’ mechanical and electronic locks to outdoor gates around areas where controlling access is important.” Corrosion resistance and durability Codelocks’ XtraD Gate Lock has a full stainless-steel construction for corrosion resistance and durability and has been tested to over a million cycles. Its adjustable heavy-duty latch bolt and anti-thrust snip allow up to 15mm adjustment without the need for lock removal.

As part of ever-evolving technological advancements and the increase in digitisation, home security systems remain a vital piece of equipment for at least 39 million households in the U.S., and as many as 13 million more households may install new security systems in the next 12 months. Global home security market In addition, a recent study found that 60% of burglars are deterred from attempting a burglary when a home has a security system, looking for alternative targets that are easier. Another similar study found homes without security systems are 300% more likely to experience a burglary. It’s estimated the global home security market is expected to grow to $84.4 billion as more and more people install home security systems as a way to ensure their safety. High-tech security devices Home security systems and the technology behind them will continue to expand and integrate further With the ongoing need for home security systems and the introduction of technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), home security companies are finding new and innovative ways to improve the home security experience by installing high-tech security devices. These devices are changing how we protect our homes, valuables, families, pets, and more. As we look ahead to the future, home security systems and the technology behind them will continue to expand and integrate further within the home as AI evolves and takes on a more meaningful and deeper role in the home security industry. Features of AI-based home security systems Most home security systems already use AI regularly for features like smart cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. These offerings incorporate AI to detect and respond to potential security threats, differentiating between everyday activities and potential suspicious behaviour and then alerting homeowners based on the activity. As AI expands the capabilities of critical security features such as facial recognition, voice control connectivity, and enhanced video capabilities, it will significantly improve the traditional security systems we use today, providing additional means of not only protecting homes but also streamlining the overall home security system. Future advancements in AI home security systems Increased integration of security devices through AI As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see increased integration and connectivity of devices included in a home security system and home – all powered by AI. This includes hardware such as cameras, motion detectors, keypads, sensors, and smart locks, as well as software, such as digital apps. This increased connectivity will not only make it easier for homeowners to manage their security system but also to customise their home and home security to meet their evolving needs.  Voice control connectivity The new hands-free approach to home security enhances the user experience and opens up new possibilities Voice control connectivity is yet another key feature that is gaining popularity in AI-powered home security systems. Security system users can control and monitor their security systems using voice commands similar to how Amazon’s Alexa works, making security systems more convenient and user-friendly. The new hands-free approach to home security not only enhances the user experience but also opens up new possibilities for seamless integration with other smart home devices and mobile devices. AI will help personalise and individualise security settings Relying more heavily on facial recognition technology, AI algorithms integrated into home security systems will become more personalised and tailored to individual users based on their preferences. Imagine a security system that recognises each member of your family and adjusts its settings and alerts based on each user’s unique preferences and habits. Thanks to facial recognition improvements in recent years, this new level of customisation will enhance security and improve the ease of use, making home security more intuitive and user-friendly. By incorporating personalisation via AI into home security systems, simple tasks like disarming the system when returning home or arming the system before going to bed at night will be much more efficient, and security settings will be saved based on each user’s preferences. AI will analyse threats before they become emergencies AI-powered automation will play a heightened role in the future of home security systems as it learns to proactively analyse and respond to potential threats, security breaches, and emergencies like fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Through real-time monitoring, AI will begin to predict and prevent security breaches before they occur, working efficiently with human counterparts for an effective approach to security monitoring. Security monitoring AI linked to a carbon monoxide detector may notice the levels rising before they reach a dangerous level For example, through camera monitoring, AI will learn how to tell the difference between normal and suspicious activities, automatically adjusting your security settings and alerting you of a potential risk. Similarly, AI linked to a carbon monoxide detector may notice the levels rising before they reach a dangerous level and alert the security system user and monitoring service in advance. The AI evolution of home security The traditional idea of home security systems, with physical locks, keypads, and alarms, is rapidly changing into a more intelligent system powered by AI. Just as the cell phone industry revolutionised communication by making phones constantly accessible to us all, AI is on the cusp of transforming our home security systems into a much safer and more user-friendly experience.  Shortly, we’ll see a world where every aspect of home security systems is easily accessible on one or multiple devices within the home or even on mobile devices, boosted by the help of AI. From keyless entry systems that recognise our faces to AI assistants that communicate with us and adjust settings based on our preferences, the possibilities are truly endless. A safer, smarter, and more secure future As AI continues to advance and becomes more integrated into home security systems and life in general, the future will bring enhanced safety, security, convenience, and peace of mind for homeowners. As we move towards a future where AI plays a larger role in our daily lives, we can expect to see a shift in the way we think about and approach home security systems – in fact, it’s already happening. The traditional security setup of the past is being replaced by a new era of intelligent, interconnected, and proactive home security systems that work seamlessly. With AI as our ally and incorporated into our home security systems, we can look forward to a safer, smarter, and more secure future for our communities, homes, and loved ones.

In the realm of physical security, the distinction between being perceived as a security vendor and a security partner holds great importance. While both may seem interchangeable at first glance, how an organisation is viewed by its clients can have a huge impact on the success of its security programmes. At the heart of this differentiation is the concept of relationships and how they shape the dynamics between providers and their clients.  Time, care, and diligence For security vendors such as systems integrators, security dealers, monitored services providers or manufacturers that sell directly to the end user elevating from supplier to partner requires a greater investment of time, care, and diligence. However, the eventual payoff can be incalculably advantageous to the organisation. Not only does this approach better serve the client but it also cultivates longer-term business and is more likely to generate referrals. Clients will change vendors often but stick with partners for the long haul.  Simple installation and/or service Security end-users should look to their security products and service providers to partner with them Security end-users should look to their security products and service providers to partner with them, be vested in their success, and be part of the solution. They should seek out and expect more than a simple installation and/or service in the absence of any real, tangible, and value-added relationship with stakeholders. That means looking deeper than the similar cameras or equipment most vendors provide. Doing so brings benefits from the partnership in solving problems and creating strategies for mitigation.  Vendors have short shelf lives  A security vendor is typically seen as a transactional company that offers products or services to address specific security needs or challenges. When an organisation engages with a vendor, the focus is primarily on the exchange of goods and/or services for a fee. The relationship tends to be more transactional, with limited interaction beyond the scope of the security solution being provided.  Tools, technologies, or service offerings The relationship between a security vendor and a client is often short with a one-time purchase Security vendors often play a crucial role in the security industry by offering specialised tools, technologies, or services that can help organisations improve their defences against threats. Examples would be video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, or fire/life-safety systems, as well as the monitoring of any of them from a central monitoring station or security operations command centre. The thing about it is, however, that the relationship between a security vendor and a client is often short with a one-time purchase and limited ongoing engagement or consultation.  Partners prove their value  On the other hand, a security partner is viewed as a member of the team that works closely with an organisation to address its security challenges. Unlike a vendor, a security partner is invested in the long-term success of their clients and is committed to building a strong relationship based on expertise, trust, and transparency.  Creating custom solutions Security partners go beyond offering products or services by engaging with companies and organisations Security partners go beyond offering products or services by engaging with companies and organisations to understand their unique security needs, goals, and challenges. They work concurrently with organisations to develop customised security solutions, provide support and guidance, and adapt to ever-changing threats and risks.  When this kind of scenario is developed, the potentially distracting and detracting focus on monetary cost moves to the back burner because the value and return on investment (ROI) are so thoroughly compelling.   Relationships bring real benefits  The core of the difference between being perceived as a security vendor and a security partner hinges on the crucial role of relationships. While vendors focus on transactions and sales, partners prioritise collaboration and a sense of being in it together. Building strong relationships based on trust, communication, and shared goals is essential for forging a successful security partnership.  Personalised approach Security partners navigate complex security challenges, drive innovation, and deliver incredible value over the long term Security partners are not just providers of security solutions; they are trusted advisors who are invested in the success and well-being of their clients. They can be reached easily when needed and emphasise a personalised approach with custom-tailored solutions. By building strong relationships based on respect and understanding, security partners navigate complex security challenges, drive innovation, and deliver incredible value over the long term.  Operational opportunities Businesses and facilities often encounter or face very specific security needs that can only truly be solved in concert with a vendor that essentially acts like an extension of the end-user organisation. Furthermore, when communicating and collaborating on that level, additional security/safety and sometimes even operational opportunities for improvement come to light. This amplifies the value for both the end customer and their security vendor. Talk about a win-win!  Prosper with partner power  While vendors offer products or services, partners offer teamwork, expertise, and a shared commitment At the end of the day, the difference between being a security vendor and a security partner is not merely a matter of semantics. It is about the fundamental difference in approach and mindset toward physical (electronic and networked) security. While vendors offer products or services, partners offer teamwork, expertise, and a shared commitment to reducing losses and crime.   Quality of relationships Ultimately, it is the quality of relationships that separates providers in the security space and determines the success of security initiatives in the current rapidly changing security landscape. This unification of intent, practice, and purpose enables practitioners and the public alike to harness the full power of pioneering-edge technologies that support the security industry’s core mission of protecting people and property. Security partners are not just providers of security solutions; they are trusted advisors who are invested in the success and well-being of their clients. 

Changing customer needs can make specifying an alarm system that will continue to deliver in the long term a challenge. However, the latest modular alarm solutions provide the opportunity to build a more individualised system from the outset, as well as offering the ability to up-scale in the future without causing disruption. Martin Wilson, North EMEA Regional Director at Resideo, looks at how alarm specialists can use this style of solution to both benefit customers and build their own business opportunities. Holistic sense of home security In a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken by Resideo, the results revealed that, although deterring burglary was still a top priority, consumers were moving to a more holistic sense of home security, wanting to bring convenience, and property and life safety, into the mix. An alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place Indeed, an alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place. The latest modular alarm systems offer the flexibility to create a scalable security and life safety platform for homes and small businesses, as well as giving installers the ability to suggest future update options that can be added as and when budget or requirement allows.  Valuable up-scales Finding an alarm that can be scaled over time has the obvious business benefit of ensuring it is easy to revisit and add to as customers naturally expand their existing security. With many modular designs connected via WiFi, this not only means installers can opt for the right mix of sensor options from the get-go but also that any additions can be connected to the panel and system with ease. Many control hubs have winning features in their own right. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo, for instance, has an intuitive touchscreen, easy-to-read, full-colour display to reduce false alarms, plus a built-in camera, speaker and microphone, intuitive icons and even five-day weather alerts. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo has an intuitive touchscreen Natural up-scale opportunities For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition For the installer, it has a plug-in power connection, trouble-shooting videos and end-user replaceable batteries to reduce unnecessary callouts. However, to build a scalable system, this needs to be coupled with the right, flexible solutions to tackle customer concerns. Taking the time to find out what is important to the end user is vital here and can lead to natural up-scale opportunities. For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition. Similarly, a panic button and even medical transmitters may be of benefit to others. All this, as well as other options, such as glass break detectors, door and window sensors and indoor and outdoor MotionViewers™, are available within the ProSeries range, and can be updated or added to an installation as needed or as a property grows with minimum disruption.  Adding life safety The ability to propose an alarm system that can bring together alerts for different threats – for both the home and life – under one platform, also has real appeal. Indeed, in a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken on behalf of Resideo, a system’s ability to alert to the dangers presented by fire and CO was mentioned as an important part of the decision-making process by 41% of participants. For many, this increased awareness may stem from the many regulation updates regarding smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that took place in 2022. In Scotland, for instance, carbon monoxide detectors were required to be fitted in any room with a carbon-fuelled appliance in all homes, rented or owned. Social housing properties In England, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties In England, from the 1st of October 2002, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties, with carbon monoxide alarms now mandatory in the private rented sector. Wales followed suit in December for rented accommodation.  The new guidance for England and Wales requires at least one smoke alarm to be installed on each storey of a property, to help alert to domestic fires more quickly, ensuring a quicker evacuation and reduced risk of fatality. For professionals, systems such as ProSeries, can be connected to a series of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, in a ‘one-go-all-go’ setup that means the alarm will go off if one of these threats are identified.  Smart and connected benefits The total Connect 2.0 app gives ProSeries end-users the ability to view and control the security platform remotely. The Resideo Pro app currently gives installers the ability to view the system and connect to the central monitoring system. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Zwave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices There are also extra benefits for alarm professionals too. The AlarmNet 360™platform on which ProSeries is configured gives greater insight to improve business operations, increase efficiency and deliver insights on accounts to identify additional upsell opportunities and ongoing services. Providing the ability to remotely diagnose brings valuable time-saving options and avoids unnecessary callouts. It also means the ProSeries panel and peripherals programming can be accessed anytime, anywhere, using the cloud, allowing ease of programming, troubleshooting and account management on the go. Needs and future possibilities Changing a complete alarm system to apply new functions is never going to feature highly with the end user, nor does it work where longevity and sustainability is concerned. Having the ability to build a modular system and add to this as needed, whether this is at a property or a small business, provides benefits for both customers and professionals when it comes to meeting immediate needs and future possibilities. Add connectivity and remote access to this and you have a platform that can help streamline business operations, putting professionals more in touch with customers, and helping to spot future opportunities.

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organisations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customised questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

When it comes to security cameras, the end user always wants more—more resolution, more artificial intelligence (AI), and more sensors. However, the cameras themselves do not change much from generation to generation; that is, they have the same power budgets, form factors and price. To achieve “more,” the systems-on-chips (SoCs) inside the video cameras must pack more features and integrate systems that would have been separate components in the past.  For an update on the latest capabilities of SoCs inside video cameras, we turned to Jérôme Gigot, Senior Director of Marketing for AIoT at Ambarella, a manufacturer of SOCs. AIoT refers to the artificial intelligence of things, the combination of AI and IoT. Author's quote “The AI performance on today’s cameras matches what was typically done on a server just a generation ago,” says Gigot. “And, doing AI on-camera provides the threefold benefits of being able to run algorithms on a higher-resolution input before the video is encoded and transferred to a server, with a faster response time, and with complete privacy.” Added features of the new SOC Ambarella expects the first cameras with the SoC to emerge on the market during early part of 2024 Ambarella’s latest System on Chip (SOC) is the CV72S, which provides 6× the AI performance of the previous generation and supports the newer transformer neural networks. Even with its extra features, the CV72S maintains the same power envelope as the previous-generation SoCs. The CV72S is now available, sampling is underway by camera manufacturers, and Ambarella expects the first cameras with the SoC to emerge on the market during the early part of 2024. Examples of the added features of the new SOC include image processing, video encoders, AI engines, de-warpers for fisheye lenses, general compute cores, along with functions such as processing multiple imagers on a single SoC, fusion among different types of sensors, and the list goes on. This article will summarise new AI capabilities based on information provided by Ambarella. AI inside the cameras Gigot says AI is by far the most in-demand feature of new security camera SoCs. Customers want to run the latest neural network architectures; run more of them in parallel to achieve more functions (e.g., identifying pedestrians while simultaneously flagging suspicious behavior); run them at higher resolutions in order to pick out objects that are farther away from the camera. And they want to do it all faster. Most AI tasks can be split between object detection, object recognition, segmentation and higher-level “scene understanding” types of functions, he says. The latest AI engines support transformer network architectures (versus currently used convolutional neural networks). With enough AI horsepower, all objects in a scene can be uniquely identified and classified with a set of attributes, tracked across time and space, and fed into higher-level AI algorithms that can detect and flag anomalies. However, everything depends on which scene is within the camera’s field of view. “It might be an easy task for a camera in an office corridor to track a person passing by every couple of minutes; while a ceiling camera in an airport might be looking at thousands of people, all constantly moving in different directions and carrying a wide variety of bags,” Gigot says. Changing the configuration of video systems Low-level AI number crunching would typically be done on camera (at the source of the data) Even with more computing capability inside the camera, central video servers still have their place in the overall AI deployment, as they can more easily aggregate and understand information across multiple cameras. Additionally, low-level AI number crunching would typically be done on camera (at the source of the data).  However, the increasing performance capabilities of transformer neural network AI inside the camera will reduce the need for a central video server over time. Even so, a server could still be used for higher-level decisions and to provide a representation of the world; along with a user interface for the user to make sense of all the data. Overall, AI-enabled security cameras with transformer network-based functionality will greatly reduce the use of central servers in security systems. This trend will contribute to a reduction in the greenhouse gases produced by data centres. These server farms consume a lot of energy, due to their power-hungry GPU and CPU chips, and those server processors also need to be cooled using air conditioning that emits additional greenhouse gases. New capabilities of transformer neural networks New kinds of AI architectures are being deployed inside cameras. Newer SoCs can accommodate the latest transformer neural networks (NNs), which now outperform currently used convolutional NNs for many vision tasks. Transformer neural networks require more AI processing power to run, compared to most convolutional NNs. Transformers are great for Natural Language Processing (NLP) as they have mechanisms to “make sense” of a seemingly random arrangement of words. Those same properties, when applied to video, make transformers very efficient at understanding the world in 3D. Transformer NNs require more AI processing power to run, compared to most convolutional NNs For example, imagine a multi-imager camera where an object needs to be tracked from one camera to the next. Transformer networks are also great at focussing their attention on specific parts of the scene—just as some words are more important than others in a sentence, some parts of a scene might be more significant from a security perspective.  “I believe that we are currently just scratching the surface of what can be done with transformer networks in video security applications,” says Gigot. The first use cases are mainly for object detection and recognition. However, research in neural networks is focussing on these new transformer architectures and their applications. Expanded use cases for multi-image and fisheye cameras For multi-image cameras, again, the strategy is “less is more.” For example, if you need to build a multi-imager with four 4K sensors, then, in essence, you need to have four cameras in one. That means you need four imaging pipelines, four encoders, four AI engines, and four sets of CPUs to run the higher-level software and streaming. Of course, for cost, size, and power reasons, it would be extremely inefficient to have four SoCs to do all this processing. Therefore, the latest SoCs for security need to integrate four times the performance of the last generation’s single-imager 4K cameras, in order to process four sensors on a single SoC with all the associated AI algorithms. And they need to do this within a reasonable size and power budget. The challenge is very similar for fisheye cameras, where the SoC needs to be able to accept very high-resolution sensors (i.e., 12MP, 16MP and higher), in order to be able to maintain high resolution after de-warping. Additionally, that same SoC must create all the virtual views needed to make one fisheye camera look like multiple physical cameras, and it has to do all of this while running the AI algorithms on every one of those virtual streams at high resolution. The power of ‘sensor fusion’ Sensor fusion is the ability to process multiple sensor types at the same time and correlate all that information Sensor fusion is the ability to process multiple sensor types at the same time (e.g., visual, radar, thermal and time of flight) and correlate all that information. Performing sensor fusion provides an understanding of the world that is greater than the information that could be obtained from any one sensor type in isolation. In terms of chip design, this means that SoCs must be able to interface with, and natively process, inputs from multiple sensor types.  Additionally, they must have the AI and CPU performance required to do either object-level fusion (i.e., matching the different objects identified through the different sensors), or even deep-level fusion. This deep fusion takes the raw data from each sensor and runs AI on that unprocessed data. The result is machine-level insights that are richer than those provided by systems that must first go through an intermediate object representation. In other words, deep fusion eliminates the information loss that comes from preprocessing each individual sensor’s data before fusing it with the data from other sensors, which is what happens in object-level fusion. Better image quality AI can be trained to dramatically improve the quality of images captured by camera sensors in low-light conditions, as well as high dynamic range (HDR) scenes with widely contrasting dark and light areas. Typical image sensors are very noisy at night, and AI algorithms can be trained to perform excellently at removing this noise to provide a clear colour picture—even down to 0.1 lux or below. This is called neural network-based image signal processing, or AISP for short. AI can be trained to perform all these functions with much better results than traditional video methods Achieving high image quality under difficult lighting conditions is always a balance among removing noise, not introducing excessive motion blur, and recovering colours. AI can be trained to perform all these functions with much better results than traditional video processing methods can achieve. A key point for video security is that these types of AI algorithms do not “create” data, they just remove noise and clean up the signal. This process allows AI to provide clearer video, even in challenging lighting conditions. The results are better footage for the humans monitoring video security systems, as well as better input for the AI algorithms analysing those systems, particularly at night and under high dynamic range conditions. A typical example would be a camera that needs to switch to night mode (black and white) when the environmental light falls below a certain lux level. By applying these specially trained AI algorithms, that same camera would be able to stay in colour mode and at full frame rate--even at night. This has many advantages, including the ability to see much farther than a typical external illuminator would normally allow, and reduced power consumption. ‘Straight to cloud’ architecture For the cameras themselves, going to the cloud or to a video management system (VMS) might seem like it doesn’t matter, as this is all just streaming video. However, the reality is more complex; especially for cameras going directly to the cloud. When cameras stream to the cloud, there is usually a mix of local, on-camera storage and streaming, in order to save on bandwidth and cloud storage costs. To accomplish this hybrid approach, multiple video-encoding qualities/resolutions are being produced and sent to different places at the same time; and the camera’s AI algorithms are constantly running to optimise bitrates and orchestrate those different video streams. The ability to support all these different streams, in parallel, and to encode them at the lowest bitrate possible, is usually guided by AI algorithms that are constantly analyzing the video feeds. These are just some of the key components needed to accommodate this “straight to cloud” architecture. Keeping cybersecurity top-of-mind Ambarella’s SoCs always implement the latest security mechanisms, both hardware and software Ambarella’s SoCs always implement the latest security mechanisms, both in hardware and software. They accomplish this through a mix of well-known security features, such as ARM trust zones and encryption algorithms, and also by adding another layer of proprietary mechanisms with things like dynamic random access memory (DRAM) scrambling and key management policies.  “We take these measures because cybersecurity is of utmost importance when you design an SoC targeted to go into millions of security cameras across the globe,” says Gigot. ‘Eyes of the world’ – and more brains Cameras are “the eyes of the world,” and visual sensors provide the largest portion of that information, by far, compared to other types of sensors. With AI, most security cameras now have a brain behind those eyes. As such, security cameras have the ability to morph from just a reactive and security-focused apparatus to a global sensing infrastructure that can do everything from regulating the AC in offices based on occupancy, to detecting forest fires before anyone sees them, to following weather and world events. AI is the essential ingredient for the innovation that is bringing all those new applications to life, and hopefully leading to a safer and better world.

In response to the growing demand for enhanced security at renewable energy sites, Jacksons Fencing has recently completed the installation of 443 meters of EuroGuard® Flatform twin wire mesh fencing at a battery storage facility in the UK. As the UK accelerates its shift towards a sustainable energy grid, securing battery energy storage systems (BESS) is essential for ensuring energy security. This project represents a crucial step in protecting the infrastructure needed for a renewable future. Addressing the demand BESS plays a pivotal role in the UK’s renewable energy strategy by storing excess energy generated from wind and solar sources to balance supply and demand. As these facilities become more common, they face a heightened risk of theft, vandalism, and operational disruptions, making robust security solutions essential. Jackson Fencing delivered a tailored security solution, combining cost efficiency, scalability, and high-level protection. Tailored security solutions for a critical site The security needs of the battery storage facility included preventing unauthorised access, deterring vandalism, maintaining high visibility for security patrols and surveillance, accommodating future expansions cost-effectively, and facilitating smooth delivery and maintenance of large battery units. Jacksons Fencing addressed these needs by installing its EuroGuard® Flatform twin wire mesh fencing system around the site’s perimeter. This solution provides advanced security features with clear sightlines, ensuring effective monitoring while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. The unobtrusive design also preserves the surrounding rural landscape, contributing to a positive work environment. Vandal-resistant and anti-theft design EuroGuard® Flatform prevents breaches and fence panel theft, leading to gaps in the perimeter The EuroGuard® Flatform system’s twin wire mesh panels incorporate anti-tamper fixings placed on the secure side of the fence, ensuring the installation is highly resistant to vandalism and tampering. This feature is crucial for protecting the sensitive and valuable battery storage equipment housed on-site. By keeping the carefully designed fixings out of reach,  EuroGuard® Flatform prevents breaches and fence panel theft, leading to gaps in the perimeter. With a 25-year guarantee, the fence provides comprehensive long-term protection for this vital infrastructure. High visibility and safety The mesh design of the EuroGuard® Flatform system allows high visibility for security personnel and surveillance systems, facilitating the early detection of potential threats. This high-visibility design also ensures that the fence blends into the rural landscape, preserving countryside views and fostering a pleasant environment for workers. Cost, space efficiency, and scalability For large-scale energy storage facilities, cost efficiency is a critical consideration. EuroGuard® Flatform system provides a secure yet budget-friendly solution without compromising on quality. Its modular design allows for easy scalability, enabling the facility to expand its security perimeter as it grows. By using a mesh clip installation system, the fencing can be extended to accommodate additional battery units while maintaining a high level of security. To further enhance operational efficiency, Jacksons Fencing installed a 6-meter wide mesh gate to streamline battery unit deliveries, reducing access points and enhancing security. Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) PIDS ensures that any intrusion attempts are swiftly identified and addressed, even in isolated areas Given the facility’s remote location, Jacksons Fencing also integrated a Microphonic Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) into the fence. This system is designed to detect any attempts to cut or breach the fence, providing an additional layer of security. The PIDS ensures that any intrusion attempts are swiftly identified and addressed, even in isolated areas. High-quality, scalable security solutions Peter Jackson, Managing Director of Jacksons Fencing, commented on the project’s success, "Securing energy storage is crucial as the UK aims for a sustainable future, especially to double onshore wind to 30GW by 2030." "Installing EuroGuard® Flatform fencing at this battery storage facility shows our commitment to delivering high-quality, scalable security solutions that protect vital assets and support the UK's energy stability."

Established in May 1999, this state-owned electric power transmission company operates under the Gujarat Electricity Industry Act, of 2003. It ensures a reliable power supply across Gujarat through an extensive network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Emphasising advanced technologies and innovative practices enhances grid stability and performance. With a focus on sustainable development and renewable energy integration, it supports Gujarat's economic growth by providing a resilient power transmission framework, playing a crucial role in the state's energy landscape.  Business scenario The absence of a video surveillance monitoring system presented significant security challenges for the power transmission company. With over 60,000 km of transmission lines and 500 substations, the lack of continuous monitoring and recording left the infrastructure vulnerable to theft, equipment tampering, and unauthorised access. Manual inspections were time-consuming and insufficient for real-time threat detection, leading to frequent operational disruptions and increased maintenance costs. Without a proper video surveillance monitoring system, the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies was compromised, jeopardising the safety of the state's power transmission network.  Challenges faced The power plants and substations in the power transmission company had critical infrastructure components that were vulnerable to security threats like vandalism, tampering, and theft.   Susceptibility to EMI/EMC Issues  They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards Operations in the power plant are susceptible to Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues, which can pose safety risks. They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards to ensure reliable operation.  Harsh Environmental Conditions  Being in remote areas, power plants and substations often face harsh weather conditions, necessitating weatherproof network cameras to ensure continuous and reliable surveillance.  Workplace Safety and Occupational Health  The impact of workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses on employee health, productivity, and morale was significant due to inadequate surveillance coverage. They needed a video surveillance monitoring system with incident reporting capabilities to enhance workplace safety, prevent accidents, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.  Data Protection Compliance  They required a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with data protection regulations governing the collection, storage, and sharing of surveillance footage to safeguard sensitive information and ensure regulatory compliance.  Inefficient Manual Inspections  Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight. This delay in identifying issues led to extended downtime and potentially escalating problems, compromising overall operational efficiency.  Slower Emergency Response  In the event of an emergency, such as equipment failure or natural disaster, the lack of real-time surveillance delayed response times, increasing the risk of prolonged outages and damage, which could have been mitigated with a more responsive video surveillance monitoring system.  Matrix solution To enhance security across 500 substations, Matrix Network Cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) were strategically deployed to ensure comprehensive surveillance. Each substation was equipped with a Matrix 2MP PTZ Camera, strategically positioned to detect threats from a distance. These cameras provided enhanced perimeter security by offering high-resolution zoom capabilities and 360-degree coverage, allowing for the identification and tracking of potential intruders.  Bullet Network Cameras Three to four Bullet Network Cameras were installed both inside the substations and around the periphery. These cameras ensured thorough surveillance coverage by capturing high-definition video of key areas, including entrances, exits, and critical infrastructure components.  NVRs The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds Each substation was equipped with an NVR to record and store the feeds from the network cameras. These NVRs were configured to provide continuous recording, ensuring that all activities were documented.  The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds and review recorded footage. Security personnel could access and review recordings locally on individual stations using the device client installed on the NVR. This allowed for quick retrieval of footage in case of incidents or investigations.  Video surveillance monitoring system The video surveillance monitoring system was enhanced with basic Intelligent Video Analytics features, such as tripwire detection, motion detection, and intrusion detection. These features automatically analyse video feeds to identify and alert suspicious activities.  Video pop-up notifications were configured to alert security personnel in real time. When an IVA event was triggered, such as an unauthorised entry or unusual movement, a notification would appear on the monitoring screens, prompting immediate attention and response.  Products offered SATATYA PZCR20ML33CWP P2 (36 Nos.)  2MP IP PTZ Camera with 33x Zoom   SATATYA CIBR20FL36CWS P2 (2682 Nos.)  2MP IR Bullet Fixed 3.6mm Lens SATATYA NVR1602X P2 (33 Nos.)  16 Channel NVR with 2 SATA Ports  SATATYA NVR0801X P2 (487 Nos.)  8 Channel NVR with 1 SATA Port  Benefits Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms Continuous 24/7 surveillance with Matrix Network Cameras and NVRs reduced risks of theft, tampering, and vandalism. Real-time alerts and video pop-up notifications ensured prompt response to potential threats. Matrix video surveillance monitoring system complies with EMI/EMC standards, ensuring safe and reliable operations in power plants. Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring legal compliance.  Adaptive Streaming and SATATYA SIGHT Matrix Network Cameras have an Adaptive Streaming feature. This allows recording at a higher bitrate during activity periods and a lower bitrate during no-activity periods. This aided in saving on storage space. Matrix NVRs have the mobile app - SATATYA SIGHT, which allows users to monitor network cameras from any location, at any time.

In response to the increased demand for oxygen supplies following the 2020 pandemic and subsequent rise in respiratory-related conditions, Jacksons Fencing completed a key project in 2024 to safeguard vital oxygen storage facilities at a pioneering UK hospital. Addressing the demand The pandemic highlighted the critical role of oxygen in treating patients, causing a surge in its use across hospitals. Some facilities even declared major incidents due to oxygen shortages, prompting a significant government investment of over £15 million to upgrade oxygen supplies and prevent future disruptions. As part of these improvements, many larger hospitals have started to feature on-site liquid oxygen storage facilities, where vast industrial tankers convert liquid oxygen to gas as needed. Securing essential resources Jacksons Fencing provided and installed a comprehensive security solution for a new oxygen storage compound Given the stringent safety requirements associated with liquid oxygen due to its extremely low temperatures, precise pressure needs, and related fire and explosion risks securing and managing these supplies is paramount. To address these needs, Jacksons Fencing provided and installed a comprehensive security solution for a new oxygen storage compound. Robust fencing solutions with invisible screen The installation includes 38 metres of Securi-Mesh® fencing, standing at a robust height of 2.4 metres. This fencing is mounted on concrete hardstanding and is complemented by two cantilever sliding gates and a single-leaf pedestrian gate with a push pad exit and key entry. Securi-Mesh fencing features a tightly woven mesh pattern designed to deter climbing attempts, and its small apertures significantly improve resistance to cutting. Additionally, the mesh provides an ‘invisible screen’ effect that allows for effective surveillance without obstructing views, facilitating quick issue identification. Space efficiency and secure gating Unlike traditional swing gates, these gates slide parallel to the fence line, requiring minimal space The cantilever sliding gates installed are particularly well-suited for the restricted space in front of the facility. Unlike traditional swing gates, these gates slide parallel to the fence line, requiring minimal space both in front of and behind the fence. This design not only maximises space efficiency but also enhances security with quick operational cycles, allowing for faster vehicle and goods transit, reducing the time the gates remain open, and minimising security risks. 25-year guarantee with reduced maintenance Furthermore, the absence of ground tracks for the cantilever gates reduces maintenance needs by preventing issues related to debris or track damage, causing fewer repairs, and reduced downtime. In addition to these features, the fencing and gates are backed by a 25-year guarantee, ensuring long-term durability and minimal maintenance. Barbican® vertical bar fan panel The green polyester powder coating chosen for the fencing provides extra corrosion resistance The green polyester powder coating chosen for the fencing provides extra corrosion resistance and contributes to lower long-term costs for the hospital. Sections of the fencing, installed at varying heights, are further secured with a Barbican® vertical bar fan panel, which offers both a physical barrier to intrusion and a visual deterrent. Oxygen storage facility security Peter Jackson, Managing Director, of Jacksons Fencing comments on the success of the project, "Contributing to this vital project, enhancing the security of oxygen storage facilities at a UK hospital, is a significant achievement." "The pandemic highlighted the crucial role of oxygen, we must safeguard these resources effectively." Securi-Mesh® fencing and cantilever sliding gates "The integration of our Securi-Mesh® fencing and cantilever sliding gates reflects our commitment to providing both superior protection and operational efficiency." "By addressing the specific security needs of these vital resources, we help ensure that hospitals can focus on delivering high-quality patient care without disruption.”

The university in rural Maharashtra is committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that focuses on character building, intellectual growth, and community service. Its mission is to develop knowledgeable, compassionate citizens. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and cultural heritage preservation, the institution aims to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsible global citizenship. Featuring one of the largest campuses in Mumbai, the university offers a diverse range of programmes across nine different disciplines.  Challenge/Requirements The client faced considerable difficulties with their current communication system. The wired configuration demanded frequent maintenance and ongoing problems with voice communication quality persisted. The primary challenges they encountered included:  Problems with wired communication: The wired system experienced issues like corrosion, causing a decline in communication quality.  Call Quality: The communication system faced problems like dropped calls and interruptions during active conversations.  Multi-location and Unified Communication Solution: Upgrading the infrastructure was essential to connect and unify various sites across the campus.  Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The new solution had to be compatible with their current setup to bring modernisation.  Redundancy: To guarantee minimal or no downtime, especially in emergencies, incorporating redundancy was essential.  Matrix solution Matrix, in partnership with Shreeji Comsec, designed a solution that greatly improved the university's communication capabilities. The key aspects of this solution are summarised below:  The current infrastructure relied on copper PRI lines, which needed to be upgraded to IP. To support this transition, two Matrix VoIP-PRI gateways, the SETU VTEP2P and SETU VTEP4P, were utilised.  The VoIP-PRI gateways are now compatible with two Matrix IP Phones: the SPARSH VP510 and SPARSH VP210.  The IP connection can now be routed through SIP (TATA) trunks via the Matrix server-based PBX, ANANT.  The server-based PBX, ANANT, provided seamless communication with integrated redundancy, effectively eliminating downtime.  Results observed The solution enabled the university to consolidate multiple sites into a single communication network. Legacy systems were smoothly integrated with modern VoIP technology, optimising existing investments and enhancing the overall communication infrastructure. This upgrade notably increased operational efficiency. Here is a detailed overview of the solution:  Multi-location Solution: Multiple sites were integrated into a unified, comprehensive communication system.  Unified Communication Solution: Integrating with the server-based PBX, ANANT, facilitated seamless collaboration and ensured uninterrupted information transfer and reception.  Investment Optimisation: The integration of SIP with the Matrix Solution, seamlessly incorporated into the existing network infrastructure. This approach maximised the use of existing resources and avoided the need for additional investments.  Operational Efficiency: The redundancy built into ANANT ensured minimal or no downtime, facilitating a continuous flow of information and significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. This feature was crucial for maintaining critical communications and handling emergencies effectively.  Modern Features: The office benefits from advanced functionalities provided by Matrix Standard SIP desk phones, including the SPARSH VP510. These features, such as call-back and auto-answer over secure SIP communication, greatly enhance the university’s communication capabilities.  The Matrix communication solution allowed the university to both enhance and modernise its communication capabilities, equipping them with advanced, state-of-the-art call features.  Products offered Matrix ANANT: PBX Server for Unified Communications Matrix SETU VTEP4P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VTEP2P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VFXTH: VoIP - FXO - FXS Gateway Matrix SPARSH VP510E: Standard SIP Phone 

Wire bonding is a key process in semiconductor production. Extremely fine wires with diametres of 15 to 75 micrometres create tiny electrical connections between a semiconductor chip and other components. The distances between the bond wires are often less than 100 micrometres.  Wire bonding Any deviation, however small, can lead to connection errors. Wire bonding therefore requires the highest precision and forms the basis for producing high-performance electronics, which are used in many different applications. F&S BONDTEC Semiconductor GmbH from Braunau, Austria, relies on image processing technology with industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH to precisely determine wire positions and for quality assurance. Application The operator only has to change the wire or tool on the bonder occasionally and take care of loading and unloading Wire bonders are available with various degrees of automation. With manual devices, each bond position must be approached manually before the corresponding connections can be made. Semi-automatic machines automatically position the wire after the first bond to create a wire bridge. Fully automatic machines use a structure recognition system to determine the position of the chips. Here, the production of all wire bridges is completely automatic. The operator only has to change the wire or tool on the bonder occasionally and take care of loading and unloading. Image processing F&S Bondtec uses image processing with IDS industrial cameras for various tasks in the production process, especially in the semi-automatic machines of the 56i series and the automatic wire bonders of the 86 series. "Our wire bonds connect previously placed microchips or other components with different contact points on printed circuit boards and breathe life into the chips," explains Johann Enthammer, Managing Director and CTO at F&S Bondtec. Bonding parametres Ultrasonic amplitude, force, time, or the movement sequence for setting up the bonding bridges must be programmed "However, positional inaccuracies of the components can occur during the upstream processes. Our machines have to determine these positional inaccuracies using the IDS camera image and our image recognition software and update the wire bond positions accordingly." For each bonding process, parametres such as ultrasonic amplitude, force, time, or the movement sequence for setting up the bonding bridges must also be programmed in advance. The camera's image feed is also used when creating these programmes. Image recognition library For example, you can drag a wire in the live image and change its position. The axes can also be adjusted by clicking on the image. On the software side, the Austrian company relies on a specially developed image recognition library that works with position/pixel mapping, greyscale recognition, and edge detection, for example. Visual assessments of bond connections Once the bonding process is complete, the camera is used again, as Johann Enthammer explains, "After welding, the wire bonds are visually checked by the operator via the camera image." "Among other things, the position and shape of the bond bridges are assessed. The camera image therefore has more than just one function during the bonding process." uEye XCP models At just 29 x 29 x 17 millimetres, they are the smallest housed IDS cameras with C-mount Between one and seven industrial cameras are used per system. Depending on the type, these can be particularly compact and cost-effective uEye XCP models. At just 29 x 29 x 17 millimetres, they are the smallest housed IDS cameras with C-mount and have a completely enclosed die-cast zinc housing. Their screw-type USB micro-B connection and compatibility with the Vision Standard (U3V / GenICam) simplify integration. uEye CP cameras F&S Bondtec also uses uEye CP cameras. These tiny powerhouses offer maximum functionality with extensive pixel pre-processing and are also perfect for multi-camera systems thanks to the internal 120 MB image memory for buffering image sequences. Users can choose from a large number of modern CMOS sensors. They also score points with a compact housing measuring just 29 x 29 x 29 millimetres. Camera selection The small design of the models and the large number of different sensors were important criteria when selecting the camera, as was the low thermal expansion. However, the free IDS peak software development kit with all the programming interfaces and software tools required for operating and programming the cameras was also crucial. Easy-to-understand convenience functions ensure an intuitive programming experience and quick and simple commissioning of the industrial cameras. Plug-and-play functions Johann Enthammer confirmed, "The driver shows very stable runtime behaviour. The easy-to-programme API and the plug-and-play functions with running software convinced us." "This is because there are many different use cases for our systems that can be implemented with the API without any problems. Our machines can be equipped with up to seven different bond heads. A different IDS camera can be integrated into each one." Outlook In addition to standard products, the company develops special machines and customised software solutions The wire bonders from F&S Bondtec ensure stable connections in semiconductor production. With the help of integrated image processing, the manufacturing quality and productivity of the systems can be further increased and rejects avoided. At the same time, the cameras make work easier for the operators. In addition to standard products, the company develops special machines and customised software solutions that also use AI models.  Efficiency, precision, and quality "We see a lot of potential for the use of artificial intelligence in our applications in the future," says Johann Enthammer. Image processing opens up completely new potential, especially in conjunction with AI, particularly in terms of efficiency, precision, and quality. And thanks to IDS's broad portfolio, the right "eye" can be found for every application - for micrometre-precise results. Camera F&S Bondtec uses various uEye industrial cameras, for example: uEye XCP - the industry's smallest housing camera with C-mount Model used: U3-3680XCP Rev.1.2 Camera family: uEye XCP uEye CP - incredibly fast, powerful, future-proof Modell used: U3-3040CP Rev.2.2 Camera family: uEye CP Customer F&S Bondtec covers the desktop bonder and tester segment worldwide and offers a wide range of production and test equipment. It extends to the desktop micro-factory, which combines all wire bonding processes and all test methods in one machine base. Since the company was founded in 1994, several thousand wire bonders and bond testers have left the factory and are in use in many laboratories, development departments, pilot production lines, and production facilities around the world.

The university in rural Maharashtra is committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that focuses on character building, intellectual growth, and community service. Its mission is to develop knowledgeable, compassionate citizens. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and cultural heritage preservation, the institution aims to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsible global citizenship. Featuring one of the largest campuses in Mumbai, the university offers a diverse range of programs across nine different disciplines. Challenge/requirements The client faced considerable difficulties with their current communication system. The wired configuration demanded frequent maintenance, and ongoing problems with voice communication quality persisted. The primary challenges they encountered included: Problems with wired communication: The wired system experienced issues like corrosion, pioneering to a decline in communication quality. Call Quality: The communication system faced problems like dropped calls and interruptions during active conversations. Multi-location and Unified Communication Solution: Upgrading the infrastructure was essential to connect and unify various sites across the campus. Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The new solution had to be compatible with their current setup to bring modernisation. Redundancy: To guarantee minimal or no downtime, especially in emergencies, incorporating redundancy was essential. Solution Matrix, in partnership with Shreeji Comsec, designed a solution that greatly improved the university's communication capabilities. The key aspects of this solution are summarised below: The current infrastructure relied on copper PRI lines, which needed to be upgraded to IP. To support this transition, two Matrix VoIP-PRI gateways, the SETU VTEP2P and SETU VTEP4P, were utilised. The VoIP-PRI gateways are now compatible with two Matrix IP Phones: the SPARSH VP510 and SPARSH VP210. The IP connection can now be routed through SIP (TATA) trunks via the Matrix server-based PBX, ANANT. The server-based PBX, ANANT, provided seamless communication with integrated redundancy, effectively eliminating downtime. Results The solution enabled the university to consolidate multiple sites into a single communication network. Legacy systems were smoothly integrated with modern VoIP technology, optimising existing investments and enhancing the overall communication infrastructure. This upgrade notably increased operational efficiency. Here is a detailed overview of the solution: Multi-location Solution: Multiple sites were integrated into a unified, comprehensive communication system. Unified Communication Solution: Integrating with the server-based PBX, ANANT, facilitated seamless collaboration and ensured uninterrupted information transfer and reception. Investment Optimisation: The integration of SIP with the Matrix Solution, seamlessly incorporated into the existing network infrastructure. This approach maximised the use of existing resources and avoided the need for additional investments. Operational Efficiency: The redundancy built into ANANT ensured minimal or no downtime, facilitating a continuous flow of information and significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. This feature was crucial for maintaining critical communications and handling emergencies effectively. Modern Features: The office now benefits from advanced functionalities provided by Matrix Standard SIP desk phones, including the SPARSH VP510. These features, such as call-back and auto-answer over secure SIP communication, greatly enhance the university’s communication capabilities. The Matrix communication solution allowed the university to both enhance and modernise its communication capabilities, equipping them with advanced, state-of-the-art call features.

While technology like cameras, alarms, and access control systems are crucial components, they are only as effective as the people who use and manage them and the systems that deploy them. When installing physical security systems, the focus should be on the holistic operation of the system rather than the functioning of individual components. However, in the end, overlooking critical factors can undermine the totality of system performance. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

There is no shortage of threats facing security professionals, including some that are new and emerging. Understanding various new threats allows individuals and organisations to take proactive steps to protect themselves, but the first step is to identify what those threats are. Early detection of threats can minimise the impact of a successful attack, whatever the vulnerability at issue. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new and emerging threats will physical security professionals need to be prepared for in the future?

College campuses are meant to be places of learning, growth, and community. Fostering such an environment requires the deployment of policies and technologies that ensure safety and security. Considering the growing role of security technology in the higher education market, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new applications for security technology in the college and university markets?