Security installation

PSA, the consortium of professional systems integrators, announces the addition of Tyco Cloud to its Managed Security Service Provider Program (MSSP). Tyco Cloud is a cloud-based physical security management suite from Johnson Controls developed for video surveillance, access control, intelligence, and integration services on an open and modern micro services architecture. “Tyco Cloud has more than 20 years of experience providing cloud-based security services,” said Tim Brooks, PSA’s vice president of sales and vendor management. “As our industry moves more and more towards cloud-based offerings, Tyco Cloud is an important addition to our lineup of products.” Digital revenue streams Tyco Cloud provides the cost efficiency of software as a service (SaaS) with the simplicity of secure cloud connected hardware. Since its inception, Tyco Cloud has helped customers store and manage over 25 billion minutes of video surveillance in the cloud and is available in 140 countries. "PSA is a leading distributor with a powerful history of delivering best in class physical security technologies as well as the training and support their members need to take advantage of the digital transformation happening in our industry," said Martin Renkis, General Manager of Global Cloud Solutions for Physical Security at Johnson Controls. "We are focused on providing the best solutions to create new digital revenue streams for the PSA members and cost-effective value for their customers." On-premise security infrastructure Cloud computing improves efficiency, reduces IT costs, and streamlines application management, while increasing scalability, availability, security, and convenience compared to traditional on-premise security infrastructure. Integrators in the PSA Network can leverage the power of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence for security with Tyco Cloud. PSA’s MSSP program hinges on uniting partners in cybersecurity and cloud-based security solutions, offering training and certification opportunities and financing options with assistance from PSA.

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to confirm its continued programme of Table Talks sessions for its partners and end users. TDSi began hosting these regular sessions during the Lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, to deliver technical and informational content to interested parties. TDSi’s Table Talks are free online discussion and training sessions with a Roundtable of its key technical and commercial team members. Each session features TDSi’s security experts, on hand to answer questions from attendees and to discuss relevant topics on integrated security systems, installation, and specification. System architecture and design TDSi’s Managing Director, John Davies, who chairs Table Talk commented, “The COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder than normal for us to speak directly to our installation partners and customers, so we wanted to find a way to address this and Table Talk was born.” Our friendly panel of experts are on hand to offer advice on system architecture and design" John added, “The sessions are designed to fit the needs of our audience and we welcome questions posed beforehand (and during the sessions), so we can ensure the content is tailored directly to the needs of participants, rather than us jumping on a soapbox and regaling the audience with all things TDSi. Our friendly panel of experts are on hand to offer advice on system architecture and design, to talk about the latest technology or to answer questions on specific projects and installations.” Non-contact touchless systems Table Talk is presented once a month and chaired by John, who is accompanied by varied members of TDSi’s expert panel, typically including: Head of Development Tina Baker, Product Engineer Russell Marande, Sales Director Alex Rumsey, and International Business Manager Mica Negrilic. John adds, “The COVID-19 restrictions have seen big changes for everyone in security, with greater demand for non-contact touchless systems (including proximity readers and biometrics). The team and I will be on hand to answer any questions on the options, benefits and suitability of our systems and the integration potential they offer in working with security systems from other suppliers too.”

As part of Pyronix’ ongoing commitment to support their valued customers, they’re now providing a small hygiene kit with every control panel. Introducing hygiene kit This small hygiene kit includes a mask, gloves and an alcohol wipe, to help their installers return to work safely during this uncertain time, while providing them and their customers with added reassurance. “We’ve introduced the hygiene kit as a free of charge item which installers can find in their control panel kits when purchasing through distribution. We want to help our customers get back to work safely and it will hopefully go some way into aiding our installers to adhere to government guidelines when returning to work,” Laurence Kenny, Pyronix Marketing Manager, said. Adhering to government guidelines As people across the country begin to go back to work, Pyronix has taken the step to help its installers do so as safely as possible. The hygiene kit is included as standard with every control panel to ensure installers are taking the necessary precautions to protect not only themselves, but their customers too. “The current situation around COVID-19 presents new challenges to all businesses. Whilst the hygiene kit we supply is not medical grade and shouldn’t replace installers carrying out proper assessments with regards risk within their business, we want to help our customers as much as possible to adhere to government guidelines when returning to work in people’s homes and businesses,” Laurence said.

Antaira Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of industrial networking devices and communication solutions for harsh environment applications and is proud to announce the expansion of its industrial networking infrastructure family with the introduction of the LMP-0702G-SFP-V2 and LMX-0702G-SFP-V2 series. The new hardware update will be known as ‘V2’. The affected switches are listed below: LMP-0702G-SFP(-T)-V2 LMP-0702G-SFP-24(-T)-V2 LMX-0702G-SFP(-T)-V2 Ethernet ring protection switching The new Version Two (V2) hardware delivers more horsepower under the hood allowing an entirely new operating system to be installed. With the new operating system comes a long list of new features that bring these smaller switches up to the same feature set as the larger port count Antaira Ethernet switches. Using an open standard for the ring allows a customer to not be trapped by a proprietary protocol Two of the newest and important key features are multi-ring Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) and access control lists. ERPS​ is an open standard used for creating redundant link rings. Ring technology helps prevent system outages by creating multiple paths allowing data to make it to its destination even when a link has failed. Using an open standard for the ring allows a customer to not be trapped by a proprietary protocol. Open standard ring technology Allowing a mixture of manufacturers’ products to be used in an application can also create the best solution. Network security has become increasingly important, while no one feature can assure a secure network, layers of features provide the best security.​ Access control​ lists make sure data can get to where it needs to go but all other traffic is blocked. Minimising how data traffic flows on a network is an important step to securing any network. The new access control lists available with the new V2 hardware will allow an administrator to control this traffic and begin to secure the network. Antaira Technologies’ ​LMX-0702G-SFP-V2 Series​ managed Ethernet switch series is an ideal choice for Ethernet ring solutions with its two fibre optic ports supporting an open standard ring technology (ERPS). Wide temperature-rated device These devices are able to communicate and send critical information back to an enterprise switch With the new LMX-0702G-SFP’s smaller port count now added to the Antaira family of industrial switches, even applications requiring fewer ports have a solution that is the right fit. For example, campuses have networking rings consisting of hardened and industrial switches for outdoor environments that require a wide temperature-rated device. These devices are able to communicate and send critical information back to an enterprise switch at a data centre. Antaira’s ​LMP-0702G-SFP-V2 Series​ industrial PoE switch can not only provide PoE ports (30 Watts) for security applications, but also fibre optic interfaces for long-range connectivity (1 meter to 100 KM), that is, from 3 feet to over 60 miles. The SFP port will not only allow connectivity beyond the 100 metre/300-foot limitation of copper cable but also permits connectivity through areas where electromagnetic interference may cause issues found on factory floors. ​LMP-0702G-SFP-24-V2 series​ has the same features and specs as the ​LMP-0702G-SFP-V2​ except for the switch power input supports 12~48VDC which is ideal for applications where only 24 volts of DC power is readily available such as automation applications.

Videotec is strongly focused on the Indian market and the needs of their customers. For this reason, Videotec is pleased to announce that they have obtained the BIS and the CcoE/PESO certificates for the most requested products in the Indian video surveillance market. The BIS certificate, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is mandatory for certain IT products which are imported in India and provides a guarantee of quality, safety and reliability to the customers. Potentially explosive atmospheres The BIS certificate is now available for the following cameras of range: MPXHD21VW0Z00B, MPXHD2FVW0Z00A, MMX2D0ZA, UCHD21TAZ00B, UCHD21UAZ00B, UCHD21WAZ00B, UCHD2FWAZ00A. The CcoE/PESO certificate, issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), is also mandatory for all electrical components installed in potentially explosive atmospheres within the Indian country. The CCOE/PESO certificate is now available for the following Videotec range of explosion-proof PTZ cameras: MAXIMUS MPX - MAXIMUS MPXHD - MAXIMUS MPXT.

Especially during these times when companies are cutting or freezing jobs, Automatic Systems is pleased to announce several new hires. Nate Lynn joins Automatic Systems as Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast and New England territories; Philip Venero is coming aboard as a U.S. Field Technician for the Southern and Western U.S., and Costas Konstantopoulos joins the company as a Canadian Field Technician based out of the Greater Toronto area servicing the country. With eight years of experience in the Physical Security Profession, Nate’s career spans work as a Technician Project/Program Manager, as well as serving as a Physical Security Engineer for a large tech company based in Austin, TX. He is a proud ASIS member and received his PSP in 2019. Pedestrian barrier systems Costas brings over 25 years of experience as a technician, providing maintenance, installation, repair, and certification services for companies across Canada. Philip has six years of experience as a Security Technician designing, installing, programming and commissioning access control, CCTV as well as vehicle and pedestrian barrier systems. “We are pleased to welcome Nate, Philip and Costas to the Automatic Systems team,” says David Enderle, Automatic Systems’ VP of Sales. “They each look forward to serving our customers in their territories and providing the high level of service synonymous with Automatic Systems.”

ISC West attendees include physical and IT security professionals; dealers, installers, integrators, end-users (from various vertical markets), law enforcement/government officials, consultants, specifiers, architects, engineers, consultants, and more. Within the ISC brand, we are continuing to diversify and grow the number of attendees by attracting international visitors, as well as encouraging physical and IT/IoT teams to visit the show together. Our VIP programme, branded the ISC Executives' Club® programme, attracts the highest level attendees who have buying power for their organisation. Members include: high level end-users from government, education, healthcare, retail, casino gaming (and other verticals), national integrators (along with their End User customers), specifying security consultants, and independent dealers/installers with open projects and decision-making power. Some examples of Executive Club clients attending this year's event are the Department of Homeland Security, Apple, Google, San Francisco 49’ers, Sephora, AirBnB, and United Airlines, just to name a few. “We are so honored to have such dedicated and influential customers in our Executive Club programme. They are among the top thought leaders of the physical/IT security industry, and we are truly grateful for their loyalty to our event brand”, said Sharon Kelley, ISC Attendee Relations Manager. The show floor The show floor has six featured areas to mirror the evolution of the converged security industry. The areas include: Public Safety, Smart Home, Connected Security, Emerging Tech, Drones & Robotics, and (new for this year) Loss Prevention & Supply Chain. The Emerging Tech and Loss Prevention & Supply Chain areas will be located in the Venetian Ballroom, along with the International VIP attendee lounge, and Venetian Ballroom Theatre, which will feature complimentary Drone & Robotics and Loss Prevention education sessions, along with the Mission 500 5k run/2k walk awards ceremony. At the show, you’ll see a new ISC re-brand that has created more identifiable segments and will assist with easier show floor navigations for attendees.The ISC Executives' Club® programme attracts the highest level attendees There is never a shortage of special events at ISC West. Below are a few you won't want to miss: Charity Events (AIREF Golf Classic, Mission 500 5k run/2k walk) Awards Ceremonies (Sammy Awards, New Product Showcase Awards) Industry parties (SIA Market Leaders Reception, ISC West Customer Appreciation Party at TAO). These events are designed to enable attendees and exhibitors network with peers and forge new connections. Visit the ISC website for a list of all our Special Events taking place. Women in security SIA Women in Security Forum is thrilled to be hosting the second annual breakfast at ISC West In addition, the SIA Women in Security Forum is thrilled to be hosting the second annual breakfast at ISC West. “It’s great to see the security industry embrace this initiative and we hope signature events like this will continue to raise awareness of the importance of gender diversity as a competitive differentiator” states Kim Landgraf, SIA Liaison for the Women in Security Forum. This year’s breakfast will feature keynote speaker, Jaime Paris Boisvert, GM for Siemens Smart City Infrastructure.  Jaime will share her insights on leading strategy, sales, and operations whilst working closely with clients to deliver solutions that optimise buildings and infrastructure by improving energy efficiency, comfort, safety, and security. Looking beyond ISC West this March, the ISC Security Events portfolio for 2020 also includes the Expo Seguridad event in Mexico City in April, ISC Brazil in Sao Paulo in June, and ISC East in New York City in November (co-located with Infosecurity North America). 

How can security system integrators not just survive but thrive in today’s IT-led market? The key seems to be in training. As increasingly more clients look to integrate access control with IT environments, they want integrators with the specialist skills to achieve this. For integrators that don’t invest in training, the risk is being left behind. Because many security system integrators aren’t providing specialist IT support, manufacturers are now offering services to make implementations and integrations easier. This isn’t a scalable or desirable option for many manufacturers though, they don’t want to become integrators. The result? Manufacturers will be pushed into developing products that can be integrated with IT networks off the shelf. And this isn’t necessarily the best option for end user, manufacturer or integrator. With a growing number of cloud-based security solutions, integrators also face the threat of clients opting for installation-only services. How security system integrators can survive and thrive today It’s not all doom and gloom for security system integrators though. To avoid becoming redundant, or being downgraded to simple access control installers, there’s lots you can do to strengthen your position. Listen carefully Many integrators are reluctant to do this, but it’s a great way to demonstrate the depth of your experienceOne of the first ways you can distinguish yourself from your competitors is by really listening to what your clients want and need. You can then translate this into a security or access control application tailored carefully to them. Many integrators are reluctant to do this, but it’s a great way to demonstrate the depth of your experience and product knowledge. It’s far superior to carrying out a standard implementation, which can leave clients feeling they’ve not been listened to or given good value. Up your IT knowledge TCP/IP has become the standard for communication between devices and central server applications in access control and security in general. So every technician now needs to know how to connect IP devices to networks and configure them in the central application. This is only the tip of the iceberg though, there’s so much more that integrators now need to be proficient in when it comes to IT. From understanding a client’s WAN, LAN and VPN networks to back-up systems, encryption technologies, key management and transparent communication. It’s also important to know how to integrate applications at server level, whether you’re integrating two or more security systems or a HR database. Most integrators have begun to invest in one or two IT experts, but this usually isn’t enough to meet clients’ needs. To really stay ahead, it’s crucial to invest more heavily in IT training and expertise. Choose your portfolio carefully When considering your portfolio, ensure you check the background of each product’s manufacturer Ideally, your portfolio should be small but rich, which is more difficult than it sounds. Choosing products that will scale easily is complex, and you need to consider the potential for increased functionality or connectivity as well as scalability. When considering your portfolio, make sure you check the background and outlook of each product’s manufacturer. You don’t want to select items that are likely to be discontinued in the near future, which can often happen after a manufacturer is acquired, for example. Get in the cloud In the security market, the mid and low segments are already shifting to cloud-based solutions that need neither integration nor IT skills. This leaves you with opportunities for just installation and maintenance services, where profit opportunities are reduced. An alternative is to begin selling cloud-based security services yourself to help you attract and retain clients for the long-term. Give clients added commercial value As competition increases and budgets shrink, offering added value, to new and existing clients, is a vital way to differentiate your business. This will help you to not just defend against competitors but to grow your business and increase your profitability. Configuring access control reports for clients is just one example. It’s relatively straightforward to do but provides really valuable insight into visitor flow. This can then enable them to, for example, staff reception adequately and provide sufficient catering, which all improves the experience for visitors and employees. Providing this kind of consultative service, instantly pushes you up the value chain. Stay agile and well informed To survive and grow as a security system integrator today, the upshot is that it’s crucial to keep pace with the market’s ever-changing trends, technology and client needs. And, to make sure you’re ready to adapt and give clients the services they want, it’s vital to give your people the in-depth training they need.

Entrance control and access control - of the physical kind - are common terms in the security industry which are often used interchangeably, but should they be? Having worked both sides of the fence, with previous roles at TDSi and HID and now the Major Accounts and Marketing Manager at Integrated Design Limited, Tony Smith highlights the subtle but important differences between these two terms and the systems they refer to, outlining how they should work together to achieve optimal security. Access control is a system which provides discriminating authentication Access control provides a discriminating authentication process and comprises the software or hardware that defines the criteria for acceptance or denial Used to describe a system which performs identification of users and authentication of their credentials (deciding whether or not the bearer of those credentials is permitted admission) access control is an incredibly broad term. Access control provides a discriminating authentication process and comprises the software or hardware that defines the criteria for acceptance or denial of an individual to a restricted area. Entrance control – such as security turnstiles - takes the output of that validation and has the capability to see whether that criteria is being adhered to, either granting or denying access as appropriate. Entrance control is the hardware responsible for keeping people honest If access control verifies authorised personnel using their credentials – their face, fingerprints, PIN number, fob, key card etc – and decides whether or not they are permitted access, entrance control is the hardware which enforces that decision by making users present their credentials in the correct way, either opening to allow pedestrian access or remaining closed to bar entry and potentially raising an alarm. For example, a card reader acts as an access control device, recognising the card holder as having the correct permissions and saying ‘yes, this person can pass’. But, it’s the entrance control system – a turnstile, for example – which actually physically allows or denies access. Physical access and video surveillance Some entrance control systems don’t feature a physical barrier, however. Fastlane Optical turnstiles will not physically stop an unauthorised person from passing through, and instead alarm when someone fails to present valid credentials, alerting security staff that a breach has occurred. These kinds of turnstiles are suited to environments which just need to delineate between the public and secure side of an entrance, with less need to physically prevent unauthorised users from entering. State of the art access control integrations have been installed for award-winning complex, The Bower It’s also possible to capture video footage of any incidents, allowing security personnel to identify users failing to abide by the access control system’s rules, using It’s also possible to capture video footage of incidents, allowing security personnel to identify users failing to abide by access control system rules the footage to decide on the level of response required. The breach could have been the result of a member of staff being in a hurry and failing to show their card before passing through, in which case they can be reminded about the security protocol. Or, it could be an unidentified person who needs to be escorted from the premises. Entrance control and access control working together For optimum security, access control and entrance control should work together, with the entrance control system enhancing the use of the access control system, making it more efficient and better value for money. The two can’t effectively operate without each other. Security turnstiles, for example, require something to tell them that someone is about to enter – the access control system does this – and, the access control system needs a method of stopping people when they don’t badge in correctly. The two systems are complementary.

Nigel Waterton recently joined cloud video company Arcules to lead the sales and marketing efforts as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). He brings to the task the benefit of 22 years of experience building and managing large, high-growth technology organisations. Waterton joins Arcules from Aronson Security Group, an ADT Commercial Company, where he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development. We caught up with the new CRO to discuss his position and to reflect on how industry changes are impacting integrators and manufacturers. Q: What fresh insights do you bring to Arcules from your previous positions? Waterton: Generally, most manufacturers don’t understand the business model of the integrator. And if they do, their programs don’t necessarily help achieve their goals. Since most manufacturers use integrators to get to the end user, they are often disconnected from truly understanding the customer, their organisation’s business and its impact on the value of the security program. In my previous role, I spent most of my time bridging the gap between these two worlds. It gives me a great platform for understanding how to achieve that with Arcules. Q: How is ‘Chief Revenue Officer’ different from your previous jobs? I have the responsibility of driving innovation for the companyWaterton: While the title is different, the ultimate role I’m in isn’t too different from previous roles that I’ve held in my career. I have the responsibility of driving innovation and strategy for the company, as well as serving as a leader for the sales and marketing team and developing a sales and marketing strategy for the company. This position allows me to build on what I’ve learned throughout my career from an end-user and integrator partner perspective and brings that expertise into the fold of this young, fresh, innovative company that’s paving the way for cloud-based innovation in the marketplace. Q: Is there an industry-wide ‘culture clash’ between the IT-centric nature of cloud systems and the physical security market? How can it be managed? Waterton: Adopters from the IT and physical security worlds are a little at odds over the software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings as a result of a disconnect with how the cloud is defined in both spaces. A lot of people and companies are creating their own notion of what cloud and SaaS mean. And without a common nomenclature in place, there is a lot of confusion among all users. Similarly, there is a clash among integrators around how to monetise the SaaS offering. This gap can be closed through increased awareness, education and the reiteration of how ubiquitous the cloud already is in our everyday lives. Q: From the integrator perspective, what is the impact of a transition to a cloud/SaaS model on how revenue is managed in the increasingly service-oriented security market? Waterton: Transitioning to a cloud/SaaS model shifts the mindset of the integrator significantly, as the focus changes from project-centric to more customer service-based impact. Becoming more service-minded creates a greater awareness of what the client’s needs are on a day-to-day basis and how that can be improved over time. When operating with a per-project focus, it can be difficult to create a more long-term impact on an organisation. With a cloud-based, service-oriented model, integrators now have the ability to manage client expectations in real-time, which greatly increases their value proposition. Q: What about from the end user perspective? Waterton: There are so many benefits from the end user perspective, including the ability to remove the process of a large investment in capital expenditures (CapEx) and shift to a more manageable, predictable operational expenditure (OpEx). Not only does this allow organisations to adjust as needs change; it also prevents being locked into a long-term solution that might not be able to move with the speed of the company as it scales. That being said, the main benefit is the ability of SaaS/Cloud services to drive innovation and introduce new features as they’re introduced without additional investment from the end user. Q: What impact does the recurring monthly revenue (RMR) model have on the operations/management/cashflow of a supplier/manufacturer company? Waterton: Traditional manufacturers struggle with the introduction of a SaaS modelTraditional manufacturers struggle with the introduction of a SaaS model for many of the same reasons integrators struggle. They must sell the board and possibly their investors on a new valuation model as well as revenue recognition model. That is constraining their innovation in the market. Oddly enough RMR from a manufacturer’s perspective is very similar to the integrator model in that cash flow is more predictable in nature. An RMR model allows a company to grow strategically and innovate constantly, expanding and adjusting to cater to client needs on a daily basis while also providing the ability to look ahead and ensure we’re meeting the needs communicated to us in the market now and into the future. Q: What will be the biggest challenge of your new position at Arcules (and how will you meet the challenge)? Waterton: One of the biggest challenges we’re seeing — and one that will have a significant impact on my role — is the challenge of market adoption of SaaS/cloud services, as well as the awareness about why cloud is a significant part of the future of the industry. There’s also an opportunity to shift the conversation within Arcules from tech-focused outcomes to becoming practitioners of risk-based outcomes. We have to focus on the risk model for organisations, not technology. If we truly understand the risks to the organisation, the tool will become apparent. Answering the questions: Why does a retailer lose product? Why does a facility experience vandalism? We have to understand the sociology of it because that’s how we can address what the service does in the marketplace. Q: Taking the various elements into consideration, what will the ‘physical security industry’ look like five years from now? Waterton: In sum, wildly different. It’s much different than what it was five or even 10 years ago, and with each leap, the industry has moved forward. Products are maturing, bandwidth is improving and the knowledge that we have is exponentially more advanced. There is increasing use of outside perspectives aimed at shaking up the ‘this is how it has always been done’ mentality that many organisations have suffered from. It’s going to look very different five years from now, and cloud-based initiatives will be the key to the success of many organisations.

The success of smart homes began with professional security providers offering bundled packages, focused mostly on security monitoring. However, due to the cost of professional contracts, consumers began to embrace the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Despite the challenges and opportunities that come with professional and DIY approaches, the momentum of smart home growth depends on these two approaches working symbiotically. Smart home systems In 2017, there were about 122 million smart home devices shipped globally, according to IHS Markit. The retail channel represented about 62 percent of all device shipments in 2017 and will represent about 70 percent in 2021. Despite the increased demand for professional installation, the “do-it-for-me” approach, most the volume remains with ad-hoc purchases. This includes a consumer video camera or a smart thermostat purchase from a retailer. Data capture form to appear here! When a consumer wants to add devices to an existing professionally installed system, they often will buy products from retail. Flexible service offerings and pricing are already taking shape across smart home offerings. DIY installed smart home systems such as Scout Alarm already offer no contract monitoring. Professional monitoring companies are already offering no contract pricing, and providers such as Comcast are looking to pilot programs for just video monitoring, bundled with Internet for a low monthly fee. Home automation system Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller Options for financing are also going to become commonplace. Smart home equipment is expensive, even when attempting to outfit a modest size home (2,500 square feet). Immediate access to services is becoming more critical. This means consumers should be able to access on-demand service options directly from a mobile device to activate or deactivate professional monitoring. Lastly, pricing still needs to come down for many smart home devices, but there is a threshold. For example, the sale of wireless, connected smart locks (viewed by some consumers as DIY) can lead to opportunities for further home automation product sales and professional installations. Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller. They can be used to communicate wirelessly with and control all the devices that make up a home automation system, including lighting, entertainment, thermostats, air, alarms, shades and more. Residential security According to a 2018 Residential Security Market Report prepared by Parks Associates, “More than 60% of installing dealers now report that DIY systems are biting into demand for their services.” But the rise in DIY is not entirely bad news for security and home automation installers and dealers. There are a number of ways to view this glass as half-full. For example, with their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchases. There are reasons for dealers and installers to be cheerful about the rise of DIY. For one thing, according to that same Residential Security Market Report from Parks Associates, residential security dealers are doing quite well. The report states, “In 2017, revenues were up an average 7.72% for security dealers.” Full-time monitoring DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchase and installation of professionally installed systems What about installations? The report goes on to say, “For 2017, the average number of installs per dealer was 22 per month, compared to 17 per month in 2016.” So, revenues are up for security dealers, and at least part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that DIY products can raise overall awareness of and spur interest in other home automation and security products. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for the additional purchase, and installation, of complete, professionally installed systems. Instead of paying for monthly monitoring, homeowners can install a web cam, access from a smartphone or tablet and essentially do their own security monitoring. The downside of this approach is readily apparent. Without full-time monitoring, homeowners can easily miss the break-in or the aged parent who falls and can’t get up. Near-field communication Until they log on and take a look, there’s no central station to send medical aid or call the police. Connecting door locks and other devices to the Internet can also open a door to hackers, if the infrastructure isn’t properly protected. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. A common theme among professional monitoring providers is that a homeowner who is aware of events happening in the home does not necessarily have a secure and protected household. Traditional security features For example, a Nest camera, a DIY product, notifies a consumer via smartphone about events in the home when it detects motion, but only when the notification is opened and identified will a consumer be able to act on the related event. Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market that want security but are unwilling to adopt professional monitoring; however, providers can leverage these devices to enhance traditional security features and communicate the value of professional monitoring. Missed part one of our smart home mini series? Read it here.

The boundaries between the smart home market and security market at large are narrowing. Amidst a wave of expansion, suddenly everything is becoming digital. Home automation has been around for close to 30 years but hasn’t really hit it big because integration hasn’t been that simple. Now that the Internet of Things has stepped into the market, home automation is really taking off. As technology in the smart home market advances, the gap between the residential and professional security markets is growing smaller. Additional revenue for security industry There will continue to be more opportunity for interoperability, and home automation will continue to grow and eventually become a norm. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions, have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras and other products suffice for their security. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition.  Data capture form to appear here! Residential security solutions Growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that" The trend has no doubt accelerated in the last couple of years. New collaborations are being made between audio-video (AV) suppliers and security solution providers. The clientele of high-end AV products is becoming increasingly concerned with home security and property protection. So, in recent months, the requirement for residential security solutions has been increasing as technical solutions can go hand in hand with AV installers’ capabilities and client base. “One of the big mistakes many make is that they assume – based on some of the hype and big market investments – that the smart home market is set to explode,” says Michael Philpott, Senior Practice Leader, Consumer Services at Ovum. "This is not the case – growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that, rather than expecting some rapid ramp up simply because some big names have entered the market.” Pressure to upgrade security standards Surprisingly for what has historically been something of a grudge purchase, in the context of home automation, security is seen as a solution some consumers are looking for. Another security aspect of home automation is cyber security, in particular how it applies to various IoT devices in the home. Now as connected devices gather personal information from realms long considered private and protected – the bedroom, the kitchen counter, the nursery – the risks are higher than ever. All of the data that various devices and sites have collected can be combined, shifted and then exploited by marketers or even stolen by hackers. Both manufacturers of smart home products and the companies that install them are feeling pressure to upgrade security standards. They are moving to set policies that will regulate who has access to data and how it is used. Ease of installation Advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies  A recent revelation that some “smart TVs” might be listening to conversations and transmitting them to "third parties" caused an uproar. These sets have voice activated features that enable users to change channel, turn on a DVD or browse the internet by speaking to the screen or remote. The fine print in privacy policies contains warnings that general conversations are also being heard, and one company even told owners to turn off this function if they were concerned. Another impact of smart homes on the security marketplace is to raise expectations about the capabilities of commercial systems. Products made today for residential applications are very high quality, easy to install (do-it-yourself, or DIY), and have very rich feature sets. End users expect their commercial solutions to have a similar ease of use and ease of installation. Geofencing in commercial applications The quality of video that people are seeing at home is motivating some legacy commercial customers to finally move to IP video from lower resolution analogue cameras. A higher percentage of commercial customers use mobile applications to view integrated video and access control data. People’s experience with smart thermostats has them asking for geofencing in some commercial applications. In short, advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies. Read part two of our smart home mini series here.

For more than a century, SwedishAmerican Health System, its hospital and medical facilities, have been serving the community of Rockford, Illinois. As a division of the University of Wisconsin Health, the medical staff has been delivering high-quality healthcare and strategies to keep patients and families healthy. What families and patients don’t see is the security systems that have been put in place at all Swedish American medical facilities and outlying satellite healthcare clinics. “In an ongoing effort to provide security at the highest level, SwedishAmerican is upgrading all their servers to include Windows 10,” said Randy Lapp, a regional business development manager at Salient Systems. Reliable security solution “The security team has nearly completed the replacement of old DVRs with new enterprise network servers. This offers a much more reliable security solution tying all the medical facilities together. Each clinic will have a single server, while there will be multiple servers in the hospital. Server types and camera counts will depend upon the needs of each wing of the facility.” In keeping with SwedishAmerican’s mission to deliver excellence in healthcare, they also maintain the highest level of care when it comes to keeping their patients, medical staff, and facilities safe. One such effort is the migration from Windows 7 platform to Windows 10 and maintaining compliance in their OS. Utilising Salient’s CompleteView VMS with Dynamic Resolution Scaling, the security team has more than adequate bandwidth to record and store video for 90 days at each facility. Video surveillance systems The servers replace an obsolete system and have been engineered by Salient System network engineers Because the medical centre offers a daycare facility, recording is ongoing, and is stored for 90 days; however, some recordings are held for as long as six months. In locations where there are privacy issues, such as patient treatment areas, no video recordings are made. Still, in spaces such as parking lots and common areas, video recording is essential. The servers replace an obsolete system and have been engineered by Salient System network engineers to accept upgrades in security solutions as technology, and various solutions evolve. Even more important is the fact that the servers are tailormade to fit the specific needs of the various hospital departments and separate clinics. The servers, just like the hospital, have evolved over the years. The PowerProtect platforms extend the limits of operational capabilities for video surveillance systems engineered for continuous access and durability. Various requirements for storage “The reason for the custom build is to fulfill several missions of the hospital system,” Lapp said. “There are various requirements for storage and differing requirements for recording frames per second. The customised nature of these security solutions fulfils the unique needs of the customer.” SwedishAmerican Hospital has video recording requirements that weren’t necessary a few years ago. This is an inner-city hospital system, where there are different and sometimes difficult challenges" Terry W. Gagliano, security manager at the hospital system, said the investment in this server solution would not only help with the upgrade to Windows 10, but it will allow greater recording capacity. “This is an inner-city hospital system, where there are different and sometimes difficult challenges,” Gagliano said. “The clinics also are within the inner city, and we wanted to ensure that we had enough bandwidth to not only record, but to store the images that we are getting. We wanted to be able to effectively record and store video for 90 days.” Mission-critical video surveillance Recording and storage specifications vary at the hospital. For instance, at the child daycare centre at the hospital, recording is active only during hours of operation, and storage of those images last from three to six months. Parking lots also are under constant surveillance, and storage on the servers is ongoing. “We’re thrilled to have these server platforms in place and working,” Gagliano said. “What we had been using is obsolete. The PowerProtect solutions are engineered to accept upgrades as they are needed and as they become available. We expect these servers to last beyond five years before we have to consider replacement.” The servers or hybrid NVRs are a value oriented digital video surveillance system, offering continuous operation with advanced components. They are rack-mounted, and as any end-user would expect, delivers reliability and a processing power required by mission-critical video surveillance. High performance in a flexible platform Because the storage of video images is important, SwedishAmerican sought a single Intel Xeon processor with 16 GB of memory, which also offered the hospital system up to 48 TB of video storage. “We were looking for new servers at our existing buildings, so that meant we were in the market for 40 to 45 servers,” Gagliano said. Our clinics have varied and different missions, so demand for security services are different" “Our clinics have varied and different missions, so demand for security services are different. When we sought customised solutions, we found exactly what we needed.” PowerPlus is a two-unit NVR rack mount used for the installation because SwedishAmerican sought a balance between processing power, storage capacity, and redundancy for high performance in a flexible platform for its existing video surveillance applications. A hospital setting is a 24/7/365 environment, requiring a system that can withstand the rigors of continuous operation. That’s where the enhanced performance of CompleteView 20/20 comes in. Considering performance first and foremost “When we started the process of replacing our servers and NVRs, we considered performance first and foremost,” Gagliano said. “It was mission-critical to have flexibility, and it was important to honour the standard of excellence already offered by SwedishAmerican Hospital.” In recent years, SwedishAmerican has been honoured in the medical professional for its commitment to quality, and it has become a gold standard for medical care of any other healthcare system in northern Illinois. The hospital has received a Top 100 Hospital Quality Award, 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare, and a Distinguished Hospital Award by J.D. Power and Associates, among many other accolades. While there may not be an award or designation for security in the workplace, SwedishAmerican has done its best to ensure that patients are afforded the highest level of safety and security.

The new Student Centre at Columbia College Chicago, located at 754 South Wabash Avenue in Chicago, opened its doors in the fall of 2019. This brand-new building offers five spectacular stories of spaces for students including music and film-screening rooms, dining options, a fitness centre, a reflection room for meditation and prayer, and event spaces for meetings, performances, and receptions. According to Andy Dutil, Director of the Columbia College Chicago Student Centre, the school has taken the initiative to improve overall security, with the intention of keeping an open feel to the campus. Speedlane open turnstiles To help meet that objective at the new Centre, the architects designed the building with Speedlane Open turnstiles and a TQM manual revolving door from Boon Edam. Columbia College Chicago has a closed campus. In order to enter any building on campus students and staff must have a Columbia ID or visitors must have a valid appointment. The main entrance at the Student Centre is the TQM revolving door that leads to a public foyer that includes a coffee shop and lounge. Guards watch as people pass through them to ensure that everyone is scanning their IDs Since the turnstiles are just past the security desk at the boundary of this area, they serve as a visual and physical indicator of where the public area terminates. Next to the Speedlane Open turnstiles, which are notable because they do not have any closing barriers, guards watch as people pass through them to ensure that everyone is scanning their IDs and that the IDs are valid, in which case the turnstile shows a green light. Controlling access without being obtrusive In a situation where a red light shows and the turnstile alarms, the guard will check the person’s credentials and can try to troubleshoot the ID card. “The decision was really about what creates the least barrier to those entering and exiting the building,” said Dutil. “We don't really want our students to feel like they are overly policed or that our buildings are not accessible to them. So the design of the Open turnstiles provided the best solution in terms of controlling access without being obtrusive.” Before the Student Centre was built, students entering any campus building would just show their ID to the security officer as they walked past. The administration realised that while this does provide some level of security, it is not foolproof – particularly when many people are entering at the same time for a class. Brief learning curve The College’s head of security made the suggestion to install a system that would allow for swift passage of authorised people while maintaining accountability around who enters and exits the building. As anticipated, there was a brief learning curve for the students using the new system As anticipated, there was a brief learning curve for the students using the new system. “This was the first system like this on our campus,” said Dutil. “And the first few days that the new Centre was open were also the first few days of school. There were a lot of people new to the campus who required a bit of coaching from guards and our student staff in terms of where to place your card, and to not walk through before you place your card.” Dutil confirms that the access systems placed at Boon Edam turnstiles are actually outperforming those placed at swing doors across the campus for convenience and adoption. Benefits beyond campus security “Across the campus, there is a card reader at every swing door entrance of a building where you present your card and a light turns red or green. But oftentimes the card reader is missed, or depending on the placement of the lights and placement of the guard, it can be kind of hit or miss with students walking right by it.” “But with the Open turnstiles, they're very visible and although they're not a total barrier to entry, they are something that's right in front of you. Because it's very noticeable and not easily overlooked, the students have learned pretty quickly to get their ID out. In fact, this was meant to be a test run for the campus to ensure it would be viable and worthwhile for other buildings as well.” The turnstiles have delivered additional benefits beyond basic campus security, according to Dutil. Convenient touch panel “One of the nice things about a system like this is that we can count visitors to the Student Centre because we get the data of everybody that scans in. So on a busy day for us it's about 2500 people throughout the day. That can range depending on what's going on and what time of year it is. On weekends we're very slow, since there are no classes – maybe 900 to 1200.” There's a really convenient touch panel right at the security desk called the BoonTouch" “We are a rental venue as well, so we have times where the building is open to non-Columbia College Chicago people for events or other functions. There's a really convenient touch panel right at the security desk called the BoonTouch, where the officer can turn off the turnstiles during those times and then attendees can move through freely without any alarms going off at all.” Keeping the building warm Finally, the TQM revolving door delivers one additional benefit to the Student Centre, located in a city known for harsh weather. “Revolving doors are always preferred at a building like this that gets a lot of traffic going in and out. We have cold, drafty weather that blows right into our main space at that first floor entry. The revolving door helps to keep the building warm and saves energy and utility costs as well,” said Dutil. “Students feel safe and comfortable entering the building at night,” he concludes. “Our building has a lot of nooks and crannies, and someone can end up alone in a space. And so I think knowing that the only people that are in that building are the ones that are supposed to be there is helpful. Overall, our students appreciate the effort to try to keep them safer.”

From simple thefts of copper wire from light fixtures, to substantial damage to rooftop HVAC systems, copper continues to be stolen from everywhere that it is readily available. When a church in Georgia began feeling the effects of copper theft, the integrator associated with the property's interior security once again turned to OPTEX for help. The church utilised both rooftop and ground level HVAC systems, with easy access to each. Changing security needs Because of labour and cost associated with wiring, along with the difficulty bringing power to the rooftops, the Regional Sales Director for OPTEX recommended the iSeries line of battery-powered, wireless PIR's. The iSeries detectors offered spot and curtain protection for all HVAC units while also securing all access points to each. For future consideration, the addition of the wireless feature also allows the integrator to relocate and easily adjust the detectors based on changing security needs. With the system in place, copper and other related thefts have been eliminated and the end user can now respond quickly before any damage is done. All of the battery-powered, wireless detectors from OPTEX come with an empty backbox and work with most manufacturers wireless transmitters. Narrow detection areas OPTEX will pre-install the batteries and an Inovonics EN1941 wireless transmitter When one selects the iSeries version, OPTEX will pre-install the batteries and an Inovonics EN1941 wireless transmitter. One less time consuming step to do for the installer! The iSeries HX-80NRAMi is an 80' x 6' high mount, battery-powered, outdoor passive infrared detector with Anti-Masking. The iSeries version comes with an Inovonics EN1941 transmitter and batteries pre-installed. The iSeries BX-80NRi is a 3' x 80' low mount, battery-powered, outdoor passive infrared detector with Pet Tolerance. The iSeries version comes with an Inovonics EN1941 transmitter and batteries pre-installed. With it's long, narrow detection areas that extend from both sides, the battery-powered BX-80NRi is specifically designed to be wall-mounted centrally on a building or HVAC unit. Passive infrared detector The iSeries VX-402Ri is a 40' x 40' low mount, battery-powered, outdoor passive infrared detector with Pet Tolerance. The iSeries version comes with an Inovonics EN1941 transmitter and batteries pre-installed, and the dual PIR's create two detection areas (upper and lower) that must be compromised simultaneously in order to go into alarm. OPTEX has addressed and met the need for a line of easy to install, stable outdoor detectors that will deter and ultimately prevent copper theft.

In St. Petersburg, a set of Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring system was installed at the entrance of JSC Concern Okeanpribor to help the company with preliminary body temperature screening of employees and visitors during the pandemic. The equipment can quickly and accurately detect people with elevated body temperatures, one of the key symptoms of COVID-19, providing the organisation with an additional layer of protection for its employees. JSC Concern Okeanpribor is a company engaged in the production of sonar systems and shipbuilding stations to meet the needs of the country’s naval force and national economy. It is also listed as one of the ‘backbone enterprises’ of the Russian Federation. Temperature monitoring solution To provide its employees with safe working conditions under COVID-19, JSC Concern Okeanpribor hopes to use the Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring system to assist their daily temperature screening work and minimise the chances of infection with the strictest measures possible, while not ignoring privacy and respect. The Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring solution was installed at the checkpoint of JSC Concern Okeanpribor, consisting of: Thermal body temperature monitoring camera DH-TPC-BF5421P-T Calibration equipment (blackbody) DSS software Accessories (2 tripods, 2 adapters for a tripod) Hand-held scanners The Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring system is a part of the VideoNet security systems at the facility The implementation of this solution was completed by Skyros Corporation, a gold partner of Dahua Technology in the Northwest Federal District, together with a well-known Russian software developer for security systems – VideoNet. The Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring system is a part of the VideoNet security systems at the facility. The Dahua Thermal Body Temperature Monitoring Solution provides a non-invasive way to help organisations check body temperatures of a group of people at the same time, which is faster than hand-held scanners and can be done at a safer distance. That’s why this solution is accepted and adopted by JSC Concern Okeanpribor and other security experts during the pandemic and recovery. Moreover, the most important factor why it was chosen is its accuracy. Reducing false alarms With a blackbody, the solution uses a hybrid thermal imaging camera to achieve highly accurate temperature monitoring of ± 0.3 ℃, which is essential in detecting people with abnormal temperatures. At the same time, the camera’s built-in face detection enabled by advanced AI technology can improve the overall measurement accuracy with better positioning of the measuring point on the face. This approach significantly reduces false alarms caused by a variety of hot objects that may accidentally or intentionally appear in the monitored zone. It can also detect the temperatures of people wearing medical masks. This solution also includes a special version of Dahua DSS software, which can handle temperature alarms This solution also includes a special version of Dahua DSS software, which can handle temperature alarms. If the set temperature threshold is exceeded, this could be an indication that the system has detected a person with fever and should be checked by a medical professional. In this case, the camera will send an alarm message to this software, allowing the operator to take appropriate measures. Conduct preliminary detection Featuring long distance, non-contact and fast detection speed, the Dahua Thermal Body Temperature Monitoring Solution allows JSC Concern Okeanpribor to conduct preliminary detection of people entering their building who are exhibiting fever, thus effectively limiting cross-infection caused by physical contact, saving manpower and material resources, enabling efficient passage of people at the entrance, as well as enhancing protection for the operation of the whole company. The solution has been widely used in China and many parts of the world during the pandemic and corresponding recovery. Its effectiveness for mass scanning especially in public places such as shopping centers, office buildings, airports, train stations, subway, as well as in hospitals and educational institutions has been proven by its applications all over the world. In one transportation hub for instance, the system detected more than 100 passengers with abnormal temperature. After conducting medical tests, 60 of them were confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Sussex Police have purchased a fleet of redeployable CCTV cameras from Revader Security, primarily for use on lampposts and urban infrastructure. The Transit-lite mobile cameras are ruggedised outdoor surveillance solutions which have been proven over many years to deter crime and secure vital video evidence for prosecution. Cost-effective solution Using the Revader EasyFit bracket system, police operators are able to regularly re-position each camera to respond to the movement of crime hotspots, antisocial behaviour, vandalism and other street crime around the locality. As the units can be installed in virtually any location within minutes, only minimal planning is required. Revader Security proposed a cost-effective solution of coupling an auxiliary camera to a Transit-lite unit In this instance, Revader Security proposed a cost-effective solution of coupling an auxiliary camera to a Transit-lite unit to provide twice the visibility and coverage. The Transit-lite unit contains the recording and transmission technology and acts as a server to the auxiliary camera. It also has the capacity to host other specialist cameras, such as those for number plate recognition (ANPR). Live and recorded footage is quickly and easily retrieved over the 4G mobile network. Redeployable camera solutions A member of Sussex Police’s Divisional Operations Team commented: “We have been really impressed by the Revader cameras, which are straightforward to install, easy to use, and have provided us with some very high quality CCTV evidence”. Stuart Caldecourt, Managing Director of Revader Security commented: “The use of another PTZ camera on the same Transit-Lite unit has provided our customer with a significant operational advantage at an only marginal increase in cost, representing excellent value for money”. Revader Security offers a wide a range of mobile CCTV and redeployable camera solutions for all applications, including those with low or zero power. The company continues to support Police and a variety of clients in the public and private sector.

In the emirate of Ajman, the real-estate developer is AQAAR. AQAAR’s construction projects represent 90% of all developments in the region, and include more than 200 towers and buildings, over 18,000 apartments, five hotels, two schools and a university. More buildings are still under construction. This burgeoning portfolio of buildings provides housing, work and recreation for some 120,000 people and counting. And AQAAR recognises its duty to keep these locations safe. “Our aim is to become the safest community in the UAE,” says Ghaleb Jaber, Executive Director, AQAAR. Networked video security solution “We want to prevent crime, and to help people to continue to live and work peacefully in the buildings that we construct. To support this, we needed a specialised provider that was capable of delivering a cutting-edge, 24 hour networked video security solution featuring tens of thousands of cameras.” Hikvision products are excellent: the intelligent AI-based technology was exactly what we were looking for" During AQAAR’s search for an ideal video technology supplier, Hikvision stood out from all the rest. “Hikvision products are excellent: the intelligent AI-based technology was exactly what we were looking for,” says Ghaleb Jaber. “But just as importantly, Hikvision demonstrated excellent credibility in deploying large-scale video security projects of this type.” AI-based video security solution Working with the AQAAR team, Hikvision and its partners designed a comprehensive AI-based video security solution comprising different types of cameras. The majority of these are Hikvision 2MP IP cameras. These AI-enabled cameras offer a wealth of intelligent functionality, such as perimeter protection, and are being installed throughout all public areas and buildings. They are also installed at construction sites to help prevent theft of expensive building materials. The AQAAR solution also features Hikvision ANPR IP Cameras installed at the entrances to the parking lots of Ajman’s hotels. These use Automatic Number Plate Recognition to ‘read’ a car’s license plate, and will only lift the barrier to authorised vehicles. Centralised management system For added peace of mind, AQAAR chose to install a network of Hikvision Under Vehicle Surveillance Systems, for automatic security checks at key locations. Furthermore, the AQAAR team chose the Hikvision 16 Channel NVR for video recording, coupled with the Hikvision iVMS-5200E Centralised Management System in the control center. “For public security installations such as this, we always adopt a multi-phase approach," explains Mohammed Barakat, Account Manager for Hikvision MENA. This will unlock their intelligent features such as intrusion detection and facial recognition" “The first phase is the hardware installation. Phase two involves setting up the Centralised Management System, and creating one main control room that unites all video feeds. Then at phase three, we will switch on the AI capabilities of the cameras. This will unlock their intelligent features such as intrusion detection and facial recognition.” Intelligent parking management “Some of this, such as the intelligent parking management, has already been enabled. But which other capabilities AQAAR chooses has yet to be decided; it will depend on the needs of the urban planning and its residents as the project unfolds,” Mohammed explains. With the end of the installation now in sight, Ghaleb Jaber at AQAAR is eager to test the full potential of Hikvision’s proactive, comprehensive security solution. “We look forward to exploring how all elements can work in harmony together, to help AQAAR ensure the safety of residents and workers as our development continues to grow.”

Traditionally, dealer-installers and/or integrators provide the front line of support to end user customers after a sale. Because integrators assemble and provide the “solution” – often using products from multiple manufacturers – they are most familiar with the total system and can troubleshoot any problems. However, manufacturers may be better equipped to deal with specific problems after a sale and also to provide a variety of resources to end-users. It’s a delicate balance, and the best approach may be dependent on the product or even the market. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of manufacturers in providing support to end user customers after the sale?

Tools such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists ensure that every factor is considered when installing a physical security system – or do they? Security system installations are detailed projects, and any overlooked detail is a missed opportunity to make the system better. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

Artificial intelligence is on the verge of changing the face of multiple industries – from healthcare to entertainment to finance, from data security to manufacturing to the cars we drive (or that will drive themselves!) In the physical security market, AI has garnered a lot of attention as a buzzword and as a harbinger of things to come. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What security markets are most likely to embrace artificial intelligence (AI)?