Security training

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global manufacturer and supplier of door opening solutions, has announced upcoming dates for its new SMARTair installer training course. SMARTair access control solution SMARTair is a flexible, end-to-end, battery-operated access control solution, which can operate in both offline and wireless online, without the need for cabling. It can be installed quickly and easily. It is easy to set up and manage. Those attending the training course will be given a demonstration showing exactly how easy it is to install, set-up and commission a SMARTair system. The course will also provide an opportunity for attendees to develop their understanding of wireless, battery-operated access control systems. It will conclude with troubleshooting training, followed by a question and answers session. SMARTair installer training course One of the main benefits of SMARTair is how easy to set up and install the system is" Alan Kent, Access Control Manager and SMARTair Specialist said; “One of the main benefits of SMARTair is how easy to set up and install the system is. Course attendees will be given hands-on training by our expert technical team to demonstrate this in practice." “SMARTair is ideally suited to a number of sectors including student accommodation, care homes and hospitality, and attendees will be given an insight into how to best take advantage of its versatility and adaptability." Full day course for security installers Alan further stated, “The full day course is held at our ASSA ABLOY Academy in Willenhall, West Midlands, and is suitable for systems integrators, professional security installers, and any hands-on end users looking for easy access control.” The available training dates are as follows: 4th December 2018 9th January 2019 13th February 2019 13th March 2019 10th April 2019 Refreshments are provided throughout the day, as well as lunch. Larger companies wishing to book onto the SMARTair training course may be able to specify a separate training date. Places are strictly limited to six attendees per course, so pre-booking is essential.

Tavcom Training, a subsidiary of Linx International Group, is proud to announce that the Certified Technical Security Professional (CTSP) register has been shortlisted for the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards 2018 in the ‘Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector’ category. Currently celebrating its first anniversary, and with more than 500 professionals either registered or going through the application process, the CTSP register aims to raise standards in the security and fire industry. Operated by Tavcom Training, the register has the support of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). Security & Fire Excellence Awards Paul Tennent, Group Sales Director at Tavcom Training, comments: “The CTSP register was established to recognise the competency of professionals working in the security and fire systems sectors. As the most respected award in our industry, the Security & Fire Excellence Awards is the perfect platform to raise awareness amongst security professionals that there is now an opportunity to have their technical expertise publicly recognised.” Now in its nineteenth year, the Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently broken new ground in highlighting the very best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. The 2018 winners will be announced on the 21st of November at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Even the most advanced and sophisticated security systems are limited in their effectiveness by a factor that is common to all systems – the human factor. How effectively integrators install systems and how productively users interface with their systems both depend largely on how well individual people are trained. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the changing role of training in the security and video surveillance market?

The last day of Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Las Vegas proved to be the calm after the storm. But a slower third day could not undermine a largely successful 2018 show for exhibitors and attendees. Sometimes the success of a trade show isn’t measured by numbers of attendees (which were reportedly down again this year). Sometimes it’s the individual successes that make an impression. “Just learning about this made the whole trip worthwhile,” said one GSX attendee at the Johnson Controls booth, referring to the company’s new PowerSeries Pro intrusion devices. It’s the kind of feedback that makes the expense of exhibiting at a big trade show worthwhile. The new PowerSeries Pro is an extension of Johnson Controls’ existing line that is expressly designed for the commercial security market. The ‘hybrid’ (wired or wireless) device offers ease of installation and full cybersecurity including 128bit AES encryption with spread spectrum for no jamming or interference. It employs frequency hopping technology first developed for the Israeli defence force. Wireless technology for cybersecurity PowerG eliminates the need for wires by providing ‘invisible wired technology’, a marketing term that emphasises the cybersecurity of the product PowerSeries Pro uses PowerG wireless technology and expands the portfolio of PowerG devices from residential through commercial. For use in a wired solution, the main advantage is ease of installation; terminal blocks ‘pop out’ easily and can be wired and plugged back in. Alternatively, PowerG eliminates the need for wires by providing ‘invisible wired technology’, a marketing term that emphasises the cybersecurity of the product – wireless at the same level of cybersecurity as wired. Johnson Controls addresses three big factors with the product line: cybersecurity, user control, and easy installation and dependability. It’s part of Johnson Controls’ broader approach to provide ‘one-stop shopping’, enabling an end user to control their environments, video and access, and protect their contents, according to the company. Need for more security in K-12 schools In addition to reaching end users, lock company Allegion sees the show as an opportunity to meet with technology partners. “It’s great to bring together a concentration of people in the industry,” said Brad Aikin, Channel Led Business Leader, Integrator Channel. “We have had good conversations with technology companies here at the show in terms of partnering, both physical access control and OEM partners. We have also had good conversations with the integrator channel.” From speaking with education end users at GSX, Aikin sees a large unmet need for security in K-12 schools, more so than in colleges and universities. “K-12 is underserved,” he says. “They need to identify their priority of needs, and now they can serve needs they couldn’t before, both layering levels of security and phasing in implementation over time. Now things can be applied and tried out without disrupting the environment.” An example is the Von Duprin RU RM (Remote Undogging and Remote Monitoring) door exit devices, which are being integrated by access control partners Sielox, IDenticard and Vanderbilt. Intelligence is added to the door exit device to enable inexpensive monitoring of secondary, previously unconnected doors. The doors can be monitored and locked or unlocked at various points in the day. Lock company Allegion sees the show as an opportunity to meet with technology partners Bridging the gap between IT and physical security One exhibitor – ADT – noticed more information technology (IT) professionals accompanying their physical security counterparts at this year’s GSX exhibition. “They come along to kill dreams on the spot,” said Morgan Harris, Senior Director Enterprise Solutions, noting the IT department’s frequent hesitancy to add untrustworthy elements to the network. ADT is looking to transform and expand its 144-year-old brand in the commercial security space and has completed eight acquisitions in the last year to accomplish the goal. Some of the acquisitions build on ADT’s expanding cybersecurity initiative, which is both a fully-functioning stand-alone business and an effort to bridge the divide between IT and physical security. ADT is positioning itself to manage enterprise risk in the broadest sense. Combining IT and cybersecurity The Internet of Things (IoT) is fuelling convergence but are we missing out on how to talk to each other and communicate effectively between IT and security?" “The Internet of Things (IoT) is fuelling convergence but are we missing out on how to talk to each other and communicate effectively between IT and security?” asked Harris. “Projects have failed because information was lost in translation.” ADT seeks to have skillsets, experience and certifications on both sides of the issue. “It enables us to be the in-between,” says Harris. “We can blend the two together and be the translator. It’s great for both sides, advocating for security counterparts and for the network simplifies deployment and processes.” Harris sees a trade-off between cybersecurity and convenience in the industry. For example, if a manufacturer says they have a simplified process and only offers firmware updates once a year, cybersecurity suffers, he said. Lack of third-party testing is another way that manufacturers sometimes trade cybersecurity for convenience, at heightened risk to integrators and end users. Training courses for integrators and partners Milestone Systems is expanding its level of involvement with integrator partners, and now provides Partner Business Reviews (PBR) to assess an integrator’s activities, sales and training, pipeline and marketing initiatives. The partner reviews often uncover issues that can be easily rectified through additional training, says Megan McHugh, Milestone’s Training Marketing Manager, Learning and Performance. Milestone uses a dashboard to track each integrator’s completed training courses and can point out additional courses needed to ensure an integrator partner’s success. Milestone offers a variety of in-person, e-learning and YouTube video courses to train installing partners, systems integrators and self-integrators on best practices Milestone offers a variety of in-person, e-learning and YouTube video courses (in 12 different languages) to train installing partners, systems integrators and self-integrators on best practices. ‘Cloud Labs’ are instructor-led online classes. All courses are linked to a variety of support resources. Sometimes a simple checklist accessed on a smart phone can ensure that every aspect of an install is performed and can instil added confidence in customers. The open platform company’s new agile development cycle – releasing multiple versions of XProtect software throughout the year – creates extra challenges to keep learning initiatives up to date. Along with each new release, various existing courses are updated. The concepts of “training and certification” are being replaced at Milestone with “learning and performance,” says McHugh. Milestone is also looking to hire 170 new R&D staff and open a new centre in Barcelona (in addition to current R&D centres in Copenhagen and Sofia, Bulgaria). Making camera installation easy Hanwha Techwin is another company that is seeing more interest in cybersecurity, as well as concern about whether a product is supported professionally. They have doubled-up production in South Korea and added capacity in Vietnam to avoid manufacturing in China. Thinking about their integrators, Hanwha Techwin is putting more emphasis on making installation easy. Installation costs may be up to 50 percent of a job, so easier installation frees up money to buy more or better cameras. With a new design of their cameras, an electrical contractor can now install the camera base and conduit, and then the integrator can easily plug in the camera later. Camera bases are common across multiple models, so a customer could switch out a 5-megapixel for a 2-megapixel camera later on if they want to (same housing plate). ‘Skins’ allow the colour of cameras to be changed to match surrounding décor. “We are changing the idea of how people approach selling a camera, and it’s a whole new idea of how to install cameras,” said Tom Cook, Senior Vice President, North American Sales, Hanwha Techwin. Hanwha cameras can include a sound classification analytic to detect sounds such as gunshots Cameras with sound detection technology Hanwha offers more flexibility in the field – interchangeable parts are packed together to enable configuration on site. And there is no need to stand on a ladder to position cameras; stepper motors help with remote camera positioning. Multi-sensor cameras have modules (combining lenses and sensors) that can be switched out at installation. Hanwha Techwin cameras can also include a sound classification analytic to detect sounds such as gunshots, screams or glass breaks, especially useful in K-12 education environments. Unification and the customer journey were a key emphasis for Genetec at GSX 2018. Unification for Genetec means combining multiple functions on one platform, from one vendor and using one source code. The company approaches the market by analysing each customer’s journey as it relates to Genetec products. A typical customer journey involves (1) a company looking for standalone systems; (2) the need to centralise systems through integration and unification; (3) increasing automation and workflow; and (4) adding intelligence for more informed decision-making. “Genetec wants to get more in-depth with customers, be more comfortable with their business, and understand their challenges,” said Derek Arcuri, Product Marketing Manager. “We want to get naked with our customers.” Machine learning engine for crime prevention In the city of Chicago, Citigraf detects patterns in crime behaviour and determines where a crime is likely to occur There was a big crowd at the Genetec booth, and not because the comment was applied literally. Genetec has divided itself into multiple parts, each focussed on a vertical market such as retail or transportation. The approach is to operate as a ‘federation of startups’, with each market sector accountable to fill in the gaps in the portfolio to meet the specific needs of each vertical. For example, Genetec’s Citigraf is an unsupervised machine learning engine with an algorithm to detect anomalies and trends from a large pool of data in a municipal environment. In the city of Chicago, Citigraf detects patterns in crime behaviour and determines where a crime is likely to occur. The system alerts operators in a bureau or area that has a higher risk level and should beef up the number of first responders. Chicago has seen a 39 percent decrease in average response time of first responders as a result. In the retail market, Genetec leverages the security infrastructure to analyse shopping trends and provide data for merchandising and operations. “Each customer is getting a portfolio of products tailored to the industry they are in,” says Arcuri. Demonstrating IoT devices Axis Communications displayed its range of products at GSX, demonstrating its almost total transformation from an IP camera company to a supplier of a full range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. “Axis is broadening its portfolio to include more solutions,” said Scott Dunn, Senior Director, Business Development Systems and Solutions. “Our success is driven by continuing to innovate our portfolio. The market is continuing to grow, and Axis is continuing to expand its market share.” Eight ‘Axis Customer Experience Centers’ around the United States help Axis stay close to their integrators, customers, partners and prospects. IP addressable audio speakers from Axis can provide music as a service, and then can be interrupted for audio messages on behalf of physical security Axis has offered access control IP edge devices since 2013, and now has a new A1601 door controller being sold with partner-only software (no embedded Axis software like previous A1001 devices). In audio products, Axis has a portfolio of speakers, intercoms, and public address systems. Acquisition of IP door intercom company Enhancing the audio line was acquisition in 2016 of 2N, an IP door intercom company headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. In North America, the 2N team is now fully part of Axis. The line emphasises simple architecture, programmability, and the ability to integrate widely. The products use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to integrate through the cloud or peer-to-peer. IP addressable audio speakers from Axis can provide music as a service, and then can be interrupted for audio messages on behalf of physical security. Retail, education and enterprise customers are gravitating to IP audio. An IP bridge can tie existing analogue components into the IP system. For perimeter security, Axis offers a radar device to help eliminate false alarms, as well as thermal cameras.

MFLEX Access Control is a computer managed networked door access control system for up to 128 doors and 4000 card or key-tag holders. MFLEX Access Control can be managed and monitored using free management software application loaded on one computer only. Administration is through a choice of Windows Desktop Console App or/and through one's favoured Web Browser anywhere in the world. The latter method permits the use of local or remote computers, tablets and smart phone devices. Utilising ultra-compact low cost single door intelligent control units, installation is simple and modular from 1 to 128 doors. Local or remote doors and entrances can be interconnected by IP or USB socket means. Easy to install and operate software is installed on a computer to control and manage the system for online or full offline operation. All included features are easy to use with minimum knowledge and training. Door Control Units can be networked together simply by RS485 5-wire cabling through LAN / WAN IP or USB interface connections for some or all of the system doors Using standard Smart Proximity Door Readers and associated Smart Cards & Key-tags one can combat the growing security risk of card duplication and cloning! Key features of door access control Modular low cost door access control for 1 to 128 doors Capacity for over 4000 card or key-tag holders Smart door readers combat the growing security risk of card duplication and cloning! Dual Technology Media will permit common card/tag use across intruder alarm systems such as Texecom or Pyronix etc. Card only or Card + PIN operation Extensive access control, location and roll call reporting Time In Attendance reports with web and door clocking Windows Desktop App and/or Web Browser local or remote administration Doors and entrances operate autonomously on or offline Email of important alarms and event notifications Distributed intelligence system The MFLEX Access Control Desktop Software Suite is only ever installed on one local machine for maximum security, reliability and simplicity MFLEX Access Control is a fully distributed intelligence system, meaning that all changes and system configurations made are stored locally at the door or entrance control unit giving full door access control online or offline. Each single door or entrance may have 1 or 2 card readers. The secured doors are connected by a low cost dedicated cable network, the length of which can be up to 1200M. Each door or entrance is controlled by a local Door Control Unit (DCU) which allows the connection of all the door facilities such as readers, local power supply, exit request button, magnetic door contact, fire release and electric locking. Door Control Units can be networked together simply by RS485 5-wire cabling through LAN / WAN IP or USB interface connections for some or all of the system doors. With the correct LAN / WAN IP infrastructure, parts of the system can be in other buildings or geographic locations. MFLEX Access Control Desktop Software Suite MFLEX Access Control installation can be easily, securely and flexibly managed from a single local point or multiple points on the network or even over the Internet. The MFLEX Access Control Desktop Software Suite is only ever installed on one local machine for maximum security, reliability and simplicity. Multiple Workstations can connect locally or remotely by virtue of the built-in 'Private Cloud' web server. Remote workstations can then simply connect using their favoured Internet Browser, Mobile Smart Phone or Tablet Device with no additional software or application installation needed. All administrative functions are protected by secure credentials. Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers similar advantages to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers similar advantages to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture. Unlike public clouds, which deliver services to multiple organisations, a private cloud is dedicated to a single organisation. Access to your Private Cloud is through any Web Browser enabled device with multiple client connections allowed simultaneously.  All day-to-day administrative and monitoring facilities are available through Private Cloud. Reporting of historical events MFLEX Access Control has powerful features for producing in-depth reporting to screen, print or export. Reports can be generated from the powerful built-in SQL database based on access control activity and time clocking historical events. Available reports and information are: Door access control events reporting Time In Attendance clocking reporting Door alarms and physical security risk reporting Roll call (who's on-site) reporting Individual location reporting Operator activity reporting Guard patrol audit reporting All reports can be produced simply from the secure extensive SQL database. Report data can be viewed, printed and even exported for further transmission or for post processing in third-party applications such as Word or Excel. MFLEX compact Door Control Unit The Door Control maintains its own clock and calendar and has the capacity to store hundreds of past events locally if the door is taken offline for any reason The Local Door Control Unit (DCU) acts as a junction point for all the door facilities and allows the dedicated network to be passed on to the next door or entrance. The management PC is connected to this door network from a single USB port or over a LAN/WAN IP socket. If the management PC belongs to a network, others can manage the system and if connected to the Internet, make changes and monitor activity from a PC or Smart Appliance anywhere in the world. The compact Door Control Unit housing is only 122mm x 156mm x 32mm, so fitting this locally to the door or inside a metal PSU case is simplicity itself. Do not let the small size fool you however, as each Door Control Unit has the capability of managing two door readers, exit request button, door monitor contact, electric locking device, local door alarm and up to 4000 card or key- tag holders at each secured door or entrance. Operable in four security modes The Door Control also maintains its own clock and calendar and has the capacity to store hundreds of past events locally if the door is taken offline for any reason. Each door or entrance can actively operate in one of four security modes, No Access, Card Access, Card + PIN Access and Open Free Access. The security mode of any door can change actively hour-by-hour, day-by-day by use of programmable Security Time Schedules that operate online or offline. DCU key features 4000 users 1100 offline event storage 2 industry standard open format Wiegand door reader inputs Card only or/and Card + PIN operation RS485 & IP interconnection Multiple Time Schedules and Real Time Clock/Calendar Exit request button and door monitor contact inputs MPROX Smart Proximity Door Readers The MPROX reader range have bright bi-colour LEDs and a built-in beeper for positive feedback plus fully potted electronics for internal or external use One can connect individual or segments of DCU Door Control Units over LAN/WAN IP or USB connections by the use of MTECC Networking Adapters. Each DCU is equipped with a multi-drop RS485 interface allowing the connection of 1 to 128 units from a single USB port. Additionally, one may use LAN-IP-485 Adapter to connect a door or segment of doors even in different locations by IP addressing. One can have as many LAN-IP Adapters as they wish. The MPROX Smart Proximity Door Readers connect directly to the local Door Control Unit and have industry standard Wiegand interfaces making them compatible with many third-party access control solutions available today. The MPROX reader range have bright bi-colour LEDs and a built-in beeper for positive feedback plus fully potted electronics for internal or external use. Combating security risk of card duplication For added flexibility, the standard MPROX Smart Proximity Readers feature a recess in the front faceplate for a custom identity label of your choice. Using standard Smart Proximity Door Readers and associated Smart Cards & Key-tags, one can combat the growing security risk of card duplication and cloning! With fully potted electronics and pig-tail wire connections, these units are robust and fully sealed to IP68. When increased entry security is required one can install the optional Proximity + PIN reader on those all-important points of entry. Access security is increased by the requirement to enter a 4-digit PIN after a valid card or key-tag has been presented. For ease of use, there is also an optional USB Desktop Reader for simple and efficient card enrolment and secure automated system logon.

Dortronics, global manufacturer of electric locking hardware and controls for the security industry, announces the expansion of its lunch and learn course offerings by adding Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Continuing Education Credits. BICSI is a professional association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) community. ICT covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management, and audio and video technologies. These informative sessions provide designers, specifiers, and resellers the opportunity to explore and compare the various types of door hardware, interlocking systems and their applications. Topics include mantraps, sally ports and cleanroom/laboratory air locks, and their applications. Courses on door and access control solutions Dortronics continues to offer AIA and BICSI courses in a small and relaxed environmentThe lunch and learn sessions are accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as well as recognised by BICSI. Upon successful completion of each course, participants will receive one BICSI CEC and/or one AIA Learning Unit. These informative sessions provide users with detailed information on how door control solutions are designed, manufactured and implemented, and address both off-the-shelf and custom options available. Dortronics continues to offer AIA and BICSI courses in a small and relaxed environment. Two one-hour courses are currently available: Door Interlocks: Applications and system design reviews the various types of door interlocks, mantraps, sally ports and their applications as well as discusses the different types of interlock controls and the accessories required for a fully functional system. Electronic Locking Devices for access control systems reviews electrified door locking hardware and related components which interface with electronic access controllers to provide a complete security solution.

One of the UK’s top business and management schools, the Bloomsbury Institute, has upgraded its access control capabilities to the award-winning ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology from ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions. Based in central London and formerly the London School of Business and Management, the Bloomsbury Institute delivers full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, accounting, finance and law, which are awarded by the University of Northampton. ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology The Bloomsbury Institute has to contend with a high turnover of students each academic year, as well as any changes to staff. The sheer number of people using the Institute’s buildings meant that its existing mechanical master key system was simply no longer feasible, unable to provide adequate protection for areas that might hold sensitive information, such as exam scripts. As a result, the Bloomsbury Institute needed a flexible access control system that would be easy to maintain, granting secure access to individuals as and when needed, while delivering greater key control too. Electromechanical locking system Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys The answer was ASSA CLIQ Remote, which has been installed throughout the Bloomsbury’s Institute’s 7 Bedford Square teaching site, and selected areas within the institute’s 99 Gower Street building. Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys and cylinders to offer flexible control over access rights. The Bloomsbury Institute can now programme and update each key remotely, removing or granting access privileges for the key holder in real time. This allows only those with the necessary authority to obtain access to private areas without inconveniencing others and removes the security risks associated with lost or stolen keys. Remote Key Access ASSA CLIQ Remote also provides a full audit trail for assured peace of mind and has the functionality to create time-defined user keys, only allowing access to an individual for a specified period. This feature is proving invaluable to the Bloomsbury Institute, which plans to eventually convert all cylinders at its 99 Gower Street site to ASSA CLIQ Remote, as part of its expansion plans. Stephane Middleton, Estates & Facilities Manager at the Bloomsbury Institute, explains: “We are committed to the security and safety of student data, which led us to consider upgrading the mechanical master key system that we previously had in place. Using ASSA CLIQ Remote could not be easier. It is saving us countless hours of key cutting and changing cylinders, while significantly improving our key control.” ASSA CLIQ Remote key for enhanced security When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need"“When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need, irrespective of how many rooms they may occupy or how many areas they may need access to during their time with us. In addition, the system provides robust security; if a key is lost or stolen, we can cancel it, safe in the knowledge that we are completely secure.” “The service from ASSA ABLOY has been outstanding. The company really made the effort to understand our business and its requirements. During the implementation phase, ASSA ABLOY provided comprehensive training on how to use the system to all staff that have administration rights, while working with our IT team to ensure the systems’ software is uploaded onto their machines.” High-security physical master key system “The best part of the service has been having a dedicated contact that has been onboard since the start, providing us with new updates, support and guidance. This part of the service is proving to be of great value, filling us with confidence to continue using ASSA ABLOY products in the future. Indeed, as we look to expand the sites we operate in, we envisage that all the cylinders will one day be converted to this system.” Simon Wilson, National Sales Manager for ASSA CLIQ Remote at ASSA ABLOY, said: “Our ASSA CLIQ Remote solution combines all the benefits of access control with a high-security physical master key system. The system was easily retrofitted, meaning there was very little disruption to the university during the installation process, and the institute no longer has to worry about the security concerns that come with a misplaced key. Data security “The fact that ASSA CLIQ Remote also offers the capability to log and provide a record of who has entered and exited an area is helping to ensure rooms that hold confidential papers or sensitive information remain secure.” “We’re delighted to help the Bloomsbury Institute revolutionise its key management systems, delivering greater security, flexibility and key control.”

To succeed in business, one must be brilliant at one thing. In many cases it’s a skill, such as art, coding, engineering or design. Or that one brilliant attribute can also be a personality trait or a business process. No business will be successful unless it is at least adequate, and preferably superb, in product development, sales, and customer engagement - not to mention finance, planning, marketing and recruiting.  Too many VMS producers are trying to do all these things themselves when they should be doubling up on what they are best at and leveraging the rest. It is a new mindset. Instead of obsessing about which ‘me-too’ product to supply, software producers could make their first priority finding complementary and compatible partners. Developing a partnership ecosystem One partner might see the opportunity to sell a solution. Another partner might know a better way to distribute a product. A third partner might provide the vertical expertise to get the customer a perfectly tailored solution. By leveraging partners and developing a partner ecosystem, a company will tend to have more unique offerings and the ability to execute faster in an ever-changing world. All this additional partner horsepower is still no guarantee a company will succeed but partnerships will also give a company a feedback channel.  Many stand-alone companies plod along, never quite failing, but never getting better either. Partners are less likely to tolerate business limbo. They will be quick to utilise great products, and less wedded to the concept if it doesn’t prove out. Because the partners are in close contact with the market, they are the first responders to changing or developing needs. This is why a company should listen very closely to their partners: They are the feet on the street and the ears to the beat! Open platform matters Producing software takes time, and producing great software takes even longer All of this is not possible, however, if a company produces closed platform software. This is software whose functions can only be changed by the original developers. Producing software takes time, and producing great software takes even longer. This means low agility. The partners might identify great opportunities, but before the closed platform software producer can react, the opportunities might be gone - or worse, be grabbed by competitors. The slow reaction capabilities of closed platform providers will frustrate partners and may lead to the worst of all complications in a partnership: distrust. Add-on modules and intrinsic scripting When the products are based on an open platform, however, they are adaptable. Then the partners have the ability to change the solution through the open software architecture. Not by changing the basic code (that would be open source) but by add-on modules and intrinsic scripting abilities. Total integrated solution Open platform means that the partner can easily extend and enhance the software into a total integrated solution Open platform means that the partner can easily extend and enhance the software into a total integrated solution to fulfill the customer’s needs with the minimum of effort. This gives agility, and agility means fast go-to-market abilities. Just what is needed in this fast-moving world. There are some important things to note here. The ways to extend and enhance the software have to be easy and well documented. The partners must have access to training and knowledge sharing. (It does not help to have a system for extending the capabilities of the software if the partners have to guess at the process and the documentation is rudimentary.) Open access is key It is important that the business philosophy is based on openness, giving the partners full access to all relevant information. And openness is a two-way street: By being open for your partners, you also have to be open about their business. A partner might be able to develop a highly sophisticated solution but be unable to market the solution. By building a catalogue of partner solutions easily accessible to customers, openness extends to ensure open access to the partners. Openness is not something a business can just tack on to their approach. It has to be in the DNA of the business from the start. In a Harvard Business Review article entitled ‘Predators and Prey: A new ecology of competition,’ JF Moore says: “A business ecosystem, like its biological counterpart, gradually moves from a random collection of elements to a more structured community.” Structured business ecosystem Milestone has seen this progression within the company's ecosystem Milestone has seen this progression within the company's ecosystem. They introduced training and certification requirements as part of the partnership success structure, ensuring knowledge is shared and also used in a way that is most mutually beneficial for all involved. Moore also writes: “Every business ecosystem develops in four distinct stages: birth, expansion, leadership and self-renewal.” At present, Milestone and its partners are entering into the ‘leadership’ stage, where video enabling is creating opportunities beyond those offered by a traditional video surveillance system, and into areas that provide additional business benefits to our customers. Video enabling “A leader must emerge in the ecosystem,” Moore says, “to initiate a process of rapid, ongoing improvement that draws the entire community toward a grander future.” This is the role Milestone has played in leading the industry towards the video enabling phase and redefining the industry’s expectations of what a surveillance system is capable of. In the article, Moore underlines that “executives whose horizons are bounded by the traditional industry perspectives will find themselves missing the real challenges and opportunities that face their companies.” Getting connected Connectors are those people with a wide range of contacts across different social circles In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes what he calls ‘The Law of the Few,’ which says: "The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts." This is based on the 80/20 principal, “which is the idea that in any situation roughly 80 percent of the 'work' will be done by 20 percent of the participants." He goes on to identify three types of people with these gifts: Salesmen, who are skilled in persuasion and negotiation; Mavens, who collect and disseminate useful information; and Connectors. Connectors are those people with a wide range of contacts across different social circles who can make introductions and create links between otherwise disparate individuals. Milestone, key connector in physical security industry In the wider scheme of things, Milestone effectively acts as a ‘Connector’ in the business ecosystem and in the overall physical security industry. Milestone brings together companies who are brilliant in their respective fields and make it easy for them to work together to create a valuable solution for the customer. The company provides the environment for that to occur and work closely with them to ensure that the end result is useful and effective. At Milestone, partners realised that significant investments in education and training was required to create the demand for the company's products and solutions that the conservative physical security industry required. The value of partnership was learnt and the ‘open’ approach adopted, which was a central part of the thinking behind our software. Adopting the Scandinavian management model Milestone effectively acts as a ‘Connector’ in the business ecosystem and in the overall physical security industry Milestone extended this approach to the entire business model, creating the ecosystem that has been the driving force for success. And while the company embraced the best of the Scandinavian management model, its inclusiveness and encouragement of creativity, they still needed to have the courage to make changes to the business, changes which would ensure the best possible position to take on whatever challenges the future might hold.  Milestone partner ecosystem Milestone have always worked in a partner-driven business mode. The company from the start was designed to be open and partner oriented. The Milestone partner ecosystem is a fundamental part of its mindset and daily operations. It is one of the major reasons for getting the company to the position where it is today. To be in a company without the partner component would be like cutting the internet and phone cables while reverting to telex and written paper letters! The company would be developing products in the dark, not knowing the demand. Open business world Today, Milestone's partners are delivering optimal solutions to mutual customers, building a better and open business world with video as a business enhancer. All thanks to the company's open platform and community approach. To have a flourishing partner ecosystem, one must think not as a corporation but in human terms. Because companies don’t think, humans do. In all senses of the word, there is one thing that will contribute more to the success of a partnership than anything else; 'Give before hoping to receive'.

Siemens Rail Automation is a supplier of signalling systems to the rail industry worldwide. The signalling system is fundamental to the safety of a rail network as it maintains safe separation and prevents collisions. Signallers rely on the safety critical signalling features to ensure safe operation in both normal and degraded conditions. Thorough initial training and regular refresher courses in a realistic environment is essential to maintaining the signallers’ competency and knowledge of operating procedures. Siemens collaborated with Matrox to implement a unique, IP-based simulation environment for their European-rail-network client with an innovative use of streaming and recording of multiple video feeds. Simulator for signal monitoring A simulator allows a trainer to vary scenarios—by changing the weather, introducing obstacles on the line, incidents in stations, broken-down trains, or other things that affect the scheduling of movement of rolling stock. Additional screens from other collaborative applications, such as timetabling, are displayed for the trainee The trainer needs to monitor a trainee’s reaction(s) to a particular scenario, as it transpires. To be able to view the entire session later, for analysing, and pinpointing areas of improvement, each individual trainee’s performance needs to be recorded as well. The trainee operator’s signalling desk contains multiple monitors for the signalling application that shows, amongst other things, the state of the signals, dynamic speed limits, state of points on the track, and train positions. Additional screens from other collaborative applications, such as timetabling, are also displayed for the trainee. Trainers too have multiple screens where they define and manage the training scenario. Networked training ecosystem Siemens Rail Automation met their client’s need by leveraging Matrox’s video wall and enterprise encoding portfolio as building blocks to create an end-to-end, IP-based simulation system—all on the client’s 1 Gigabit Ethernet network. At the individual trainee stations, ‘operator’ workstations host a Matrox multi-display graphics card to power an eight-monitor, 4x2 desktop configuration. In the same PC system are two Matrox Maevex 6100 quad 4K enterprise encoder cards. Capable of simultaneously capturing, streaming, and recording up to four 4K inputs, Maevex 6100 in this case captures quad Full HD inputs, composites them as a single 4K signal, and streams them to a collaborative video wall. Doing so ensures that the time correlation between the individual screens is not lost—a cursor moving across a desktop from screen to screen is seen as it happens. One of the training objectives is to support the team working between the signallers and planners Monitoring trainee cursor movements This is important for the trainer to get a realistic picture. A jerky or delayed cursor movement could be construed by the trainer as indecision or hesitation on the part of the trainee. If the cursor movement by the trainee—including between screens—is smooth, it is imperative for it to be seen live and recorded as being smooth. In addition to the above are three dual-monitor timetabling workstations and a quad-monitor trainer workstation, each with a Matrox graphics card and Maevex 6100 encoder card to stream desktop content to the collaborative display wall. The timetabling workstations are used by trainee timetable planners to make on-the-day changes. One of the training objectives is to support the team working between the signallers and planners. Reviewing training sessions On the video wall are 12 monitors in several arrangements that enable the trainer to control the simulation environment and monitor trainee signallers and planners. The video wall can also be used collaboratively to replay and review the training session. This is all from a single, low-footprint Blue Chip Ultima 2M system that hosts a combination of Matrox Mura IPX decoder cards and Matrox Mura MPX input/output video wall cards, which work together to seamlessly decode and display the various incoming streams. The rail network uses Matrox MuraControl for Windows video wall software to manage the incoming IP sources, presenting the information on the wall in a way that looks like the original setup at the trainee’s desk. Matrox provided product and configuration training for Siemens personnel, onsite at Siemens Rail Automation’s headquarters Product and configuration training These ‘video wall copies’ allow trainers and other decision makers to remotely, and instantaneously, see the trainee’s reaction to a given situation. Desktop views are easily switched between trainees. Additionally, Maevex 6100 allows training sessions to be simultaneously recorded to network storage from where the simulations are played back on demand to the individual trainee, or to other interested parties. To complete the offering, Matrox provided product and configuration training for Siemens personnel, onsite at Siemens Rail Automation’s headquarters. Successful implementation Siemens Rail Automation has deployed the IP-based signalling simulator as part of a major project in a leading European-rail-network organisation where it is performing in line with the rail industry’s stringent standards. Similar deployments for other clients are being planned. Using Matrox’s video wall and recording technologies has been instrumental to the successful implementation of this IP-based signalling simulator" Using the standard network to stream the various elements of the simulator in real time has offered many benefits to the client. The video wall displays copies of the trainer’s own screens, as well as a selected trainee’s screens. This IP-based implementation is easily scalable and allows multiple trainees to be participating in the same training session—with the trainer able to select which trainee to be overseeing at a given time. Andy Powell of Siemens Rail Automation says, “Using Matrox’s video wall and streaming and recording technologies has been instrumental to the successful implementation of this pioneering IP-based signalling simulator in our client’s organisation. Without Matrox, this clearly wouldn’t have been achievable.”

Even religious organisations recognise that in today’s world, planning for any large gathering of members now requires more emphasis on security. This is especially true for an event that draws participants from around the world to discuss church doctrine and policies, and hosts numerous activities for hundreds of children. A denomination of 1.5 million worldwide, the Church of the Nazarene gathers its members every four years to ratify resolutions, elect leaders and worship together. In 2005, more than 30,000 met at the Indianapolis Convention Center and RCA Dome, and were joined by another 15,000 via the Internet. For many years, it was enough for security personnel to patrol the convention floor with two-way radios. Convention organizers locked up expensive items at the end of the day and were careful about giving out keys. In 2005, however, a greater awareness of security vulnerabilities compelled them to introduce onsite photo ID badging. The challenge was to facilitate registration for such a large crowd and provide security for the children in attendance. The small footprint of the DTC300 printers made them easy to deploy into the limited counter space and were highly accessible but not at all intrusive" Fargo DTC printers for name tags The denomination selected Daymark Solutions to provide Fargo DTC300 Direct-to-Card Printers/Encoders and supplies. Daymark’s involvement began with the design of ID cards and the integration of nametag production with online registration. To handle registration, the denomination headquarters’ IT department set up 20 computerised, self-registration stations. Most attendees pre-registered on the Church of the Nazarene website, which sped their check in. Others chose to register at the event. In either case, attendees finished checking in by printing out their own plastic nametags on the Fargo printers located at each station. “The small footprint of the DTC300 printers made them easy to deploy into the limited counter space,” said Ken. “They were highly accessible but not at all intrusive.” The small size became important later, as well. “The registration area could not be completely secured each evening, so we felt it necessary to collect all 20 printers at the end of the day, store them in a secured area over night and then redeploy them each morning of the week-long convention,” he said. “The small, lightweight form factor of the DTC300 printers definitely made this job much easier.” Colour-coded identifiers Additional pre-convention services provided by Daymark Solutions included onsite photo ID badging at denomination headquarters for General Assembly workers and pre-printing delegate nametags at Daymark’s ID card service bureau. The General Assembly itself is actually four conventions in one: Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, Sunday School Ministries and Children’s Ministries. Colour-coded identifiers were used in the card layouts to signify various levels of access, including after-hours access to the exhibit hall Once the assembly and convention got underway, Daymark acted as an onsite service bureau to produce last-minute and replacement delegate nametags and photo ID cards for all convention staff members. Four Daymark employees were onsite during the entire event. “This is the first time we’ve been involved on this scale,” said Linda Livengood, Daymark President. “The dynamic and temporary nature of the situation didn’t lend itself to deploying special automated card access or video surveillance systems,” said Ken Livengood, Linda’s husband and Vice President of Daymark. Instead, colour-coded identifiers were used in the card layouts to signify various levels of access, including after-hours access to the exhibit hall. Daymark provided printer training and supply management assistance to volunteer registration workers. Creating novelty photo cards In addition to using the Fargo printers for registration, Daymark furnished two DTC300s to the Nazarene Missions International exhibit for producing novelty photo cards. The exhibit featured several five-foot-tall characters with face cut-outs, depicting a person in native dress in front of a landscape typical for that region. Daymark also produced colourful nametags for contestants in the 3rd annual World Bible Quiz, the highest competition level for Nazarene Children’s Quizzing. Part of the church’s Children’s Ministries, this year’s competition had 2,200 participants consisting of children in grades one through six. Each grade had its own color-coded nametag with Quizzing logo graphics. In another event, geared to raise awareness of children’s world missions, seven separate ‘regions’ were created, each with a unique craft. Children received a ‘passport’ ID card, complete with their photo and realistic passport graphics at each region they visited, thus turning them in to ‘world travellers’. By issuing photo ID badges to all individuals who worked directly with children, organisers helped parents feel more confident that only authorised individuals were with their children" Controlling access to restricted areas More than 20,000 nametags were printed during the convention using a database compiled from both online and onsite registrations. “Being able to receive a personalised plastic nametag instantly with attractive printing was extremely appealing to everyone,” Ken said, “not only because the technology to print them was ‘cool,’ but because this type of durable and attractive nametag also provided a meaningful keepsake of the convention.” “In addition, denomination officials recognised that security has become more important than in past years,” Linda said. “Photo ID credentialing definitely helped control access to restricted areas. Also, with so many children’s activities planned for the assembly and conference, child safety was a major concern. By issuing photo ID badges to all individuals who worked directly with children, organisers helped parents feel more confident that only authorised individuals were with their children.” Fargo’s SmartLoad Ribbon Cartridge “The stations were staffed with volunteer assistants, who came and went at all times,” said Ken. “It would have been impossible to provide complete training for everyone on how to load printer supplies. The simplified supply loading of the DTC300s made it easy for trained volunteers to pass along the procedure to their fellow staff members.” He was referring to Fargo’s SmartLoad Ribbon Cartridge, first featured with the DTC300 unit. A SmartClean Roller is also integrated into every cartridge, eliminating separate card-cleaning mechanisms. “Denomination officials responsible for convention arrangements were frankly in awe of how the DTC300 card printers virtually eliminated the hassles associated with nametag issuance they had experienced in the past, while providing a superior end product,” Ken said. They were happy to report that no major incidents occurred during the convention. For an event that carried the message of welcome to all who attended, this was, perhaps, the best outcome of all.

The Wisenet hybrid recording solution has been installed at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton by electronic security specialists, JKE Security. “The medium term objective is to provide the hospital with a complete end-to-end Wisenet solution incorporating the very latest video surveillance technology,” said Dan Mather, director of Derby based JKE Security. “However, New Cross Hospital is not alone in having to carefully manage its budgets and with this in mind, the priority has been to install a hybrid recording solution which comprises a combination of HD+ and NVRs. This has enabled the images from all existing analogue and IP cameras installed throughout the hospital to be recorded at the highest possible resolution.” New Cross Hospital, which is run by the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust was originally built circa 1900 as a workhouse. It now provides 700 beds, employs almost 9500 staff and is the largest teaching hospital in the Black Country. In 2004 the United Kingdom's first purpose built specialist heart centre was opened on its site.AHD technology enables the Wisenet HD+ DVRs to record high-definition images Large storage capacity A total of 17 recording devices have been installed. These include 4 x Wisenet 32 channel XRN -2010 NVRs which each have 21 Terabytes of on-board storage and 13 x Wisenet HD+ 16 channel SRD-1694 DVRs, each with 5 Terabytes of storage. Using AHD technology, the Wisenet HD+ DVRs are able to record high-definition images transmitted over the hospital’s existing coax cabling. “An important aspect of this project is that the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust wanted a recording solution which would be totally compliant with the new GDPR data protection regulations,” said Dan Mather. “Having taken advice from Midwich, the distribution company which we source our video surveillance products from, and having attended a 3 day training course conducted by Hanwha Techwin, we had the confidence to recommend the Wisenet hybrid recording solution to the Trust both in terms of its compliance with GDPR and the user-friendliness of the recording devices.” For the first time in years we are now able to view our entire system on one platform, which is functional and easy to operate" Effective healthcare security “Having successfully completed the first phase of the upgrade, we are looking forward to installing over 200 x Wisenet cameras throughout the hospital in the near future in order to provide security personnel and the hospital’s managers with a powerful tool to maintain a safe and secure environments for doctors, nurses, administration staff and patients.” Paul Smith, Trust Security Manager and Local Security Management Specialist said “We looked long and hard for a suitable solution of integrating our older systems with newer IP systems on the site. For us the best option came in the form of the Wisenet software and recording units and for the first time in years we are now able to view our entire system on one platform, and a platform that is functional and easy to operate." "All of our pre-existing cameras have been synced with the new software with the assistance of JKE Security Ltd. I look forward now to the next stage which will be to replace end of life cameras for the much more technologically advanced kit, which will enable us to use the smarter functions of the Wisenet software.”

GardaWorld’s cash handling business is North America’s largest, with its ubiquitous red and white trucks easily spotted throughout Canada and the United States. With hundreds of facilities and handling centers, GardaWorld processes currency for an entire continent, monitored by complex video surveillance technologies, working together to ensure the integrity of their processes and operations. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, GardaWorld provides business solutions and security services. With over 62,000 staff globally, GardaWorld is one of the largest privately-owned security companies in the world, protecting people, assets, and reputations on a daily basis, performing critical tasks to protect and secure in an increasingly chaotic world. Efficient central monitoring When the time came to upgrade existing video surveillance operations for the company’s cash handling business as well as installations for the company’s newest sites, the task was complex with unique requirements and on a massive scale spanning two countries. IDIS technology, known for its power, flexibility, modularity, and low total cost of ownership, stood ready to meet the company’s needs.DirectCX TVRs were installed at legacy sites to ensure zero downtime for GardaWorld’s video surveillance capabilities Upgrading the legacy GardaWorld video surveillance solution across their 250+ sites required the installation of over 700 IDIS cameras and the establishment of two major central monitoring facilities. The inter-compatibility inherent in the IDIS Total Solution allowed the powerful and intuitive video management software (VMS) solutions, IDIS DirectCX and IDIS Solution Suite, to harmonise at GardaWorld central monitoring facilities. DirectCX TVRs were installed at legacy sites to ensure zero downtime for GardaWorld’s video surveillance capabilities, and IDIS DirectIP network video recorders (NVRs) were incorporated rapidly thanks to their ease and speed of installation and configuration. Reduced ownership cost The IDIS solution for GardaWorld was not only rapidly deployed thanks to the simplicity of DirectIP and IDIS VMS; the modernised monitoring system also comes with a low total cost of ownership due to a reduction of cabling cost thanks to IDIS DirectCX TVRs, the lack of any annual service management agreement or licensing fees for IDIS VMS, and less training time required from the single remote application used for managing each device on the system.IDIS solutions have proven flexible, scalable, and customisable to deliver the appropriate technology "IDIS meets our high standards and more with a surveillance offering that is as committed to our security requirements as we are. IDIS technology delivers powerful features and capabilities in a variety of ways that meet needs as diverse as our differing locations and custom requirements." "Whether analogue or IP networked solutions, new installations or upgrades, or at urban or remote sites, IDIS solutions have proven flexible, scalable, and customisable to deliver the appropriate technology in the ideal way for each requirement." "We are pleased with the partnership we have created with IDIS over the past year and look forward to the continued benefit we’ll receive from current and planned installations of IDIS technology," Guy Côté, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, GardaWorld. Integrating analogue and digital surveillance GardaWorld’s exceptional footprint and storied legacy in North America meant there was a highly varied set of conditions and requirements for optimising video surveillance operations. With a mix of existing analogue and digital surveillance in existing facilities and requirements for initial installations in newer facilities, GardaWorld articulated complex security needs for more than 250 individual sites throughout Canada and the United States, each requiring high quality video surveillance and networking with a mix of analogue and digital technology.The rollout of IDIS technology required training for operators and monitors of surveillance equipment Within individual facilities, existing video surveillance reflected a substantial level of upgrade complexity. The number of cameras at each site varied, with additional variances in age and operations for prior installations. Due to the nature of GardaWorld’s operations, it was imperative that no interruption of security monitoring would occur during the transition to IDIS technology. Further, the rollout of IDIS technology required training for operators and monitors of surveillance equipment at various locations, a potential challenge given the scale of the rollout and upgrades. Customisable security solution The ability of the powerfully modular and customisable IDIS Total Solution were an ideal fit for GardaWorld’s security needs, delivering benefits from the start, and are still ongoing, of the installation. GardaWorld benefitted from worry free integration of existing technologies and the installation of a flexible, customised solution that blended analogue HD-TVI technology with next-generation IP networked surveillance, as appropriate to each site, linked and managed by the powerful and highly customisable IDIS Solution Suite VMS. The installation met GardaWorld’s requirements for seamless upgrade and technology handover, minimising downtime and supporting the critical nature of GardaWorld’s operations.The seamless integration under IDIS’s powerful connectivity and simplified installation and use has reduced training time for GardaWorld staff Seamless security integration GardaWorld facilities now benefit from modernised, functionally rich cameras and recording devices that deliver clearer and smoother surveillance, and hasten an operator‘s ability to identify and mitigate potential incidents and fully review and respond to questions about operational security. The seamless integration under IDIS’s powerful connectivity and simplified installation and use has reduced training time for GardaWorld staff and eliminated the most common headaches associated with mass upgrades and new installations of security technology. Better surveillance and security operations for GardaWorld pass through to a more secure position for GardaWorld staff and customer assets around the world, further confirming GardaWorld’s place as a market and innovation leader in the security space.