Shopping centre security

Azena is announcing that it will host ESCON 2021, a free to all ecosystem conference for smart security stakeholders, on 2 December from 3-6 pm CET. Broadcast live from the BMW Welt, Munich’s iconic landmark, ESCON will bring together leaders in the AI video analytics space to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence and IoT technologies in the security and safety industry. Actionable operational intelligence “The potential of AI, IoT and video analytics and the influence on the security and safety industries has never been higher and will continue to shape how end users can leverage the data, generated by these technologies, to improve their business,” said Hartmut Schaper, chief executive officer of Azena. “We are most excited to hear from the participating industry visionaries and experts, as we explore the future ways of our open platform to deliver actionable operational intelligence.” About ESCON 2021 Key members of Azena's teams will provide updates on upcoming ecosystem and platform developments Two breakout sessions will provide discussions geared toward project planning and implementation for end-users and integrators as well as for app developers looking for insights into creative methods for application development and sales. The winners of the 2021 App Challenge, which resulted in new solutions for transportation, stadiums, and infrastructure, will be recognised and key members of the Azena product and business development teams will provide updates on upcoming ecosystem and platform developments. Guest speaker highlights include: Oliver Philippou, Research Manager - Physical Security, OMDIA, on the current state and future of video surveillance analytics, with insights into a shifting market and the trends shaping it for customers and suppliers. Josh Woodhouse, Lead Analyst, and Founder, Novaira, on what role software-defined video surveillance will play in the evolution of the video surveillance market and the associated systems integration business. José Daniel Garcia Espinel, Global Innovation Director, Prosegur, on how to build a world-class security offering by using AI and IoT solutions to increase security operators’ efficiency and provide best in class security. Steve Ma, VP, Open Platform Business Division, VIVOTEK, and VP and Chairman of Strategy Committee, OSSA, on capitalising on the video revolution and combining best of breed hardware with an open platform approach to maximise value for customers. Lucas Adt, Business Development Manager, Sensormatic, on how AI video analytics supports retailers in improving both store performance and shopper experience. Werner Braun, Head of Portfolio Management, Siemens Keven Marier, Vice President Technology Partners, Milestone

Herta launches a new version of its marketing solution that now displays a control panel with relevant information about the behaviour of visitors in a business. The new version of BioMarketing has a Dashboard that shows real-time information on the performance of a business and allows users to view online data on the number of visitors and their recurrence, the average dwell time, or the level of occupancy. ROI on analysis The information of the new product allows to have a deeper description of the different visitor profiles, as well as to be able to identify the ideal buyer in certain areas of interest. In addition, thanks to its statistics filter by dates, it also allows the user to measure the impact of the seasonal campaigns carried out in each centre, thus helping to maximise the return on investment with a detailed analysis even by the hour. Herta is currently in the most innovative stage in its history. With more than ten years of experience in the market and clients around the world, adapting both to the post-pandemic world and the new needs of its ecosystem of partners and users strengthens the company to continue leading the field of facial recognition and artificial intelligence.

Dortronics Systems Inc., an industry-renowned company in off-the-shelf and customised door control solutions, is featuring its new 9-door controller for affordable multi-door interlocks and mantrap applications, from 2 to 9 doors, as well as its complete line-up of touchless door control solutions, at ISC East 2021 exhibition, in booth #1030. All of Dortronics’ product design and manufacturing operations are located at the company’s Sag Harbor, New York headquarters, which gives the company a unique ability to offer custom-fabricate a wide range of door control products, with fast turnaround times. Dortronics’ products at ISC East 2021 Bryan Sanderford, National Sales Manager of Dortronics Systems, Inc., said “Our new 48900 Series PLC interlock Controller answers users’ demand for a cost-effective and easy to install mantrap solution for specialised retail environments, with high-value merchandise, like jewelry, in cannabis dispensaries, or in clean room environments, at bio-tech labs or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.” Bryan Sanderford adds, “It’s a product developed in response to market demand, which has continued to differentiate Dortronics from the big box houses and offshore suppliers. At Dortronics, we specialise in delivering door control solutions with the performance, quality, and often customised features and aesthetics that installers need with fast turnaround times and at the right price.” Dortronics’ 48900 PLC Interlock Controller Dortronics’ 48900 PLC Interlock Controller is a cost-effective solution for implementing door interlock and mantrap systems Dortronics’ 48900 PLC Interlock Controller is a cost-effective solution for implementing door interlock and mantrap systems, with up to nine doors. Under standard operating conditions, unlocking or opening one door automatically secures other designated doors, within the Interlock group. The fully integrated single-board solution provides installers with complete control of all operating and configuration options, without the need for and expense of, complex software. The 48900 Series PLC Interlock Controller integrates with virtually any access control system, utilising dry contacts. Dortronics 5278 Touchless Proximity Switch Dortronics 5278 Touchless Proximity Switch utilises optical infrared technology with embedded sensors to pick up motion within a 4-inch range with an illuminated LED ring for visibility under low-light conditions. A simple wave of the hand activates the touchless switch. The Dortronics 5278 Touchless Proximity Switch greatly decreases the potential to spread contagious diseases, since no actual hand contact is required to activate. These switches are often utilised with electronic locks and automatic door operators. The 5278 switch’s illuminated LED ring allows for visibility under low-light conditions. Dortronics’ 6612 Request to Exit Motion Sensing Door Release Dortronics’ 6612 Request to Exit Motion Sensing Door Release provides safe and immediate hands-free door release, and reliable fail-safe operation. It offers fast and accurate detection, with easy field adjustments, plus range and sensitivity controls, in order to assure maximum reliability. Dual relay outputs are available to redundantly cut power to the electromagnetic lock, while simultaneously signaling an access control system to unlock the door. The 6612’s attractive, slim housing is ideal for mounting the unit inconspicuously above any door.

Ava Security has launched the ability to use third-party sensors with Ava Aware Cloud, the open data platform for building and facilities intelligence. By merging video security with sensor technology, organisations can unlock the enhanced situational awareness of security along with facility management, staff well-being, and productivity.  Open Ava Aware data platform Siloed unconnected systems are a big challenge for organisations seeking greater insights and better building security. Integrations either require heavy, custom development, or organisations are often forced into a single vendor lock-in when moving to certain cloud vendors.   Organisations can now use the open Ava Aware data platform with third-party sensors to capture insights into their sites' activities and environmental conditions. Users can set rules for real-time notifications and alerts for readings such as abnormal noise levels, temperature, proximity, touch, humidity, smoke, vape, chemicals, and gas, allowing organisations to act quickly on environmental incidents. Integrating data with video footage Sensor data combined with video security footage through a single interface allows getting a clearer picture Sensor data is combined with video security footage through a single interface, allowing organisations to get a clearer picture of the security incidents that could impact their facilities, assets, and people. For example, by associating a sensor with a camera, facility operators and IT would immediately see the sensor alarm and the real-time video associated with that sensor (e.g. an open emergency door). Businesses derive value beyond security; gathering data that can help achieve greater efficiency and improve operations.  Initial sensor integration rollout Ava Security is initially launching these quarter integrations with the Halo smart sensor from IPVideo Technology and the tiny wireless sensors from Disruptive Technologies. Customers also have the option to integrate with other sensor providers of their choice through Ava’s open API platform. As a cloud-native and open platform, Ava Aware customers benefit immediately from new features and value as they are delivered over time.  Features of Ava Aware Cloud The Ava Aware Cloud is also incredibly flexible, allowing customers to:  Connect sensors in minutes, set up rules, and notify users in real-time View sensors on intuitive floorplan maps Associate sensors with cameras with simple drag and drop Remotely monitor sensors from anywhere in the world Secure sensor data through end-to-end encryption, SSO, and 2-factor authentication Cost-effective and flexible solution Ava’s open architecture solves provides a cost-effective and flexible solution on the market" Sam Lancia, Head of Video Engineering & Co-Founder of Ava Security commented, “There is immense power in the visibility gained by combining the data from sensors with intelligent video security systems as it creates a far clearer picture for an organisation. Historically, this wasn’t possible because systems were too difficult to set up, often disconnected from one another, and organisations had to rip and replace existing investments to install software and devices from a single provider.” “Ava’s open architecture solves this problem for organisations, providing them with a cost-effective and flexible solution that utilises the best technology on the market. We already have keen interest from a range of customers across different verticals such as real estate, education, and retail.” Physical security Bengt Lundberg, CEO of Disruptive Technologies commented, “Ava Security is at the forefront of physical security. We are looking forward to seeing customers unlock the value from our combined products and services through this partnership.” “The Ava Aware system, enhanced by the DT sensors, unlocks huge potential for real-time insights for organisations to inform their security and facility management.”

Surveill, the first containerised video management solution, announces its global strategic partnership with Velasea, a full-service OEM distributor of physical security, retail analytics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The partnership combines Surveill’s containerised security platform with Velasea’s significant presence in the IT hardware and integrated system markets. Velasea will serve as a value-added reseller of Surveill as well as a distribution partner and will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of the Surveill product portfolio in its target markets. Managing connected devices The partnership between Surveill and Velasea equips organisations with solutions to access and capture critical video data without the risk of data loss. As organisations move toward the idea of the consolidated infrastructure to better manage connected devices, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance security, Surveill offers significant value to enterprise-class video and IoT environments. Security leaders can manage their video requirements in a manner that is proven to be easy to maintain and cost-effective. “The containerised aspect of Surveill’s video management platform will be enormously beneficial to organisations looking to build their security program on a video-centric infrastructure built on IT standards,” said Jeremy Bailey, Director of Sales, Velasea. Mission-critical organisations Surveill takes video management to the next level by adding containerisation to the operating system “We are happy to work closely with the Surveill team to help mission-critical organisations realise their security objectives, no matter how big or small, complex or simple.” Surveill takes video management to the next level by adding containerisation to the operating system resulting in increased reliability, system uptime, and data security. Powered by Edge360, a technology innovator with more than 10 years of integration experience, Surveill is the first-ever containerised VMS providing enterprise organisations the ability to design their own security based on their specific requirements. Demanding security requirements Designed and optimised to consolidate video workloads, the Surveill suite of video solutions delivers an IT-friendly infrastructure with the performance, scale, and resilience required to support today’s demanding security requirements. “Our global market cooperation with Velsea extends the availability of a containerised video management solution that empowers organisations to capture and access critical video data in a scalable, flexible, and secure manner,” said John Rezzonico, CEO, Surveill. “We highly value our relationships with our security distribution and channel partners and look forward to working with Velasea to bring our video solutions to a wide network of partners.”

i-PRO took another major step in the AI-fication of the security camera market with the addition of the world’s most intelligent 360° fisheye cameras with embedded AI capabilities to its S-Series range. These new cameras are the first in the S-Series to run up to 3 deep learning applications, setting a new benchmark in the Standard security camera range. It turns the security camera into an intelligent device suitable for business usage and insights. Analytic software package features The cameras can run applications from i-PRO’s Analytic Software package for business Intelligence, which comes pre-installed, alongside other important apps like Privacy Guard and 3rd party applications created using the open Software Development Kit. The package includes free-of-charge AI-based analytics that can be used for motion detection, heat mapping, counting people and vehicles, and recognising congestion, for example when shoppers are queuing in-store. Easy-to-use and intuitive dashboard Using AI with high-quality 360° images up to the edge of the frame makes real-time analytics incredibly effective Using powerful AI capabilities with high-quality 360° images up to the edge of the frame makes real-time analytics incredibly effective and more accurate. For example, helping to avoid traditional issues such as failing to distinguish between two people walking closely together. To make the best use of the data generated, users can easily manage and visualise analytics from multiple i-PRO cameras, combined with the free i-PRO Multi-AI System plug-in handling alarms coming from the i-PRO hardware, in an easy-to-use and intuitive dashboard, alongside their Video Management System. Open to industry-standard protocols, such as ONVIF and MQTT, also enable connection to 3rd party dashboards. Deep-learning applications Wanda Nijholt, Manager Marketing, and Communications of i-PRO EMEA commented, “With these new cameras, we are extending our strategy of providing more and easier access to the advantages of AI. At the same time, customers have the option to customise the powerful hardware using deep-learning applications on the edge, and increase the accuracy of analytics.” “With the enhanced line-up capability of running three applications, we are pushing the new Standard in Security further and providing the flexibility to adapt our open hardware to any organisation’s individual needs whether for CCTV or other business innovations.” The 6 new fisheye cameras in the S-Series range will be available from December 2021.

While the foundation of autonomous retail has been built up over the past few years, it is only now that retailers are beginning to fully experiment with the technology. There were an estimated 350 stores globally in 2018 offering a fully autonomous checkout process, yet this number is forecast to increase dramatically with 10,000 stores anticipated by 2024. This acceleration in the growth of unmanned retail stores has, in part, been boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic and a demand for a more contactless, socially distanced shopping experience. Physical security technologies Innovative physical security technologies can play a significant role in protecting a site while supporting its operation Many retailers are now exploring such solutions as a way to streamline their services and simplify store operations while reducing overheads. Of course, the security of unmanned sites is a concern, with many eager to embrace such a design, but wary about the prospect of leaving a store unguarded. This is where innovative physical security technologies can play a significant role in protecting a site while supporting its operation and also helping to improve customer experience. Comprehensive integrated solution To make the autonomous retail vision a reality, a comprehensive solution is needed that integrates network cameras, IP audio speakers, and access control devices. The cameras can be employed to monitor entrance points and sales areas, including checkout terminals, and can be monitored and operated remotely from a central control room. This offers management full visibility of operations, regardless of the number of stores. Recorded video material can be processed, packaged, and passed to authorities, when necessary, by applicable laws. Optimising operations As autonomous stores do not require staff to be present and run largely independently, managers can be notified automatically via mobile device if an event occurs that requires their attention. This could range from a simple need to restock popular items or clean the premises after a spillage, to a criminal break-in or attack. Again, network video surveillance cameras installed inside and outside of the premises provide high-quality video of any incident as it occurs, enabling immediate action to be taken. Improving customer experience Access control mechanisms at the entrance and exit points enable smooth, touch-free access to customers Access control mechanisms at the entrance and exit points enable smooth, touch-free access to customers, while IP audio speakers allow ambient music to be played, creating a relaxed in-store atmosphere and also offering the ability to play alerts or voice messages as required. Due to the automated nature of such audio broadcasting, consistency of brand can be created across multiple locations where playlists and pre-recorded voice messages are matched in terms of style and tone from store to store. Boosting profits The accessibility of premises 24/7 can ultimately lead to an increase in sales by simply allowing customers to enter the store and make a purchase at any time, rather than being restricted by designated retail hours. This also serves to improve customer loyalty through retail convenience. Utilising data from the access control system, managers can configure lights to turn on/off and ambient music to power down when the last person leaves the shop, to be reactivated the next time someone enters the premises. This approach can also conserve energy, leading to cost savings. Designing a future proof solution The threat of vandalism is greatly limited if everyone entering the shop can be identified, which is something that is already happening in Scandinavia using QR codes linked to an electronic identification system called BankID. This process involves a user being identified by their bank details, and their credentials checked upon entering the store. This not only streamlines the transaction process but vastly improves security because only those who want to legitimately use the services will go through the identification process, helping to deter antisocial or criminal behaviour. Physical security technology should be reliable and of high quality, without compromising the service to customers VMS-based network solution Both inside and outside of the premises, physical security technology should be reliable and of high quality, without compromising the service to customers, or hampering their experience. Door controls, network cameras, and loudspeakers, together with a comprehensive video management system (VMS), enable retailers to control every element of their store and remove any uncertainty around its management or security. Such a system, network-enabled and fully scalable to meet ongoing business requirements, can be offered using open APIs; this allows configuration and customisation while ensuring that the retailer is not limited by the technology or tied into any particular set-up or vendor as their requirements evolve. Additional security benefits As more businesses launch their unmanned stores, the benefits of such technology to streamline and improve every aspect of their operations become ever clearer. A comprehensive solution from a trusted security provider can bring complete peace of mind while offering additional benefits to support the retail business as it seeks a secure future.

How AI and humans can work together is a longstanding debate. As society progresses technologically, there’s always the worry of robots taking over jobs. Self-checkout tills, automated factory machines, and video analytics are all improving efficiency and productivity, but they can still work in tandem with humans, and in most cases, they need to. Video analytics in particular is one impressively intelligent piece of technology that security guards can utilise. How can video analytics help with certain security scenarios? Video analytics tools Before video analytics or even CCTV in general, if a child went missing in a shopping centre, we could only rely on humans. Take a crowded Saturday shopping centre, a complex one with a multitude of shops and eateries, you’d have to alert the security personnel, rely on a tannoy and search party, and hope for a lockdown to find a lost or kidnapped child. With video analytics, how would this scenario play out? It’s pretty mind-blowing. As soon as security is alerted, they can work with the video analytics tools to instruct it precisely With the same scenario, you now have the help of many different cameras, but then there’s the task of searching through all the CCTV resources and footage. That’s where complex search functions come in. As soon as security is alerted, they can work with the video analytics tools to instruct it precisely on what footage to narrow down, and there’s a lot of filters and functions to use. Expected movement direction For instance, they can tick a ‘human’ field, so the AI can track and filter out vehicles, objects etc., and then they can input height, clothing colours, time the child went missing, and last known location. There’s a complex event to check too, under ‘child kidnap’. For a more accurate search, security guards can then add in a searching criterion by drawing the child’s expected movement direction using a visual query function. A unique function like this enables visual criteria-based searches rather than text-based ones. The tech will then narrow down to the images/videos showing the criteria they’ve inputted, showing the object/child that matches the data and filter input. Detecting facial data There are illegal demonstrations and troublesome interferences that police have to deal with A white-list face recognition function is then used to track the child’s route which means the AI can detect facial data that has not been previously saved in the database, allowing it to track the route of a target entity, all in real time. Then, security guards can confirm the child’s route and current location. All up-to-date info can then be transferred to an onsite guard’s mobile phone for them to confirm the missing child’s movement route, face, and current location, helping to find them as quickly as possible. Often, there are illegal demonstrations and troublesome interferences that police have to deal with. Video analytics and surveillance can not only capture these, but they can be used to predict when they may happen, providing a more efficient process in dealing with these types of situations and gathering resources. Event processing functions Picture a public square with a number of entries into the main area, and at each entry point or path, there is CCTV. Those in the control room can set two events for each camera: a grouping event and a path-passing event. These are pretty self-explanatory. A grouping event covers images of seeing people gathering in close proximity and a path-passing event will show when people are passing through or entering. The video analytics tool can look out for large gatherings and increased footfall to alert security By setting these two events, the video analytics tool can look out for large gatherings and increased footfall to alert security or whoever is monitoring to be cautious of protests, demonstrations or any commotion. Using complex event processing functions, over-detection of alarms can also be prevented, especially if there’s a busy day with many passing through. Reducing false alarms By combining the two events, that filters down the triggers for alarms for better accuracy to predict certain situations, like a demonstration. The AI can also be set to only trigger an alarm when the two events are happening simultaneously on all the cameras of each entry to reduce false alarms. There are so many situations and events that video analytics can be programmed to monitor. You can tick fields to monitor any objects that have appeared, disappeared, or been abandoned. You can also check events like path-passing to monitor traffic, as well as loitering, fighting, grouping, a sudden scene change, smoke, flames, falling, unsafe crossing, traffic jams and car accidents etc. Preventing unsafe situations Complex events can include violations of one-way systems, blacklist-detected vehicles Complex events can include violations of one-way systems, blacklist-detected vehicles, person and vehicle tracking, child kidnaps, waste collection, over-speed vehicles, and demonstration detections. The use of video analytics expands our capabilities tremendously, working in real time to detect and help predict security-related situations. Together with security agents, guards and operatives, AI in CCTV means resources can be better prepared, and that the likelihood of preventing unsafe situations can be greatly improved. It’s a winning team, as AI won’t always get it right but it’s there to be the advanced eyes we need to help keep businesses, premises and areas safer.

From analogue to digital, from stand-alone to interlinked, building systems are in a state of transition. Moreover, the rate of change shows no sign of slowing, which can make it difficult to keep up to date with all the latest developments. If asked to pinpoint the single biggest driver of this revolution, one could point out the growing clamour for platform convergence. A security guard in a building doesn’t want to use different systems to check video cameras, fire alarms or if someone has entered a restricted area: – it simply isn’t efficient. For similar reasons, a building manager wants a single interface to control heating and lighting to match fluctuating occupancy levels, particularly in a hybrid working model. Applying the digital glue The demand from end-users for system convergence is growing, but to achieve full interoperability you still need to apply some ‘digital glue’ and that requires expertise. Yet bringing together disparate systems from different manufacturers can be problematic. Just as you get things to work, someone upgrades their solution and your carefully implemented convergence can start to come unstuck. Managing an implementation can quickly become more complicated, today’s quick-fix can become tomorrow’s headache This is one of the principal issues with all types of new technology; not everyone will choose the same path to reach the desired goal – it’s the old VHS/Betamax argument updated for building management and security systems. Managing and maintaining an implementation can quickly become more complicated than it first appears and without proper oversight, today’s quick-fix can become tomorrow’s technical headache. Effective support for a hybrid workforce Today’s hybrid workforce is a response to the pandemic that looks set to become an established part of working life for many companies across the world. Security systems have a massive role to play in facilitating this transformation that goes beyond simple intrusion detection, access control, and video monitoring. They can identify the most densely populated areas in a building to comply with social distancing guidelines and provide efficient use of space. The insights gathered from a security system can also be used to identify patterns of behaviour, which can then be used for planning and directing the use of building space to help create the best possible working environment while also minimising heating, lighting, and air conditioning expenditures. Identity credentials can help manage compliance with industry regulations by limiting access to certain areas Similarly, identity credentials – either biometric or mobile-based – can help manage compliance to industry regulations by limiting access to certain areas only to approved employees. Creating and maintaining the appropriate level of functionality requires a combination of innovative solutions and industry experience. The complete security package It’s not just physical security that’s important – cybersecurity is a major focus, too. Bringing together both the physical security and cybersecurity realms is increasingly becoming a ‘must have’ capability. What is evident is that the pace of technological change is faster than ever. Today’s functionality simply wouldn’t have been possible just a few years ago, while today’s leading-edge developments may seem commonplace in five years.

The trend of video customers moving to the cloud has reached a tipping point. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted on a massive scale. Combining the two trends adds a higher level of value than either component individually. Merging the power of AI and the cloud is a driving force behind cloud surveillance company Eagle Eye Networks’ acquisition of Uncanny Vision, an AI and video analytics company headquartered in Bangalore, India. Expensive AI resources Cloud systems empower customers to leverage AI without having to install and program complicated and expensive hardware, in effect stripping away the barriers to entry that customers face when seeking to embrace AI. The cloud also enables customers to share expensive AI resources. One of the key components is ease of deployment – click, click and turn on the AI for any camera" Simplicity of implementation is crucial to the combined value proposition of Eagle Eye Networks and Uncanny Vision. “One of the key components is ease of deployment – click, click and turn on the AI for any camera (in a cloud system),” says Dean Drako, Eagle Eye Networks CEO. There is also a benefit of having AI systems networked, enabling 25 banks to perform facial recognition of customers from a single cloud-based system, he adds. A transition is also under way in the perception of AI. Video surveillance applications While previously it was seen as an add-on to surveillance systems, now it is seen as a very desirable feature on any system. “Centralised management of the cloud benefits the AI database,” says Drako. “In a project built around licence plate recognition (LPR), for example, all the data goes up to the cloud into a single database, and the customer can get a mobile view of everything going on across the world. You can’t do that without the cloud. And AI for LPR is more accurate.” Uncanny Vision’s targeted focus on AI for video surveillance applications was one factor that attracted Eagle Eye Networks to make the acquisition, says Drako. In contrast, some other companies have embraced broader applications of video AI. Uncanny Vision also has more customers using their system in real-world applications than competitors. Finally, the acquisition will help to expand Eagle Eye Networks’ presence in the LPR market, where Uncanny Vision is especially strong. Improving business operations The 60 employees at Uncanny Vision are mostly engineers and programmers Uncanny Vision’s deep learning algorithms enable recognition, identification, and prediction, improving business operations, customer service, and site safety. Applications include smart parking, retail, smart cities, ATM monitoring, worker safety and perimeter security. The 60 employees at Uncanny Vision are mostly engineers and programmers. “These guys understand how to translate AI algorithms to run very efficiently on various types of hardware,” says Drako. “They optimise how they get the code to run so we can implement in the cloud cost-effectively. They do it at a modest cost to make it more accessible. They understand how to deploy software for high performance on low-cost hardware.” For Uncanny Vision, the new ownership provides more reach. “We have a huge channel and a huge brand,” says Drako. “They are strong technical guys who need a sales and solution channel.” Video analytics solutions Even in light of the acquisition, Eagle Eye Networks will continue to provide a selection of third-party AI and video analytics solutions to customers. Use of AI and video analytics is specific to the application and business needs of each customer. Use of AI and video analytics is specific to the application and business needs of each customer In addition to AI functionality, systems need a ‘business logic’ component that drives how that capability is integrated into a system. System needs vary widely by vertical market, and many third-party vendors are focused on a specific vertical and how AI can benefit that market. Recurring monthly revenue “Third parties can provide analytics and the business logic, which is different for a factory, an office building or for a drive-thru restaurant,” says Drako. “The market is looking for many solutions, and one company couldn’t own a majority of them.” To ensure flexibility, Eagle Eye Networks will accommodate third party solutions, deploy their own analytics, or leverage analytics embedded in cameras. For Eagle Eye Networks’ dealer and integrator customers, the expansion into AI presents a new opportunity for recurring monthly revenue (RMR) and provides greater value to customers. Drako says the impact of the acquisition will be global as AI applications grow in popularity worldwide.

Video is an enormous wellspring of unstructured data in the enterprise environment. Finding new ways to use video data requires easy access for analysis. Gone are the days when video was recorded just to be played back later. New computer capabilities can analyse video to provide business intelligence and trends, all of which requires that a lot of unstructured data be captured, stored and kept immediately accessible. It's a driving force for companies specialising in video storage such as Quantum, which is focused on storing and managing unstructured data, including video, photos, music and sound. Managing various analytics “Unstructured data is driving the massive growth in storage today, and video surveillance fits right in there,” says Jamie Lerner, CEO and President, Quantum. As data multiplies in business, matters of storing and accessing the data take on a larger profile. Especially challenging is meeting the need to store and access expanding amounts of unstructured data, such as video. Video is also part of a changing end-to-end architecture in the enterpriseWhereas 10 years ago, video surveillance was all about recording and playback, now the emphasis is much more on an end-to-end approach. In addition to capturing and playing back video, systems have to manage various analytics, archival and data retention aspects as well as recording. Video is also part of a changing end-to-end architecture in the enterprise, including hybrid, cloud and on-premise storage. Video surveillance industry Historically, structured data, such as financial information, was stored to allow future analytics. The same trend extends to unstructured data, such as video analytics. Quantum has expanded its video storage capabilities with acquisition this year of the video surveillance business of Pivot3, provider of a hyperconverged system that provides recording, analysis and seamlessly archives data on a converged platform that is less expensive and easier to manage. In acquiring Pivot3, Quantum is refocusing the smaller company on the video surveillance industry. “We are now focused 100% on surveillance and having the highest quality while being very cost-effective,” says Lerner. “The industry is ready for an IT-forward solution that is totally focused on surveillance. You can’t make a platform all things to all people.” Traditional security customers There is overlap in large stadiums and theme parks, where Lerner sees even more opportunity to expand Pivot3 will also help to expand Quantum’s customer base. The larger company has a history of serving customers in entertainment, movies, television and sports production. The addition of Pivot3’s 500 new customers in large surveillance, transportation and critical infrastructure markets will expand the mix. There is overlap in large stadiums and theme parks, where Lerner sees even more opportunity to expand. Pivot3 also helps to bridge the gap between traditional security customers and the information technology (IT) department. “Pivot3 has a reputation as simple to use,” says Lerner. “My belief is that physical security can run separately [from IT] until you reach a certain size, then IT has to be involved. Pivot3 gives IT people in the security space a product that is well formed and fits into an IT strategy. They are not undertaking a piece of equipment that will be a burden.” Physical security presence Customers expect their infrastructure vendors to provide systems that allow them to “Set it and forget it,” says Lerner. It’s one of the big advantages of cloud computing and also central to Quantum’s approach with their traditional products. “At the end of the day, you want to run a hospital, for example, so you want your systems to be easy to use,” says Lerner. The Pivot3 acquisition will also allow Quantum to expand their physical security presence more broadly and globally. Previously, the geographic reach of Pivot3 was limited by the high cost of placing personnel in diverse locations. Under Quantum, which has been serving global companies for 40 years, the problem disappears. “Quantum has global support on all continents and in more countries,” says Lerner. “It’s a higher level of support, given size and legacy of our organisation.”

A new generation of video cameras is poised to boost capabilities dramatically at the edge of the IP network, including more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and higher resolutions, and paving the way for new applications that would have previously been too expensive or complex. Technologies at the heart of the coming new generation of video cameras are Ambarella’s newest systems on chips (SoCs). Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S product families are bringing a new level of on-camera AI performance and integration to multi-imager and single-imager IP cameras. Both of these SoCs are manufactured in the ‘5 nm’ manufacturing process, bringing performance improvements and power savings, compared to the previous generation of SoCs manufactured at ‘10nm’. CV5S and CV52S AI-powered SoCs The CV5S, designed for multi-imager cameras, is able to process, encode and perform advanced AI on up to four imagers at 4Kp30 resolution, simultaneously and at less than 5 watts. This enables multi-headed camera designs with up to four 4K imagers looking at different portions of a scene, as well as very high-resolution, single-imager cameras of up to 32 MP resolution and beyond. The CV52S, designed for single-imager cameras with very powerful onboard AI, is the next-generation of the company’s successful CV22S mainstream 4K camera AI chip. This new SoC family quadruples the AI processing performance, while keeping the same low power consumption of less than 3 watts for 4Kp60 encoding with advanced AI processing. Faster and ubiquitous AI capabilities Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions" “Security system designers desire higher resolutions, increasing channel counts, and ever faster and more ubiquitous AI capabilities,” explains John Lorenz, Senior Technology and Market Analyst, Computing, at Yole Développement (Yole), a French market research firm. John Lorenz adds, “Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions for meeting the growing demands of the security IC (integrated circuit) sector, which our latest report forecasts to exceed US$ 4 billion by 2025, with two-thirds of that being chips with AI capabilities.” Edge AI vision processors Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S edge AI vision processors enable new classes of cameras that would not have been possible in the past, with a single SoC architecture. For example, implementing a 4x 4K multi-imager with AI would have traditionally required at least two SoCs (at least one for encoding and one for AI), and the overall power consumption would have made those designs bulky and prohibitively expensive. By reducing the number of required SoCs, the CV5S enables advanced camera designs such as AI-enabled 4x 4K imagers at price points much lower than would have previously been possible. “What we are usually trying to do with our SoCs is to keep the price points similar to the previous generations, given that camera retail prices tend to be fairly fixed,” said Jerome Gigot, Ambarella's Senior Director of Marketing. 4K multi-imager cameras “However, higher-end 4K multi-imager cameras tend to retail for thousands of dollars, and so even though there will be a small premium on the SoC for the 2X improvement in performance, this will not make a significant impact to the final MSRP of the camera,” adds Jerome Gigot. In addition, the overall system cost might go down, Gigot notes, compared to what could be built today because there is no longer a need for external chips to perform AI, or extra components for power dissipation. The new chips will be available in the second half of 2021, and it typically takes about 12 to 18 months for Ambarella’s customers (camera manufacturers) to produce final cameras. Therefore, the first cameras, based on these new SoCs, should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. Reference boards for camera manufacturers The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK" As with Ambarella’s previous generations of edge AI vision SoCs for security, the company will make available reference boards to camera manufacturers soon, allowing them to develop their cameras based on the new CV5S and CV52S SoC families. “The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK that is already available on our previous generations SoCs, which makes the transition easy for our customers,” said Jerome Gigot. Better crime detection Detecting criminals in a crowd, using face recognition and/or licence plate recognition, has been a daunting challenge for security, and one the new chips will help to address. “Actually, these applications are one of the main reasons why Ambarella is introducing these two new SoC families,” said Jerome Gigot. Typically, resolutions of 4K and higher have been a smaller portion of the security market, given that they came at a premium price tag for the high-end optics, image sensor and SoC. Also, the cost and extra bandwidth of storing and streaming 4K video were not always worth it for the benefit of just viewing video at higher resolution. 4K AI processing on-camera The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm. By enabling 4K AI processing on-camera, smaller objects at longer distances can now be detected and analysed without having to go to a server, and with much higher detail and accuracy compared to what can be done on a 2 MP or 5 MP cameras. This means that fewer false alarms will be generated, and each camera will now be able to cover a longer distance and wider area, offering more meaningful insights without necessarily having to stream and store that 4K video to a back-end server. “This is valuable, for example, for traffic cameras mounted on top of high poles, which need to be able to see very far out and identify cars and licence plates that are hundreds of meters away,” said Jerome Gigot. The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm Enhanced video analytics and wider coverage “Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S SoCs truly allow the industry to take advantage of higher resolution on-camera for better analytics and wider coverage, but without all the costs typically incurred by having to stream high-quality 4K video out 24/7 to a remote server for offline analytics,” said Jerome Gigot. He adds, “So, next-generation cameras will now be able to identify more criminals, faces and licence plates, at longer distances, for an overall lower cost and with faster response times by doing it all locally on-camera.” Deployment in retail applications Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once Retail applications are another big selling point. Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once (e.g., in a mall), to provide not only security features, but also other business analytics, such as foot traffic and occupancy maps that can be used later to improve product placement. The higher resolution and higher AI performance, enabled by the new Ambarella SoCs, provide a leap forward in addressing those scenarios. In a store setup, a ceiling-mounted camera with four 4K imagers can simultaneously look at the cashier line on one side of the store, sending alerts when a line is getting too long and a new cashier needs to be deployed, while at the same time looking at the entrance on the other side of the store, to count the people coming in and out. This leaves two additional 4K imagers for monitoring specific product aisles and generating real-time business analytics. Use in cashier-less stores Another retail application is a cashier-less store. Here, a CV5S or CV52S-based camera mounted on the ceiling will have enough resolution and AI performance to track goods, while the customer grabs them and puts them in their cart, as well as to automatically track which customer is purchasing which item. In a warehouse scenario, items and boxes moving across the floor could also be followed locally, on a single ceiling-mounted camera that covers a wide area of the warehouse. Additionally, these items and boxes could be tracked across the different imagers in a multi-headed camera setup, without the video having to be sent to a server to perform the tracking. Updating on-camera AI networks Another feature of Ambarella’s SoCs is that their on-camera AI networks can be updated on-the-fly, without having to stop the video recording and without losing any video frames. So, for example in the case of a search for a missing vehicle, the characteristics of that missing vehicle (make, model, colour, licence plate) can be sent to a cluster of cameras in the general area, where the vehicle is thought to be missing, and all those cameras can be automatically updated to run a live search on that specific vehicle. If any of the cameras gets a match, a remote operator can be notified and receive a picture, or even a live video feed of the scene. Efficient traffic management With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself Relating to traffic congestion, most big cities have thousands of intersections that they need to monitor and manage. Trying to do this from one central location is costly and difficult, as there is so much video data to process and analyse, in order to make those traffic decisions (to control the traffic lights, reverse lanes, etc.). With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself. The camera would then take actions autonomously (for example, adjust traffic-light timing) and only report a status update to the main traffic control centre. So now, instead of having one central location trying to manage 1,000 intersections, a city can have 1,000 smart AI cameras, each managing its own location and providing updates and metadata to a central server. Superior privacy Privacy is always a concern with video. In this case, doing AI on-camera is inherently more private than streaming the video to a server for analysis. Less data transmission means fewer points of entry for a hacker trying to access the video. On Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S SoCs, the video can be analysed locally and then discarded, with just a signature or metadata of the face being used to find a match. No actual video needs to be stored or transmitted, which ensures total privacy. In addition, the chips contain a very secure hardware cyber security block, including OTP memory, Arm TrustZones, DRAM scrambling and I/O virtualisation. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to replace the firmware on the camera, providing another level of security and privacy at the system level. Privacy Masking Another privacy feature is the concept of privacy masking. This feature enables portions of the video (say a door or a window) to be blocked out, before being encoded in the video stream. The blocked portions of the scene are not present in the recorded video, thus providing a privacy option for cameras that are facing private areas. “With on-camera AI, each device becomes its own smart endpoint, and can be reconfigured at will to serve the specific physical security needs of its installation,” said Jerome Gigot, adding “The possibilities are endless, and our mission as an SoC maker is really to provide a powerful and easy-to-use platform, complete with computer-vision tools, that enable our customers and their partners to easily deploy their own AI software on-camera.” Physical security in parking lots With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot One example is physical security in a parking lot. A camera today might be used to just record part of the parking lot, so that an operator can go back and look at the video if a car were broken into or some other incident occurred. With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, first of all, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot. Additionally, it will be able to detect the licence plates of all the cars going in and out, to automatically bill the owners. If there is a special event, the camera can be reprogrammed to identify VIP vehicles and automatically redirect them to the VIP portion of the lot, while reporting to the entrance station or sign how many parking spots are available. It can even tell the cars approaching the lot where to go. Advantages of using edge AI vision SoCs Jerome Gigot said, “The possibilities are endless and they span across many verticals. The market is primed to embrace these new capabilities. Recent advances in edge AI vision SoCs have brought about a period of change in the physical security space. Companies that would have, historically, only provided security cameras, are now getting into adjacent verticals such as smart retail, smart cities and smart buildings.” He adds, “These changes are providing a great opportunity for all the camera makers and software providers to really differentiate themselves by providing full systems that offer a new level of insights and efficiencies to, not only the physical security manager, but now also the store owner and the building manager.” He adds, “All of these new applications are extremely healthy for the industry, as they are growing the available market for cameras, while also increasing their value and the economies of scale they can provide. Ambarella is looking forward to seeing all the innovative products that our customers will build with this new generation of SoCs.”

Genetec Inc. (‘Genetec’), a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions announces Westfield UK has standardised on Genetec Security Center across its Stratford City and London sites. Together, the two locations attract over 73 million visitors per year and generate £2.1bn in retail sales. “It was immediately apparent that Genetec would be an important strategic partner for us today and tomorrow,” explains Adrian Howles, Security Manager, Westfield UK. “The platform is comprehensive, intuitive and as part of our five-year strategy, the open architecture gives us so many options.” Unified security platform The unified security platform is already driving cost efficiencies and economies of scale across the centres’ operations, with further plans to extend its use over the next five years. With a shared platform in place, Westfield UK is now able to manage security functions from centralised control rooms, bringing economies of scale and added resilience to its operations. The common interface has also brought greater uniformity to how day-to-day security issues are responded to across the two sites. The ability for Genetec Security Center to support a phased migration of security operations to the cloud also appealed to Mr. Howles. To maximise return on past investments Westfield UK is currently running most of its security infrastructure within its on-site data centres. However, it is already preparing for greater cloud adoption when existing hardware reaches end-of-life. Significant cost efficiencies Another is the adoption of Genetec Mission Control and Genetec Clearance to streamline processes “Knowing the system is cloud-ready and can support centralised monitoring if and when we need it to is very attractive. We can realise significant cost efficiencies and further improve our high levels of security and resilience,” adds Howles. Looking ahead, Westfield continues to push the capabilities of its Genetec systems, looking beyond security to find other ways it can add value to the business as a whole. One example is the integration of the Security Centre with Westfield’s Delivery Management System which has automated the granting of access for pre-approved vehicles in and out of the yard. Another is the adoption of Genetec Mission Control and Genetec Clearance to streamline processes, support operators and simplify the GDPR compliant sharing of video footage internally and with third parties. Front-line security “Front-line security is an all-encompassing role, so we rely on technology to support our people in responding predictably and effectively to whatever gets thrown at them,” concludes Howles. “Westfield UK has consistently demonstrated its ability to thrive within a retail and leisure market that is both dynamic and challenging. We’re proud to support them for the long-term with technology that drives smarter ways of working and even greater efficiency,” says Francesco Serra, Genetec Vice President Sales, Europe.

Salient Systems, a pioneer in open architecture video management systems, has announced that its CompleteView VMS, an open platform video management system has been selected by Maine-based Brigid Farm for a multi-state video upgrade project for the company’s cannabis facilities. With headquarters in Saco, Maine, Brigid Farm is a vertically integrated cannabis firm that has been providing cannabis products for more than a decade. The company has recently expanded its operations to include multiple grow fields, an edible manufacturing facility, and two retail stores – a total of eight locations in Maine and one in Massachusetts. Remote and centralised monitoring As each location poses its security challenges, Brigid Farm chose the robust, open platform CompleteView VMS to enable remote access to and centralised management of video from all the company’s locations, including its retail operations, The Farm Stand, and The House of Hash. We were looking for a robust VMS that could help us easily monitor all of our operations from anywhere" “Given the heightened security concerns in the cannabis industry, and the unique security needs for our different locations, we were looking for a robust VMS that could help us easily monitor all of our operations from anywhere,” said Brett Messer, owner, and general manager of Brigid Farm. “It was vital for us to have an open system that can accommodate our future technology needs and expand as our company grows.” Integration software and LPR Brigid Farm also selected CompleteView for its ability to integrate with several other key operational technologies, including license plate recognition (LPR) to monitor daily incoming and outgoing deliveries, point of sale software for retail transactions, and the cannabis industry seed-to-sale tracking software, which cannabis businesses use for regulatory compliance. “Our CompleteView VMS is widely used in the cannabis market as it is uniquely positioned to solve pain points for cannabis operators,” said Sanjay Challa, chief product officer, Salient Systems. “We’re excited to work with Brigid Farm to fulfill their integrated video management needs and provide them with operational visibility across their enterprise.”

Gindi TLV, a residential complex in the heart of Tel Aviv, Israel, maintains the safety of its community, by using Oosto’s face and object recognition, to reduce contact with surfaces and enforce a policy of density, distance and wearing masks in public areas. Securing Gindi TLV complex Gindi TLV is an innovative residential complex, located in the heart of Tel Aviv, which includes 4 towers, restaurants, cafes, a country club and a mall. The complex has been planned and designed to allow community life for families and individuals, who have chosen to live in the beating heart of Tel Aviv, located within walking distance of the city’s business and entertainment areas. Gindi TLV residents use a dedicated app for convenient booking of the complex’s facilities Gindi TLV residents use a dedicated app for convenient booking of the complex’s facilities, parking, guest invitation and as a social network that is the basis for community life in the complex. Gindi TLV is also equipped with advanced and interconnected technological systems that enable efficient and cost-effective management of infrastructure and service for tenants. Oosto’s facial recognition technology The Prop-tech technology in the complex was developed and managed by the start-up, MyTower, which serves as a design partner in the project and is responsible for making it the first smart residential neighbourhood in Israel. Gindi TLV uses Oosto’s facial recognition technology, in order to provide tenants with touchless and secure entry. Dan Stern, the Vice President (VP) – Digital, at Gindi TLV, explains “On the one hand, the tenants in the complex are highly sensitive to personal security and privacy, and on the other hand, because it is their home, we did everything to avoid using cards, chips or fingerprints, and allow easy access control for tenants, and their guests, using Oosto’s advanced facial recognition technology.” Visual AI and touchless access control Dan Stern adds, “Following the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a need to expand the use of visual AI, to maintain community safety, by reducing contact with surfaces, monitoring density in facilities and public areas in the complex.” Ofer Schmidt, Sales Director of Central Europe & Israel, Oosto, said “Pre-COVID-19, maintaining tenant safety was primarily about security - letting tenants and their guests in and keeping unauthorised people out, in a transparent and smooth manner. Deployment of facial and object recognition solutions These days, we are seeing more and more prestigious residence complexes using face and object recognition" Ofer Schmidt adds, “These days, we are seeing more and more prestigious residence complexes using face and object recognition, to maintain the health of the tenant and staff, for example by enforcing a policy of on distance, density, wearing masks and allowing only vaccinated, or those with a negative test, access to common facilities, such as the gym.” He further stated, “The high accuracy of the computer vision algorithms, operating in Gindi TLV, enables the maintenance of the health of those who live or visit the complex, while minimally interfering with their daily routine. “ Video analytics using AI Video analytics using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce COVID-19-related risks is not unique to residential complexes. According to a recent survey, 82% of academic institutions in the US and Western Europe will adopt face and object recognition technologies, in order to maintain safety through enforcing mask wearing, social distancing and reducing contact with surfaces to a minimum.

Australian systems integrators can now deliver a new generation of seamless, end-to-end security solutions powered by Quanika’s Enterprise and VisitorPoint software, following a distribution agreement between the two companies. Quanika Enterprise enables out-of-the-box integration with world-pioneering tech from Axis Communications including its full range of network cameras, door controllers, and audio devices as well as a choice of video management software. Users can connect, off-the-shelf a range of popular third-party systems from intruder and fire detection and site-specific applications and widely used databases, such as Microsoft Active Directory. Unified security management Quanika’s modular approach is more affordable and flexible than traditional enterprise-level integrated solutions and its access control and visitor management software works seamlessly with Axis Communications’ hardware, and a wide choice of video management software (VMS) including AXIS Camera Station, Milestone, and IPConfigure, to give users a unified security management platform. Quanika’s VisitorPoint visitor management software is also being used by organisations to combine increased security with improved access convenience for visitors, staff, contractors, and deliveries. Through access digitisation it is automating workflows, eliminating siloed systems, and helping organisations adapt to more flexible and hybrid working patterns. Integrated solutions Quanika’s integration model combines off-the-shelf affordability with bespoke tailoring is being deployed globally" The distribution agreement covering Australian markets positions SensaTek to deliver complete integrated solutions to meet the security, safety, and operational demands of businesses of any size including single facilities, campuses, and multi-site applications in the healthcare and logistics sectors. “Quanika’s integration model, which combines off-the-shelf affordability with bespoke tailoring whenever required, is being deployed in settings globally including hospitals, global logistics operations, retail, manufacturing, and leisure,” says James Robinson, Senior Business Development Manager, SensaTek. “It’s helping organisations improve security and drive up efficiency by moving away from stand-alone, siloed systems. We are looking forward to delivering the same benefits to Australian customers too.” Security and safety Quanika Enterprise offers an intuitive security and safety management platform that integrates advanced access control functionality with video and wider building management and popular databases, including Microsoft Active Directory, that gives organisations single and multi-site management and control and the flexibility to orchestrate change and adapt to the latest security, safety, and operational requirements. “As well as the advantages of affordable integration with off-the-shelf software, Quanika offers the ability to quickly add new integrations to meet site-specific challenges,” says Phil Campbell Sale Director, Quanika. “In line with our expansion in other markets we are delighted now to be working with SensaTek to deliver a new generation of affordable integrated solutions across Australia.”

Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil and leader in retail automation, is collaborating with TrackTik Software, a cloud-based security workforce management, to automate manual security checks at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) in Columbus, Ohio. A pilot program is underway using Badger™ PatrolBot™ autonomous robot and TrackTik software to augment the museum’s 24/7 security team, safeguard world-class exhibits, and offer an extra measure of protection to museum visitors and staff.  Robotics based security operations As the nation’s first and only memorial dedicated solely to telling the stories of veterans, NVMM is honouring the courageous women who have served their country by naming the robot “Deborah” after Deborah Sampson. A Massachusetts native who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, Deborah is one of several women with a documented record of military combat experience in that war.  The museum pilots this autonomous security robot while honouring one of the nation’s first female heroes" “The museum is pleased to pilot this autonomous security robot while honouring one of the nation’s first female heroes of the American Revolution,” said Col. William J. Butler, U.S. Army (retired) and chief of staff at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. “Our ability to extend security guard operations using robotics also builds on a military tradition of leveraging leading-edge technologies to continuously improve operations.”   Badger PatrolBot autonomous robot The Badger PatrolBot autonomous robot also will participate in NVMM’s Veterans Day 2021 celebration on November 11th, which features distinguished veterans and guests, including Gen. Les L. Lyles, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force; and Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (retired) and president and CEO of the National Veterans Memorial Museum. Admission to the museum is free on Veterans Day. Badger Technologies and NVMM also will be hosting a robotics educational session for students and guests as part of the Veterans Day celebration.  Supporting veterans “It is a privilege to support the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in showcasing how world-class robotics can improve security operations,” said William “BJ” Santiago, CEO of Badger Technologies. “Security operations for the museum can direct the robot’s duties for 12 hours on a single charge to cost-effectively augment labor while extending the reach and efficiency of their security patrols.”  Badger PatrolBot robot initially will navigate automatically around exhibits and people to verify that exhibits are secured Video cameras Equipped with streaming video cameras, the Badger PatrolBot robot initially will navigate automatically around exhibits and people to verify that windows, doors, and exhibits are secured and properly sealed. During the second phase of the pilot, the robot also will verify that floors are free of debris and potential hazards. As part of a total security solution, Badger PatrolBot will take advantage of TrackTik’s Application Programming Interface (API) to streamline security guard tour scheduling, real-time checkpoint logging, incident reporting, GPS tracking, messaging, and alerts. Transforming security operations “We are deeply honoured to be part of the National Veterans Memorial Museum celebration in support of the United States veteran community," said Simon Ferragne, CEO and founder of Montreal-based TrackTik Software. "Our strategic partnership with Badger Technologies has allowed us to deliver an enhanced security workforce management solution using robotics to transform security guard operations and deliver more value to our clients. Together we are driving innovation and growth that will benefit all of our clients and the communities in which they serve."

Security at healthcare premises has never been higher on the agenda. Patients expect safety and privacy. Yet many medical locations must be open and accessible around the clock. The protection of drugs, vaccines, equipment and data makes it critical to know who accesses where, and when. Mechanical lock-and-key security was not designed to meet these challenges. Wireless locking devices provide the easiest upgrade or replacement for any access system based on mechanical or magnetic locks. Smartcards, programmable keys or secure mobile keys stored on a smartphone can replace cumbersome physical keys. Online locking systems When access control extends throughout a hospital, healthcare professionals waste less of their valuable time searching for the right key. A personalised credential is pre-programmed to open every door, lock or store they need to access. A personalised credential is pre-programmed to open every door, lock or store they need to access For building managers and healthcare agencies, wireless devices make it cost-effective to add electronic control to many more areas of a building. With online locking systems, facility managers monitor and manage premises in real-time, viewing the status of doors, medicine cupboards and server racks from one software interface. Physical key management Example #1: Upgrading to intelligent physical keys - Physical key management can hinder patient care, as pharmacy nurses at the UK’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham discovered. An older, mechanical system made it difficult to find who held the right keys for medicine stores. Nurses were wasting valuable time searching. Managers identified a better solution: CLIQ® electromechanical locks. With CLIQ, power to each access control lock is supplied by a standard battery inside every key. No wires are required, so this is an easy retrofit solution for doors, cabinets and drug trolleys. Each employee carries one programmable key to open all authorised locks. “The message from nursing staff is that patients are getting medicines much easier and in a more timely fashion,” says Inderjit Singh, Chief Pharmacist at QE Birmingham. “For us, the key return on investment is the quality of service we’re providing.” Swapping mechanical lock The hospital added secure doors without excessive installation or operating costs Example #2: Integrating hardware to extend access control - Swapping a mechanical lock for a battery-powered device can link another door to an existing access control system. It instantly upgrades security for sensitive offices and drug stores. At the Haute Savoie region’s new hospital, managers selected Aperio locking integrated online with an ARD security system. Because Aperio locks are wireless and integrate easily with any access system, the hospital added secure doors without excessive installation or operating costs. Staff no longer waste time hunting down keys. “Having just a single badge — and not having to carry around heavy keys — has been a major advantage,” says Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Access control system Example #3: Mobile keys to reducing shared touchpoints - Multiple key systems; varied openings including fire doors, glass doors, offices, pharmacies, car parks and lifts; hundreds of workers and contractors whose access permissions constantly change. Faced with these challenges, Hospital MAZ, in Zaragoza, upgraded their mechanical locking to a new SMARTair Wireless Online electronic access control system. Because SMARTair Wireless Online updates in real-time via communications hubs, security managers handle everything from the central system. Staff and contractors carry a single smartcard ID, programmed with individual permissions Staff and contractors carry a single smartcard ID, programmed with individual permissions. At any time, hospital managers can upgrade to SMARTair Openow mobile access without changing lock hardware. This option offers contactless entry for employees, who keep mobile keys updated on their own smartphones. "We have achieved all our objectives with the installation of the system,” says Miguel Angel Hernández Jerez at Hospital MAZ. Electronic PIN lock Example #4: Door security without software - In any busy medical facility, it is easy to leave a door unlocked. With expensive equipment or controlled drugs on the other side, any opening invites opportunists. Installing a Code Handle® electronic PIN lock takes the worry away — without the need for any complex installation or software activation. In Spain’s Basque Country, Fylab chose this simple solution for three consulting-room doors. “I am no artist or handyman, but I managed to fit the handles within 10 minutes,” says Fylab founder, Borja Saldias Retegui. Their Code Handle devices secure both wooden and glass doors, keeping equipment and personal belongings safe.

We are several weeks into 2021, and it is already shaping up to be an eventful year. The happenings and trends from 2020 will likely carry over into the new year, but in a fast-moving industry such as ours, there will also be additional trends to watch. Looking toward the year ahead, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the biggest security trends in 2021?

What a year 2020 was for the security industry! There were vast challenges that could not have been foreseen at the beginning of the year. It is safe to say that the events of 2020 defied all industry prognosticators. However, is that any reason not to hope our expectations looking ahead to 2021 will be much closer to reality? Can we possibly benefit from looking ahead and trying to plan for the challenges of the year ahead? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the security industry’s biggest challenge in 2021?