Surveillance cameras

As anyone who has ever flown on a commercial airline since 2001 knows, security measures at airports are well enforced and the emphasis on traveller safety is all around the airport and its grounds. Mass transportation, meanwhile, presents a special but not any less significant challenge when it comes to determining security issues. These facilities need to develop the means to protect a constantly changing and large population of passengers. And unlike airports these facilities often have hundreds of points of entry and exit on multiple modes—buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, even ferries. About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation. In fact, statistics have shown that nearly 11 billion trips are taken on public transportation every year. In some large metropolitan areas in North America where mass transit is well established, more than 20 percent of the area’s inhabitants get around via public transportation.About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation Solving mass transit security For transportation officials and their security providers, solving the mass transit security issue begins with determining the key concerns and then creating the proper responses via security systems, policies and procedures to mitigate the risks. Although vandalism and graffiti are very visible signs of criminal behaviour in mass transit settings such as bus stops and subway stations, this is not where transportation officials typically focus their energy. Fences and gates can secure out-of-service buses and train cars, as can remote surveillance methods to keep such vandalism at a minimum. Instead, it is the day-to-day safety and security of transit riders and employees that should become the highest priority. This begins with creating the safest environment possible that is highlighted with appropriate signage and, when necessary, audible warnings, and supporting that with technology, such as surveillance cameras, that will document what has happened if an incident occurs.Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Crime prevention in transportation Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Incidents of concern within a transit setting can take several forms, ranging from legitimate accidents or crimes to false claims such as faked fall down the stairs to potential and actual suicides. Bus and subway stations also have become magnets for homeless people who may put themselves and others in harm’s way by trying to access less secure public areas within a station as temporary shelters. If someone is injured on a subway platform and the transit provider is held liable, it could be on the hook for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Suicides are a major concern for operators, with personnel now being trained to look for individuals who seem distressed, are loitering in the area or are intentionally putting themselves in a dangerous situation, such as standing too close to the edge of a platform. The deployment of video analytics, which can be programmed to send alerts when certain pre-set actions occur, can help determine when such dangerous behaviours come into play. Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package or a person going into a restricted area. Whether it is on the bus, train or ferry or at the stops themselves, cameras and intuitive video management systems are the key to both active and forensic transit security. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras Train security and safety By using the proper cameras and recording systems in a transit environment, quick-acting personnel can locate a person of interest who boarded a train at one station, follow him during his trip and produce a crisp, clear identifiable image at the end. Those setting up the system thus should keep in mind proper camera positioning, resolution and motion-based changes to framerates or other compression settings. A typical 30-foot bus often has six cameras—one each at the front and middle doors, two more within the bus and then one looking forward and another looking behind the bus. The latter two are important in the event of accidents to verify liability. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras.Train stations often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image Train cars are similarly equipped with two to four cameras to view activity down the centre aisle. Within the stations themselves, there can be from 15 to 30 or more cameras capturing wide-angle shots. Train stations, which have a restricted point of egress, often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image. Installing the right technology for the solution Although bandwidth and storage can be a concern, with motion-based recording, the resolution can be bumped up during event, resulting in a 1-megapixel stream jumping to 4 or even 8mbps when needed. By changing the resolution on demand, end users can cut their storage needs significantly. Transportation settings often rely on the same technology used in other security installations, primarily mini dome cameras, although there are some mini transit domes built specifically for the environment with the proper aesthetics. Because of vandalism threats, transit typically avoids pendant mounts, which can be more easily grabbed and damaged. Temperature ratings for cameras also come into play in cold climates with cameras often getting outdoor exposure.Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage As trains and buses move along their routes, especially those that service outlying areas, Internet connectivity becomes an issue as well. Because it may be difficult for video to be sent in transit, security bus barns are equipped with Wi-Fi so video from onboard cameras can be downloaded at the end of the day. And the use of hardened recorders at the stations allows security personnel to retrieve recorded video. Transit security with modern technology Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage. Older infrastructure from long-standing subway and bus terminals can prove to be a challenge when adding security, but these issues aren’t insurmountable. Often the solution is to add more cameras to cover the same square footage because of less-than-ideal sight lines and to place conduit wherever it works best, which may mean positioning it under platforms or in other out-of-the-way places within older stations. Looking ahead, transit security will continue to evolve, not only as new stations and modes of transportation are added to the system, but in terms of communicating with commuters. People can expect to get mass notification alerts on their mobile devices, and those same devices can provide vital data to transportation entities to better develop their overall systems.

When there is a need to search for a package, this involves a certain amount of work for the responsible person. The route must be traced meter for meter. Every camera that may have picked up the package must first be found in the tracking plan and then the user must manually switch between these cameras one by one to check for the package. With G-SIM VTT, a track & trace solution from Geutebrück, this manual camera switching process is no longer necessary. This function alone significantly reduces the time taken to locate a single package. Further time savings are brought about thanks to the fact that packages are captured and then displayed in the viewers with a time delay. The cameras and backdrops are linked in such a way that facilitates seamless, quick tracking of the processes, which take place at different camera angles. What’s more, this entire process can be performed with a single click. There is no longer any need to wade through the entire video – the process of tracking the package is focused on key details. Small couriers, express and package service providers can reduce the time spent tracing packages by more than 50 percent Improved threat detection G-SIM VTT offers even more advantages: Thanks to the clear video evidence – which is also admissible in court – VTT has made a significant contribution to resolving issues relating to liability. Unjustified goodwill payments are avoided, fewer cases are taken to court, and any instances of theft can be immediately detected. Internal processes are improved, delays and complaints are reduced and overtime hours are decreased. Employees have more time for their core activities, suffer from less stress and call in sick less frequently. The privacy rights are always protected through the pixelation of people or areas. This pixelation can only be decrypted using dual control. With a throughput of 16,000 packages per day, even a small courier, express and package service provider can reduce the time spent tracing packages by more than 50 percent. Using a practical example, Geutebrück has worked out that the amount of time spent tracing each package can be reduced from 5.75 minutes to 2.25 minutes. Over the course of a month, 98 working hours (approx. 2.5 weeks) are saved, while simultaneously improving output and quality.

It's no secret that one of the next market segments to see exceptional growth in the United States is somewhat non-traditional: cannabis. The global cannabis market is projected to reach $60 billion by 2024, according to Ameri Research, fueled by the increasing legalisation and decriminalisation across much of the United States. It is estimated that 22 million pounds of marijuana are grown each year in the United States, with 80 percent coming from California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii and Washington, according to Mother Jones. Unlike other products, this commodity is valuable from the moment the seeds go in the ground to the exchanging of money for end-user products - and at every point in between. Within large greenhouses, 360-degree cameras that show a wide field of view are essential for cannabis protection From seedlings to selling, securing every point within the supply chain is vital to the assets being distributed, and companies are now realising how lucrative this endeavour can be. Critical to the success of the industry is keeping the merchandise secure and the workers safe. In this article, we explore each part of the supply chain within the cannabis market and address ways of implementing robust security measures.  Plants, fields and greenhouses This is one industry where money actually grows on trees! When cannabis crops are planted either in greenhouses or in fields, security becomes critical, since the plants themselves are worth a significant amount of money. A single truckload can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, so securing the load is crucial to the process Producers don't want plants stolen – especially high-end varieties that garner a bigger profit when harvested and sold – and the size of the plants make theft a greater possibility. Video surveillance becomes vital at this point and can be used in a variety of ways. Within large greenhouses, single cameras that can cover a wide expanse of space, such as cameras that offer 360-degree views, are essential and can provide more coverage with less investment overall than traditional narrow field-of-view cameras. Advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones), are also being used in open fields in an effort to protect these plants.  Comprehensive video surveillance becomes the main tool for thwarting cannabis theft and addressing incidents as they arise Transportation and protection Once the plants are mature enough to be harvested, they must be transported to a production facility where they are either dried or cured based on the needs of the grower, as well as processed and transformed into edible products to be sold at retail locations. There are already a range of companies that specialise in keeping these crop yields safe while they are transported: think Brinks armoured transportation used for cash, but for cannabis. A single truckload can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – if not more – so securing the load is crucial to the process. Losing one of these loads can lead to large-scale losses for a producer. Surveillance equipment that can withstand sanitation standards and power-washing is paramount for effective protection After being transported, cannabis must be processed. In these environments, where strict handling processes are in place, surveillance equipment that can withstand sanitation standards and power-washing is paramount. This requires camera enclosures that are rated for resistance to high-pressure water jets, dust and vandalism/tampering. Since edible processing requires stringent regulations be followed, it becomes more critical for security managers to identify solutions that carry the NSF Mark, making them compliant with standards set forth for commercial food equipment in North America, or the HCV EU, the equivalent in Europe.  Many of these locations handle and store large amounts of cash since customers have to pay with cash Retail protection As the final products come out of processing and go into storefronts to be sold by retailers in States that have recreational or medical facilities, there's another level of security that must be in place to protect these transactions. But careful considerations must be made. Traditional security tags cannot generally be used because of the small size of many of the end products, making it more difficult to track with tracking devices.Traditional security tags cannot generally be used because of the small size of many of the end products In this instance, comprehensive video surveillance becomes the main tool for thwarting theft and addressing incidents as they arise. In these locations, a loss prevention or security officer has to be an integral part of the team. Another consideration is the careful screening of the potential employees.  Since the federal government doesn't recognise cannabis producers and retailers, banks that are federally insured through the FDIC don't accept money from these establishments, meaning that many of these locations handle and store large amounts of cash since customers have to pay with cash. There must be security measures in place for these kinds of transactions, including the ability for video surveillance to be played back instantaneously in the event of an incident at a cash register. The cannabis market comes with a variety of challenges at each and every step of the operation, from growing to transport to production and sales. Video surveillance and business intelligence solutions are ideal for these applications, and as the market grows, more and more security companies will look to cater to the market. 

MOBOTIX (Stand C310) is showcasing its latest product line and technology partnerships that reflect an emerging culture of openness within the company. MOBOTIX welcomes 6 partners onto its booth to demonstrate a range of exciting new integrated solutions.  MOBOTIX MOVE camera line MOBOTIX is demonstrating the first public appearance of its new MOBOTIX MOVE line of cameras, the first ONVIF G compliant series. It is able to deliver three H.264 streams at the same time. The MOBOTIX MOVE series consists of four models and is also the first MOBOTIX camera series offered with the latest market standard features such as motorised varifocal lenses, integrated IR illumination and Wide Dynamic Range functionality. MOBOTIX MOVE products are specified and tested by MOBOTIX in Germany and manufactured under supervision" “We listened and the MOBOTIX MOVE series is our response to requests from integrators and installers who asked for standard products when it comes to tenders where the specification requires features like PTZ, varifocal lenses and WDR.” explains Thomas Lausten, Chief Executive Officer of MOBOTIX. “MOBOTIX MOVE products are specified and tested by MOBOTIX in Germany and manufactured under supervision. Our customers can be sure that we won’t lose our product DNA and all MOBOTIX MOVE branded devices are delivered and supported according to the same high-quality standards our customers expect.” MOBOTIX Mx6 camera line MOBOTIX is also showcasing the second generation of its flagship Mx6 camera line with new integrated MxBus functionality. This two-wire cable system developed by MOBOTIX is encrypted against cyberattacks and expands camera functions by including practical additional MOBOTIX modules such as the MX-GPS-Box, a reliable time server for a complete video system. MOBOTIX is welcoming several partners to its IFSEC booth this year, with products, services and executives from Genetec, Ipsotek, Kentix, SEDI, SeSys and Wavestore. The technology demonstrations from these partners showcases how MOBOTIX innovations in areas such as video encoding, decentralised operation and analytics delivers true end-to-end integrated solutions that solve real world challenges in not only security but other areas such as transportation, healthcare and manufacturing. The IFSEC presence highlights several additional themes including cyber security, Internet of Things and advances in artificial intelligence IFSEC 2018 “The inclusion of more partners at IFSEC is an example of our ongoing strategy of making MOBOTIX more open and responsive to the needs of our entire ecosystem for the benefit of our customers,” explains Lausten, “MOBOTIX is an innovative company with engineering excellence at its heart and as a global supplier, our inclusive strategy is helping us to enter new markets by providing our partners with more flexibility to address a wider range of projects with our systems.” The IFSEC presence also highlights several additional themes including cyber security, Internet of Things and advances in artificial intelligence that MOBOTIX technologies play a critical role in delivering as successful projects. “A number of solutions use our decentralised concept with various sensor technologies and other devices across the network to reliably detect situations and independently initiate actions in responses,” says Lausten, “Our goal is to take our industry beyond human vision and blend sensors, communication and analysis that helps users increase process efficiency and develop innovative business models.”

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced six FLIR Saros dome cameras at the 2018 IFSEC International in London. The FLIR Saros dome cameras are the first group of products introduced to the FLIR Saros family of outdoor security cameras that include patented and patent pending technologies that can deliver accurate, actionable alerts, and verified alarm data for outdoor commercial perimeters. Saros dome cameras Saros dome cameras integrate multiple technologies in one device, including two low-cost FLIR Lepton thermal sensors supported by advanced onboard analytics, IR and visible LED illuminators, 2-way audio and digital input/outputs, and the choice of a 1080p or 4K video camera. These technologies enable business owners to benefit from the detection advantages of thermal imaging for perimeter and wide area protection. Integration with central alarm monitoring stations will expand the outdoor perimeter protection opportunities for security dealersThe FLIR Saros dome camera not only reduces the cost of initial deployment by minimising equipment requirements, but also reduces false alarms with built-in advanced analytics. Integration with central alarm monitoring stations will expand the outdoor perimeter protection opportunities for security dealers. The first six models offer 1080p or 4K options, and various thermal resolutions: FLIR Saros DH-390 2MP (1080p camera) and FLIR Saros DH-390 8MP (4K camera) offer a thermal resolution of 320x120 with a 90-degree field-of-view. FLIR Saros MH-6180 4MP (dual 1080P cameras) and FLIR Saros MH-6180 16MP (dual 4K cameras) include a thermal resolution of 640x120 with a 180-degree field-of-view. FLIR Saros MH-9270 6MP (triple 1080P cameras) and FLIR Saros MH-9270 24MP (triple 4K cameras) provide a thermal resolution of 960x120 with a 270-degree field-of-view. FLIR will begin shipping the Saros dome cameras in North America and Europe in the third quarter of 2018 through FLIR’s established network of dealers and integrators.

Arecont Vision, an IP-based megapixel camera technology and video surveillance solutions provider, is slated to demonstrate the company’s new Total Video Solution at IFSEC International 2018. Arecont Vision executives will join members of the European sales team in stand D400, June 19 – 21, 2018 at the ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock, London, UK. A presentation of Arecont Vision’s remote setup technology will also be on the conference agenda. IFSEC 2018 will be the first public unveiling in Europe of the Contera VMS Video Management System, ConteraWS Web Services and Contera CMR Cloud Managed Recorders Arecont security solutions at IFSEC 2018 IFSEC 2018 will be the first public unveiling in Europe of the Contera VMS Video Management System, ConteraWS Web Services, Contera CMR Cloud Managed Recorders, and ConteraIP megapixel cameras that were announced earlier this year. The new Contera hardware, software, and services families join with the company’s industry-leading Arecont Vision MegaIP series of single and multi-sensor megapixel cameras, customer-proven across Europe and around the world. “Our European customers are very important to Arecont Vision, and we’ve developed our new Contera offerings in part to address what they have told us,” said Raul Calderon, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Arecont Vision. “We now offer another single- and multi-sensor megapixel camera lineup to complement our Mega camera portfolio, plus advanced VMS, cloud management, and video recorder platforms. Our customers are now able to choose a traditional stand-alone VMS system or to leverage the power of local recording with uploaded video and management over the cloud all from Arecont Vision, or to continue to purchase our products integrated with those of our Technology Partners.” ConteraVMS Video Management System, ConteraWS Web Services, ConteraCMR Cloud Managed Recorders, ConteraIP Indoor Dome and Micro Bullet megapixel cameras are now available ConteraVMS Video Management System ConteraVMS Video Management System, ConteraWS Web Services, ConteraCMR Cloud Managed Recorders, ConteraIP Indoor Dome and Micro Bullet megapixel cameras are now available. Contera Bullet, Contera Outdoor Dome, and Contera Panoramic megapixel camera models are coming soon. Brad Donaldson, Vice President, Product Development, will deliver a technology demonstration of hands-free remote setup of new Arecont Vision cameras that dramatically simplifies installation for customers. Contera Web Services will be used, configuring and setting the views from single-sensor MegaDome G3 RS and multi-sensor adjustable-view SurroundVideo Omni G3 cameras. ConteraWS can be used to manage Arecont Vision cameras and the ConteraVMS. Video can then be uploaded and accessed from anywhere, anytime, over the cloud. The demonstration will be held in the “Show Me How Speakers Corner”, stand B350, down the main corridor from Arecont Vision, D400, on Wednesday, June 20 at 11.45 hours (11:45 AM). Arecont Vision products are deployed by customers around the world, and are integration-tested with leading VMS, video analytics, networking, storage, and other related products through the Technology Partner Program’s MegaLab facility and via ONVIF support.

Genetec Inc., global technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced that its unified platform, Security Center has been integrated with Secure Store, a profit protection and exception reporting solution developed by Appriss Retail. With this integration, retailers can now immediately disprove or validate suspicious transactions by accessing the security video evidence associated with suspected fraudulent activity. Security Center and Store integration Secure Store enables retailers to significantly mitigate losses related to fraud, theft, and operational/systemic breakdowns. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Secure Store performs advanced exception modeling from multiple data sources and enables immediate corrective action. US-based retailer, DICK’s Sporting Goods, is using the Security Center platform to monitor over 18,000 cameras across 720 stores and manage 230 cameras and 130 doors at its headquarters. The organisation is now using the joint Genetec/Appriss Retail solution to provide immediate insight, reduce shrink, improve profitability and achieve rapid ROI, as Jacob Gillette, Director of Loss Prevention and Operations, DICK’s Sporting Goods explains: Genetec/Appriss Retail solution The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations" “The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations, which has been hugely beneficial to our organisation. Our investigation team can now easily retrieve video from Security Center to validate suspicious transactions that are flagged by the Appriss Retail exception reporting system.” Thanks to the integration of Security Center and Secure Store, retailers can now simply click on the video icon within the Secure Store interface to immediately identify and review the security video related to individual transactions. This allows them to evaluate detailed evidence related to all refunds, transaction items, discrepancies between what is being scanned and what is on the bill, and quickly determine if there was indeed a problem. Importance of video evidence in fraud cases The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users" “When you investigate fraud, you need to be able to validate questionable behavior. This is why video evidence is so critical. Thanks to our partnership with Genetec, we are now able to provide our customers with immediate insights that allow them to make informed decisions and build defensible cases based on hard evidence,” said Corey Adams Vice President of Global Client Services for Appriss Retail. “We’re pleased to be able to assist retailers with integrations that help make their teams more productive and significantly reduce loss. The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users,” said Scott Thomas, Director of Retail Market Development at Genetec.

Located one hour outside of London, the borough of Runnymede is a local government district with over 80,000 residents in the county of Surrey. It is one of the most prosperous parts of the London commuter belt and home to some of the UK’s most expensive real estate. In order to enhance public safety, the borough council contracted service provider Safer Runnymede. Working with Nottinghamshire-based systems integrator Central Security Systems, the experts installed a platform combining public safety technology with personal safety services such as care solutions for the elderly. Bosch video security system Today, Safer Runnymede coordinates all connected solutions in a Control Room in the town of Addlestone, where a staff of three operators monitor security feeds from over 500 security cameras deployed around various boroughs within Surrey. Next to public streets in the area, the flexible system also monitors schools, hospitals and other public buildings around the clock. Every year, the team responds to 20,000 incidents from cameras, and the video security system has proven an asset in monitoring traffic, preventing crime, as well as providing evidence and following suspects after incidents. But achieving this level of integration was a challenge. Connecting the solutions via the BVMS allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure Initially, the video security system consisted of hardware from several different manufacturers including Bosch – making updates or replacements a time-consuming process – that was networked on a Bosch Video Recording Management (VRM) solution. Looking for a future-proof and scalable system built on an integrated software platform, the officials in Runnymede tasked Bosch to design a fully IP-based security camera architecture. IP video surveillance system Since the Safer Runnymede system already included a Bosch monitor wall plus encoders, cameras, VRM and storage devices, system integrators could leverage the initial investment into a full suite of Bosch solutions. The system now combines new high-resolution AUTODOME IP 4000, AUTODOME IP 7000, MIC IP 7000 moving cameras, and FLEXIDOME IP 7000 fixed cameras, plus older Bosch and third-party analog cameras paired with encoders, decoders, and DIVAR IP 3000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 recorders. Connecting these solutions via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure. The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery" As a result, Safer Runnymede has benefitted from superior image quality delivered by the added network video security cameras, without the need of replacing the complete existing analog video security infrastructure; all in a resilient, easily expandable system at a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). What’s more, the customer has used the flexibility of Bosch solutions in a deployable video surveillance camera at remote locations. Installed in a custom-built enclosure provided by Central Security Systems, it streams video data from an AUTODOME IP 4000 camera via 4G and sends alerts via SMS to the Control Room upon detecting activity such as illegal waste dumping. Bosch video management system Migrating from a fragmented, analog system to an integrated IP network managed via BVMS (Bosch Video Management System) has proven a forward-facing decision. “The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery, allowing us to make better operational decisions and become more dynamic and competitive in the video surveillance marketplace, “says Les Bygrave at Safer Runnymede.

With security and safety a major focus during the recent World Cup in Russia, IDIS surveillance technology was chosen for a surveillance upgrade at the 45,000 capacity Rostov Arena and the 35,000 capacity Kaliningrad Stadium. At both locations an IDIS Total Solution was installed with a total of 3000 IP cameras comprising full HD and H.265 models and PTZ cameras featuring Smart UX Controls v2.0, a range of full HD, true wide dynamic range (WDR), IR bullet cameras and full HD box cameras with all external cameras equipped to withstand Russia’s often harsh weather conditions. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat IDIS Critical Failover to prevent data loss A centralised surveillance monitoring centre utilising an IDIS ultra-thin bezel 55” video wall delivered command and control of the two stadiums and allowed security staff to access 60 days of archived footage from 50 remote IDIS DR-8364 NVRs implemented at situational centres. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat. For complete protection, IDIS Critical Failover was installed in order to prevent loss of vital recorded data during a range of fault conditions. The system automatically steps in to ensure continued recording in the event of network instability, network failure, storage failure, recorder hardware failure and power supply failure, in each case ensuring that no data is lost. Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion" Preventing unauthorised intrusion "The IDIS surveillance system, installed inside and around the stadium gave security controllers a complete overview of the site and perimeter fences,” said Joon Jun, President of the Global Business Division of IDIS. “Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion. "We are proud that our brand credibility and product stability has been recognised on the global stage at an event which was the focus of world attention. To safeguard thousands of visitors at these key venues, it was essential to use the most reliable technology including high-resolution surveillance cameras with waterproof and dustproof functions and a solution that prevented data loss in the event of network instability."

Technology is front and center at a beautiful new City Hall in the Northwest U.S., where community members will find local government offices, city council chambers and the department of economic development. The building’s tightly integrated electrical, lighting, fire protection, telecommunications and security solutions is the work of Coffman Engineers. Ben Helms was project manager responsible for specifying Vicon’s Valerus VMS and VAX Access Control security solutions into the facility and credits Vicon’s A&E tools and support services with helping him to get the job done right. Access control and VMS solutions Ben says that his firm has a long history with Vicon through Vicon’s dedicated A&E outreach programs Ben says that his firm has a long history with Vicon through Vicon’s dedicated A&E outreach programs. In the past, he has attended Vicon’s annual A&E Summit, a 2 ½ day educational event filled with seminars and interactive learning for the specifying community on topics related to surveillance technologies and solutions. It was at one of these seminars that he was first shown a beta version of Valerus, Vicon’s new VMS that was still under development. “I thought it was really cool,” he says. “It’s a big jump to go to an all browser-based system and adds a lot of advantages over a hard system.” As for the VAX Access Control solution, Ben appreciated the over-the-door controllers, which he says, from his standpoint, “made the system a lot less work to design.” He says that “Normally, controllers are all lined up in an IT room and you have masses of wiring going out to the doors, so you have to worry about voltage drop and a lot of other factors. With the VAX controller, you just put it out there, connect it to a PoE drop, and you’re done.” VAX-Valerus integration With the built-in integration between Valerus and VAX, it just made sense to go that way" When Ben began work on the brand-new City Hall, which required a unified access control and VMS solution, he saw a perfect match. “With the built-in integration between Valerus and VAX, it just made sense to go that way.” Steve Helms, Ben’s father and the Principal in Charge of the project, had also attended Vicon’s A&E Summits in the past and had seen what Valerus and VAX could do. He agreed with Ben’s recommendation. For putting together specifications for the security portion of the City Hall project, Ben relied on ARCAT SpecWizard, a free online tool that automates the spec building process. Vicon is one of only a few VMS manufacturers who have invested in providing this resource to the A&E community. SpecWizard is particularly helpful for solutions that include a wide range of components and require a degree of customisation for each project. Ben says that he found SpecWizard really easy to use. “I just went in and checked the boxes for the cameras, servers and software that I wanted, and downloaded the completed spec in Word format. All I had to do was edit it a bit to cut out a few things I didn’t need. It made it really simple to grab all the parts and pieces and make sure that everything was covered.” High megapixel cameras The entire City Hall project was built in AutoDesk REVIT software for BIM (building information modeling) The entire City Hall project was built in AutoDesk REVIT software for BIM (building information modeling), allowing the architecture and engineering teams to collaboratively model the building’s components and simulate its systems and structures. Ben was able to access REVIT models of all of Vicon’s camera models, available through the AutoCAD360 library, drag them into the project and pop them right into place. “This part of the project was really fun,” say Ben. The models clearly showed the mechanicals for the cameras as well as their field of view. When presenting the drawings to the clients, it was easy to explain what could be seen from each camera and how they would all work together as a system to provide coverage of all critical areas. The City Hall project used several different camera models, with resolutions ranging from 2MP to 12MP. High megapixel cameras generate a tremendous amount of data and calculating bandwidth and storage requirements are complicated by factors such as frame rates, video quality, lighting, the types of images being recorded, and use of settings like motion activated recording. To guide him through this evaluation process, Ben says he relied on Vicon’s free calculator tools, which simplified the challenge of determining the system’s server and storage needs. Video-access control integration The City Hall project used several different camera models, with resolutions ranging from 2MP to 12MP While Ben greatly appreciated the many tools that Vicon offers to make his job easier, he says that the biggest reason he would absolutely use VAX and Valerus again is the support he received from the Vicon team. “I have a local Vicon rep here I can call, and I know their entire technical team is always available to help me if I have any sort of issue.” Ben says that it’s also very important to specify solutions that deliver value to his clients. It’s nice to be able to say to them, “Here’s a system that is not going to cost you a ton to install, you can have unlimited user groups, unlimited users, the video and access control will completely integrate with each other, it has all these features included that a lot of systems charge extra for, and the licensing cost is pretty low. From a consulting and specifying standpoint, it checks a lot of the boxes that we really like.”

Property is one of the biggest targets for crime in the UK, especially open land. There are thousands of acres worth of property across the UK which aren’t effectively secured, as a result of which they have become hot-beds for crime, anti-social behaviour, and not least fly-tipping. Security therefore must be a top priority for property owners, too many of whom tend to favour traditional methods such as fencing or hiring security guards. But, these methods come with a premium budget, with manned security running at a cost typically of some £300 per day. Nor is it possible to guarantee that every inch of a property is monitored. An increasingly adopted solution is Ad Hoc Property Management’s Smart Tower Security System and Smart Alarm System. Ad Hoc’s Smart Camera Security Tower sits six metres tall with a 36x optical zoom magnifying distances of up to 150 yards Ad Hoc Smart Camera Security Haringey Council contacted Ad Hoc Property Management after one of its industrial sites, Rosebery Industrial Estate in London, was repeatedly being targeted by fly-tippers over the course of many years. Every time the property was dumped with waste, it was costing the council hundreds of pounds to have their waste contractor called out to clean-up. By November 2017, they had expensed literally hundreds of thousands of pounds. By the end of the month the first Ad Hoc Smart Camera Security Tower was deployed, since then costs and incidents have plummeted. In fact, there have been no major incidents and local residents and tenants alike are delighted, welcoming the improved local environment. Ad Hoc’s Smart Camera Security Tower sits six metres tall with a 36x optical zoom magnifying distances of up to 150 yards, and a 12x digital zoom to enhance optical performance. Using state-of-the-art SMART technology (the same technology used in monitoring US Defence Centre, The Pentagon), the tower boasts a 360 degree camera which can be programmed to move zones at set intervals for 24/7 monitoring. Utilising wireless technology, the camera is able to filter large objects from those that are small, ensuring the alarm is only triggered when there is a clear threat. Ad Hoc’s Smart Cameras have been deployed successfully by numerous property owners around the UK" Ad Hoc's property security solutions “Open land is one of the biggest targets for waste dumping, but it doesn’t have to be. Ad Hoc’s Smart Cameras have been deployed successfully by numerous property owners around the UK, preventing anti-social behaviour and, more importantly, reducing opportunity for property-related crime,” said Darren Tubb, General Manager, Ad Hoc Security UK Limited. Land owners aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Ad Hoc’s security solutions; property owners of retail spaces, industrial buildings and homes who traditionally look at hiring in security guards, can benefit too, deterring fly-tipping and other anti-social crimes. As it stands, if a property is fly-tipped and no one is caught, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove the waste legally at their own expense, which means hiring in a company licensed to remove these materials. However, as more property owners become aware of the technology available to them through Ad Hoc, not just in protecting the property but in helping police to identify the culprits, we could see property damage and fly-tipping become a thing of the past.

Security is important for any construction project, but the stakes are higher when the tenants are a team of professional athletes, the parking lot is filled with sports cars and luxury vehicles, the property includes a multi-million-dollar turf field, and a professional training facility where exercises held there must be guarded as corporate secrets. To meet these challenges, Vicon recently completed work with a professional national sports team to install an end-to-end, tightly integrated video management and access control solution that relies exclusively on Vicon software, hardware and cameras. Due to sensitive security demands the team remains anonymous in this piece. The professional team’s Security Director says that he needed a system that would capture footage of everything going on, inside and around the perimeter of the facility, and make sure that access was limited to only authorised personnel. At the same time, the technology needed to make it easy for players and employees to get through security. “It doesn’t do anyone any good if a system is so difficult to use that people just prop the doors open. We had to blend those two things together,” he says. VAX access controllers Twenty-six doors, including both exterior exits and interior doors throughout the building, have been secured with VAX access control door controllers. Employee’s permissions are based on their jobs. Administrators can’t enter the locker rooms or training areas and players can’t enter the marketing offices. Many of the players come to the facility wearing athletic apparel and prefer not to carry around a wallet and key card, so Vicon created customised proximity tags embossed with the team’s logo, designed for players and employees to stick on the back of their cell phone cases. This turned out to be a popular solution, as the players always carry their cell phones with them and the tags are attractive and support the team’s branding. VAX door panels The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels In the world of professional sports, athletes must sometimes be protected from overly aggressive fans. This particular training facility is equipped with panic buttons at several spots within the building that allow anyone who notices a problem to immediately instigate a lock down. The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels, eliminating the need for long electrical runs back to the server room. The player’s practice field is accessible through an external gate that’s used by the media, and VAX provides the ability to control visitors who enter there. As needed, members of the press are given temporary credentials that can unlock the gate only for a designated time period before expiring. Parking lot video surveillance The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system. The transmitters that players use to open the parking lot gate from their cars are integrated with VAX, providing a record of each time the gate is activated, and by whom. In addition, a 12MP camera captures very high-resolution video of the vehicle entering and exiting, along with the person driving it, and that video is linked to the respective access control event. “Very expensive cars are left in the lot for extended periods, when the team is traveling, and this makes sure that absolutely nobody gets into that parking lot who shouldn’t be there – not even the office staff,” says the Security Director. The facility’s surveillance system includes close to 50 cameras, inside and outside the building, connected to Vicon’s Video Management System, Valerus. They range from 2MP to 12MP, depending on their use, and all are from Vicon. Any doorway equipped with a VAX controller has a dedicated camera mapped to it, so that video verification can be made of anyone entering a restricted area. Valerus VMS and 360-degree network cameras Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building. Valerus VMS software dewarps their fisheye image and breaks it into four separate views from each camera. Those four cameras provide the security team with 16 different camera views from around the building’s perimeter, providing a very cost-effective way to cover such an expansive area. The same type of cameras is used within the team’s equipment room, where warehouse style racking is filled with valuable inventory. The system is managed by the team’s head of security and head of IT. Valerus’ thin-client web-browser interface provides monitoring access to support staff, including the team’s receptionist. The system’s video search capabilities have made it easy for them to conduct investigations. Video has helped to identify vehicles that were improperly driving on the turf field, document a theft on the property, and trouble-shoot when the parking lot gate had mechanical problems. Motion activated cameras Special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field One of the more unusual uses for the system is not related to security at all. The team’s professional athletic league requires team management to retain a full year’s documentation of the time each player spends on the practice field. To do this, special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field. Anyone walking from the field to the building triggers the motion sensor and is recorded in high-definition video. That way, if a player initiates a legal battle saying he practiced too long, there is clear documentation of exactly when he was on and off the field. Vicon’s Valerus delivers powerful, end-to-end security solutions that are easy to manage. Its work with this professional sports team also highlights its ability to deliver convenience to employees and operational efficiencies to management.