Test equipment

Trackforce announces the launch of its new Command Center, which removes the need for security companies to have onsite supervisors at each customer site. The Command Center achieves this with its ability to intuitively capture, process, and display essential information from the field required by supervisors to perform their duties on an easy to navigate screen, irrespective of their location. Security workforce management The Trackforce Command Center equips security supervisors stationed at a central location with the capability to remotely monitor and manage individual or multiple officers and various security situations. It also delivers a unified threat analysis across multiple sites. Security supervisors now have quicker access to existing security resources needed to manage a situation and improve response times. The Command Center also ensures that there is greater oversight and control over client sites. The Command Center is suited to security businesses with clients in various vertical market sectors As a component of the broader SaaS Trackforce security workforce management platform, the Command Center is suited to security businesses with clients in various vertical market sectors. It is scalable and will support the security company through all its growth stages without negatively impacting already tight profit margins. Customer service level The Command Center is provided with a full set of features to all security companies irrespective of size, and all users become fully operational within a few days of the Trackforce platform’s implementation and customisation. “The Command Center changes the security environment from being reactive to pre-emptive, so, security teams don’t have to wait for something to happen and can make proactive decisions,” says Guirchaume Abitol, CEO and Founder of Trackforce. “It does away with disparate solutions that supervisors previously used to monitor and enhance their decision-making capabilities. This results in improved operational readiness and business efficiencies for security companies. Service standards are maintained, SLAs are met, and security companies are able to optimise the capabilities of their security supervisors. This is a win-win for security companies at a management level, supervisors at an operational level, and clients at the customer service level.” Real-time monitoring Supervisors realise enhanced situational awareness through real-time monitoring of security officers With a responsive view of security officers and developing situations at every level, the Command Center empowers supervisors to go from a broad, regional display to site-level data. Management can also opt to zoom in and monitor individual personnel activity at any time and contact, assist, and communicate with even the most remote officers using push-to-talk and mass notification communication capabilities. Supervisors realise enhanced situational awareness through real-time monitoring of security officers. With enhanced command and control capabilities, an officer or developing situation can be tracked in no more than two clicks, on a single screen, with fewer actions than previously required. Privileged user capabilities The system has built-in security and privileged user capabilities controlling who has access to specific functionality, customer data, and officers on client sites. Supervisors have the ability to monitor and manage individual officers and teams of officers, individual sites, or a group of sites in a city, a state, across the country, or globally if needed. Over the past two decades, Trackforce has risen to become a recognised global market leader by improving security officer operations and productivity while reducing cost and risk via innovative mobile and desktop applications. The company implements solutions for clients such as Allied Universal, Whelan Security, SecurAmerica, Inter-Con Security Systems, SOS Security, G4S, and many others.

Getac announces the launch of the new UX10 rugged tablet, offering reliability, powerful performance and lightweight portability to professionals operating in challenging field environments every day. For emergency service paramedics, field utilities technicians and industrial manufacturing engineers, bad weather, remote locations and adverse working conditions are all part of the job. To work efficiently, they need powerful mobile devices they can count on day-in, day-out, regardless of the location or circumstances. Maximise worker productivity The lightweight and compact UX10 has been designed to maximise worker productivity in any environment. It’s 10.1-inch Full HD LumiBond® touchscreen display with 1000 nits of brightness and optional digitiser mode offers crystal clarity in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and can even be used while wearing gloves. The UX10 features multiple battery configurations including an optional high capacity battery MIL-STD-810G and IP65 ratings ensure operation in temperatures ranging from -29o to +63o C and drop resistance of up to 6ft, for complete peace of mind when working in harsh, dangerous or chaotic situations. The UX10 features an Intel 8th Gen Quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for exceptional computing power, while connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE with integrated GPS, keep workers connected in even the most remote locations. Enhanced security features The UX10 also features multiple battery configurations including an optional high capacity battery for full-shift computing and optional bridge battery, enabling hot battery swaps for continuous operation. For maximum functionality, the UX10 is compatible with a wide range of accessories including detachable keyboard, hard carry handle and secure vehicle docks. A robust suite of enhanced security features, combined with authentication options including Windows Hello facial recognition webcam, magnetic stripe reader, smart card reader and fingerprint scanner, keeps sensitive data protected at all times. “Working in sectors such as utilities, industrial manufacturing and the emergency services can be unpredictable and extremely challenging, so the last thing personnel want to worry about is their device failing on the job,” says Rick Hwang, President of Rugged Business Unit at Getac Technology Corporation. Optional vehicle docks “The new UX10 is purpose built to provide the reliability, performance and usability that workers need, meaning they can focus on the task at hand, whatever the situation.” The UX10 comes with Getac’s three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering accidental damage as standard, for even further peace of mind. Digital transformation has revolutionised industrial manufacturing in recent years The UX10 is optimised for the latest Electronic Patient Care Records (EPCR) and ambulance mobilisation software, putting life-saving critical information directly into the hands of field personnel when they need it most. A range of optional vehicle docks and optional hard carry handle further optimises device mobility, allowing the UX10 to be easily operated and transported in time-critical situations. Digital transformation has revolutionised industrial manufacturing in recent years. The UX10 allows workers to monitor plant performance, integrate critical workflows and maintain quality control, all through a single device. Direct communication An optional RS232 port supports the use of legacy equipment, while an optional LAN port allows for direct communication with different machines and equipment throughout the facility. Manage your workforce, fleet and assets directly on the UX10 using the latest field services management applications. Optional dedicated GPS enables fast and easy mapping when using GIS software, while integrated screen-blanking technology decreases the risk of accidents and driver distraction. The UX10’s light weight, compact form factor and multiple hands-free carry options make it ideally suited to full shifts in the field. In addition to the UX10, Getac’s suite of rugged devices for the industrial manufacturing, utilities and emergency services industries include the F110, ZX70, K120, T800, T800-Ex and A140 fully rugged tablets, V110 fully rugged convertible notebook and S410 semi rugged notebook. The UX10 will be available to order in August.

The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT enhances an important feature of its collision avoidance radar system for UAVs. As part of extensive laboratory tests and measurements, HENSOLDT develops special radome technology which protects the radar from mechanical environmental influence such as bird strikes or lightning, while minimally affecting the radar’s functionality. The architecture of the new radome was initially tailored to a test aircraft but can be adapted to other platforms. Further flight tests are scheduled to take place this summer. HENSOLDT has developed a demonstrator of a so-called detect-and-avoid radar system, which uses the latest radar technology to detect objects in the flight path of a UAV and to give early warning of any threat of collision following precise evaluation of the flight direction. Excellent detection capabilities At the same time, the sensor also assumes all the functions of a weather radar system. The multifunction radar for UAVs will be presented for the first time to the general public in Ulm, during the International Radar Symposium of the German Institute for Navigation (DGON). The multifunction radar is equally suitable for military and civilian UAVs The radar system uses state-of-the-art AESA technology (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which allows several detection tasks to be carried out at the same time and enables objects to be detected extremely fast. It replaces the pilot’s visual assessment of the situation. Thanks to its excellent detection capabilities, the multifunction radar is equally suitable for military and civilian UAVs, e.g. for the delivery of cargo. Radio-frequency components This radar system, which is incorporated into the UAV’s nose, needs to be protected by a radome that is electrically transparent, has exactly the same thickness across the board and is adapted to the aerodynamics of the platform. This, however, requires special knowledge of materials processing and the operating principle of radar systems. HENSOLDT is a pioneer radar manufacturer and operates cleanroom production facilities at its Ulm site in order to produce the radio-frequency components required for AESA equipment. The company’s radar systems and radar components are used on board aircraft, satellites, ships and in ground stations.

LOCKEN’s latest innovation in cable free access control, powered by contactless technology, wins certification from health & safety regulator ATEX, in accordance with new explosive atmosphere requirements. Approved to ATEX II 2 G Ex ib IIB T4, the solution is suitable for gas delivery and regulation stations, specific hydrocarbon processing and distribution infrastructures and chemical factory enclosures. It is also suitable for areas where an explosive mixture of gas, vapour or mist may ‘occasionally’ occur in ‘normal operation’. The contactless solution meets strict legislation concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, which are most prevalent in the energy, chemicals, timber, household waste and food and drink industries. Contactless access control How does contactless access control work? Communication and energy transfer between the key and cylinder is based on tight inductive coupling. An alternating magnetic field, which is generated by the key, transfers energy to the cylinder. Data is transferred by modulation of the magnetic field. The system is made by two coils. One coil, which generates the alternating magnetic field, is located inside the key, the second coil resides inside the cylinder. The metal parts of the key and the cylinder are designed in order to close the magnetic circuit. In order to permit good alignment of the two coils a mechanism that activates the magnetic field generation in the primary coil is implemented. A Hall Effect sensor, mounted close to the primary coils, senses a permanent magnet inside the cylinder and the magnetic field generation is activated. Energy and data transfer is only possible when the key is inserted into the cylinder and the horizontal alignment of primary and secondary coil is within few hundredths of a mm. Smart key solution Catherine Laug, Marketing Director of LOCKEN explains: “Meeting ATEX legislation guarantees that our latest access control innovation, the new contactless key, is safe to use at potentially hazardous sites, enabling us to provide the most robust and future-proof solution to our customers.” “Several large-scale organisations in the gas and hydrocarbons industries have already opted for the LOCKEN smart key solution and we are looking forward to working with many more in the future.”

ELATEC introduced the TCP3 authentication/release station, a small network appliance that enables devices without a USB port to incorporate an RFID or biometric reader, PIN pad or other form of user authentication and access control, and which supports USB 3.0 and gigabit Ethernet networks. Most organisations extend the use of their employee ID badge or card to authenticate for applications beyond building access. This includes most multi-function printers. However, not all printers and devices have support for the direct connection of a card reader, such as those with no USB port. In these situations, the ELATEC TCP3 station extends ID card-based capabilities such as authentication for pull printing to any printing device regardless of the manufacturer, make or model. Minimise information technology support costs TCP3 provides unmatched security, performance, device management and flexibility"“The TCP3 station was designed to minimise information technology support costs associated with additional IP or MAC addresses while consuming only one network drop from its Host port,” said Kenneth Buck, Solutions Architect for ELATEC. “TCP3 has two Ethernet connectors designated as Host and Device. The Device port enables connection of a printer or other peripheral without requiring a second network drop.” While primarily designed for the secure printing market, the station can also be used to control access to devices which require special operator training and certification such as sophisticated manufacturing equipment. The TCP3 station would communicate ID card data to the authenticator responsible to unlock such equipment. “TCP3 was designed around ever-increasing network performance requirements for high speed graphic printers and engineering plotters allowing simultaneous communication of print data and printer status at gigabit speeds,” added Buck. “But whichever the application, TCP3 provides unmatched security, performance, device management and flexibility – welcome benefits for any IT network and networked devices.”

Checkpoint Systems has unveiled the world’s most compact full performance, customisable, RF EAS antenna – the S20. S20 RF EAS antenna Retailers are dramatically ramping up investment in store design to improve the overall consumer experience and with store designs leading to a potential sales increase of up to 40%*, there is a justifiable return. With 50 years’ experience, Checkpoint Systems are collaborating with retailers and brands to align EAS antennae with these new store concepts. By reconfiguring the electronics used in EAS, Checkpoint has blown open design possibilities, meaning retailers no longer have to compromise on the EAS antenna at the entrance and the overall store design vision. This new generation of EAS antenna is designed for retailers whose brand image and customer experience are everything This new generation of EAS antenna is designed for retailers whose brand image and customer experience are everything. For the first time in the history of EAS antenna, the unique configuration of the S20 allows the traditional ‘gate’ look to be replaced with a visually appealing, elegant, sleek design. By introducing this pioneering technology, Checkpoint has actively changed the dynamic, helping retailers balance loss prevention with aesthetics. High impact LEDs  Over and above its revolutionary sleek design, the S20 can be completed with custom finishes, textures and graphics to offer a wide choice of visual appearances. High impact LEDs deliver eye-catching accents to any store entrance and are available in a range of colors to complement brand identity. The S20 is ideal for apparel retailers looking to attract customers into their stores, maximise trading space and keep store entrances clear, the S20 can be free standing, wall or door mounted and works directly against metal. Remote service capabilities and data reporting help to improve up-time as Checkpoint’s engineers can continuously monitor the status, enabling issues and trends to be identified in real-time, ensuring the investment is performing efficiently.  Remote service capabilities We have opened the door to a new generation of EAS antenna for retailers wanting to balance protection with design" Simon Edgar, Senior Director of Product Management, EAS Systems at Checkpoint Systems, commented, “There is not a lot that is ‘traditional’ about retail today. All physical stores face challenges to attract and retain customers and, in these new environments, ‘traditional’ doesn’t fit. We have opened the door to a new generation of EAS antenna for retailers wanting to balance protection with design, to fit the overall vision of their brand and store concept.” “The S20 is truly unique and offers apparel stores the excellent detection that they require, in a design that is sleek and elegant, with customisable options also available. Our striking new antenna design offers a beautiful profile and great performance, enhancing store aesthetics, improving the customer experience and controlling loss effectively – without compromise.”

IHS Markit projects that the market for physical electronic access control solutions has grown to over $5.2 billion in 2018. The market has experienced stable and predictable growth rates that have hovered around 6 percent over the past several years. Electronic locks remain both the largest and the fastest growing product type in access control, representing nearly 40% of the global market size for all access control equipment. Impact of technological developments While market growth rates have been consistent, technological developments have dramatically impacted the market in 2018. The most prominent trend involves mobile credentials, which are poised to revolutionise the longstanding business model for access control system sales. The mobile credentials market was still in its infancy in 2018, but many end-users are already anticipating a transition to these credentials by installing compatible readers in their systems. By 2020, over 10 percent of all new readers sold in the market will be compatible with mobile credentials. Access Control as a Service Other trends to watch in 2019 and beyond include Access Control as a Service (ACaaS), which allow end-users to avoid the need to invest in costly on-site IT infrastructures to support their access control equipment. ACaaS solutions will be particularly popular to support small and mid-sized projects that service less than fifty doors. In addition, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons will support geopositioning in an increasing number of the world’s most advanced access control systems. Through geopositioning, the exact location of specific personnel can be identified at any site in real-time. The top fifteen access control vendors represent more than half of the total size of the global access control market, but there are pockets of opportunity for new vendors, particularly to accommodate small and mid-sized projects. The mobile credential and ACaaS markets will also be highly competitive in 2019 and should attract an influx of new market entrants.

New Covent Garden Market is the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable, and flower market in the United Kingdom. Redevelopment work launched in 2015 included a new security monitoring system, as well as a migration from analogue security equipment to an IP solution from FLIR Systems. New Covent Garden Market is a phenomenon in London, to say the least. The world-famous wholesale market provides 40 percent of London’s fresh fruit and vegetables eaten outside the home and serves 75 percent of London’s florists. With more than 175 affiliated businesses, New Covent Garden Market is the largest wholesale market in the UK. IP-based security system Redevelopment construction works started in 2015 and should continue until 2022 When London authorities decided to redevelop the entire site on Nine Elms and Battersea in order to meet future needs, it was clear that New Covent Garden Market was facing a huge operational challenge. Redevelopment construction works started in 2015 and should continue until 2022. In addition to a better road layout, improved waste management, and upgraded parking facilities, the market authorities wanted better security so that employees, tenants, customers and suppliers would feel safer. The organisation wanted to upgrade its legacy analogue CCTV technology to an IP-based security system capable of incorporating future upgrades. Surrey-based company Phoenix Integrated Security Limited, which had been the security solution provider for New Covent Garden Market for years, oversaw the security overhaul, as well. Future-proof system “We designed a security system together with the end customer and the site constructor so that it could meet today’s security standards again,” said Trevor Hearn, Director at Phoenix Integrated Security Limited. “We were looking for a future-proof system that was able to monitor this complex site and that was easy to work with for our security guard personnel. We looked at various manufacturers for this, but FLIR Systems was the only company that ticked all the boxes.” Phoenix opted for FLIR United VMS, which includes FLIR’s enterprise-level software solution Latitude, and a wide range of FLIR IP cameras. At the end of 2018, New Covent Garden Market already had more than 300 IP cameras installed across the entire site it intends to gradually upgrade all analogue systems over a five-year period. Wide range of cameras The image quality of the FLIR IP cameras represents a huge improvement over analogue The site combines a wide range of cameras, including the FLIR Quasar 4K fixed box camera, the FLIR Ariel Quad HD bullet camera, and the Quasar 1080p PTZ camera. The cameras offer high evidentiary detail and discreet, compact form factors. According to Hearn, the image quality of the FLIR IP cameras represents a huge improvement over analogue. Image quality is not the only benefit of using United VMS. Another valued feature is the platforms scalability. From 2016 onwards, New Covent Garden Market has been gradually replacing analogue cameras and storage equipment across the entire site, and Latitude has the flexibility to incorporate an unlimited number of channels. Body-worn cameras Operators have the flexibility to present their video sources on screen where they want and define user profiles to see only specific video sources from a given particular building, for example. “This project is an engineer’s dream,” said Hearn. “The FLIR Latitude system allows New Covent Garden Market to easily expand their camera network whenever they feel the need and to connect with practically any camera they want, including body-worn cameras. The Latitude system is also easy to couple with third-party systems, such as intercom and access control systems.”

Airbus has agreed a five-year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to manage test and reference services to support the delivery and assured release of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capability for deployed operations around the globe. The contract is valued at approximately £22 million (€ 25 million). Airbus offers the UK MOD a seamless transition and delivery of a comprehensive, consistent and coherent service model for the Land Systems Reference Centre (LSRC), delivering test and reference capability to support development, integration, approval and de-risking of C4ISR systems and services. Next generation tactical communications system The LSRC provides the MOD with a through life ‘Systems of Systems’ Test and Reference serviceAirbus aims to make the LSRC the UK MOD’s centre of excellence for advice and test, ensuring that MOD networks can accommodate new applications, hardware and services. Major programmes such as Morpheus, which is the next generation tactical communications system for the British Armed Forces, will be tested in the LSRC. Located at Blandford Camp in Dorset, the Royal Corps of Signals’ headquarters, the LSRC provides the MOD with a through life ‘Systems of Systems’ Test and Reference service. It provides an appropriate test, integration and transition capability that assures release packages for introduction onto the Defence Network and in support of operations and exercises. Test applications and application upgrades The LSRC can provide support and specialist advice for deployed and base ICT capabilities throughout their lifecycle. The LSRC has the capability to test applications and application upgrades on reference systems to assess their impact on other applications and the network as well as the network’s impact on the application. Airbus has decades of experience delivering communications solutions to the UK MOD, as well as many governments around the world, both with ground infrastructure networks and satellite communications delivering unrivalled resilience and security to all forces’ operations.

Columbia Bank, a Northwest community bank headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, sought to upgrade their video surveillance solution to improve image quality and retention time. They also wanted to maximise field of view to deliver a more forceful and expansive – yet, less intrusive – solution. Working with Cook Security Group, Inc., Ross Armstrong, vice president of physical security at Columbia Bank, chose to overhaul video surveillance in their 150-plus branches across the Northwest, many of which included older analogue cameras. They chose to install a mix of Hanwha Techwin models including Wisenet P series PNM-9000VQ multi-sensor / multi-directional outdoor vandal-proof dome cameras with 5 megapixel lens modules and Wisenet X series XND-8020F 5 megapixel indoor flush mount dome cameras. Surveillance cameras managed by Omnicast VMS The project, which started in June of 2018, has already deployed over 1,200 Hanwha Techwin cameras across 80 locationsColumbia Bank is in the process of the multi-phase upgrade that converts their existing branches to Hanwha Techwin video surveillance cameras managed by Genetec’s Security Center Omnicast Video Management System (VMS). The project, which started in June of 2018, has already deployed over 1,200 Hanwha Techwin cameras across 80 locations. They will complete another 60 sites in 2019, and 30 more in 2020. The video cameras serve as part of an overall physical security plan and are positioned to provide expansive coverage of bank interiors including teller lines, exteriors including parking lots and surrounding areas and ATM machines. Cameras bundled with analytics Armstrong said Columbia Bank tested out a of variety of models before deciding on Hanwha Techwin. “I didn't know which camera vendors would give us the biggest bang for the buck,” he said. “But I settled on Hanwha Techwin for a couple of reasons. One, is the price competitiveness and, two, the fact that the cameras come bundled with so many analytics that many companies want to charge extra for those licenses.” One of the analytics features the Columbia Bank security team uses with regularity is the loitering feature, specifically at their ATM machines One of the analytics features the Columbia Bank security team uses with regularity is the loitering feature, specifically at their ATM machines. “If an individual is loitering around one of our ATMs beyond the set time limit, then we have it programmed into Genetec’s Security Center to send an alert." "Omnicast snaps a photo of the loiterer and emails it to everyone designated on our security team. We then can take a quick look at that photo and quickly determine whether or not somebody is utilising the ATM as a customer or if they're doing something they're not supposed to, such as trying to break into the ATM or installing a skimmer.” Health monitoring of the cameras Armstrong said, as he tested cameras from other vendors, he noticed a consistent drop rate which he was concerned would get worse. Even though 98 percent availability seems acceptable, any downtime creates a risk of missing critical events" “Security Center provides health monitoring of the cameras, and what I looked for was if the availability started dropping below 98 percent. Even though 98 percent availability seems acceptable, any downtime creates a risk of missing critical events. One camera model we were testing was experiencing regular outages, where we would lose 30 seconds off and on throughout the day. These short loses added up quickly and we were seeing availability times dropping somewhere around 93 to 94 percent. That wasn't acceptable. “When I reviewed the data on the Hanwha Techwin model, the average availability was consistently above 99 percent, which was so impressive. It might just be a two percent difference, but it's inevitable that the one time you need it is the one time that camera is not working as expected. Columbia Bank was unwilling to accept the risk of utilising equipment that failed to meet our standards, and decided to partner with Hanwha Techwin, who provided a much more reliable end user experience.” Utilising H.265 and WiseStream compression Impact on network infrastructure and bandwidth were also determining factors for Columbia Bank as they chose to upgrade their video surveillance system. Armstrong said he was disappointed to find many camera manufacturers were not quickly integrating usage of H.265 compression technology into their products. He said he is impressed that Hanwha Techwin utilises H.265 in so many of its camera models, as well as the fact that Hanwha has incorporated its own WiseStream technology into its cameras, making them even more efficient. Hanwha Techwin Wisenet P and X series cameras use H.265/H.264/MJPEG with Hanwha’s exclusive WiseStream II compression technology Hanwha Techwin Wisenet P and X series cameras use H.265/H.264/MJPEG with Hanwha’s exclusive WiseStream II compression technology. WiseStream dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image. Combined with H.265 compression, the bandwidth efficiency can be improved by up to 75 percent compared to current H.264 technology. Installing non-intrusive cameras Community banks are charged with keeping employees, customers, and assets safe, but also need to present a warm and inviting environment since they are often a hub of civic activity. In-your-face video surveillance cameras in a bank can be threatening to any would-be criminal, but they are also off-putting to customers that visit banks on a day-to-day basis. This allows us to get higher quality images – and a wider field of view – while not intruding into people’s personal space"When Armstrong and his team were evaluating camera solutions across its branches, they wanted to find a way to let customers know they were providing the latest in video security without the potentially intrusive analogue cameras that often can be found just inches away from customers during transactions at the teller counter. Higher resolution 5 megapixel cameras “It’s a balance – you want customers to feel secure, but you don’t want them to feel like they are in a prison or a fishbowl,” said Armstrong. He said they removed the older analogue cameras on the teller line and replaced them with the higher resolution 5 megapixel Hanwha Techwin models, which were placed off the teller line. “This allows us to get higher quality images – and a wider field of view – while not intruding into people’s personal space,” he said. SPD-150 49 Channel Decoder for connectivity One way to convey that Columbia Bank is all business when it comes to security was with an innovative decoder offered by Hanwha Techwin. Armstrong said they wanted to have video monitors showing surveillance camera feeds in certain higher-risk locations so that customers would know they are being recorded, and that would serve as a deterrent to any would be criminals. However, with the change in hardware, they were unable to connect monitors directly to a DVR. Armstrong said Hanwha’s SPD-150 49 Channel Decoder has allowed them to connect analogue, HDMI, and VGA. Columbia Bank has provided video evidence to help law enforcement investigate a variety of incidents including drive-by shootings, traffic accidents, and arson “Being able to put one Hanwha decoder unit in a branch and run three monitors off of it – as well as the ability to hook monitors up to some cameras directly – has saved us tremendous amounts of money while adding a visual security feature.” Adding cameras outdoor to assist community Columbia Bank has long emphasized that they are a community bank that’s community minded. When Armstrong and his team decided to upgrade their video surveillance solution, they made the decision to add video surveillance cameras to the exterior of all bank locations not only to protect their customers as they come and go, but also to assist the community and law enforcement when incidents occur in areas surrounding their branches. We’re very pleased with the solution from Cook Security Group, Hanwha Techwin, and Genetec" “We look at it as the opportunity to give back to the community and provide assistance in a variety of ways,” said Armstrong. So far, Columbia Bank has provided video evidence to help law enforcement investigate a variety of incidents including drive-by shootings, traffic accidents, and arson. Satisfied with the system’s performance Columbia Bank has been well served by the Hanwha Techwin-Genetec security solution and Armstrong said they are very satisfied with the performance of the system. “Hanwha Techwin has been a phenomenal partner for us,” he said. “And that’s what I look for in a security provider – a long-term partnership. We’re very pleased with the solution from Cook Security Group, Hanwha Techwin, and Genetec and we look forward to completing all phases of the project.”

The FeeMaster Smart Console from people and vehicle access control specialist Nortech provides a simple and cost-effective way of managing access to car parks and facilities for vehicles and pedestrians. All the access control data is encoded onto a Mifare card using the FeeMaster Smart Console. As a standalone system, there is no wiring between the access control point and the console, making it easy and cost effective to install. Parking management system The console can print customer receipts and/or barcode exit tokens Part of the popular FeeMaster range, the FeeMaster Smart attendant console is a compact, elegant and easy-to-install device that reads barcode tickets issued at an entry station, calculates the fees payable based on pre-programmed tariff details, and encodes reusable Mifare access control cards with validity data. If necessary, the console can print customer receipts and/or barcode exit tokens. It is also able to control a till drawer and can optionally provide a relay output signal which can be used by third equipment i.e. barrier control whenever a card has been encoded or an exit ticket printed. The FeeMaster Smart time-based parking management system is designed to provide information about the initial arrival time of each visitor and uses cards to strictly control customers’ access rights to car parks and facilities as well as the validity period. Fee calculation system Popular applications that have used the FeeMaster attendant’s console to control visitor access include Bristol Aquarium and Edinburgh Castle, where an easy to install and operate and an automatic fee calculation system with tariff and grace period settings included was required. Bristol Aquarium required a cost-effective and efficient product that would not only save money but would also make the constant stream of visitors easy to monitor. The barcode reader connects to a barrier/turnstile/gate at each site and opens once a valid barcode has been scanned by a visitor using easy to programme modes of operation. New security products Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years The simple to use design makes the console ideal for reducing queues and keeping the flow of people moving during busy periods, is extremely versatile and can simultaneously support several methods of revenue generation. Edinburgh Castle has been benefiting from the FeeMaster system for a number of years, using it to control and manage the strict parking at its site. The console allows the staff to control any misuse of the car park and ensures that there are enough parking spaces without the need for expensive cabling or disruption. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.  

Ports of Jersey operate the island’s busy harbours and airports, providing high-quality services and facilities to enrich the experiences and journeys of their customers, with Jersey Marinas offering 1,000 berths across three award-winning locations close to the vibrant waterfront at St Helier. At very busy times of the year, such as the annual Jersey Regatta, the sheer volume of visitor traffic arriving from both land and sea can present serious problems. With particular challenges arising from managing car parking, and the issuance of port entry digital keys for boats harbouring. Smart access control solution Ports of Jersey needed a smart access control solution capable of managing short-term parking at St Helier harbour Ports of Jersey needed a smart access control solution capable of managing short-term parking at St Helier harbour. The system needed to be intelligent enough to manage complex bookings for use by berth and mooring holders dropping off and loading gear onto boats, before parking elsewhere long-term. The existing solution was no longer cost effective, and was open to abuse by some users. In addition, Ports of Jersey also required an upgrade to the out of date Jersey Marinas security gate access control system. At peak times this system needed to be able to cope with rapid, high capacity issuance of smart cards to vessel owners and boat crews wishing to access the marina and marina hospitality faculties. Smart installation SALTO partner JMH Technology was asked to provide a new car park access control solution and resolve the looming problem of needing to issue 1,000 cards, at a cost of over £100,000. A replacement car park access control system was installed based on new technology smart cards and 2,000 cards issued. This project was highly cost-effective with installation and card issuance totalling less than just card issuance on the previous system. Future savings also assured thanks to a choice of more cost-effective cards. Abuse of short-term parking has been cut, and the experience for visitors is improved. JMH Technology is in the process of adding more reader-controlled doors To drive yet more efficiency and further reduce overheads the system has subsequently been updated at both St Helier and Albert Pier car park, with smart installation of the latest SALTO access control technology. The upgrade continues, and JMH Technology is in the process of adding more reader-controlled doors and smart handles across the facility. Security assessment A full security assessment was carried out at Jersey Marinas, and a decision taken to replace all of the expensive and temperamental mechanical code locks with a full online access control system. By engineering a bespoke solution that integrated a SALTO kiosk system with a touch screen unit interface, Jersey Marinas staff are now able to allocate more than 500 cards during the high-tide window. With extra capacity on tap when they need it to cope with high demand at peak times, and valuable cost savings made. The SALTO system provided is technically robust and cost-effective to expand. As a partitioned system Ports of Jersey now have a global overview, with each department able to see the section relevant to them. This enables micro management of cost savings across equipment and cards and allows staff to get permissioned access to all necessary parts of the Ports infrastructure without delay.

Two of the most important priorities in a manufacturing environment are safety and productivity. Failure to follow safe work practices around machinery on a factory floor can result in serious injury, while poor productivity can erode profits and ultimately threaten the viability of the business. At WCCO Belting, a Wahpeton, North Dakota-based manufacturer of custom rubber products for agriculture and light-industrial conveyor equipment, a March Networks® video surveillance solution plays a key role in enhancing both safety and productivity. Monitor work processes “Recently, for example, we had a minor safety incident on one of our machines that was captured by the system,” said Michael Marsh, Senior Technology Administrator. “The video not only allowed us to determine the cause of the incident, it also helped us create a proprietary piece of equipment to ensure that the accident would never happen again.” Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015 Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015, but the company soon discovered it could use the technology for other equally important priorities. “We found that we could use the video solution for time studies, to be more effective and efficient,” said Marsh. WCCO engineers use the video to monitor work processes and then tweak them to speed production, while ensuring optimum quality. Security system integrator The company selected Marco Technologies as its security system integrator in 2015, and acquired March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs shortly thereafter. Two years later, when WCCO Belting decided to also equip a second production facility in Arlington, Texas, it upgraded to a March Networks Command™ Recording Software (CRS) solution in North Dakota and moved the 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs to its Texas facility. At the same time, the company deployed March Networks Command Enterprise Software to tie all the video from its geographically-dispersed facilities together, said Marsh. The software enables WCCO Belting “to oversee everything and manage the entire system from a single point of entry.” In addition, approximately 50 March Networks IP cameras — including indoor domes with wide dynamic range and outdoor IR bullet cameras — provide crystal-clear video of activity on the company’s factory floors, loading docks and parking lots. Remote configuration Marsh cites ease of use and outstanding support as the main reasons for selecting the video solution. “The technology is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to navigate. Support has also been great. When we ran into some early issues, they responded quickly to help resolve the problem.” We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place" “More recently, when we decided to expand the system to include our second location, it was Marco that recommended the CRS solution and the redeployment of our NVRs to Texas. It was really plug and play. That was the winning piece for us. We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place.” A system that was easy to rollout was important because WCCO Belting’s IT department does the physical camera install themselves, while partnering with Marco Technologies for remote configuration. Command mobile app “It’s one of the reasons we like March Networks, because we’re a hands-on IT department,” explained Marsh. “We like to make sure we’re always on top of things and that we understand the equipment we’re working with. If we can’t install it ourselves and need someone to come in and do it for us, it just creates future costs.” Aside from the IT department, which has administrative access to the system, authorised supervisors and managers at WCCO Belting are able to audit video for safety and security purposes. Temporary access is also provided to engineering staff for time studies. Marsh and several supervisors also have access to video through the Command Mobile app on their smartphones. Available as a free download from the Apple Store and Google Play, Command Mobile runs on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Track offending vehicle Remote, after-hours access to video proved valuable during the previously mentioned safety incident, for example, “by allowing managers to pull up video from home and use it to make decisions quickly,” said Marsh. The video solution has also proven useful to local law enforcement, as some of the bullet cameras covering the employee parking lot at the North Dakota facility also have a clear view of North 9th St., a busy artery in the town of 8,000. The video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle" “One day, I was called to the front desk and met by two police officers and three sheriffs,” recalled Marsh. “They wanted to come to my office but didn’t say why. I was never so nervous in my life. Once in my office, they explained that they wanted to see if we had any recorded video to help them solve a hit and run a block and a half down the road. We did, and the video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle.” Rubber belting solutions “We’ve had two law enforcement visits since then, so now when they show up, I know I’m not in trouble,” joked Marsh. A family-owned business, WCCO Belting was founded in 1954 by Ed Shorma, a Korean War veteran who mortgaged the family car and borrowed $1,500 to buy a shoe repair shop. Propelled by Shorma’s strong work ethic and talent for ingenuity, the business grew and evolved as a manufacturer of rubber belting solutions, leading to Shorma’s recognition as Small Business Person of the Year by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1982. WCCO Belting is currently led by president and CEO, Tom Shorma, Ed’s son, and has 270 employees — 200 in North Dakota and 70 in Texas. The company’s rubber product solutions are sought after worldwide, and exported to customers in more than 20 countries. The company won North Dakota’s Exporter of the Year award in 2003, and in 2010 and 2016 it was the recipient of the Presidential ‘E’ Award and ‘E-Star’ award for its export promotion efforts.