Traffic surveillance

Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic management and enforcement solutions, has announced the appointment of Stuart Scott as Business Development Manager – North. In this new role, he will be responsible for managing relationships and developing new business opportunities with new and existing clients across the Northern England and Scotland. Stuart Scott has over 15 years’ experience of working in both local government and the private sector. He joins direct from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council where, as Head of Highways, he was responsible for managing the whole highways operations including systems deployment for network management. Further developing UK business This included the first unattended CCTV enforced red route outside London as well as Intelligent Transport Systems. Prior to this, Stuart worked for Parking Eye, part of the Capita Group, as Head of Operations (Local Government). According to Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert: “Stuart’s experience of working in this sector will be invaluable in helping us to further develop and grow our UK business. He will also help us meet the increasing demand for Videalert solutions that support multiple traffic management and enforcement applications as well as clean air and low emission zones across the north of the country including Scotland.”

TIANDY Technologies, a supplier of versatile surveillance solutions catering to customers from enterprise to entry level is pleased to announce a Technology Partnership with leading Automatic License Plate Recognition software provider FF Group. The partnership with FF Group meets TIANDY's surveillance integrators needs to create unique solutions based on License Plate Recognition in combination with Cloud Analytics. TIANDY's industry-leading IP video surveillance solutions and FF Group's NumberOk ALPR software deliver future proof, innovative solutions in traffic monitoring management and enforcement applications. Detects and recognises license plates "FF Group's NumberOK ALPR software is covering a wide range of solutions for different segments of the surveillance market such as parking, access control, red light enforcement, traffic monitoring, tolling systems and high-speed enforcement," said Nina Osypova, Head of Partnership Relations of FF Group. NumberOK ALPR software is reliable, flexible and easy to deploy with TIANDY's IP cameras" "Our ALPR software detects and recognises single lines, multi lines and inverse license plates in 10 - 100 ms with an accuracy rate exceeding 97%. We have an open architecture and we are working with the world's leading manufacturers of IP surveillance solutions like TIANDY Technologies. Together, we are able to create a broad range of integration possibilities and innovative solutions to benefit our customers.” Works in challenging weather conditions "NumberOK ALPR software is reliable, flexible and easy to deploy with TIANDY's IP cameras. It works under different lighting conditions and even in the most challenging weather conditions," said John van den Elzen, General Manager EMEA, TIANDY Technologies. "The technology partnership with FF Group allows our integrators to create LPR solutions based on TIANDY IP cameras and NumberOK software that runs either on the camera or on a server. Together, we can cover a wide range of applications and integration opportunities to address the demands for LPR solutions in our surveillance projects."

Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, showcases a wide range of competitive product portfolios and smart solutions to top security professionals during the International Security Conference and Expo (ISC West) at booth #14039 from April 10th to 12th. Dahua will also celebrate the fifth anniversary of its USA subsidiary on Wednesday evening, showing strong commitment to the local markets. Running with the theme ‘Empowering through Technology’, the Dahua products and technologies exhibited during ISC West are comprehensive from every aspect covering major surveillance market demands with the most advanced technologies. Competitive product portfolios Facial Recognition - Dahua Facial Recognition technology integrates face recognition, blacklist alarm, stranger alarm, VIP recognition, face tracking, face search, metadata search and other functions to offer a series of smart products including the exhibited AI Smart Capture Camera, 4MP Starlight Face Recognition IR Dome AI Network Camera and IVSS series for various scenarios and customer demands. Low - light Technology - Featuring advanced Starlight technology, Dahua starlight+ products are able to provide excellent colourful image and rich details even at night, solving the problem of poor colour reproduction of images under low illumination environment with image colour reproduction, large aperture, ultra-high sensor, white light and other technologies. Dahua Smart Thermal Series Cameras can be widely used for security monitoring, fire prevention and temperature measurementThermal Technology - Through a new integration of visible-light and thermal-light and a variety of AI-enabled intelligent functions, Dahua Smart Thermal Series Cameras can be widely used for security monitoring, fire prevention and temperature measurement. Combined with the back-end storage NVR and DSS PRO, Dahua Technology can provide an all-in-one system with front-ends, storages, and intelligent analytics to meet the requirements of customers. Smart Tracking - Dahua radar system consists of radar and speed dome camera (PTZ). On the basis of traditional CCTV security system, it combines the accurate target tracking performance of the radar products to provide a complete solution with front-end data acquisition, edge computing and back-end storage for a wide range of applications such as prison perimeter, airport runway, industrial park, energy pipeline and other important protection areas. Wide Area Security - The Dahua Multi-sensor Series Cameras can be used for large scene monitoring, target tracking, simple management and multi-service convergence. The Dahua 4x2MP Multi-sensor Cameras possess ground-breaking flexibility that can simultaneously move each sensor module around the internal track for a 180-, 270-, or 360-degree panorama, minimising blind spots for an improved situational awareness, which is ideal for parking lots, supermarkets and intersections, etc. HDCVI 5.0 - The recently launched Dahua HDCVI 5.0 brings five core values: Perimeter Protection, Face Recognition, Metadata Search, Active Deterrence and Starlight & Full Colour. Perimeter protection can identify humans and vehicles while filtering less important objects, face recognition let authorised persons to pass freely and can do immediate action to strangers, with the latest AI technology we make video surveillance more efficient and easy to use. AI-enabled Intelligent Solutions Featuring the above technologies, Dahua Technology also presented integrated solutions for a variety of vertical markets at the Expo. Intelligent Retail Solution - Dahua Smart Retail Solution applies video intelligence technology to specific retail business scenarios. According to the scenarios of large chain supermarkets, we have developed five smart application scenarios including smart entrance and exit, shelf advertising, cashier loss prevention, operation analysis and remote shop patrol to help retailers optimise store layout and product display, improve storage efficiency as well as attract traffic flow. Intelligent Logistics Solution - Dahua Intelligent Logistics Solution takes Dahua video technology as the cornerstone, combine intelligent analysis technology, machine vision technology, big data technology, etc. to further divide into five sub-solutions including machine vision DWS solution, video tracking solution, vehicle entrance solution, park surveillance solution and logistics vehicle solution for different application scenarios. Intelligent Residential Solution - Dahua Intelligent Residential Solution provides an integrated and economic solution with multi-level protection including personal entrance, vehicle entrance, public area, unit security, home protection and control center to make people’s life more convenient, safer and smarter while improving operation efficient and saving energy for property owners. Intelligent Critical Infrastructure Solution - Dahua Intelligent Critical Infrastructure Solution offers an end-to-end solution featuring perimeter protection, thermal measurement, access control, video surveillance and auto-tracking system for electric power stations, oil and gas industries to ensure the safety of their daily operations, timely detection of terrorist threats and fire, quickly and easily viewing station status. Intelligent Education Solution - Dahua Intelligent Education Solution brings a new concept of pre-warning for campus administrators. The solution incorporates important scenario applications empowered by AI technology such as perimeter, entrance, public area, building and classroom to realise threat prediction, effective management of people and vehicles, establishing a secured and smart system for students and teachers while improving operation efficiency. Reliable security solutions Dahua Technology empowers our dealers and integrators to stay at the top of their field by providing the latest security solutions to their end-users" Empowering signifies Dahua Technology’s dedication to promoting customer satisfaction and partner development. While market demands are constantly evolving, Dahua Technology’s offering is also evolving to meet current and future needs, giving partners and end-users the assurance that they’ve selected competitive and reliable security solutions on the market. “Dahua Technology empowers our dealers and integrators to stay at the top of their field by providing the latest security solutions to their end-users,” Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA, explained. “In addition, the resources we make available to our dealers ensure that they are up-to-speed on their knowledge of our technology and fully trained on the products.” To further address Dahua Technology’s social commitment locally, a group of the staff from Dahua Technology USA will participate in The Security 5KRun / 2K Walk organised by charity group Mission 500 on the morning of April 11th. With a mission of ‘Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality, and Service’, to serve partners and customers around the world.

Dortronics, a pioneer in off-the-shelf and customised door control solutions, is showcasing its 4800 Series Intelligent Interlock Controllers here at ISC West 2019 (booth #1037). The newly enhanced controllers offer an abundance of features providing installers with a higher degree of versatility to meet customers’ specific needs. “Our enhanced line of door interlock controllers are a one board solution that allows the installer complete control of all operating and configuration options without complex software,” said John Fitzpatrick, President of Dortronics Systems, Inc. “This provides installers and end users with an efficient and easy-to-use access control solution.” Control door locks The 4800 Series Door Interlock Controller accommodates up to five doors, including doors with automatic openers. The unit features adjustable timers for propped door time, panic release unlock time, and unlock pause time for REX unlock time. Additional features include 12 inputs for door status, request for access, interlock override and emergency unlock. The unit’s 17 outputs control door locks (fail-safe or fail-secure), traffic lights and mirror door status with alarm outputs. Additional features include a watchdog circuit to monitor operation, LED input/output status indication and voltage spike/surge protection. The 4800 Series is available as a controller board only or with a 4-amp Class 2 UL 294 power supply.

At ISC West 2019, ASSA ABLOY will highlight its commitment to helping security professionals stay ahead of industry trends and innovation for their clients. ASSA ABLOY’s Booth (#8061) will feature cutting-edge solutions that help security professionals across industries navigate what’s next in access control. “At ASSA ABLOY, we’re focused on helping our customers prepare for the future so they can build a safer, smarter and more seamless business,” said Peter Boriskin, Chief Technology Officer at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “We’re excited to share the products that allow us to help security professionals open what’s next in the industry.” Unattended package delivery At its booth, ASSA ABLOY will display new innovations in access including: Unmanned Critical Infrastructure: ASSA ABLOY will highlight ways to ensure the security of critical infrastructure that is often unmanned or unsecured. One such example is Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) cabinets that are vulnerable to risks ranging from vandalism to malicious physical and cyber-attacks simply because they aren’t adequately secured. Mobile Credentials: Mobile is already a crucial part of people’s everyday lives. With the shift to mobile, ASSA ABLOY is supporting the growing adoption of mobile credentials and making strides in capabilities by integrating with key strategic partners. Unattended Delivery: The security of unattended package delivery has given rise to a new set of challenges and opportunities. Booth visitors can learn more about ASSA ABLOY’s newest addition to the family, Luxer One, a locker technology company, and how smart lockers can be used as a package delivery solution. Intelligent key system “These advances are the result of our continued commitment to developing solutions that improve security, safety and convenience for our customers,” said Mark Duato, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions. “The innovations on display at ISC West are just the start of what’s coming down the pike as we explore new opportunities in the market.” Various markets and technologies The booth will also showcase new expansions in ASSA ABLOY’s product lines for various markets from education to healthcare, as well as the latest technologies, including: The Securitron M380E Magnalock, which provides a strong hold, an optional integrated REX, sleek design and easy installation with a new strike mounting template. The Adams Rite G100 wireless digital glass lock with Aperio technology, which makes extending access control to all-glass doors easy and affordable while maintaining aesthetics. The latest Attack Resistant Door Solutions, 2019 Secure Campus Award and 2019 Govies Award winning technology designed to delay intruder entry. The Medeco XT Traffic Cabinet Lock, 2019 Govies Award winning technology designed to secure critical infrastructure with 27/4 security and access through an intelligent key system.

Videalert, one of the UK’s suppliers of intelligent traffic management and enforcement solutions, announces a new strategic partnership with PARKIUS, formerly known as Agendum, the Netherlands-based developer of digital enforcement solutions that make the compliance process more efficient and productive. Together, the two companies will enable councils to dramatically increase the efficiency and productivity of their parking departments. The joint Videalert and PARKIUS solution for ANPR based parking enforcement is being deployed at the London Borough of Richmond and one other London borough imminently. Traffic analysis applications We will be co-operating on a pan-European basis which signals the next stage of our strategic growth plan to gain a foothold in other markets" “We are pleased to be partnering with PARKIUS as the company shares our approach to developing the latest cutting-edge technologies to help local authorities and their outsourced enforcement partners to achieve significant increases in productivity and efficiency,” commented Tim Daniels, Sales & Marketing Director of Videalert. “We will be co-operating on a pan-European basis which signals the next stage of our strategic growth plan to gain a foothold in other markets.” PARKIUS has tightly integrated its solutions with Videalert’s multi-purpose mobile enforcement vehicles (MEVs) which are equipped with the latest digital ONVIF-compliant HD cameras and a complete suite of traffic management, enforcement and monitoring software. The vehicles can achieve superior capture rates of up to 98% with just a single pass at normal road speeds to deliver significant productivity increases in a range of additional parking and traffic analysis applications. Digital parking enforcement Digital parking enforcement is a key market for this new breed of multi-purpose MEVs which can scan the VRMs of parked vehicles and transmit captured data to the PARKIUS platform where it is compared with the parking rights database to identify every instance of unpaid or illegal parking. In other European countries, legislation permitting, the PCN can be automatically issued without requiring the services of a CEO Whenever a vehicle without a parking right is spotted, an alert is sent to handheld devices carried by civil enforcement officers (CEOs), detailing the make and model, VRM and location, so a penalty charge notice (PCN) can be immediately issued in person. In other European countries, legislation permitting, the PCN can be automatically issued without requiring the services of a CEO. Specific work assignments According to Peter van Oorschot, International Sales Director of PARKIUS: “This partnership with Videalert underlines our ambition to provide end-to-end parking enforcement solutions to the UK market and beyond. It gives councils access to over 10 years’ combined experience in the implementation of proven technologies that reduce costs and increase productivity.” The data provided by Videalert and PARKIUS equipped MEVs also delivers comprehensive and detailed insights on the performance of the enforcement process, parking behaviour and the extent to which council objectives are being met. The PARKIUS platform also generates specific work assignments for parking departments to ensure that CEOs and MEVs are deployed where enforcement is most needed.

Where are video surveillance cameras headed? At the core of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are advanced chips with artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, enabling cameras to gather valuable information about an incident: scanning shoppers at a department store, monitoring city streets, or checking on an elderly loved one at home. Thanks to advanced chip technology, complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras —professional to consumer — fueling the democratisation of AI in the IP camera market. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras Expanding the global IP camera market  The video surveillance equipment market grew to $18.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase this year, according to IHS Markit. The latest research points to video everywhere, edge computing, and AI as the top technologies that will have a major impact in both commercial and consumer markets in 2019. Computing at the edge means that the processors inside the camera are powerful enough to run AI processing locally, while still encoding and streaming video, and are able to do it all at the low-power required to fit into the limited thermal budget of an IP camera. New SoC chips will be able to perform all of the processing on camera and provide accurate AI information, with no need to send data to a server or the cloud for processing. Instead, data can be analysed right in the camera itself, offering high performance, real-time video analytics, and lower latency — all critical aspects of video surveillance. This new AI paradigm is made possible by a new generation of SoCs, a key driver behind the market growth of IP cameras. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras to fuel the advent of AI in the IP camera market Micro-processor-enabled video analytics Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time Microprocessor-enabled analytics allow users to more easily extract valuable data from video streams. How about an insider’s view into retail customer behavior? Consider video cameras at a department store, monitoring shoppers’ behavior, traffic patterns, and areas of interest. Next-generation cameras will recognise how long a shopper stays in front of a specific display, if the shopper leaves and returns, and if the shopper ultimately makes a purchase. Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time, so retailers will be able to adjust product placement accordingly. Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly. By understanding customers’ behavior, retailers can determine the best way to interact with them, target specific campaigns, and tailor ads for them. Cue the coupons while the shopper is still onsite! Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly Fast processing for rapid response at city level City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations such as loitering, big crowds forming, or cars driving the wrong way.Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyse traffic situations, adjust traffic lights, identify license plates, automatically charge cars for parking, find a missing car across a city, or create live and accurate traffic maps. Real-time HD video monitoring and recording When it comes to home monitoring, what will next-generation video surveillance cameras offer? Real-time monitoring and notification can detect if a person is in the back yard or approaching the door, if there’s a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, or if a package is being delivered (or stolen). Advanced video cameras can determine when notifications are and aren’t required, since users don’t want to be notified for false alerts such as rain, tree branches moving, bugs, etc. Next-generation video camera capabilities can also help monitor a loved one, person or pet, helping put families at ease if they are at work or on vacation. For example, helpful analytics may be used to detect if someone has fallen, hasn’t moved for a while, or does not appear for breakfast according to their typical schedule. City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations Next-gen IP cameras When evaluating next-generation IP cameras (cameras on the edge), look at the brains. These cameras will likely be powered by next-generation SoCs chips. Here is what this means to you:       Save on network bandwidth, cloud computing and storage costs. There is no need to constantly upload videos to a server for analysis. Analysis can be performed locally on the camera, with only relevant videos being uploaded. Faster reaction time. Decisions are made locally, with no network latency. This is critical if you need to sound an alarm on a specific event. Privacy. In the most extreme cases, no video needs to leave the camera. Only metadata needs to be sent to the cloud or server. For example, the faces of people can be recognised in the camera and acted upon, but the video never reaches the cloud. The cameras can just stream a description of the scene to the server “suspicious person with a red sweater walking in front of the train station, has been loitering for the last 10 minutes, suggest sending an agent to check it out.” This could become a requirement in some EU countries with GDPR rules. Easier search. Instead of having to look through hours of video content, the server can just store/analyse the metadata, and easily perform searches such as “find all people with a red sweater who stayed more than five minutes in front of the train station today.” Flexibility/personalisation. Each camera at the edge can be personalised to work better for the specific scene it is looking at, compared to a generic server. For example, “run a heat map algorithm on camera A (retail) as I want to know which sections of my store get the most traffic; and run a license plate recogniser on camera B (parking lot) as I want to be able to track the cars going in/out of my parking lot.” No cloud computing required. For cameras in remote locations or with limited network bandwidth, users have the ability to perform all analytics locally, without relying on uploading video to a server/cloud. Higher resolution/quality. When AI processing is performed locally, the full resolution of the sensor can be used (up to 4K or more), while typically the video streamed to a server will be lower resolution, 1080p or less. This means more pixels are available locally for the AI engine so that you will be able to detect a face from a higher distance than when the video is streamed off camera. AI at the edge Professional-level IP cameras capable of performing AI at the edge are coming soon with early offerings making their debut at this year’s ISC West. As we enter 2020, we will begin to see the availability of consumer-level cameras enabling real-time video analytics at the edge for home use. With rapid technology advancement and increased customer demand, AI is on the verge of exploding. When it comes to image quality and video analytics, IP cameras now in development will create a next-generation impact at department stores, above city streets, and keeping an eye on our loved ones.

Las Vegas is a city that bombards you with choices: dozens of glitzy hotels and casinos, a plethora of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any craving and an endless variety of entertainment guaranteed to delight and amuse. With so many options, it’s hard to decide where to spend your time. The same goes for ISC West. Like the city in which it’s being hosted, ISC West 2019 is going to bombard you with more options than ever before. Dozens of new technologies and vendors as well as old familiar faces will be vying for your attention. With only three days, it’s nearly impossible to explore every booth and every vendor. Ultimately, you’ll want to focus your limited time on companies whose partnership can lead to your organisation’s long-term success. In that context, I’d like to suggest a few things to think about as you wend your way through this year’s tradeshow. The next wave in IP technology  The fact that the whole world is going IP is nothing new. The network-based connectivity trend has been ongoing for more than 25 years. What’s changed is the nomenclature. Today it’s all about the Internet of Things (IoT).  What was once exclusively an analogue-based video surveillance market has shifted predominantly over to IP For the security industry, the concept of IoT really began with connecting DVRs through a network. Then in 1996, IP cameras – the first true IoT devices – hit the market. Since then, what was once exclusively an analog-based video surveillance market has shifted predominantly over to IP, providing exceptional growth opportunity for any company wanting to be on the leading edge. Today, however, that market is relatively saturated and growing at a much slower rate. In response, consolidation of the market has started to accelerate. Many vendors are disappearing while a select few are becoming stronger. Though the IP video revolution is now a fait accompli, there are still a few ancillary security technologies that are just beginning to jump on the IP convergence bandwagon. I’m referring to two in particular: IP audio systems and IP intercom solutions.  Like their IP video cousins, these relatively new IP systems are built on open platform standards and provide the same benefits for convergence as happened in the camera space: better scalability and ROI, more functionality, and easy integration with third party systems. The technology is a great complement to a customer’s existing IP surveillance system or an ideal replacement for an antiquated analogue audio system. So I’d recommend spending time at booths showcasing this technology. Listen to the crystal clear sound quality. Learn from the various vendors how easy IP audio systems are to custom configure, remotely manage and scale. And discover the different ways the IP technology can be used, from paging, public address and broadcasting background music to augmenting security systems and perimeter protection solutions. The potential markets that can benefit from this latest IP technology are wide and varied, everything from hotels, hospitals and transportation hubs to educational institutions and retail chains. So it’s well worth your time to take a look at this growing opportunity. AI has proven to dramatically improving the accuracy of Traffic Incident Detection analytics. But it’s too early in the game to assume that AI can be applied across the board Artificial intelligence: hype vs. reality Video intelligence or video analytics was the big trend a decade ago. But it quickly fizzled out when hype crashed into reality. In the ensuing years algorithms have greatly improved, leading to more reliable analytic performance. Now it’s commonplace for video surveillance solutions to include a wide range of analytics from motion detection and people counting to dwell time analysis, object left behind and license plate recognition.    The latest hype to capture the imagination is self-learning systems, often referred to as Deep Learning and Artificial intelligence (AI) With analytics gradually becoming mainstream, the latest hype to capture the imagination is self-learning systems, often referred to as Deep Learning and Artificial intelligence (AI). These self-learning applications parse event data and use what they’ve learned from the experience to make determinations or predictions that can increase the accuracy of future alerts. Before you get swept up in all the big promises that have yet to prove deliverable, take time at ISC West to educate yourself about the current state of the technology. AI works well in some areas.  For instance, AI has proven to dramatically improving the accuracy of Traffic Incident Detection analytics. But it’s too early in the game to assume that AI can be applied across the board. Talk to some of the AI vendors at ISC West to learn when and if AI might be right for your organisation’s analytic applications. See who has actual, field-proven solutions and who is just offering ideas that might take many years to prove useful in real applications. Connecting with the right partner Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet. Look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners Choosing the right partner is as important in business as it is life. Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet. Look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners. You’re sure to find a number of new companies entering the field this year. Also be sure to notice which companies are absent. Have they left the surveillance industry? Are they struggling financially and can no longer afford to show up? If you partnered with them in the past, where does that leave your business today?  As you explore potential vendor relationships, make sure you not only look at the arc of their technology development, but also their long-term financial stability and the kind of support services they offer. Cybersecurity should be front and center on your radar, along with timely updates, product integration with your existing technology and ongoing training to gain the most benefit from your investment. Look into how eco-friendly the vendor’s products are, what they’re doing to recycle, minimise waste and lower their carbon footprint Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet - look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners Another important thing to find out is whether their business ethics align with yours. Is sustainability important to your company? How about corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion? Ultimately you want to do business with healthy, innovative companies that share your core values.   If being green is a fundamental principal of your company, look into how eco-friendly the vendor’s products are, what they’re doing to recycle, minimise waste and lower their carbon footprint. If striving for better global citizenship is your corporate mantra, you need to know how the vendor is assuring their operation complies with environmental laws and regulations. In terms of maintaining social and ethical standards, it’s important to know where the vendor stands on issues such as human rights violations, compulsory child labour, fair wages and sourcing minerals from countries in armed conflict.  Go in with a plan There’s so much to discover at ISC West this year that four days isn’t nearly enough time to see it all. So you’ll have to strategically pick and choose which booths and vendors to visit. I’d advise that you plan out your days in advance so that you can get the most value from the choices you make.

It amazes me how in a few short years security systems have gone from simple, dumb cameras witnessing events to intelligent eyes, ears, speech and touch solutions that boost situational awareness far beyond human capabilities. It seems the only senses missing from the equation now are smell and taste. And who knows, someone might be working on those in a lab somewhere right now. But what’s really fascinating to me is how the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened a world of possibilities for transforming security technology into something new yet again. With IoT we’re able to push and pull nuggets of intelligence from sources we never considered before: environmental sensors, pressure plates, door lock timers and much more. It’s helped us break through the constraining mindset that security systems are strictly single-purpose. With interconnectivity at the core, we’re starting to imagine myriad ways to apply these tools to challenges outside the realm of security. Here are just a few examples. Flood management assistance Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate remotely As recent hurricanes and floods have shown, water damage can be devastating to a community. That’s why some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem. Water sensors collect data from multiple sources such as rain gutters, sewer systems and pump stations, in order to monitor fluctuations in water levels and water quality. If an alert triggers, having a network camera in proximity to visually verify the situation helps responders determine the best course of action. For instance, if multiple water detection sensors trigger alerts simultaneously or sequentially over a large area it’s probably due to natural runoff from recent rainfall. But without eyes on the scene, how can you be sure? Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely. It might be a fire hydrant spewing water, a water main break or even a chemical spill. With video streaming live to the command center, staff can remotely inspect the area, determine the cause of the trigger and decide whether remediation is required, thus avoiding the expense of dispatching an investigative crew to a non-event. Some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem Environmental control assistance Data centers house the lifeblood of a business so it’s no wonder why companies work hard to protect them. We’re all familiar with the integration of network cameras with access control systems to visually verify who is actually using the credentials. Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely But there’s another aspect to protecting data centers and that’s environment control. Data centers need to maintain optimum humidity and temperature for the racks of electronics. When environmental sensors in the facility detect out-of-norm ranges technicians can remotely command a network camera to zoom in on the gauges and help them determine whether remediation might be necessary.  Coupling network cameras with other sensors in the data center can provide visual confirmation of other conditions as well. For instance, every time a data rack door-open-close sensor detects an event it can trigger the camera to pan to the location and stream video to security. Some data centers employ weight sensors at the doorway to weigh personnel and equipment as they enter the room and when they exit to ensure no additional hardware is being taken out of the facility or left inside without permission. Any discrepancy would trigger the camera to zoom in for a close-up of the individual’s face and send a visual alert and ID information to security. Roadway management and parking assistance Network cameras have long played a part in city-wide traffic management. Adding video analytics and integration with network sensors, makes those cameras that much smarter and versatile. They can detect cars driving in bike lanes or driving in the wrong direction and capture license plates of offenders. Their ability to detect anomalous traffic flow patterns can be integrated with car counting sensors, networked electronic road signs and traffic light systems to automatically redirect vehicles to alternate routes. They make great, intelligent parking lot attendants, too. Working in conjunction with weight sensors network cameras can count vehicles coming into and leaving a lot or garage and verify when the facility has reached capacity. License plate recognition and video analytics can be used to ascertain that a vehicle entering a reserved parking space doesn’t match the credentials and vehicle attributes in the database. With the addition of noise sensors and audio analytics, network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds – breaking glass, car alarms, gun shots, and aggressive speech – and triggering a visual alert to first responders. Network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds and triggering a visual alert to first responders Shopper experience assistance In the early days of online shopping, e-tailers designed their sites to replicate the in-store customer experience. In an ironic turn of events, today brick-and-mortar stores are trying to mirror the online shopping experience. To do so, they’re turning their security systems into adjunct sales assistance. With network video and audio system automation they can recognise and acknowledge loyal customers with personal greetings. Retailers are applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service With heatmapping analytics they can measure how much time a customer spends in a specific department or observe how they walk through the aisles of the store. They can track shopping behaviors such as items looked at that made it into the cart or didn’t, or whether a customer actually checked out or left the merchandise behind. By capturing these shopping patterns and trends retailers can shape a more positive, more profitable customer shopping experience. For instance, integrating video analytics with point of sale systems and RFID sensors on merchandise tags can result in timely alerts to sales associates to recommend additional merchandise. This is a case of emulating how e-tailers let the customer know that other customers who bought X often also purchased items Y and Z. Or to avoid disappointing customers due to stock outages, retailers are linking weight sensors and video analytics to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and if not, quickly alert associates to what items need to be restocked. Capturing business intelligence Retailers are also using video cameras to monitor checkout queues and trigger automated announcements over the public-address system, closed system such as smartphones or other wireless communications devices that checkers are needed rather wait for a person to call for backup. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs They’re applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service. While retailers will always use their surveillance camera for loss prevention, they’re finding that integrating traditional technology in new ways can yield even bigger returns. Linking network video surveillance, video analytics, network communications system and sensors with point-of-sale systems and customer loyalty databases, retailers are capturing the business intelligence they need to get back in the game and make brick-and-mortar a greater overall experience than online shopping. A natural cross-over technology This trend towards integration has forever changed how organisations view their investment in security technology. The intelligence and versatility of a tool that can see, verify and analyse what’s happening in real-time is spurring users to tap its cross-over potential for a host of other tasks that could benefit from more astute situational awareness – everything from manufacturing and equipment maintenance to logistics, inventory control and beyond. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs. How we capitalise on that connection is only limited by our imagination.

Lack of cybersecurity of video systems made headlines in 2016. The Mirai cyberattack that year impacted Internet service on the East Coast of the United States and kept several high-profile websites offline. Cybersecurity attacks later in the day were more global in nature. The cyberattacks were carried out by a botnet, a network of bots, which are software applications (in this case, computer viruses) that communicate with each other and run tasks automatically over the Internet. IP-enabled cameras Bots can infiltrate unprotected computers and then use the computing power of their ‘hosts’ to carry out various kinds of cyber-attacks on other Internet targets. In the case of the Mirai attacks, a hidden army of bots worked together to bombard various websites with so many bogus requests that the sites became overwhelmed by the volume of traffic and could not respond to legitimate requests. It’s called a denial of service (DDS) attack. Many of the attacking bots were hosted by IP-enabled cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs). In other words, the bots used the computing power of our industry’s video products to launch the headline-grabbing cyberattack. Many of the attacking bots were hosted by IP-enabled cameras and digital video recorders Safeguarded communication Since 2016, awareness of cybersecurity for video systems has grown. Today, it is understood that video solutions should be designed to safeguard communication between trusted devices, ensure that video in transit (streamed) or in storage remains encrypted, and any commands and configurations to control cameras and other devices are transmitted via a secure channel (HTTPS). Some basic best practices can go a long way to improving the cybersecurity of video systems. A small change is to remove default passwords from products and software, and to avoid using ‘guessable’ passwords. All firmware should be encrypted to reduce the possibility of it being downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and deconstructed. Use of a secure operating system that is regularly updated can protect against video tampering, altering, spoofing and snooping. Video surveillance systems Another precaution is to avoid remote login using Telnet or FTP, which are less secure. Finally, use of digital certificate provides assurance that data from a third party is true and not falsified. All data should be encrypted with digital certificates. Video manufacturers often provide ‘hardening guides’ to enable enterprises to protect their systems from potential cybersecurity threats. Video manufacturers often provide ‘hardening guides’ to enable enterprises to protect their systems from potential cybersecurity threats Free downloadable guides and other resources provide specific recommendations on hardening video surveillance systems by applying proven cybersecurity initiatives. For example, the OnSSI Hardening Guide for Networked Video Surveillance Systems includes guidance on password strength, how to avoid poor password practices, collaboration with IT and HR departments and how to apply software and firmware security updates. Hardware-level encryption It also includes standard, advanced and enterprise cybersecurity best practices for cameras, servers and workstations and networks. Another cybersecurity requirement is data-at-rest encryption to ensure that data, such as stored video, is secure right down to the storage medium in which it is held. Hardware-level encryption, firmware protection for the hard drive, and instant, secure erasing technology allow devices to be retired with minimal risk of data misuse. Despite the clear benefits, data-at-rest encryption lags other areas, such as network and endpoint security, in terms of the investment it currently receives. A Thales Data Threat report found that data-at-rest security was receiving some of the lowest levels of spending increases in 2016 (44%), versus a 62% increase for network and a 56% increase for endpoint security.

Constantly optimising deep learning algorithms yields better video analytics performance, even in complex applications such as facial recognition or in scenarios with variable lighting, angles, postures, expressions, accessories, resolution, etc. Deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), holds the potential to enable video analytics to deliver on long-promised, but not often delivered performance. Our AI series continues here with part 2. Adapting existing hardware Today, low-cost system-on-chip (SoC) camera components enable deep neural network (DNN) processing for the next generation of intelligent cameras, thus expanding the availability of AI processing to a broader market. AI software can even add learning capabilities by adapting existing hardware to AI applications AI software can even add learning capabilities by adapting existing hardware to AI applications. Today’s smartphones include cameras, gyroscopes and accelerometers to provide sufficient data to drive AI applications. Software can adapt existing hardware to transform them into AI devices capable of continuous learning in the field. Inside a video camera, real-time deep learning processing can be used to detect discarded objects, issue loitering alarms and detect people or objects entering a pre-defined field. Data capture form to appear here! Detect anomalous data Additional capabilities are applicable to demanding environments and mission-critical applications, such as the perimeter protection of airports, critical infrastructures and government buildings, border patrol, ship-tracking and traffic-monitoring (e.g. wrong-way detection, traffic-counts and monitoring roadsides for parked cars: all vital video security solutions). IoT is transforming the lowly security camera from a device that simply captures images, into an intelligent sensor that plays an integral role in gathering the kind of vital business data that can be used to improve commercial operations in areas beyond security. For example, cities are transitioning into smart cities. Deep learning enables systems to search surveillance footage, to detect anomalous data, and to shift surveillance from post-incident response to providing alerts during, or even before, an event. The ability of deep learning for video analytics is much more sophisticated and accurate Make critical decisions Deep learning can eliminate previous video analytics limitations such as dependence on a scene’s background. Deep learning is also more adept than humans at discerning subtle changes in an image. The ability of deep learning for video analytics is much more sophisticated – and accurate – than the programmed approaches previously employed to identify targets. AI is a timely solution in an age when there is more video surveillance than ever. There are too many cameras and too much recorded video for security operators to keep pace with. On top of that, people have short attention spans. AI is a technology that doesn’t get bored and can analyse more video data than humans. Systems are designed to bring the most important events and insight to users’ attention, freeing them to do what they do best: make critical decisions. Multiple camera streams AI can reduce information overload to enable humans to work with the data more efficiently The video benefits reflect the larger goal of AI to amplify human skills. AI can reduce information overload to enable humans to work with the data more efficiently. Another benefit is faster search, and new systems make searching video as easy as searching the internet. AI enables specific people or cameras to be located quickly across all the cameras at a site. Searching can be directed by a reference images or by physical descriptors such as gender or clothing colour. Consider a scenario of a child missing from a crowded shopping mall: Every second can seem like hours, and artificial intelligence and neural networks can enable a rapid search among multiple camera streams using only one photo of the child. The photo does not have to be a full-frontal passport-type photos; it could be a selfie from a party as long as the face is there. Intrusion detection scenario AI can find her and match her face from among hundreds of thousands of faces captured from video, in nearly real time. AI can also continuously analyse video streams from the surveillance cameras in its network, distinguishing human faces from non-human objects such as statues and animals. Privacy concerns are minimal as there is no ID or personal information on the photo, and the image can be erased after use. And there is no database of stored images.    In a perimeter security/intrusion detection scenario, an AI-driven video system can avoid false alarms by easily distinguishing different types of people and objects, e.g., in a region set up to detect people, a car driving by, a cat walking by, or a person’s shadow will not trigger the alarm. Part three coming soon. If you missed part one, see it here.

The concept of door locks means something totally different in our current age of smarter buildings that house data-driven businesses. Hardware locks and keys are still around, but they co-exist with a brave new world of electronic locks, wireless locks, networked systems, and smarter access control. Locks can also increasingly be a part of a smart building’s flow of data. The opportunities of these new technologies and approaches are significant, but there are also pitfalls. I heard an interesting discussion about these topics presented by several business leaders from lock company Allegion at a press event at ISC West earlier this year. Here are some highlights from that discussion. Q: What new developments in emerging technologies do you see in the coming years? There’s opportunity for implementation of the technology to solve real problems" Mark Jenner, Market Development Director: Connected locks, other types of sensors and all the data being aggregated inside buildings provide opportunity for data analytics. The buzzwords around technologies can cause confusion for integrators and end users, such as artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning, and what’s the difference among all of them? My opinion is that they are important, but the big theme across them all is opportunities for new business models for the integrator, and opportunities to solve problems for end users. And it’s not just technology for technology’s sake. There’s opportunity for implementation of the technology to solve real problems. Devin Love, Market Development Manager: You can’t just have a solution looking for a problem. You see a lot of people who understand technology in their own lives, and they want to translate that into their businesses. That’s where I think it’s exciting. You now have all this technology, and people understand it to the extent that it improves their daily life. They go through their day with less friction, with more ease, and technology fades to the background. There are two levels of value. One is the longer, bigger, broader scope of what the technology can bring to a company using it, but on an immediate basis, there is the value of tracking how a business is running. These sensors are collecting data. For example, if you are a multi-tenant property, you can look at how amenities are being used. What do my residents really care about? That informs future decisions. Robert Gaulden, Project Based Business Leader, Electronic Access Control: I have been studying the multi-family space for the last couple of months. The customer experience is really driving a lot of that technology adoption. What you’re seeing today, whether it’s a mobile device or some other device, is the ability to move throughout the property, and gain access to the perimeter and to your tenant space. All of this adoption is around that experience. There’s multiple players coming into the space, from Amazon wanting to deliver packages into the tenant space to residents who don’t want the inconvenience of using a key. Technology adoption to solve problems, and also to drive experiences, is where a lot of the balance will play out. It’s important that we look at how integrators can use the technology to do business more effectively and efficiently" Brad Aikin, Channel Led Business Leader, Integrator Channel: From an integrator perspective, there are two things. One is how they can approach end users, and the scope of what integrators consult with them about is wider. I think we as an industry are getting beyond those high-traffic, high-security applications. Those are still critical, but the value we bring around security and convenience is opening a new incremental opportunity. Also, the experience of the integrator and how they conduct their business is important, from generating quotes to communications to proactive servicing. It’s important that we look at how integrators can use the technology to do business more effectively and efficiently. Gaulden: We as an industry, and we as manufacturers, need to understand what data we are generating so we can run our businesses more efficiently from every aspect, whether you’re the property manager, the building owner, the integrator, or whether you’re the manufacturer. These devices and technology are being pushed out everywhere and will generate the data. How we learn from that – especially when you apply security to it to be more proactive – provides huge opportunities. Jenner: What data is important and what’s not? Folks get overwhelmed with too much data at some point. What’s important for an application at the end user level? What do they really need to solve the problem? Love: Privacy gets involved as well, especially with consumer products. The attitude is “stay out of my private business.” But if you’re an employee now, all bets are off. Now you have a professional relationship with the people you work with, so there is a different lens that you look through when tracking data. You use the data to everyone’s benefit, and it’s a different paradigm than in your private life. Aikin: Also, where does that data create a better experience for the person? That’s what drives the money and value: What level of information sharing makes my experience better? The technology is also getting smarter in terms of “how do we sort through the valuable information?” Hardware locks and keys are still around, but they co-exist with a brave new world of electronic locks, wireless locks, networked systems, and smarter access control Q: As facilities connect more devices and sensors, the cybersecurity threats increase. We have already seen Internet of Things (IoT) devices being used as the attack point of cyber breaches. What are the vulnerabilities that make those attacks possible, and how can integrators protect their customers? Love: Certainly, this is an extremely – maybe the most important – piece of our industry. What is the point of everything we do if we can’t instill that trust? But what we need to solve here also comes with opportunity. There’s certainly hope. You’re not seeing a frontal attack on the technology. It’s usually some loophole, or some older device that hasn’t been updated, or wasn’t installed correctly, or it was social-engineered. The opportunity is, not that it can’t be solved, but that it absolutely needs to be solved – and it can. Gaulden: Integrators need the ability to understand that cyber layer and what it means. Nowadays, everything runs on the network, and you won’t even get past the IT department to get on the network if you don’t have the right staff, the right credentials. From an integrator standpoint, you need the ability to add to your staff, to understand everything from the product level to the firmware and the software level, all the way to the deployment of the holistic system. You can’t just say, “That’s not part of our responsibility.” All these devices are now riding on the network. They can be protected from a cyber perspective, or you will have vulnerabilities. As manufacturers and business consultants to integrators, we should facilitate the conversation, that it is one ecosystem" Aikin: Everything is a communication device. With the concern and need comes an opportunity for the integrator. But it’s also in making sure integrators are having that conversation with end users and setting the expectations up front. What I’m providing you on day one is the best in the industry at this time, but tomorrow it may not be. My accountability and service are to maintain that environment and keep it running. I may not physically change the device you see, but the service I’m bringing to you is that security, and that comprehensive dialogue. The IT stakeholders already have that expectation, but there is a chasm in some organisations between the physical security and the IT stakeholders, and the integrator is facilitating that conversation. As manufacturers and business consultants to integrators, we should facilitate that conversation. It is one ecosystem. Q: Aside from cybersecurity, what are some of the other threats that integrators should be aware of as they work with customers to implement the new trends and technologies we have mentioned? Aikin: It is diversifying, all the options and the capabilities. With that comes confusion and misapplication. If I look at the trends around just wireless; I go back 10 years ago, there were even questions of whether wireless was a secure technology. That has progressed and continues to be part of the cyber conversation, just like any hardwired product. It’s something you have to maintain and be aware of. Wireless has really diversified. There is still a need for education within the channel, and most importantly, to the end user. There are still end users that assume a WiFi widget is the same thing as a Bluetooth widget is the same thing as a low-frequency widget. But they are all different. There are reasons there are different technologies. Nothing stifles the adoption of technology more than misapplication. We have different architectures within our lock base and among our software partners to allow a mix of technology" Gaulden: Integrators understand the differences in how various doors are used and how those applications will work. In the K-12 school environment, you want the ability for an instant lockdown, and a WiFi deployment probably isn’t your best option. You need a real-time deployment. However, my office door at headquarters doesn’t necessarily need real-time communication. I can pull audits off it once or twice a day. You have to mix and match technologies. For a high security door, you would proactively monitor it. But for a door where convenience is the goal, we can put electronic security on it but we don’t need to know what’s going on at any moment in time. We have different architectures within our lock base and among our software partners to allow that mix of technology. Jenner: End users want the latest technology, but it may not be for their applications. Those things drive more costs into it, when end users need to be putting money into cybersecurity and some other things. That’s part of the misapplication. Another risk is interoperability. That’s a big piece of the technology and as things change. How do we do a better job of supporting open architecture? It may not be a standards-based protocol, although we use a lot of standards, but we just need to make sure whatever protocols we use are open and easily accessible so we can continue to work with them in the future. We know that when our devices go in, they will support other parts of the ecosystem from an interoperability perspective. That’s important for integrators to know: How is this going to be applied and integrate with something in three, four or five years from now? It’s an expensive investment, and I want to make sure it will work in the future. Main photo: Business leaders from Allegion discussed new trends in electronic and wireless locks at a recent press event: (L-R) Robert Gaulden, Devin Love, Brad Aikin and Mark Jenner.

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.

Neath Port Talbot residents have been given a road safety boost in the form of a new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV). It has been supplied by Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement, video surveillance and management solutions, which was awarded the contract after due procurement process. Mobile enforcement vehicle “Indiscriminate and dangerous parking around Neath Port Talbot will no longer be tolerated,” said Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. “The newly purchased mobile enforcement vehicle seeks to challenge those drivers who choose to park on school keep clear markings, within clearly defined bus stops and on pedestrian crossings with no thought for the safety of others. It is hoped that this MEV vehicle will help to further ensure greater safety and protection for pedestrians and other road users as we progress through 2019.” It is hoped that this MEV vehicle will help to further ensure greater safety and protection for pedestrians" As part of an ongoing campaign, the council’s road safety team carried out a county-wide School Gate Parking campaign in partnership with South Wales Police and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This included banners to be displayed outside all schools to raise awareness as well as delivering education to all pupils - encouraging them to be a positive influence on their guardians taking them to and from school. However, it was determined that enforcement for persistent drivers was the most effective way to tackle this growing road safety menace. ANPR and Digital Video Platform The Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) comes equipped with two roof-mounted high-tech ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence of vehicles whose drivers have chosen to contravene traffic orders across the County’s territories. The on-board systems are controlled by one of the Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers using a dashboard-mounted touchscreen. All contravention evidence data is transferred to Videalert’s Digital Video Platform in the parking office at the end of each shift. The Videalert system automates the construction of video evidence packs which are reviewed by trained council operatives prior to sending confirmed offences to the back-office processing system for the issuance of penalty charge notices to the registered keepers of vehicles. Road and residential safety The winning entry of ‘iPatrol’ was submitted by a pupil at Gnoll Primary School In order to promote the safety messages to younger residents, the Council’s Road Safety Team also engaged with all Primary School pupils in a competition to name the vehicle. The winning entry of ‘iPatrol’ was submitted by a pupil at Gnoll Primary School who was presented with a Chromebook, sponsored by Videalert, by Neath Port Talbot Council Mayor Cllr Dennis Keogh at the Mayor’s Parlour in Port Talbot on Thursday, January 24th. According to Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert: “This new generation of multi-purpose mobile enforcement vehicles (MEVs) gives Councils greater flexibility in the way that they can deal with a wide range of moving traffic and parking contraventions.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES Council) is extending its Videalert CCTV enforcement platform with the installation of additional cameras for its approved class C clean air zone (CAZ) that gives exemptions to private cars but charges higher polluting buses, coaches, HGVs, LGVs/vans, private hire vehicles and taxis. Videalert was awarded the contract to ensure full and seamless integration with the council’s existing hosted digital video platform which is already being used to enforce a wide range of restrictions including bus lanes, bus gates and permit parking.  Videalert CCTV enforcement platform B&NES Council was one of 28 councils directed by the government to prepare an action plan to urgently reduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide (caused by vehicle emissions) to within EU and national limits by 2021 at the latest. The authority had originally proposed a Class D CAZ, charging all higher emission vehicles, including cars, to drive in the city centre. However, following further ongoing technical work and a public consultation in December - which garnered an unprecedented 8,421 responses - a class C option with additional traffic management, was agreed. According to Chris Major, group manager for Transport and Parking at B&NES Council: “The new charging class C CAZ will achieve compliance by 2021 apart from a single exceedance caused by localised traffic issues. We believe this will be resolved by installing traffic signals at two junctions.” HD ANPR cameras Videalert will be installing HD ANPR cameras to enforce the new CAZ scheme at key road junctions across the designated boundary Videalert will be installing HD ANPR cameras to enforce the new CAZ scheme at key road junctions across the designated boundary. The hosted Videalert platform will automate the management and enforcement of this new zone, providing real-time identification including vehicle make, model, colour and euro standard rating for pre-filtering and updating the whitelist of compliant vehicles held at the edge to minimise transmission costs. Information on non-compliant vehicles will then interface with the UK government’s new national clean air zone database for vehicle validation and payment. The system will also provide detailed analytics and impact analysis highlighting the reduction in non-compliant vehicles entering the zone over time. Support multiple applications Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert, added: “The award of this high-profile contract confirms Videalert’s ability to handle the evolving requirements of clean air and low emission zones. It also demonstrates how a single video data platform can support multiple applications, enabling councils to address the challenges of improving traffic congestion and air quality simultaneously.” The CAZ should commence operation at the end of 2020. The daily charge will be £9 for non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles and light goods vehicles (the minimum standard being euro 6 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol), and £100 for buses, coaches and HGVs (the minimum standard being euro 6).

Apstec Systems announces that its Human Security Radar (HSR), the first fully automatic real-time mass people screening solution, has been selected by Esenboga Airport, Ankara, to significantly boost security in land side areas. Chosen following a rigorous selection process, including a pilot installation, HSR will be installed at the terminal entrances as part of ongoing security enhancement measures by the Turkish State Airports Authority. It will enable people screening without slowing down the flow of traffic, with each system capable of scanning up to 10,000 individuals per hour. The technology was deployed in partnership with local distributer AKBA. Cost-effective solution The devastating attacks on Ataturk Airport in Istanbul and Brussels Airport highlighted the vulnerability of the land side of airports to terrorism The devastating attacks on Ataturk Airport in Istanbul and Brussels Airport highlighted the vulnerability of the land side of airports to terrorism. Since these events there has been global interest in securing the land side of airports, but traditional aviation style security checkpoints or manual searches, which scan one individual at a time, are not suited to purpose and result in large queues of passengers, which are vulnerable to attack in their own right. With existing approaches to security screening providing impractical, inconvenient and expensive to operate, terminals have remained susceptible to attack, or are subject to intrusive and disruptive security screening regimes. HSR was designed to address this challenge, and offers a practical and cost-effective solution to security screening in such high footfall scenarios. Enhanced security measures The first fully automated, real-time mass screening solution, HSR provides seamless security to protect public places from terrorist attacks. The walkthrough system uniquely combines unparalleled high throughput, speed and accuracy, simultaneously screening multiple subjects in real-time for threats, without the need for an operator to inspect suspect materials. With 40,000 passengers traveling through Esenboga Airport every day, the deployment of HSR will be instrumental in improving security for millions of people. Through deploying HSR as part of its commitment to terminal safety and enhanced security measures" “HSR constitutes a major breakthrough in the way airports protect the land side of terminals,” commented Osman Aksoy & Sirzat Balin,Co-Founders, AKBA. “Through deploying HSR as part of its commitment to terminal safety and enhanced security measures, the Turkish Airport Authority has taken a major step to prevent the reoccurrence of terrorist attacks.” Mass transport hubs Esenboga Airport’s uptake of HSR is the latest major deployment of the technology, which is currently utilised by some of the world’s largest airports, as well as sports stadiums, entertainment venues, mass transport hubs and networks, places of worship, hotels and high-end retail and entertainment centres. “HSR is proven to dramatically improve safety in crowded public spaces, and enables venue owners to close a critical security capability gap,” added Gregory Labzovsky, CEO, Apstec. “We’re therefore delighted to be working with Esenboga Airport to enhance safety for millions of travellers. AKBA, our distributor in Turkey, were instrumental in helping the Turkish Authorities understand the potential of HSR.”

Stadshavens Medemblik operates five busy ports in the Netherlands – at Pekelharinghaven, Voorhaven, Middenhaven, Westerhaven and Overlekerkanaal – and it also has two bridges under its control, as well as the thriving Westerhaven lock. The company has grown by around 30% each year since 2015 and the efficient, friendly welcome provided by the operations team is an important factor in this success. Under the leadership of Wijnand Baerken, Stadshavens Medemblik wanted to plan for further growth and it identified improved video surveillance capability as a key requirement. Van der Laan was confident in recommending IDIS IP video technology, which is flexible and robust enough for all conditions, and which would allow the old analogue infrastructure to be adapted. Multi-standard infrastructure Without the need for extended cabling or civil works and associated planning permission the installation was quick and efficient A complete observation plan was drawn up, with Van der Laan and IDIS collaborating closely, identifying the best locations for cameras based on viewing angles, lighting conditions and the control features required. Much of the existing cabling has been retained, thanks to the IDIS Center multi-standard infrastructure, and the system has been extended to new areas with both wireless and fibre links. Without the need for extended cabling or civil works and associated planning permission the installation was quick and efficient. The old analogue video system already installed at Stadshavens Medemblik was outdated, with the cameras no longer able to cope with the challenging waterside environment. In poor-visibility conditions - including rain, fog, and glare - images were unusable. The system was also inflexible, making it hard to adjust or add cameras. Enabling greater efficiency Another major challenge was to improve observation of water and road traffic at Medemblik, with a bridge located above the lock preventing a direct view from the port office. To tackle these problems, the trusted technology systems provider Van der Laan was asked to design and install a solution using the best available technology. The new solution is not just preventing crime but enabling greater efficiency and control across all the port’s operations Cameras including award-winning IDIS PTZs have been placed at all strategic locations, on the bridges, the lock, the ports and importantly at the entrance from the IJsselmeer. All integrated and controlled through intuitive IDIS Center video management software, the new solution is not just preventing crime but enabling greater efficiency and control across all the port’s operations. Competitive systems "From the harbour office operators utilising IDIS surveillance can immediately ascertain the size of boats as they enter the port, check where there is mooring place and send the skippers directly to the right location. The IDIS mobile app is proving particularly convenient as it allows us to see exactly what’s happening day and night and enable the operations team to offer immediate assistance if needed." Stadshavens Medemblik, Wijnand Baerken, Director. "The IDIS platform is perfect for combining various IP and analogue systems. Moreover, it is more secure than competitive systems. IDIS systems use proprietary protocols and the way in which data is processed makes them very difficult to hack." Van der Laan Techniek. Dennis Selbach, Account Manager. Looking to the future, plans are being developed to enlarge the port significantly, and Van der Laan and IDIS look certain to be involved.

Students of all ages in state schools are entitled to a safe learning environment. If students don't feel safe, they are not able to stay focused during classroom lessons and activities. That’s why Narre Warren South. P-12 College has upgraded its security with the installation of a sophisticated SALTO access control and ID pass system. Located south east of Melbourne, Australia, Narre Warren South P-12 College is a unique school on one campus with two sub schools, Primary, (Prep to Year 6) and Secondary, (Years 7 to 12). It follows the P-12 Curriculum which is designed to provide diversity and pathway opportunities, ensuring students maximise opportunities that exist after school and ensure people achieve their learning goals in a fun and supportive learning environment. Mechanical key system The College previously used a mechanical key system for its security needs Home to over 2000 students and 200 staff, cultural diversity is a feature of the College with at least 50 ethnic groups being represented speaking 68 languages. A third of the College’s student population come from families where the language background is other than English. The College previously used a mechanical key system for its security needs; however this was increasingly complicated to manage as keys multiplied, and it was difficult to guard against key duplication and copying. Another negative was the cost of re-keying and replacing locks to maintain security if keys were lost or not handed back. Security arrangements The College also had a number of challenges when it came to managing and limiting traffic flow through the staff car parks, both inside and outside school hours. To alleviate such problems, the College decided to look into upgrading its security arrangements and called in local security specialists Eclipse Security Systems. Director Greg Flood takes up the story. “We met with Brett Dyer, (the College’s Property and Maintenance Manager), and explained how SALTO solutions are in use around the world in educational environments including universities, university housing, schools, research institutes, academies, kindergartens and more where they provide security, access control and campus management.” Cost-effective package Brett liked the fact that SALTO could offer a solution that was education proven" “Replacing keys with smart access control would give the school much more control over its security. For instance installing smart online wireless locks on main entrance doors would enable the school to incorporate these doors into its lock down procedure. At busy student drop off and pick up times in the morning and afternoon, the school gates could be automated to improve traffic flow and ease congestion.” “And since Narre Warren South P-12 like almost all state schools hire out their sports, meeting facilities etc to third party groups outside of school hours, the new access control solution would make it much easier to manage access for such short term visitors. Brett liked the fact that SALTO could offer a solution that was education proven and offered a secure, flexible way to have all the above benefits and more in a versatile, cost-effective package that was future proof and gave a great return on the schools investment dollars.” Scheduled automatic locking Most external doors have a mix of offline and online SALTO XS4 escutcheons" “The removal of the old system and the upgrade to smart locks was smooth and straightforward, and we’ve now retro-fitted in excess of 100 doors and automated a number of perimeter gates. Most external doors, plus the addition of a number of internal office doors across all the blocks, have a mix of offline and online SALTO XS4 escutcheons, as well as control units and wall readers.” “The most important thing for us is to ensure that we are doing everything we can to safeguard our children. Our new access control system furthers this goal” says Brett Dyer. “We went with Greg’s recommendation of SALTO for its functionality and value for money. We particularly like how easy it is to use and program, especially the issue and management of contactless smartcards for external user groups." "The scheduled automatic locking and unlocking of external doors and gates is a huge time saver, and so far we’re pleased with the product and the capabilities it now gives us.”

ISC West 2019 is in the industry’s rear-view mirror, and what a show it was! The busy three days in April offered a preview of exciting technologies and industry trends for the coming year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at ISC West 2019?

The new year 2019 is brimming with possibilities for the physical security industry, but will those possibilities prove to be good news or bad news for our market? Inevitably, it will be a combination of good and bad, but how much good and how bad? We wanted to check the temperature of the industry as it relates to expectations for the new year, so we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How optimistic is your outlook for the physical security industry in 2019? Why?

The concept of how security systems can contribute to the broader business goals of a company is not new. It seems we have been talking about benefits of security systems beyond “just” security for more than a decade. Given the expanding role of technologies in the market, including video and access control, at what point is the term “security” too restrictive to accurately describe what our industry does? We asked the Expert Panel Roundtable for their responses to this premise: Is the description “security technology” too narrow given the broader application possibilities of today’s systems? Why?