Vacant property security

Embsec’s laser scanning will position GJD as a leader in the field of laser detection GJD, a manufacturer and designer of professional external detector equipment and LED illuminators announced it has signed an agreement to acquire from Embsec AB, a Swedish R&D house, all of their internet protocol (IP) and laser technology plus all related intellectual property rights. The IP technology will be integrated into GJD’s D-TECT detector and Clarius LED illuminator product ranges to provide automated and digitally connectable security solutions.Laser scanning technologyEmbsec’s laser scanning and time of flight technology solutions will position GJD as a leader in the field of laser detection. These products are proving very popular and provide extremely accurate detection for high risk security applications. The external laser detectors will be manufactured in-house at GJD’s UK factory under the Laser-Watch and vFence trademarks.Traditional analogue security and lighting systems have been the most popular choice for a variety of applications for decades. In 2016, the Internet of Things (IoT) exploded into the security world. More and more companies are looking to seamlessly connect their products (security or otherwise) to the Internet for remote diagnostics, programming, and control applications. The purchase of Embsec’s IP products, software, and technology allows GJD to offer a fully integrated IP solution, with all products being manufactured in-house at GJD’s head office in Heywood, Greater Manchester.High-speed remote access “There is a high demand for IP security products to complement the rise in smart home and building management systems” In this digital age, it is extremely rare to be without an internet enabled device. Smart phones, tablets, and computers are always readily available. One of the major advantages of having a GJD security device connected via the internet is that the high-speed remote access permits full control and diagnostics at anytime from anywhere in the world.The IP technology will complement GJD’s product range instantly. It will provide installers, specifiers, and consultants with a one stop shop for IP connected detectors, alarm devices, and LED illuminators for smart building networks. Mark Tibbenham, Managing Director of GJD commented: “This strategic acquisition will enable the company to substantially develop and grow in terms of technology innovation. There is a high demand for IP security products to complement the rise in smart home and building management systems. GJD’s unique IP enabled intrusion detection and illumination products will open up new doors to these markets.”Cutting-edge technologyErik Lindstein, Managing Director of Embsec AB commented: “GJD is a fantastic company to take this cutting-edge technology forward. We have worked with GJD for many years and are confident that our customers and suppliers will benefit greatly from GJD’s focus on technology innovation and world class service offering.”Erik Lindstein continued to say: “This change is fantastic news for our customers and partners. Embsec will continue to support our customers during the transition process to ensure it is as smooth as possible.”

Kevin Soulages, Assistant Director at Arizona Mills Mall, has a security/law enforcement background Arizona-based Kevin Soulages, a mall security professional for Allied Universal - a leading facility services company and the largest security force in North America with over 150,000 employees - recently received the “coveted” Simon Properties Tom Cernock Award for outstanding performance on the job. Valued member of the Arizona Mill Security team An Allied Universal employee since 2012, Soulages recently became Assistant Director at Arizona Mills Mall in Tempe. “Kevin is a valued member of the Arizona Mill’s Security team and receiving this coveted award only confirms that fact,” said Mark Lo Schiavo, Allied Universal Account Manager. “Kevin is an exemplary officer and continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is reliable, hardworking, and knowledgeable in his craft. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to his fellow officers, mall tenants, mall management and our customers,” said Lo Schiavo. About Kevin Soulages Soulages has a security/law enforcement background that dates back to 1993 and he continues to perfect his knowledge and skills and he shares what he has learned with both his peers and subordinates. He previously worked at Phoenix Premium Outlets. The award is named after the late Tom Cernock, former Vice President of Corporate Security for the Simon Property Group, which contracts with Allied Universal for security. Cernock was a leader and pioneer in the area of security. Save

The P2000 from Johnson Controls, already known for integrating video surveillance, fire alarms and building management systems, now offers more options to better protect people, property and assets. Enhanced features include web-based alarm management, geo-location mapping, enhanced video technology, and mobile compatibility to Google® Android® devices that will help security personnel and building owners better assess threats and respond appropriately. Web-based situational awareness and case management The web-based alarm manager allows operators to see and respond to all alarms inside a facility or throughout their campus. Geo-location mapping features help users view, understand and manage what is happening in specific locations in real-time. New case management functionality also links photos, video clips, and documentation to specific alarms or security events for investigation and archiving needs. Enhanced video viewer and recorder The P2000 has a new, more robust video application for viewing live and recorded video from integrated third-party video management systems. The video viewer currently supports Aimetis Symphony® and P2000 VMS. It will also interface with ONVIF® profile G compliant video management systems. Compatibility with additional mobile applications The P2000’s Wi-Fi mobile applications are now available for Google Android devices. “We’ve updated the P2000 to help address our customers’ ever-evolving needs. Building security is all about access to the right information at the right time, especially when seconds matter. The P2000 delivers that and more,” said Laura Farnham, Vice President and General Manager, Security and Fire North America, Johnson Controls. Additional features also include mobile door locking controls, and enhanced user identification tools for monitoring, assessing and managing individual access to doorways and access points.

BSIA was instrumental in development of standard and several VPP section members contributed their expertise The British Security Industry Association’s Vacant Property Protection section has welcomed the publication of British Standard BS 8584: 2015 Vacant Property Protection Services – Code of Practice. The BSIA was instrumental in the development of the standard and several members of its Vacant Property Protection (VPP) Section contributed their expertise throughout the process. The Code of Practice is for companies providing protection to vacant (also known as void or empty) properties. The economic downturn of recent years, combined with changes in retail patterns and a move away from the high street, has resulted in an increase of the number of buildings that are not in use. In turn, this has led to a rise in the number of companies providing services to protect these buildings. Largely based on existing BSIA Vacant Property Protection Code of Practice The BSIA’s VPP section wished to create a code of practice for companies to follow to enable customers to differentiate principled companies with good quality practices from those companies who are solely interested in making money. To this end, the section lent their expertise to the drafting of BS 8584, alongside representatives of inspectorates, insurance providers and industry authorities. The standard was also largely based on the BSIA’s existing Vacant Property Protection Code of Practice, Form 154. Gideon Reichental, Chairman of the BSIA’s Vacant Property Protection Section, explains: “The Code of Practice is a welcome addition to the existing standards applicable to the Vacant Property Protection sector and will help companies providing such services to follow good quality practices. Importantly, the Code of Practice reflects the wide variety of products and services available on the market and the increasingly sophisticated range of technology that is being used. Ultimately, the Code of Practice will help to ensure that end-users are receiving the best possible service from a reputable security company.” Covers approaches to protect vacant property Many people may think that protecting vacant property is a simple matter of boarding up windows, but the sector is an increasingly sophisticated business with a variety of security solutions now widely available. Many reputable vacant property protection companies now employ a variety of techniques to protect empty buildings including intruder alarm systems, manned security patrols, CCTV surveillance, fire and risk assessments, amongst a number of other measures. There has also been an increase in the number of companies using an alternative approach to protecting vacant property, whereby carefully vetted guardians provide protection by living in the property. BS 8584 covers both approaches to protecting vacant property. Paul Phillips, Technical Services Manager at the BSIA, adds: “The Code of Practice has come at a really important time, as more properties become vacant, more customers will be looking for reputable companies to protect their properties. A company that complies with BS 8584 will be of good repute and will follow best practice guidelines.”

UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions has launched a new Heavy Duty Tubular Latch for residential properties. The new HD Tubular latch has been fully tested to meet EN12209 - category of use grade 2, demonstrating that it is appropriate for medium frequency of use by people with some incentive to exercise care, but where there is some chance of misuse. It is also suitable for use on 30 and 60 minute timber fire doors. In addition, the UNION Heavy Duty Tubular Latch meets durability grade M, exceeding security requirements for internal residential applications. The UNION Heavy Duty Tubular Latch comes with 2.5” and 3.0” variant; both of which have bolt through fixings, allowing more secure fixings for the door furniture. This ensures longevity of door furniture, thus minimising maintenance and replacement costs. The new product features an anti-rattle adjustable strike, which allows on site fine-tuning during installation. The latch is also supplied with a splinter guard, offering a professional finish and protecting the product from frame debris. ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions - Trusted by Professionals Karen Hubbard, Product Manager – Mortice Locks, at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “The new UNION Heavy Duty Tubular Latch has evolved from the market requirements for more durable products that are both CE compliant and cost effective. Designed in the UK, it offers the high quality that trade customers have come to expect from UNION - and is a great example of why we are Trusted by Professionals. “The whole life cost of products is becoming an increasing concern within apartment blocks, student accommodation and residential care homes; as a result, the UNION Heavy Duty Tubular Latch has been designed. The latch has been tested to over a million cycles, proving that it can withstand heavy traffic and reduce long-term costs. “Our heritage and experience combined with innovation and the value of being part of the global ASSA ABLOY group helps us to deliver reliable and durable products. In fact we are so confident in our product quality; we offer a ten year guarantee.” Allowing a more stylish approach to specification, the latch can be used with light unsprung door furniture, which is more aesthetically pleasing and assists in creating comfortable living environments. Supplied as a dual finish, satin stainless steel and polished brass finish faceplates and strikes, the UNION Heavy Duty Tubular latch allows installers to prepare for any kind of installation and allows them to service two applications with half the inventory.

Passing the TIPS has enabled VIVOTEK to create a comprehensive intellectual property management system VIVOTEK takes great honour in announcing its passing of the 2014 Taiwan Intellectual Property Management System (TIPS) verification, for which VIVOTEK shall be attending the “TIPS 2014 Verified Institution Exchange and Commendation Summit” hosted by the Science and Technology Law Institute on 23 March 2015 to accept such an honour. Tangible benefits that the TIPS VIVOTEK is a technology-oriented network surveillance system brand. It possesses a strong R&D team, owns core media compression technologies, and demonstrates superior technology integration and product development capabilities. These advantages have enabled VIVOTEK to continuously launch innovative, high-quality products, for which it has received numerous international awards. Since 2011, VIVOTEK has established the Intellectual Property Management Division to protect its R&D achievements and intellectual properties, and enhance the innovation of its R&D staffs. VIVOTEK’s R&D department operates under a 4-point policy, which comprises “the development of key technologies,” “the reduction of operating risks,” “the strengthening of intellectual property distribution,” and “the creation of intellectual property value.” To further strengthen competitiveness and effectively utilie company intellectual properties, VIVOTEK incorporated TIPS in 2014 to establish a more complete and systematic intellectual property management system. The tangible benefits that the TIPS outlines generate for enterprises include the effective integration of R&D and intellectual property development, the increase of the number of intellectual properties, the reduction of operating costs incurred by repeated R&D and infringement, the establishment of a trademark management mechanism, the enhancement of handling intellectual property disputes and litigations, and the formulation of management measures for confidential documents, environments, equipment, and staff. These benefits simultaneously reduce operating risks and create operating income. Mr. Owen Chen on passing TIPS The Chairman of VIVOTEK, Mr. Owen Chen, asserted, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Science and Technology Law Institute for their long-running efforts in promoting TIPS. VIVOTEK is proud to have formally passed the 2014 TIPS verification, which has enabled us to create a comprehensive intellectual property management system and enhanced the protection over our R&D achievements. TIPS has not only increased VIVOTEK’s reputation and elevated the confidence of our clients and strategic partners, but also enhanced our global competiveness.”

Executive protection can be costly, but it isa fraction of the loss that protecting a topexecutive could prevent  Corporate security departments work hard to protect people and property. Executive protection is one of the key components of corporate security services. In fact, many corporate security departments are now taking on this new responsibility. “We are seeing more companies adopting executive protection as a normal part of corporate security,” says Brian Jantzen, executive vice president with Seattle, Washington-based AS Solution, a company that provides a variety of security services, including executive protection, around the world. Need for Executive Protection Why should a company bring in an executive protection firm? Two reasons, says Jantzen: First, it could prevent the significant loss in the value of the company that would follow a successful attack on its executives. Second, executive protection is different today. In addition to security, executive protection also helps to support executive productivity.  Financial implications of corporate security An argument against executive protection may be its expense. Recent news reports have noted that Amazon spends $1.6 million annually to protect CEO Jeff Bezos. Disney pays $584,075 annually to protect CEO Bob Iger. Other high-profile companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to protect their top executives. Why so expensive? High-profile executives travel extensively by car and jet, and an executive protection team provides round-the-clock coverage in shifts. The team’s costs include salaries and expenses for travel, food and lodging. The team may also maintain a post at the executive’s home. “You also have an intelligence analysis piece and threat assessment,” Jantzen says. “That involves continuously looking for emerging risks and threats for the individual. For a high-profile executive, the threat assessment changes constantly and requires constant review.” "For a high-profile executive, the threat assessment changesconstantly and requires constant review" While it does sound expensive, Jantzen points out that the executive protection cost is a fraction of the loss that protecting the top executive can prevent. Effect of lack of executive security Imagine a public company with a $1 billion market capitalisation, he says. The sudden death of the company’s CEO would likely have a significant impact on the company’s stock price. Suppose the share price were to fall by 5 percent, it would reduce the company’s market capitalisation by $50 million. “Not all sudden deaths can be prevented,” notes Jantzen. “But some can. Wouldn’t it be worth spending a fraction of $50 million on trying to prevent such a loss?” Add to that the other key service provided by today’s new executive protection practitioners: Security for top executives plus productivity support. Productivity benefits to Executive Protection Executive protection services today go beyond basic executive protection. “Companies expect more from executive protection firms, today,” Jantzen says. “At AS Solution, for example, our premise is to keep people safe, happy and productive.” "Not all sudden deaths can beprevented," notes Jantzen. "Butsome can. Wouldn’t it be worthspending a fraction of $50 millionon trying to prevent such a loss?" “Of course, the idea is to mitigate risks based on a risk and threat assessment of the environment — on company property and in the areas of the world where company executives travel.” “At the same time, our teams carefully plan travel logistics. Well-planned travel reduces the exposure of a principal by avoiding long waits between appointments. When a principal finishes a keynote speech, for instance, he or she is smoothly escorted from the building and to the vehicles for the move to the next location.” “Flawless logistics are risk mitigation tactics that also support productivity,” Jantzen says. “By keeping the principal on the move, it is possible to increase the number of meetings attended in a day and countries visited on a five-day trip. That’s the productivity side of executive protection services.” Security practitioners’ capabilities Executive protection isn’t what it used to be. Today’s goals and capabilities have been fashioned by years of experience with the dangers stalking the modern world. At the same time, today’s professional security practitioners understand that corporate security has two jobs: Keeping people and property safe while contributing to the company’s business goals in the way that executive protection can boost productivity.  

  In practice, 90 percent or more of burglar alarms are false, and studies have estimated the related arrest rate at about 0.02 percent. No wonder law enforcement responds as a low priority, if at all. In contrast, a video-verified security alarm provides the virtual equivalent of an eye-witness to a crime in progress, and responding to video alarms yields arrest rates in the double digits – 20 percent or higher. That's a thousand times higher than non-video alarms. The Partnership for Priority Video Alarm Response (PPVAR) is a public/private partnership advocating the benefits of video alarms for insurance companies, law enforcement and security companies. Stakeholders in the battle against property crime are on the PPVAR board of directors, and the organisation is working with police and sheriff's departments throughout the United States to drive new standards and best practices. Members of PPVAR's Video Verification Committee include members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department; Phoenix, Houston and Chicago police departments; and the Texas Police Chiefs Association. Video alarms become more useful with improved technology Technology innovation has increased the usefulness of video to verify burglar alarms. “Surveillance camera prices are coming down,” says Keith Jentoft, president of RSI Video Technologies, which makes the Videofied product line of video-verified intrusion alarms. Such devices are now comparable in price to “blind” PIR (passive infrared) sensors commonly used for security alarms. “The hardware costs are cheap, and installation is easy with battery-powered and wireless devices,” says Jentoft, “monitoring costs are the same.” Jentoft is the Partnership Liaison for PPVAR. Getting the most benefit from technology improvements depends on police dispatchers modifying their practices to give higher priority to video-verified alarms, in effect communicating the increased value and urgency of video alarms to police officers in the field. Only then can improvements in arrest rates for property crimes be realised. Central monitoring stations must move video-verified alarms to the top of their queues. Police can then treat a verified security alarm as a crime in progress. For example, in Grand Prairie, Texas, the response time for video alarms is less than 2 minutes, versus a 15-minute response time for non-video alarms. The department is realising a double-digit increase in arrest rates as a result. Effective action against property crime with verified video alarms PPVAR is driving creation of best practices, defining what constitutes a video-verified alarm Law enforcement resources are diminishing, so property crimes tend to take a back seat to crimes against persons. With limited resources, it is critical that time spent on property crimes yields arrests. Video-verified alarms increase a department's efficiency when investigating property crimes. The insurance industry is active on the PPVAR board of directors, motivated by a shared desire to prevent property crime through more arrests – for insurers, one arrested burglar is the equivalent of 30 fewer claims. “Insurers want to have lower claims, cops want to make more arrests, and the alarm industry wants to see greater security,” says Jentoft. Establishing best practices and standards Greater implementation of best practices depends on evolution of standards and operating procedures for law enforcement. PPVAR is driving creation of best practices, defining what constitutes a video-verified alarm, what information is communicated to an emergency dispatch operator, formats for sharing video clips, etc. New standards will minimise false alarms and maximise arrests. Currently, there is a dearth of standards nationwide, and each police chief has typically set his or her own policy. A standardised policy could be easily adopted by individual departments, thus accelerating acceptance of video-verified alarms as higher priority calls. Involvement of police professionals in the standards-making process increases likelihood of widespread adoption of a uniform standard. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which certifies central station standards, is also involved in PPVAR's standards initiative. A free educational session at ISC West, April 3, 2014, in Las Vegas, NV, will feature law enforcement, insurers, and industry executives, available to provide information on how verified video alarms create stakeholder value. Watch the Video Verification - How does it work? video to learn more. Partnership for Priority Video Alarm Response (PPVAR)

  False security alarms can be reduced with simple business practices In today's security conscious environment, repeated false alarms can be costly to a business, and not just in financial terms. A false alarm is simply the activation of one's security alarm system for no apparent reason. With the introduction of European standards and the UK implementation of PD6662 (scheme for the application of European Standards for intruder and hold-up alarm systems) and DD243 (code of practice aimed at reducing false alarms, written by UK Association of Chief Police Officers) documents, both of which greatly improve the standard European document, the false alarm rate per system has been substantially reduced. However, they do still exist. Tony Makosinski from Honeywell Security examines the causes of false alarms and discusses ways they can be reduced and, preferably, eliminated. False security alarms can usually be attributed to the user, and on occasion to the environment. Let us look at each of these in turn. The user's role in false security alarms We may find ourselves in the situation where more responsibility is being placed on the shoulders of increasingly younger and untrained staff. It is one thing to simply turn a key in a lock, but quite another to expect staff to understand what is involved in securing the environment before setting the security alarm unless they have been trained and fully understand what is involved. Some of the most common causes of false alarms are: incorrect entry of user code, failure to secure both doors and windows, misoperation of panic buttons, and entering an area within the building where an alarm is already set. How does a false alarm occur during entry to the building? Sometimes staff can forget their user code when opening the building door. Today, PD6662 has made this a thing of the past by recommending that authorised key holders use an individually coded proximity tag or card to complete the entry process. Staff can add this to their personal keys so that it is always at hand. One example of how technology has recently advanced is the ability to include an access control function in the intruder alarm system. This means that the main entry point remains physically locked until the authorised key holder has disarmed the entire system with his or her card, and at other times that standard users can unlock the door with their cards. How to avoid late night call outs Some companies make spurious activation of alarms a disciplinary offence These are often the result of doors or windows swinging open because they have not been secured properly. An intruder alarm system can alert the user if a door is being opened at the time of setting as the panel will not arm, but the system cannot establish if the doors are closed and secured correctly. This is where user training is imperative. If users know in advance which doors and windows need to be verified and secured, they will be able to check them before leaving the premises. How to eliminate the error factor When a panic device has been activated, the reason given by a member of staff is often either that it was an accident or that he/she just wondered what would happen if the button was pressed. There are a few factors to comment on here. Firstly, when planning the initial alarm installation, it is key to work closely with the installer, users and the business to ensure that panic devices are only installed where necessary and in a location where the likelihood of accidental activation can be minimised. This in itself will reduce the number of false alarms. Secondly, user training once again is critical to ensure that all members of staff are aware of the consequences of misoperation of the system. Some companies make spurious activation of alarms a disciplinary offence. How to stop staff wandering into protected areas There are just two answers to this question. First, utilise the access control function on a modern intruder alarm system to ensure that whenever an area is set, the doors to it are firmly locked. Access control can prevent staff from wandering into alarmed areas, thus reducing false alarms Second, use a graphic interface instead of relying on the traditional keypad with two lines of sixteen characters per line to describe what is set and unset. The installation of a user-friendly graphical touch screen shows exactly the current status of all parts of the system. If this is placed strategically near a secure area, authorised users can check the status of the area they wish to enter before doing so. Environment's role in triggering of false alarms Typically, environmental factors that trigger a false alarm can be attributed to: a change within the building environmental system such as heating, air conditioning, and changes to the internal building layout without updating the alarm system configuration to reflect these changes. Modern alarm detection devices have evolved to ignore many of the things that used to cause false alarms. That said, they cannot cater for the unthinking employee. Think of how many times staff have exited the building leaving a fan heater operating under the desk or in the store room or left an oscillating fan on in the summer. If the person setting the security alarm is not aware of this or does not check, these can often lead to a false alarm later. Training and constant reminders will help eliminate this common problem and have the added benefit of reducing energy bills and, in turn, carbon footprint. It is key to ensure that panic devices are only installed where necessary Something else to consider are structural changes to an office environment.  In today's ever-changing business world, the need for departments to change location and size leads to the need for modern and flexible buildings. This means that at some stage walls, corridors and offices may need to be adjusted or moved. When this happens, businesses must remember to contact the alarm installer to check if the alarm system configuration needs to be updated in accordance with the office space structural changes. Training for optimising human interaction with the alarm system Security alarm manufacturers continually drive their R&D departments to improve the customer/user experience when developing new products. It is also true that the technology that these products are based on evolves and improves over time. However, manufacturers can only go so far. We may never get to the stage where you can have a totally autonomous alarm system where user interaction is not required. The human factor has to be accounted for within all intrusion detection systems and the best way to do this is in the correct training of staff and the best use of technology. One must also not forget to involve the installer with system development and usage from the very beginning.   Tony MakosinkskiHoneywell Security Group

Openpath, a provider of modern mobile access control, is announcing a partnership with Lincoln Property Company (LPC), one of the diversified real estate service firms in the United States. Openpath has been selected as LPC’s technology partner to standardise and bring best-in-class technology solutions across its current portfolio and planned developments of commercial spaces. Openpath’s platform focuses on integrated technology to provide frictionless mobile access and scalable cloud-based solutions that can also integrate with legacy systems. This collaboration future-proofs LPC’s security offerings for modern commercial development. The partnership marks a shift in the commercial real estate market, as operators and tenants demand technology-capable properties that provide ease, efficiency and advancement to address high-risk security challenges. Already deployed in a number of LPC’s Los Angeles properties, Openpath will continue to outfit buildings across the country, providing state-of-the-art, personalised security plans and solutions for individually customised building needs. Integrated security solution LPC is one of the ten largest commercial property developers in the nation, managing or leasing over 403 million square feet and $76 billion in assets. As the first developer to choose an access control and technology partner, LPC is now leading the charge for tenant experience and innovation. With the built world becoming more technology-reliant, an integrated security solution is critical to making an environment attractive for LPC’s tenants and employees. This partnership provides a future-proofed solution for LPC properties, as Openpath’s cloud access control technology provides a standardised solution that can be integrated across LPC’s current and future technology needs. In addition to mobile access control, Openpath offers LPC buildings a broad range of first-to-market services including Lockdown and Tailgating Prevention to address current workplace security concerns. While required integrations will continue to evolve, Openpath and LPC’s strategic relationship enhances and ensures the property's attractiveness years down the line. Customisation capabilities “This partnership provides an opportunity for us to continue to develop and personalise our solutions tailored towards Lincoln Property Company’s unique portfolio of commercial spaces,” said James Segil, co-founder and President of Openpath. LPC is focusing on the future of how we integrate better solutions" “Our mobile platform provides necessary customisation capabilities while giving LPC’s tenants the freedom of control in their daily security. LPC is focusing on the future of how we integrate better solutions and we’re excited to see this next stage of development as we continue to design products that meet evolving property needs.” “Our goal is to ensure that every building provides the highest quality experience for our tenants,” said Eric Roseman, VP of Innovation & Technology Ventures, Lincoln Property Company. “We are excited to be the first major real estate firm to partner with Openpath to bring this technology to a nationwide commercial portfolio, and to spearhead the movement of tenant experience by providing our buildings with state-of-the-art security and mobile access control.”

Being a property management and home security service provider, DOM UK Ltd. considers specialised door security solutions for different premises such as holiday homes, serviced apartments and other temporary accommodations. By implemented keyless solutions on a rented property or serviced apartment provides effortless access granted by property managers and ease of control. Guests can also benefit as the last thing they want to worry about is looking after an extra set of keys. DOM Tapkey cloud-based smart locks DOM Tapkey, is a cloud-based smart lock, which diminishes the problem of remotely managing property access, including the expense and hassle of constant key exchanges, the disruption of early check-ins and overstays, and minimise the security risks of unauthorised access. A similar issue was put across to DOM UK by a popular AirBnB situated in Oxford. Pillow Talks are a specialist property management business based within Oxfordshire. Both Pillow Talks and their tenant, Ginger Video, who are renting premises for their business needs, wanted to replace their existing mechanical locks with an alternate, safe and secure digital locking solution. Allowing them full management and control of the premises. Digital locking system With DOM Tapkey, users can use the same ID on several smartphones and tablets simultaneously that works for temporary tenants or small business owners renting premise, allowing multiple access at any one time. DOM Tapkey is a revolutionary way to lock and unlock the doors to homes and offices The revolutionary digital locking system allows users to manage access and security of their home or office environment with the easy-to-use Tapkey app. They can add or remove users with smartphones and transponders on their smartphone conveniently. Whether at work or a meeting, it’s a quick and easy process. This locking system offers an innovative plug-and-play solution for all security needs. Home and Corporate Security National Sales Manager, DOM UK Ltd, Mr. Lloyd Chitty states “The project itself had been installed by one of our trusted partner and security expert, Oxford SMS (now J.Priest&Son), the tenant was highly impressed by the product and service provided by Mr. Jason Priest, they requested for a digital cylinder to be installed within their private home and labelled the locking cylinder as a new 21st Century system.” DOM Tapkey access control solution is more than just a digital door opener. It’s also a smart management tool that allows homeowners to remotely program electronic keys, send authorisations to other users, share access and receive event notifications. DOM Tapkey is a revolutionary way to lock and unlock the doors to homes and offices. Simply place the smartphone against the digital cylinder and avail instant access.

Amthal Fire & Security has installed a bespoke designed Keyzapp management system at its head offices, to ensure the safekeeping and accountability of client keys at all times. Electronic Fire and security company Amthal required a system to improve key management processes, especially as the business has seen significant growth with an increased number of customer keys being kept on site for property protection, maintenance and monitoring services. Audit control capability for key transactions Keyzapp was selected due to its flexible design. This enabled Amthal to create a system that was easy for authorised engineers to operate, whilst management could rely on audit control capability for all key transactions, without the need for a dedicated member of staff 24/7 manually issuing and recording them. It’s really automated our complete process and has proven to save the engineering team valuable time and resource" Says Simon Kendall, Amthal Supply Chain Leader: “Amthal has a growing network of dedicated engineers that work across the country, with varying access requirements for customer’s keys that are all kept at Amthal offices. Completing manual audits for keys taken had become increasingly time consuming to ensure awareness of allocations and traceability. “The implementation of Keyzapp’s system has made such a difference. It’s really automated our complete process and has proven to save the engineering team valuable time and resource, which they can dedicate to better serving our customers. It runs itself in the background and if there is an issue, it can be resolved quickly and efficiently.” Control to key access with smart credentials Keyzapp’s simple management solutions are designed using latest technology to decrease downtime and improve work efficiencies. The ability to further add control to key access with smart credentials and audit capability ensures full visibility of keys at any time. Tim Hill, Keyzapp Director added: “What Amthal demonstrates is the importance of attention to key control. We worked with the team to tailor our system around the business requirements for asset management, including allowing 24 / 7 access with no need for dedicated staff issuing keys. “The management side has also been scaled around ensuring instant traceability to ensure growing number of keys held on site are accounted for at all times. It’s great to see it’s made such a positive impact on a leading fire and security specialist, who prides itself on ‘protecting what’s precious,’ which includes its key customer assets!” Traceability and visibility for valuable equipment Our engineers find it simple to use, and we’ve even recorded improved site attendance times" So impressed with Keyzapp, Amthal is now working on a bespoke system to manage the specialist loan equipment being booked in and out of its office stores and warehouse, to reflect the same level of traceability and visibility for valuable equipment. Jamie Allam, Commercial Director Amthal Fire & Security concluded: “Keyzapp had an instant impact on the whole team, with improved time and operational savings. Our engineers find it simple to use, and we’ve even recorded improved site attendance times. Plus the management capability is great from our perspective to help towards the efficient, operational running of our business.” User needs for security safety and convenience Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems. Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE.)

Stockport Homes is installing a new breed of digital noticeboards at residential tower block properties managed on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. These innovative new screens are being installed in communal areas by OpenView Security Solutions, the UK’S largest privately owned independent security company and a national supplier of fire, electrical and mechanical services to the public and private housing sector, and will provide real-time information to improve communications with residents. Internet-enabled device According to Matthew Platt, Asset Manager at Stockport Homes: “Having a successful longstanding partnership with OpenView Security Solutions, we asked them to recommend a digital solution that would enhance the way that we communicate with residents to alert them of works such as lift maintenance and other important information. This rolling programme of installations demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhance service provision to all residents across Stockport.” The digital noticeboards, manufactured by Intratone, comprise an IP65 rated 15 inch colour screenThe digital noticeboards, manufactured by Intratone, comprise an IP65 rated 15 inch colour screen with options for surface or flush-fit mountings according to the requirements of each location. They are quick and easy to install and update using a free and secure cloud-based website, enabling the information to be updated remotely in real-time using any internet-enabled device without requiring site managers to visit each location individually. Innovative solution The notice boards use GSM technology so there is no need for any wireless networks to be installed. This links all properties managed by Stockport Homes and, as well as alerting residents about essential maintenance, can also be used to provide information such as weather forecasts, events, meetings and other local news. Jack Wylie North UK Sales manager for Intratone, added: “It was a pleasure working with Openview on this project as they really supported the product from start to finish. Stockport Homes will now reap the benefits of this innovative solution by being able to communicate information with their residents quickly and easily.”

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

The software is used by employees to obtain visitor passes and by security officers to monitor the system To protect these tenants, Trinity provides CCTV and access control to all buildings. In addition, security officers patrol in the loading docks. However, Trinity wanted to enhance the existing security by providing a visitor management system through which tenants could approve or deny visitor access. Trinity wanted a visitor management system that provided reliability, redundancy, and ease of use for the clients. EasyLobby testingThe company first tried one system on a test basis but found that it was too complicated. For example, it required tenants to enter five pages of information into the system before a visitor could be approved. The system also had technical difficulties. Pages often wouldn’t load properly, meaning that visitors couldn’t be approved. After several months, tenants asked that the system be removed.Trinity went in search of a new system. Lois Martano, security technology manager at Trinity Real Estate for Securitas Security Services, was tasked with heading the team to choose a new system. (Trinity contracts with Securitas to handle access control, CCTV, and visitor management.) Martano and her team decided to test a visitor management system from EasyLobby, part of HID Global. EasyLobby visitor management software HID’s EasyLobby system includes a software program with a Web interface, an identification scanner, and paper badges. The software is used by individual employees to obtain visitor passes and by security officers to monitor the system. The badges are integrated with the C·CURE 800 access control system and turnstiles previously installed in the building lobbies. The badges are integrated with the C·CURE 800 access control system and turnstiles previously installed in the building The EasyLobby software requires that an employee who is expecting a guest fill out a one-page entry form on the computer. The employee is required to enter the visitor’s first and last names, where the visitor is going, and whom they are seeing. Other required information includes the visitor arrival time and date and the departure time and date. At the lobby desk, the visitor must present identification. While this is most frequently a driver’s license, Trinity plans to purchase passport scanners in the near future. The security officer at the desk scans the license or other identification, and the EasyLobby software matches the data to the visitor request entered by the employee.The system then prints out a badge for the visitor. The badge includes a bar code with standard guest access information. Additional data is printed on the badge, such as all the information on the entry form, including the destination and employee being visited. A special visitor card reader in the lobby scans the badge to allow the visitor entry. Guards in the lobby are on hand to guide visitors to the correct reader. Simplified visitor management The Web-based system works quickly. According to Martano, it takes approximately 20 seconds for a person to be cleared at the lobby desk after the employee completes the entry form on his or her desktop computer. According to Martano, the system is also helpful with repeat visitors. For example, if an actor is coming to the building to film part of a movie and he’s going to be there for two weeks, his visitor pass will expire at the end of those two weeks. However, if the company calls the actor in to reshoot some of the footage, it need not create a new entry from scratch. Instead, an employee can conduct a search of past visitors by name. All of the actor’s visits come up on the screen. The employee can then highlight one of those visits to retrieve the entry screen, change the dates, and resubmit the visitor pass request.The HID Global EasyLobby software also simplifies the process of replacing lost visitor badges and invalidating the old ones, and checking with the appropriate employee if an expired visitor badge is presented at the lobby. Additionally, tenants can create “watch” lists of visitors who will not be permitted entry, and run reports about visitor volume and activity during specified timeframes. The software also allows security officers to easily monitor how many visitors are in the building The software also allows security officers to easily monitor how many visitors are in the building at any given time. “This is especially helpful for fire-safety issues,” says Martano. “We can tell exactly how many people are there and who they are. This was very difficult to do with the old system.”To help avoid problems at the front desk, the EasyLobby system sends an email letting the employee know that his or her visitor is due to arrive on a certain day at a certain time. “This allows the employee to check the date of the visit and the spelling of the visitor’s name,” says Martano. Expanding security based on tenant needs Based on positive tenant reviews, the system went live in one building initially and was expanded to two more a month later. The system will continue to be expanded based on tenant needs. Trinity has tweaked the system to respond to tenant issues. For example, tenants have asked Trinity to revisit its policy on extended visits. When the system was first installed, a pass could be issued for any length of time up to two weeks. Tenants asked to extend the time frame, noting that some interns stayed much longer than two weeks.“After looking at the issue and seeing how many visitors stayed longer periods of time, we decided to extend it,” says Martano. “It took 5 minutes to make a few changes and extend the date. Now, we can do passes for up to 60 days.”