Pyronix Access Control Readers

Entrance control and access control - of the physical kind - are common terms in the security industry which are often used interchangeably, but should they be? Having worked both sides of the fence, with previous roles at TDSi and HID and now the Major Accounts and Marketing Manager at Integrated Design Limited, Tony Smith highlights the subtle but important differences between these two terms and the systems they refer to, outlining how they should work together to achieve optimal security. Access control is a system which provides discriminating authentication Access control provides a discriminating authentication process and comprises the software or hardware that defines the criteria for acceptance or denial Used to describe a system which performs identification of users and authentication of their credentials (deciding whether or not the bearer of those credentials is permitted admission) access control is an incredibly broad term. Access control provides a discriminating authentication process and comprises the software or hardware that defines the criteria for acceptance or denial of an individual to a restricted area. Entrance control – such as security turnstiles - takes the output of that validation and has the capability to see whether that criteria is being adhered to, either granting or denying access as appropriate. Entrance control is the hardware responsible for keeping people honest If access control verifies authorized personnel using their credentials – their face, fingerprints, PIN number, fob, key card etc – and decides whether or not they are permitted access, entrance control is the hardware which enforces that decision by making users present their credentials in the correct way, either opening to allow pedestrian access or remaining closed to bar entry and potentially raising an alarm. For example, a card reader acts as an access control device, recognizing the card holder as having the correct permissions and saying ‘yes, this person can pass’. But, it’s the entrance control system – a turnstile, for example – which actually physically allows or denies access. Physical access and video surveillance Some entrance control systems don’t feature a physical barrier, however. Fastlane Optical turnstiles will not physically stop an unauthorized person from passing through, and instead alarm when someone fails to present valid credentials, alerting security staff that a breach has occurred. These kinds of turnstiles are suited to environments which just need to delineate between the public and secure side of an entrance, with less need to physically prevent unauthorized users from entering. State of the art access control integrations have been installed for award-winning complex, The Bower It’s also possible to capture video footage of any incidents, allowing security personnel to identify users failing to abide by the access control system’s rules, using It’s also possible to capture video footage of incidents, allowing security personnel to identify users failing to abide by access control system rules the footage to decide on the level of response required. The breach could have been the result of a member of staff being in a hurry and failing to show their card before passing through, in which case they can be reminded about the security protocol. Or, it could be an unidentified person who needs to be escorted from the premises. Entrance control and access control working together For optimum security, access control and entrance control should work together, with the entrance control system enhancing the use of the access control system, making it more efficient and better value for money. The two can’t effectively operate without each other. Security turnstiles, for example, require something to tell them that someone is about to enter – the access control system does this – and, the access control system needs a method of stopping people when they don’t badge in correctly. The two systems are complementary.

The jury is in: traditional security is out — and it’s being replaced with service-based solutions. The bottom line is: if you’re not embracing it, you’ll soon be left behind. XaaS — the collective term referring to the delivery of anything as a service — includes all services made possible through the use of the cloud. Security-as-a-Service (SaaS), which encompasses any type of system from access control to video surveillance, has paved the way for users to gain significant functionality and scalability not previously experienced with more traditional methods. Complicated IT functions SaaS allows manufacturers to provide numerous benefits to their customers As such, there is a marked transition for manufacturers from simply designing and building products to providing a service rooted in a partner- and customer-centric focus. This change hasn’t come easily. Some are still holding out and waiting for the “fad” to pass. However, the potential advantages for all parties involved far outweigh the perceived negative points. First and foremost, SaaS allows manufacturers to provide numerous benefits to their customers. An “as-a-service” model shifts the burden of data maintenance and infrastructure spending to an integrator/dealer partner or service provider. This relieves the end user of the expertise necessary to implement complicated IT functions to keep networked and on-premise solutions up-to-date. Traditional security systems Additionally, end users demand solid customer service. For some end users, traditional security systems are so similar in features and functionality that the key differentiator is the ability of the integrator or manufacturer to provide exceptional customer service and training. This is made possible through the service-based model, where customers appreciate a strong relationship with their integrator or manufacturer that provides them with additional knowledge and assistance when necessary. The cloud has proven to be  highly functional, flexible, and convenient for organizations Everyone also wants convenience. In the consumer market, we invest in things like meals that are pre-measured, prepped, and ready to be cooked, or companies that auto-ship dog food to our door each month. This ease-of-use translates over to the B2B market, where time is money and systems that save valuable resources are highly regarded. The Role of the Cloud The cloud has proven to be a highly functional, flexible, and convenient method for organizations to leverage as part of their strategies to protect and modernize their facilities. And the service-based nature lends itself well; forward-thinking integrators and dealers can diversify their product arsenal while still capitalizing on a recurring monthly revenue model (RMR). But then why has there been so much resistance to this change? Over the last 10 to 15 years, the cloud has gotten a bad rap for a myriad of reasons, including usability, management, and unreliability. However, that view of the cloud is changing for the positive as the technology becomes more advanced and innovators learn more about what it means to design a product or service with security at its core. "As-a-service” platform For example, one of the biggest misconceptions that plagues the cloud is the idea that it is not secure. However, the security of public cloud service providers is integral to their success because their business depends on it. Developing an ongoing and trustworthy relationship with customers can only be made possible through the assurance that their services are safe and the customer’s data is protected. As such, they’ve embraced the service-based model that is, at its core, the future of the business world as we know it. There isn’t a person, manufacturer, or integrator partner out there today who isn’t somehow touched or influenced by an “as-a-service” platform. And it’s about time the service-based model that leverages the public cloud reaches the masses.

The statistics are staggering. The death tolls are rising. And those who now fear environments that were once thought to be safe zones like school campuses, factories, commercial businesses and government facilities, find themselves having to add the routine of active-shooter drills into their traditional fire drill protocols. The latest active shooter statistics released by the FBI earlier this year in their annual active-shooter report designated 27 events as active shooter incidents in 2018. The report reveals that 16 of the 27 incidents occurred in areas of commerce, seven incidents occurred in business environments, and five incidents occurred in education environments. Deadly active-shooter events Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years, including Sutherland Springs church, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the San Bernardino regional center, the Walmart in El Paso and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, which have all occurred since 2015. Although these incidents occurred in facilities with designated entry points common to churches, schools and businesses, the two most deadly active-shooter events since 2015 were the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead and the Pulse nightclub killings in Orlando where 49 perished. As Christopher Combs, special agent in charge of the FBI field office in San Antonio, Texas, said during a news conference following the August 31 mass shooting in Odessa, Texas that claimed seven lives: “We are now at almost every two weeks seeing an active shooter in this country." Active shooter incidents Between December 2000 and December 2018, the FBI’s distribution of active shooter incidents by location looks like this: Businesses Open to Pedestrian Traffic (74) Businesses Closed to Pedestrian Traffic (43) K-12 Schools (39) Institutions of Higher Learning (16) Non-Military Government Properties (28) Military Properties—Restricted (5) Healthcare Facilities (11) Houses of Worship (10) Private Properties (12) Malls (6) What the majority of these venues have in common is they all have a front entrance or chokepoint for anyone entering the facilities, which is why any active-shooter plan must include a strategy to secure that entry point. Situational awareness in perimeter and door security Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal" According to Paul Franco, an A&E with more than 28 years of experience as a consultant and systems integrator focusing on schools, healthcare and large public and private facilities, that while active shooter incidents continue to rise, the residual effect has been an increase in situational awareness in perimeter and door security. “Certainly, protecting people and assets is the number one goal of all our clients. There are multiple considerations in facilities like K-12 and Healthcare. Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal. But a critical consideration to emphasize to your client is getting that person out of your facility and not creating a more dangerous situation by locking the person in your facility,” says Franco. High-security turnstiles “Schools today are creating a space for vetting visitors prior to allowing access into the main facility. Using technology properly like high-security turnstiles offer great benefits in existing schools where space constraints and renovation costs can be impractical.” What steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe As a consultant/integrator, when discussions are had with a client that has a facility in a public space like a corporate building, government center or industrial facility, what steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe and can protect its people and assets? For Frank Pisciotta, President and CEO of Business Protection Specialists, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina, a fundamental element of his security strategy is making appropriate recommendations that are broad-based and proactive. Properly identifying the adversaries “As a consultant, my recommendations must include properly identifying the adversaries who may show up at a client’s door, the likelihood of that event occurring, the consequences of that event occurring, determining if there are tripwires that can be set so an organization can move their line of defense away from the door, educating employees to report potential threats and creating real-time actionable plans to respond to threats. A more reactionary posture might include such thing as target hardening such as ballistic resistant materials at entry access points to a facility,” Pisciotta says. Veteran consultant David Aggleton of Aggleton & Associates of Mission Viejo, California recommends that clients compartmentalize their higher security areas for limited access by adding multiple credential controls (card + keypad + biometric), along with ‘positive’ access systems that inhibit tailgating/piggybacking such as secure turnstiles, revolving door and mantrap if your entrances and security needs meet the required space and access throughput rates. Integrated solution of electronic access control Defining a single point of entry in some public facilities is becoming the new standard of care according to many A&Es and security consultants, especially in a school environment. This approach allows a concerted effort when it comes to staffing, visitor monitoring and an integrated technology solution. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach A proactive stance to securing a door entryway will use an integrated solution of electronic access control, turnstiles, revolving doors and mantraps that can substantially improve a facility’s security profile. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach, so it’s not a matter of if there will be a next active shooter tragedy, it’s only a matter of where. Enhancing access control assurance “There is no easy answer to this question,” says Pisciotta referring to how a secured entrance can deter an active shooter. “There have been at least two high-profile incidents of adversaries shooting their way into a facility through access control barriers. So, if the threat so dictates, a ballistic resistant might be required.” He concludes: “There is obviously no question that turnstiles, revolving doors and man traps enhance access control assurance. Electronic access control is easy to integrate with these devices and providing that credentials are secure, approval processes are in place, change management is properly managed and the appropriate auditing measures in place, access control objectives can be met.”

Pyronix is delighted to provide even more value and capabilities to installers and users alike, with the addition of video verification to ProControl+. Now, using our Enforcer V10 control panel, Wi-Fi cameras and security and life safety peripherals, the system can be tailored to detect, notify and verify any activity. “We’re really pleased to add this latest feature to our ProControl+ app,” said Pyronix Marketing Manager, Laurence Kenny. "Video verification delivers fantastic upsell opportunities to video monitoring for our installers, while providing greater functions for the user; showing them exactly what activity has triggered an event or alarm.” The addition of video verification enables the linkage of Pyronix Full-HD Wi-Fi cameras to inputs on the system via the PyronixCloud. This simple setup process adds greater scope to security; providing a 25 second video clip directly to the user via ProControl+ when an event or alarm activation occurs. The clip, which can be downloaded and stored as an MP4 file, shows 15 seconds pre-alarm and 10 seconds post-alarm; allowing the user to truly verify the activation, before taking appropriate action. Voice push notification Whether it’s an existing system or maintainance, service can be offered to provide greater selling options for installers" For example, should an intruder be detected by an XDL12TT-WE outdoor detector, a push or voice push notification will be received by the user through their ProControl+ app, via the Enforcer V10 and PyronixCloud infrastructure. If this detector has been linked to an outdoor Mini Dome camera surveying the area, the user will also be provided with the 25 second video from the linked camera to verify the alarm. “By adding this new feature, we’re giving installers new services to offer their customers; expanding the security offering by providing real tangible benefits across both residential and commercial applications to users,” Laurence commented. "So, whether it’s an existing system, a maintenance visit or a brand-new installation, this added-value service can be offered to provide greater selling options for the installer and greater functions for the user. Simple to setup and deliver via the PyronixCloud, we want to make sure we continue to proactively provide more features, functions and capabilities via ProControl+.” Video verification for applications With video verification already added to ProControl+, more developments are in the pipeline “Now, the system not only alerts the user via voice push notification, but also shows exactly what activity has taken place on the system, so that appropriate action can be taken. Our objective is to continue to extend the potential of every installation and the level of function and value it adds to installers and users alike and we intend to do this as seamlessly and easily as possible.” Linking cameras with inputs can be set up to deliver video verification for various applications across the entire security system, from setting and unsetting, indoor detection, shock sensors and outdoor detectors, to life safety sensors, door and window contacts and even panic, hold-up and medical alerts; providing additional product upsell opportunities. With video, voice push notifications and now video verification already added to ProControl+ and many more developments in the pipeline, now’s the time to make the switch.

Hikvision, a global supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, will have an unmissable presence at IFSEC International 2018. With the largest stand at the event (D300), visitors will have the opportunity to view and examine the latest technology that is defining the surveillance industry. Hikvision’s innovations include self-learning Artificial Intelligence (AI), deployable across a wide range of vertical market sectors. On demonstration will be queue and crowd management, a powerful new Video Management System (VMS), DarkFighter ‘low-light’ superior technology, and thermal imaging powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) – as well as a host of other technological advances for a multitude of applications and environments. Hikvision’s stand will highlight the intruder alarm solutions of Pyronix, and feature additional technology partners who will show ‘value added’ features that complement Hikvision solutions to provide an enhanced level of performance or a greater return on investment for the end user. See first-hand, how AI is revolutionizing the surveillance technology landscap Revolutionary AI Surveillance Technology Visitors at the D300 stand will see first-hand, how AI is revolutionizing the surveillance technology landscape, with Hikvision demonstrating a variety of new products in its AI Series: Queue Management Technology: Live queue information analysis providing real time alerts with the ability to provide data reports/analysis, for optimization of business service and operational efficiency. Deep in Mind: Crowd density analysis - optimise, analyze and generate alert levels of crowds with detailed reports in different time frames. Reduce false alarms (up to 90%) by distinguishing target type, improving the efficiency of perimeter defense and operational costs in monitored applications. Deep in View: Deep learning algorithm for human behavior analysis (loitering, falling down) and demonstrating highly accurate face capture. Technology that delivers information regarding vehicular activity, such as illegal parking detection will also be on display. Deep in View Facial Recognition: Deep Learning facial recognition technology integrated with access control will allow people quick and convenient entry to offices using secured biometric identification. Thus, ensuring a convenient system for quick access Another AI-powered product on display at IFSEC 2018 will be Hikvision’s Deep in View Thermal camera, which can distinguish objects based on target type, reducing false alarms by up to 90% and providing appropriate notifications.HikCentral brings multiple technologies into one intelligent platform, utilising the advanced benefits offered by the AI Series Innovative Video Management Systems Hikvision’s new video management system, HikCentral, brings multiple technologies into one intelligent platform, utilizing the advanced benefits offered by the AI Series to deliver complete integrated surveillance solutions in one comprehensive, simple-to-use package. Intelligent Surveillance Solutions There will be a host of other products and solutions on display at the Hikvision stand. These will include: Intelligent Traffic System solutions: Deep Learning-based check point systems and smart parking management solutions. Thermal solution: A feature demonstrating the wide-ranging benefits of thermometric and bi-spectrum thermal technologies. Turbo range: The revolutionary 5.0 generation of Hikvision’s Turbo HD range, with AI technology built-in. Access control and intercom: All the latest developments in access products and systems. DarkFighter X: The latest, most powerful addition to the ultra-low light camera range. Mobile and portable solution: With premier AI technologies built-in, the mobile solution delivers functionality such as driver behavior analysis and passenger counting in conjunction with iVMS-5200P. Easy IP 4.0: New products and solutions from the simple-to-install Easy IP range. Panovu/PTZ: The award-winning multi-sensor range of powerful, full scene coverage products including multi-sensor, panoramic and PTZ models. Hikvision can introduce new products and features to the market rapidly and efficiently Hikvision Multi-level R&D System Hikvision can introduce new products and features to the market rapidly and efficiently as a result of its continued investment dedicated to research and development. Hikvision now has more than 20,000 employees, including more than 10,000 R&D engineers. The company invests 7 to 8 percent of its annual sales revenue in research and development for continued product innovation. Hikvision has established a complete, multi-level R&D system that includes every operation from research to design, development, testing, technical support, and services. Based at its Hangzhou headquarters, the R&D teams operate globally, including centres in Montreal and Silicon Valley, as well as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Wuhan in China. Hikvision Video Surveillance Technology Hikvision UK & Ireland Sales Director, Gary Harmer, says: “We are delighted to be attending and supporting IFSEC again this year as the global leader in the video surveillance industry. We are excited to share our latest technologies with new and existing partners and their clients. We’ll be featuring 10 product areas and will be discussing the latest innovations and applications in Artificial Intelligence. We’ll also be taking part in IFSEC’s ‘Show Me How’ initiative, where we will be displaying live demonstrations of our solutions. Keep your eye out for more impressive surprises with Hikvision during 2018 as we continue to grow in the UK market.” Hikvision’s stand will also showcase the work it does with its technology partners, including Seagate, Eagle Eye, Western Digital, Optex, Milestone Systems, IPS, and Netgenium Hikvision Partner Presence Hikvision’s stand will also showcase the work it does with its technology partners, including Seagate, Eagle Eye, Western Digital, Optex, Milestone Systems, IPS, and Netgenium. Representatives of each of these partners will be available to talk with visitors about how their solutions integrate with and complement those of Hikvision. Pyronix Intrusion Detection Solutions Intruder alarm specialist Pyronix is part of the Hikvision group of companies, and at IFSEC International 2018 will be showcasing the latest innovations in its control panel range on Hikvision’s stand. The new range includes the ProControl+ app, which brings video and intrusion together on one app, and features integration with Hikvision cameras for the first time. Pyronix’s new range of WIFI cameras will also be on show, demonstrating the total WIFI solution, designed largely for residential and small commercial applications. Pyronix will be showcasing future developments to this range, with exciting new features coming in the future to further enhance the user experience and drive value to installation companies. EZVIZ Smart Home Security Visitors will also have the chance to see the latest from Hikvision’s consumer brand, EZVIZ, a premier provider of smart home video technology, alarms and cloud services. EZVIZ offers a broad range of smart home video security solutions for multiple applications EZVIZ offers a broad range of home video security solutions for multiple applications, all of which have features such as 2-way audio, night vision, local, network and cloud recording, plus other specific features such as whole room coverage, auto tracking and active alert (siren and strobe alert built in to the camera to deter unwanted activity). Other products in the range include smart alarms, doorbells and security lighting, all of which integrate though a single app. The EZVIZ range of smart home video cameras can be directly integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa, with a range of Apple Home Kit products becoming available later this year. Amazon Echo Show and Spot allows users to stream their camera footage to their devices. All an EZVIZ user needs to do is simply say, "Alexa, show me the camera in the living room," and the feed from an Internet-connected camera will send the video to the Echo Show or Spot. Hikvision IFSEC Prize Draw All visitors to the Hikvision stand who submit business cards during Tuesday and Wednesday of IFSEC will be entered into a prize draw, the details of which will be available on the stand. The winners of the prize draw will be announced on Wednesday evening during the show. Visit Hikvision on Stand D300 to be in with a chance of winning.

Intrusion can be a complicated and expensive subject when looking to protect retail businesses. Each installation can come with various difficulties to overcome, whether this is aisles, display spaces, counters, furniture and more. Maximum Protection In All Areas Another consideration is that burglars can be creative when breaking in. To avoid detection, they can hide behind furniture, crawl across the floor or even stay close to walls or aisles, where there may be natural blind spots in the security system. Therefore, to ensure maximum protection in all areas, a multitude of detectors would need to be utilised to cover each angle the different obstacles create. This can be a very time-consuming and expensive exercise. So, what’s the solution for a cost-effective and efficient installation that provides maximum protection? Fit the Pyronix Octopus DQ and take a different approach to detection. Instead of fitting various detectors at varying angles to cover large or awkward areas, you can fit one and detect from above! Better Intruder Catch Performance This ceiling mount quad infrared detector utilizes advanced Pyronix technologies, with 360º coverage to provide complete peace of mind. With a quad-element passive infrared (PIR) sensor, the Octopus DQ has better intruder catch performance when compared with traditional dual element ceiling mount PIR sensors. While its simple clip in PCB, single screw fitting, selectable EOL resistors and walk test LED make the Octopus DQ fast to fit! A more cost effective and secure solution for any installation. With the Pyronix Octopus DQ, retail owners can have complete peace of mind that the security system is watching over their property.