Hikvision Security Camera Mounts

  Ergonomics are a critical, but often misunderstood aspect of designing control rooms for security. Ergonomics have a deep impact on the integrity of an operation, and the issue goes beyond the control room furniture. Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles, divides ergonomics into three areas: physical (reach zones, touch points, monitors); cognitive (the individual’s ability to process information without overlooking a critical element) and organizational (how the facility operates in various situations; e.g., is it adequately designed for an emergency event?). He says the Evans approach is to determine the precise placement required for each element an operator needs, and then to design and build console furniture to position it there. Basically, the idea is to tailor the control room to the operation. What tasks must an operator perform? Are they manageable or should they be divided up among several operators? Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate, and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations. It all begins with understanding the information that needs to be processed, says Papic. Increased Productivity In The Workplace Because personnel are often stationed at a specific console, desk or workstation for long hours, physical problems and productivity issues can result, says Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Ergonomically designed furniture and related products have been proven to increase productivity and alleviate physical stress in the workplace. Ergonomic furniture solutions are crafted for the ultimate in safety, adaptability, comfort and functionality. Coleman says AFC Industries can tailor furniture to specific needs and environment. For example, a height-adjustable workstation can be combined with adjustable monitor arm mounts to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Furniture offers modern designs, comfortable ergonomics, and comprehensive features. Rugged materials withstand the 24/7 use of command control centers. Health Benefits Of Ergonomic Workstations A sedentary office environment is often an unhealthy one. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking,” says Martha Grogan, Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. Ongoing research and studies have shown that a change in posture (i.e., using ergonomic sit-to-stand workstations) is an effective means to combat these negative health issues. Using sit-to-stand workstations helps to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders caused by long-term sitting. They can also improve productivity and focus from the increased blood flow. Energy levels can rise and employees burn more calories. Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations “The ergonomic environment we create for control rooms involves considering every need of the staff at each workstation and their equipment, as well as workflow within the entire room,” says Coleman. “From the proper setting of screen focal lengths to sound absorption and glare reduction, each requirement and phase of a control room design is a necessary process to ensure the protection and safety of people and property.” Emergency Operations Center “The military has figured out that you are more alert when you are standing,” says Randy Smith, President of Winsted, and the realization is guiding emergency operations center (EOC) design toward sit-stand. “As soon as there is an emergency, everybody stands up,” Smith adds. Designing EOC environments also requires systems be integrated with annunciating signal lights to facilitate communication among operators. Winsted’s sit-stand consoles can be combined with a motorized M-View monitor wall mount, enabling a 60-inch wall monitor to be raised and lowered to match the positioning of the sit-stand console. Larger, wall-mounted screens are easier to use for operators, since a larger monitor size can make it easier to read text on a screen, for example. Combining the larger monitor with sit-stand capabilities provides the best of both options. Many operators today stand for 50 percent of their day, says Smith. Ergonomic standards guide the design of Winsted’s control room consoles, including ISO 11064 standards for the design of control centers. The furniture also is designed to accommodate industrial wire management (larger wire bundles), unlike furniture that might be bought in an office supply store. Read part 3 of our Control Rooms series here {##Poll37 - How well do you incorporate ergonomics into your control rooms?##}

Endless possibilities for security deployment have been made possible with technological advancements Significant technological advancements have created endless possibilities in how security is not only deployed, but also leveraged by the end user – the customer. For example, customers can now view surveillance at eight different offices in eight different states from a single, central location. A security director can manage an enterprise-wide access control system, including revoking or granting access control privileges, for 10,000 global employees from the company’s headquarters in Chicago. However, with that increased level of system sophistication comes an added level of complexity. After successfully completing the installation of a security system, integrators are now expected to formally and contractually prove that the system works as outlined in the project specification document. Tom Feilen, Director of National Accounts for Koorsen Security Technology explains that this formal checks and balance process is gaining momentum in the security industry. The step-by-step process of Acceptance Testing is more commonly being written into bid specifications, especially for projects that require the expertise of an engineer and/or architect. Simply put, it is a way for the end user to make sure the system they paid for works properly and is delivered by the integrator as outlined in the project’s request for proposal. While Acceptance Testing can be a time consuming process, it is a valuable industry tool. It is estimated that at least 95 percent of integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process. Security systems have become more complicated in recent years. The introduction of IP-based, enterprise-wide and integrated solutions have all opened the door to more sophisticated access control and surveillance systems than ever thought possible. This process can vary depending upon the size of the project, but for a larger scale project, it is not uncommon for Acceptance Testing to take several weeks from start to finish. This timeline can be especially lengthy when the project involves hundreds of devices, such as access control readers, surveillance cameras, video recorders, intrusion sensors, and intercom systems. Most integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process What is involved in the Acceptance Testing process? While the specific process can vary from integrator to integrator, many follow a similar process with their customer to ensure the system works accurately and that the customer has the proper certification documentation. The initial part of the process typically involves generating a report of each device installed as part of the system. This list enables the systems integrator to systematically test each device ensuring that individual devices are not specific points of failure for the overall system. For example, in a building equipped with a system that automatically releases the egress doors upon the fire alarm activation, it is important to make sure each door’s electro-magnetic locking system is operating properly. The systems integrator would not only test that a door releases when the fire alarm sounds, but also to make sure the access control system is notified if the door is propped open or held open longer than in normal usage parameters. For a door that is also monitored by a surveillance camera, part of the testing would also involve making sure that an image being transmitted to a video monitor is coming from the correct surveillance camera and that the actual angle of the image is what the customer has requested and is correctly labeled as such. If a device does not function as it should, it is then added to a punch list that would require the systems integrator to repair that device within a certain period of time. Once repairs are made, the system integrator would then submit a letter to the client stating that every device has been tested and works properly. It is also important for the integrator that once the testing process is complete to obtain a customer sign off (Certificate of Acceptance) on all systems tested and documentation provided. This limits liability once the system is turned over. From a safety perspective, Acceptance Testing is also used to verify that T-bars and safety chains are installed on cameras that are mounted in drop ceilings. It can confirm that panels are mounted in a room that is properly heated and cooled to avoid major temperature swings. Also, as part of the Acceptance Testing checklist, it can insure that power supplies that drive all the security systems are properly rated with the recommended batteries for back-up. And, that emergency exist devices or card readers are not mounted more than 48-inches above ground. An Acceptance Testing process serves to protect the end user's investment After the project is complete, Acceptance Testing protects both parties involved against liability issues. One example is if the building has a fire and the functionality of the life safety system comes into question. Acceptance Testing can be used to prove that the system was able to function as specified and dispel any concerns about its performance. At that time, all close out sheets are turned in, along with as-built drawings and a manual providing a complete listing of each device and system installed. Today, these manuals not only come in paper form as part of a large binder, but also digital files saved to a disc. The benefit of providing the customer with a binder or documentation of the system is that should the end user/customer replace the person who manages security at the company, valuable information will not leave with that former employee. While this checklist to close out a project may appear trivial at first, it is an important part of the security project process. By implementing an Acceptance Testing program, it serves to protect the end user’s investment, ensuring that the systems integrators hired for the project is knowledgeable and provides quality work. For the integrator, it helps towards the end goal of a satisfied customer.

Hikvision USA Inc., a provider of security hardware equipment and software solutions, will showcase advanced technology that is specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) at the GSX show here Sept. 9-12. It is also launching the Hikvision Product Selector at GSX. “Deep learning, significant false alarm reduction, fire and temperature detection, and brilliant color images in complete darkness are not the kinds of features normally included in video surveillance technology for SMB customers, but that is changing,” said Eric Chen, general manager, Hikvision USA. “At GSX 2019, Hikvision is excited to launch our Performance Thermal Series, ColorVu and AcuSense technologies, which for the first time makes high-end advanced technology available to SMBs and other budget-conscious end users.” Hikvision's AcuSense makes deep learning technology affordable for SMBs. AcuSense cameras precisely sense human and vehicle movement versus non-human objects such as rain, animals and leaves, providing effective intrusion detection and significant reduction in false alarms. High-performance sensor Hikvision makes it easy for partners to compare features so partners can choose the best product for projects” Hikvision ColorVu imaging technology provides vivid, full-color, full-motion images and video around the clock, even in zero-light environments, by using a high-performance sensor, a large f1.0 aperture lens, and gentle supplemental lighting. Hikvision's Performance Series Thermal Cameras include deep learning and GPU-powered video content analysis for efficient perimeter defense, fire prevention, and predictive maintenance with best-in-class image quality at half the price of the Hikvision predecessor. Hikvision also announced the new Hikvision Product Selector, an online tool that simplifies and streamlines product search and selection for Hikvision dealers and distributors. "Hikvision has more than 200 SKU numbers in the IP camera category alone,” said Forest Liu, Hikvision senior director of product management and marketing. “We wanted to make it easy for our partners to see what all our cameras look like and quickly compare features so they can choose the best product for every project.” he added.

Hikvision’s Miami office co-sponsored an event in partnership with nonprofit Mission 500 and other security industry pioneers to support local students who attend the Title 1 Crosspointe Elementary School in Boynton Beach, Florida. Participants built and donated 700 backpacks filled with school supplies and other essential items. On Friday, Aug. 9, Hikvision Miami logistics and facility manager, Anthony Martinez, and Florida & Puerto Rico sales director, Shane Nikov, convened at Crosspointe with Mission 500 representatives and other security industry members. Volunteers filled backpacks with various items including pens, pencils, binders, markers and notebooks, and distributed the backpacks to students at the school. Serving needs of children Hikvision Miami employees who couldn’t attend the event wrote messages of encouragement for the students. “It was truly a special event. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community by investing in our youth, providing them with important items for school, and delivering a message of hope,” said Hikvision’s Martinez. Mission 500 is a non-profit organization that works with the security industry to serve the needs of children and communities in crisis. Hikvision North America team members have participated in several Mission 500 events, including the November 2018 Puerto Rico service trip where they helped victims of Hurricane Maria rebuild their homes; a December 2018 kit building event for Title 1 school children in East Hartford, Conn.; the February 2019 Hockey Classic in Toronto; and the April 2019 Security 5/2K race held during ISC West.

A regional manager for Hikvision Canada Inc., a provider of security hardware equipment and software solutions, Barry Paisley, rode his motorcycle in the June 21-23 Kinsmen Ride for a Lifetime raising CAD $2,500 to benefit the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCCFA), exceeding his fundraising goal by 250 percent. This was the 17th annual Kinsmen Ride for a Lifetime. Participants spend three days on their motorcycles and ride 400-500 km. (248-310 miles) per day in support of this worthy cause. This year’s route took riders through Banff, Canada along Highway 1 and 1A, and south on Highway 93 through Alberta and British Columbia. Helping kids and families battling cancer KCCFA supports children and families affected by childhood cancer through funding and other programs“I participate in the Ride for a Lifetime every year because I am passionate about its cause. All funds raised go to KCCFA and their Camp Kindle program. The camp gives kids and families who are fighting or have fought cancer a chance to get away from hospitals and doctors, to relax and be kids instead of patients,” said Paisley. KCCFA supports children and families affected by childhood cancer through funding and other programs. Last year, Ride for a Lifetime participants raised CAD $170,000 for the foundation. To date, the 2019 event raised CAD $155,000. “Corporate social responsibility is an important Hikvision value. Team members like Barry do a great job leading the way and garnering support from other Hikvision employees when they participate in important fundraising events, like the Ride of a Lifetime,” said Marianne Chew, Hikvision director of marketing. She added that Hikvision has sponsored several events in the past year across North America with participation from Hikvision Canada and Hikvision USA employees. Supporting children and communities in crisis Hikvision sponsored a table for the annual Starlight Canada Children’s Foundation Gala for the second year in a rowHikvision North America team members took part in several Mission 500 events, a non-profit that works with the security industry to serve the needs of children and communities in crisis. Hikvision employees attended the Mission 500 November 2018 Puerto Rico service trip where they helped victims of Hurricane Maria rebuild their homes; a December 2018 kit building event for Title 1 school children in East Hartford, Conn.; and the February 2019 Hockey Classic in Toronto. Hikvision also sponsored a table for the annual Starlight Canada Children’s Foundation Gala for the second year in a row, which took place in Toronto this year on March 23, 2019.