Bosch Intruder Alarm Control Panels & Systems  (23)

Access control and door entry is a huge responsibility, and challenge, for local authorities and housing associations UK wide. For councils, they’re accountable for the security and safety of many public facilities such as leisure centers, libraries as well as residential housing developments which are often large scale and home to hundreds of people. Housing associations manage affordable rental housing which also means they’re responsible for the appropriate access control management for each individual house or apartment. Technology developments have enabled better entry systems that are far more secure yet also more convenient and easier to manage. For example, with modern intercom and access control systems, remote management and communication is something that offers local authorities and housing associations features that enable them to reduce costs and cut their carbon footprints by managing multiple sites from one place. On the other hand, such technological innovation has meant that local authority and housing association specifiers and consultants now have a wide range of systems and products to choose from which can cause issues in ensuring the right system for a specific building or development is chosen. Choosing an appropritate access control system In choosing an appropriate system, local authorities and housing associations need to opt for a cost effective solution that can be easily maintained with excellent support from the manufacturer and guarantees that the system and system parts will remain supported for the duration of its expected life cycle. It is also important that the chosen system is flexible to cater for the varying needs of the tenants and visitors. Of increasing importance is the reduction of anti-social behavior which new technology can help by providing the use of data loggers which track the use and events of a door entry system, allowing specific evidence to be located by integrating with CCTV. Using technology to our advantage Through advancements in management systems and services, we can gain a much better visual representation of the events and general usage of an intercom entry system and not just its proximity access control. Systems, for example, can now send email alarms or notifications to the administrator or management. We are now able to modify user rights and access levels on the go from a mobile app which enables a much greater control over service and maintenance engineers, such as making sure they have full access when required via an app, rather than arriving to site with the incorrect keys or access fob. Systems, for example, can now send email alarms or notifications to the administrator or management Dealing with tenant’s lost and stolen keys has never been so easy either. The blocking or deletion of lost fobs and adding a new fob can be carried out in minutes while at the same time removing the cost of sending an engineer to the development to program new fobs. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint of the whole task as fobs can now be sent out via mail to a secure location for collection. Technology has also helped local authorities and housing associations to overcome the issue of not being able to have a concierge or building manager available 24/7 at some developments. Now with internet communication, it’s possible for tenants and visitors to get in touch with someone should they need assistance, whether that’s from within the apartment or from an entrance point. For example, lets take the Videx VX2200 with IP concierge integration. This system is exceptionally flexible, enabling calls to be answered on Videx intercoms and also mobile phones if required. With the integration of the IP concierge each block can be either standalone or networked via the internet back to a central control room. Reduced maintenance costs and carbon footprint We work with a wide range of local authorities and housing associations to help them overcome access control and door entry challenges. One organization we have recently partnered with is The Living Group to help them greatly reduce their maintenance costs and carbon footprint by installing the MiAccess offline proximity system on many of their developments across the North East. Technology developments have enabled better entry systems that are far more secure yet also more convenient and easier to manage By installing an appropriate system, The Living Group has managed to overcome issues caused by the existing system’s limitations and also enabled much more flexibility when it comes to effectively managing the access control system of all their included developments. For those responsible for effective and appropriate access control, the management of the systems are easier, quicker and there’s no delay or on-going costs for needing a specialist program to modify fobs and access rights as this can now all carried out in-house. Improved security legislation Further advancements in programmes such as Secured by Design (SBD), a police initiative that improves the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work and visit, means that there’s more security legislation being implemented that’s making intercoms and access control more secure, without affecting ease and convenience. Videx holds an SBD accreditation and we know, from first-hand experience, how it’s making a difference in keeping tenants safe. When you combine the safety features promoted by an SBD member company like ourselves with the likes of the Videx event logging, image capture and ability to modify access users on the go, for example, we can help to create a very safe and secure environment. Personally, I think there needs to be a greater emphasis on the role of security legislation Technology has completely transformed the way local authorities and housing association are able to choose, install and manage door entry and access control systems for tenants and visitors alike. Personally, I think there needs to be a greater emphasis on the role of security legislation such as Secured by Design to ensure all councils and housing association consultants are up to date with what constitutes a robust and secure system that’s also cost effective too. In my role, I see weaknesses in systems and constant ongoing costs that could easily be avoided. For instance, features such as timed remote entry means local authority and housing association management no longer need to worry about keys being lost, the wrong keys being supplied or locks needing to be changed. With new systems such as the Videx MiAccess and Videx WS4 range, we can help to massively reduce a housing association’s or council’s carbon footprint and engineer costs by allowing them the access to management and control from an offsite location. Crime prevention We can also use live and logged events to help prevent crime in different ways, from antisocial behavior growing around a tenant being called or visited much more regularly than others, to knowing a tenant is currently still living at a property but isn’t paying rent or answering to any correspondence. Technology enables local authorities and housing associations to receive detailed data and therefore behavioral insights on the people under their management and care. If consultants and specifiers are advised on the most appropriate systems that meet their specific entry needs, they can ensure greater, safer and more convenient access control that meets the requirements of both the end user and the those responsible for its effective management.

Construction site theft can cause project delays, property damage and loss of profit for companies in the construction sector. It is imperative to deter thieves from targeting construction sites with the help of construction site security. Here, we look into the various security options and how they can help protect your firm from the threat of a break-in. Construction theft has soared during the COVID-19 Pandemic Construction site theft is an ever-increasing problem in the UK, costing the industry an estimated £800 million ($1,040 million) per year. Unfortunately, this type of crime has accelerated further throughout lockdown by an estimated 50% due to the abandonment of construction sites across the UK. With many uncertainties around a potential second wave in the UK, it is time for construction firms to enhance their security strategies to help prevent thieves from becoming opportunists on construction sites. Why are construction sites ‘easy’ targets? Construction sites can easily be targeted, as they typically lack adequate security loss prevention practices. The most popular security-related issues that are leading causes of construction site theft are: Poor overall site security Multiple pieces of equipment sharing the same keys Easy access to open cabs Unsecured sites, particularly at night and over weekends Lack of product identification systems If you do not want your site becoming a costly statistic, you might want to try implementing some or all of these preventive measures. Strengthen your perimeter Putting a clear boundary around a construction site will help to prevent youths and members of the public from inadvertently wandering onto the site. To stop opportunist thieves in their tracks, you will need to go one step further by erecting robust fencing and concrete blocks along with signage warning intruders about the consequences of trespassing. Putting a clear boundary around a construction site will help to prevent youths and members of the public from inadvertently wandering onto the siteIf potential trespassers can see that it would be too challenging to attempt a break-in, then they will look elsewhere to find another construction site which is not as well secured. Lock away valuable tools When considering the vulnerabilities in your construction site, it pays to think about this from the perspective of a criminal. What is it exactly that they are looking for? What can a thief steal easily to make money if they were to remove something from your site? Unfortunately, many construction firms do not lock away their tools, materials or vehicles properly, which makes them an easy target. Ensure valuable tools and materials are locked away and are not left unsecured or lying around. Criminals are mostly interested in scaffolding, bowsers and other valuables that are quick to sell on, so it is important to have a strategy in place to keep these locked away, safe and securely. Put tracking devices in your equipment If you are unable to securely lock away valuable tools, then modern technology makes securing equipment easier than ever before. Tracking devices can be installed onto vehicles and equipment; if any thief is unwise enough to steal from the site, site owners will be able to provide the location to the police who will be able to follow this up. Site owners should also engrave company identification numbers on valuable tools, equipment and vehicles so that it can easily be identified and will serve as proof who it rightly belongs to. Invest in CCTV Closed Circuit Television, otherwise known as CCTV, is renowned for being one of the most effective deterrents for thieves, especially when it comes to construction and building sites.The items that criminals steal from sites are notoriously hard to trace The items that criminals steal from sites are notoriously hard to trace, but if you have CCTV, there is a chance that you can capture clear footage to help bring criminals to justice, such as footage of the vehicle used and the car licence plate. CCTV cameras can help to oversee every inch of a construction site, and can even be hidden out of sight where required. Step up with regular site patrols With a wide range of security monitoring methods available, stepping up on regular site patrols can help to keep track and respond to any criminal activity taking place on your site. Traditional site patrols can be carried out on a schedule by professional SIA-approved security agents. With the presence of guards patrolling a construction site, any criminals in the area will be deterred to force entry onto the site. Schedule supply deliveries on an as-needed basis To prevent an excess of supplies ‘sitting around’ on the site, construction site managers should instead order what is needed at the time, so that valuable materials are not left around waiting to be stolen for weeks at a time. Good planning and excellent communication between the team will be required so that projects are not delayed, but planning accordingly will help to reduce the chances of theft on a construction site. Drone surveillance As technology becomes more and more advance, drone surveillance may soon be a security option that many construction sites could benefit from.Many construction firms in the UK are using drone services to provide aerial images, and are seeing huge cost savings by either purchasing and operating their own drones or by hiring out the work to a company equipped to provide imaging.As technology becomes more and more advanced, drone surveillance may soon be a security option With surveillance drones already handling tasks like mapping and surveying of construction sites, one day they may be able to patrol construction sites at night, equipped with motion sensors and infrared or night vision cameras; They could be automatically deployed from a charging station and fly along a pre-programmed route at regular intervals. One to keep an eye on for the near future! Construction site security to help protect your site If you are ready to tighten security on your own construction site, then your starting point will be to identify your main vulnerabilities and get in touch with a reputable security specialist.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorization and the appropriate credentials. The access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customized and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms powers continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

Bosch introduces the new Flexidome multi 7000i camera family offering IR and non-IR models that provide 12- or 20-megapixel resolution to deliver highly detailed multi-directional overviews. These overviews are combined with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support predictive solutions in wide-area coverage applications such as intersections, public spaces, and retail. Each image sensor, offering 3- or 5-megapixel resolution, runs built-in AI that adds metadata to video feeds to convert video data into actionable insights. It helps customers anticipate unforeseen events and prevent them from happening. Generating valuable insights The cameras offer maximum flexibility since every image sensor can be configured independently with up to 16 video analytics rules, enabling customers to decide what to focus on per scene. The Flexidome multi 7000i cameras offer a unique approach that ensures the cameras support sustainable business practices with remote maintenance, configuration, and device management. Camera trainer, based on machine learning, enables system integrators to tailor IVA to detect objects The cameras’ built-in Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) and camera trainer, both forms of AI, use metadata to add sense and structure to captured video footage. Camera trainer, based on machine learning, enables system integrators to tailor IVA to detect objects or situations that matter most to their customers. These analytics generate valuable insights to support predictive solutions that help operators react before a possible threat or unwanted situation occurs. Automatic person detection These insights can help city planners improve experiences by identifying bottlenecks that compromise the flow of people or cars through public spaces or at intersections. In retail applications, the cameras can deliver insights that help to recognize customer footfall hotspots to inform the positioning of high-margin products to increase sales. All Flexidome multi 7000i cameras offer a single, robust enclosure that houses four independent, high-resolution Automatic Varifocal (AVF) lenses with image sensors offering 3- or 5-megapixel resolution for a detailed multi-directional overview. By using the zoom capability of the lenses, the camera can provide automatic person detection over distances up to 130 meters (430 feet). Balancing uneven exposure The Flexidome multi 7000i cameras offer four image sensors yet have a single IP address The image sensors have a multi-exposure high dynamic range of up to 120 dB reducing shadows and balancing uneven exposure to easily distinguish objects and facial features of pedestrians.  All IR models have an integrated 360-degree infrared feature which enables image capture in pitch-dark conditions over a distance of up to 30 meters (98 feet). The Flexidome multi 7000i cameras offer four image sensors yet have a single IP address, only require a single Video Management System license, and can be installed with just one cable. Each of the four image sensors can be independently set up using three-axis movement along a circular track, allowing the capturing of images from practically every angle. This results in maximum convenience, less cabling, shorter installation and set-up time, and therefore reduced costs. Extensive user management The Flexidome multi 7000i cameras are secure by design. They offer a systematic approach centered on a built-in Secure Element hardware with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) functionality, safely storing all certificates and cryptographic keys needed for authentication and encryption. The approach offers extensive user management to ensure only authorized users have access to data, supports a Public Key Infrastructure set-up, and provides software sealing to detect changes in the cameras’ configuration settings. The secure element also supports RSA encryption key lengths of up to 4096 bits, ensuring data safety well beyond 2030.

Effective visitor management must go beyond meeting and greeting visitors who enter the reception area of any business or public building. It must enhance building security, protect facilities and employees, and improve users' and visitors' overall experience. Bosch's just released easy-to-use, browser-based visitor management software offers all the benefits for enhancing the visiting process and integrates seamlessly with the access management system 3.0.1. Visitor management software The user-friendly dashboard of the visitor management software provides receptionists with a quick overview of past and upcoming appointments to help receptionists and security managers to organize their day. They can see the number of expected and checked-in visitors and visitors to check out. Having this information at hand ensures an efficient reception process and a smooth visitor experience. In the onboarding view, receptionists can create, change, and add visitor data and assign pre-defined sets of authorizations such as regular visitor or VIP. This pre-authorization assignment enables visitors to move around the building easily while ensuring that sensitive areas remain protected. Efficient registration process With a streamlined check-in process, a visitor will enjoy a safer more enjoyable visit Thanks to the flexible configuration options, the onboarding view can be adjusted to individual requirements and legal needs, ensuring all necessary data and information can be added to the visitor's profile. Employees can pre-register their visitor via the web-based host view, ensuring receptionists are informed ahead of any visitor for a quick and efficient registration process. Employees complete and save visitor details on the web-based form so the data is readily available to the receptionist. With data entry complete, the receptionist can focus on the most important tasks to complete the visitor registration process such as getting documents signed and taking a photo for a visitor badge. With a streamlined check-in process, a visitor will enjoy a safer more enjoyable visit. Digital signature pad With a self-registration kiosk, first-time visitors can check-in as soon as they arrive, shortening contact and wait times at the front desk. An intuitive user interface at the kiosk enables visitors to manually enter their data or scan a passport or ID. Additional integration options enable a visitor to take a digital photo for a temporary badge and sign required documents on a digital signature pad. Recurring visitors can use the fast check-in option by entering their visitor ID. The kiosk collects data to meet security and safety requirements for an effective way to enhance the visitor management experience.

Bosch has introduced the new Autodome IP starlight 5100i IR moving camera with a new 1/1.8 inch sensor offering 4-megapixel resolution and 30x optical zoom. It offers HDR X combined with starlight technology and dual illumination – integrated IR and white light – to capture images that can distinguish individuals or objects for identification or proof. Complemented with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the camera, when idle, supports operators with object detection in areas of interest to enhance safety in city surveillance and perimeter protection applications. Essential video analytics The Autodome IP starlight 5100i IR, designed for outdoors, includes an automatic rain-sensing wiper to maintain clear images during wet conditions, is weatherized with an IP66 rating, and is vandal resistant with IK10 housing. In order for video security to become predictive, it is important to consider the benefits of interpreting video data and how it can do more for businesses than security alone. To support this philosophy, the Autodome IP starlight 5100i IR features built-in essential video analytics. This built-in AI enables the camera to add sense and structure with metadata to captured video data, which is the basis for converting this data into actionable insights. Creating sterile zones The Autodome IP starlight 5100i IR offers HDR X combined with starlight technology Relevant insights, like the detection of moving objects, help to create sterile zones, which establishes a boundary prohibiting any activity. These sterile zones enhance perimeter protection of buildings, parking lots, and restricted areas, increasing overall safety. The camera’s AI can also make it possible to retrieve the right footage from hours of stored video instantly and analyze the scene by providing different statistics so an operator can act faster and more efficiently to potential threats. One of the greatest challenges in city surveillance is capturing usable video during the daytime and in low-light and pitch dark scenarios. The Autodome IP starlight 5100i IR offers HDR X combined with starlight technology and dual illumination – integrated IR and white light – to capture usable images 24/7. Ensuring perfect exposure The new HDR X technology has a dynamic range of up to 133 dB ensuring perfect exposure while eliminating motion-related artefacts in scenes with challenging lighting conditions and moving objects during the daytime. In low-light scenes, starlight technology provides clear and relevant images with color filtering down to 0.010 lux. The integrated IR illumination can help identify objects in monochrome up to 320 meters At night, especially in pitch dark scenes, the camera's white light provides full-color images in complete darkness up to 60m (196 feet). The integrated IR illumination can help identify objects in monochrome up to 320 meters (1,049 feet) thanks to the built-in intelligent IR beam, which ensures optimum illumination of objects regardless of zoom level. The visible white light acts as a deterrent to intrusion, loitering, and other undesirable activities in city surveillance settings. Extensive user management All Bosch IP cameras are secure by design, a systematic approach centered on a built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM), safely storing all certificates and keys needed for authentication and encryption. This method offers extensive user management to ensure only authorized users have access to data, supports a public key infrastructure set-up, and provides software sealing to detect changes in the cameras' configuration settings. As a company committed to security and sustainability, all Bosch cameras support remote configuration, management, and planning. System integrators can work remotely with customers to perform services such as changing configuration settings or installing firmware updates, ensuring systems meet the highest reliability standards. It minimizes the number of commutes, resulting in sustainable business practices that are economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly.